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Russian PMCs
Home > Security > Russian PMCs
Russian paramilitary military corporations have been operating in Libya for several years. The first of the Russian PMCs was the Wagner Group, reported to be training troops under renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Lbyan National Army positioned int he eastern part of the country.
The PMCs allow the Russian government to operate in overseas conflicts at arm's length yet providing a degree of deniability. This model of engagement allows the PMC to operation under a different set of rules; one that does not tie it to international norms or standards.
Since the rebellion of Wagner in 2023 and death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, control of Wagner's oversea presence has come under the GRU - Russia's military intelligence. Overseas operations are now conducted under the moniker of "Expeditionary Corps".
Libya offers not only oil but a coastline on the Mediterranean. Both important to Russia. So the Russian PMCs offer assistance in security in exchange for port access and oil. The basing in Libya also provides access to regional countries as well - Sudan especially.
As of February 2024, there are estimated to be about 800 Russian contractors deployed in Libya. The Expeditionary Corps maintains three air bases - Sirte, al-Jufra, and Brak al-Shati. Russia is also looking for the ability to dock ships in Tobruk.
News Reports on Russia PMCs
February 24, 2024, "Under new general, Russia's Wagner makes deeper inroads into Libya", Aljazeera. Putin is strengthening Russia's presence in the North African country.
February 3, 2023, "US seeks to expel Russian mercenaries from Sudan, Libya", AP News.
July 29, 2020, "Russia's Wagner Group in Libya", SOF News.
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