Russia appears to be intensifying its use of Libya’s al-Khadim airbase, signaling a shift in its Mediterranean strategy following the ousting of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. According to recent flight data analyzed by CNN, there has been more than one daily flight from Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria to al-Khadim since mid-December, transferring advanced military equipment, including air defense systems. This move secures Moscow’s foothold in North Africa, with al-Khadim serving as a critical stopover for Russian operations on the continent. Libya’s volatile political landscape, under General Khalifa Haftar’s control in the east, offers Moscow opportunities but also presents challenges due to the region’s political instability. While Assad’s ouster strains Russia’s logistics in Syria, it underscores Moscow’s efforts to maintain influence in Africa and the Mediterranean despite increasing costs and geopolitical risks.
SOURCE: CNN
