A French report published by "France Internationale" has reignited discussions about military cooperation between the authorities in Western Libya and Ukraine, indicating that more than 200 Ukrainian soldiers are present in three Libyan cities. This comes after months of reports suggesting that the Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has equipped its forces with Ukrainian drones since last August.
No official comment has been issued by the Government of National Unity regarding this report, raising questions about the nature and objectives of this Ukrainian presence. According to Libyan sources, Ukrainian military personnel are stationed at the Air Force Academy in Misrata, the base in Al-Bayda, and the headquarters of the 111th Brigade near Tripoli Airport.
Details of the Report
The French report highlights the presence of Ukrainian military personnel in Libya, believed to be part of a cooperation agreement signed between the authorities in Tripoli and Ukraine last October. The agreement includes training Libyan military personnel on operating drones, as well as provisions related to arms sales.
A former Libyan military source who spoke to "Asharq Al-Awsat" considered the reliance on Ukrainian drones a logical choice given the transformations occurring in modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of these aircraft in enhancing both defensive and offensive capabilities.
Background & Context
Libya is currently divided between two rival governments, one in the west led by Dbeibeh and the other in the east and south led by Osama Hamad, which is supported by the National Army under the command of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. This political division complicates the military landscape in the country and makes cooperation with countries like Ukraine a sensitive issue.
The military cooperation between Libya and Ukraine comes at a time of increasing tensions in the region, particularly with the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, raising questions about the potential for Libya to become a battleground between Moscow and Kyiv.
Impact & Consequences
The presence of Ukrainian military personnel in Libya could have significant implications for the internal conflict, potentially complicating the military situation and escalating tensions among various factions. Additionally, this cooperation may open the door to new international interventions in Libyan affairs.
Colonel Adel Abdel Kafi, a Libyan military expert, noted that NATO's coastal surveillance makes it easier to monitor any military presence, suggesting that the Ukrainian presence may be more diplomatic than military in nature.
Regional Significance
Concerns are growing that this military cooperation could destabilize Libya and impact regional security. Amid the political and economic crises affecting many Arab countries, any escalation in the Libyan conflict could negatively affect neighboring nations.
In conclusion, the future of military cooperation between Libya and Ukraine remains uncertain, given the ambiguity of information and the lack of official confirmations. As political crises continue in Libya, the situation may trend towards further complexity.