Investigations by the International Consortium for Investigative Journalists reveal significant Russian maritime mischief, including arms shipments to Libya via a ghost fleet of ships. These operations illustrate Russia’s strategic influence in the Mediterranean and Africa, raising European security concerns and highlighting possible Western negligence in addressing the situation.
The International Consortium for Investigative Journalists has recently unveiled significant Russian maritime misconduct in the Mediterranean, focusing on illegal arms shipments to Libya and the transportation of contraband materials through vessels of questionable origins. This revelation has raised alarms concerning Russia’s escalating influence in Libya, which is seen as part of its broader strategy to exert power in both the Mediterranean and various African nations.
Documents indicate that commercial vessels, referred to as a “ghost fleet,” utilize various tactics to avoid detection while ferrying Russian armaments to Libya. Investigative efforts have revealed the manipulation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) by the vessel Barbaros, which attempted to obscure its location, frequently altered its name, and changed registration flags multiple times. A report even speculated that it “may be carrying firearms destined for Libya,” recommending further surveillance of the vessel.
The ghost fleet has provided Russia with a means to bypass Western sanctions on oil exports while simultaneously engaging in arms trafficking. Reports showed that these vessels often deactivate their AIS when approaching Syria’s Tartus port, where a Russian naval base is located, and some ships have even spoofed their AIS data. A notable incident involved a ship that transmitted its location inaccurately as being on land rather than offshore while moving arms from Syria to Libya.
Despite the precarious state of its economy and military, Russia demonstrates a surprising capacity to conduct complex operations, including evading the scrutiny of Western administrations. A leaked briefing in June indicated a substantial increase in Russian flights to Libya, equating the first half of 2024 to all flight activity in 2023, along with a noted formalization of the Russian military’s presence in the region. Reports confirmed that mercenaries from the Wagner Group have been supplanted by the Africa Corps, a unit under direct control of Russia’s military.
The Russian military presence in Libya poses an immediate threat to European security, as emphasized in discussions among European officials. With Libya serving as a critical migration route, experts have labeled the situation a consequence of “Western strategic negligence.” El Gomati of the Sadeq Institute highlighted the dangers, stating, “Russia has been constructing a military node that is not only capable of destabilizing Libya but also threatens European security 400 miles from NATO’s shores.”
In summary, recent investigations reveal alarming Russian maritime activities in the Mediterranean, specifically concerning arms shipments to Libya. The ghost fleet has shown remarkable adaptability in avoiding detection while further extending Russia’s influence in the region. With increasing military presence and strategic operations posing threats to European security, this situation calls for urgent attention from Western authorities to mitigate potential risks.
Original Source: www.esquire.com
