According to a report by the Independent, several airbases in eastern and southern Libya, including Al-Khadem, Jufra, Brak Al-Shati, and Tamenhint, have become crucial for Russian air movements towards African coastal countries. This development is part of what is described as an air bridge supporting the expansion of the African Legion, a Russian Defense Ministry affiliate. The use of these bases allows Russia to refuel, transfer personnel, and transport equipment from Russia and its Syrian base to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The strategic location of Libya, connecting the Mediterranean to North Africa and the Sahel region, is being leveraged by Russia. The Independent cited data from flight tracking that showed repeated Russian flights across Libyan territory en route to Bamako. A defense think tank, C4ADS, reported 75 Russian flights to Sahel countries between January 2025 and July 2026, utilizing Libyan airbases as relay points. This indicates a significant level of activity and reliance on Libyan territory for logistical support.
The city of Benghazi has emerged as an intermediate stop for Russian government aircraft traveling between Russia and Bamako. This route also extends to Syria's Hmeimim base, suggesting a complex network of air movements. Military experts believe that Russia's use of Libyan bases for transport and supply operations towards the Sahel reduces costs and risks, providing an alternative route to enhance its military presence in the region.
The presence of Russian forces in Mali is expected to evolve into a trans-Saharan force extending towards Niger and Burkina Faso. This development coincides with a reconfiguration of international influence in the Sahel region and a relative decline in Western presence. The dynamics in the Sahel are shifting, with Russia's activities in Libya seen as a component of its broader strategy to expand influence.
The Independent's report highlights that Russia's operations through eastern and southern Libya bolster Moscow's influence in the Sahel. There are expectations of increased Russian air traffic through Libyan bases in the coming period. This situation reflects the ongoing geopolitical realignments and the strategic importance of Libya's geographical position.
The use of Libyan airbases by Russia for its operations in the Sahel underscores the country's role in international military logistics. By providing a transit point, Libya enables Russia to project power into West Africa with potentially lower risks and costs. This situation also points to the evolving nature of global military engagements and alliances.
As the situation in the Sahel continues to evolve, with various international actors adjusting their presence and strategies, the role of Libya in supporting Russian military expansions is likely to remain significant. The air bridge to the Sahel through Libyan territory highlights the complex interplay of global powers in the region and the enduring importance of Libya's strategic location.
Key points
- Russia is utilizing Libyan airbases as key transit points for its military expansion into the Sahel region.
- The airbases in eastern and southern Libya, including Al-Khadem and Jufra, are crucial for Russian flights to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
- Russia's operations through Libya are seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance its influence in the Sahel and project power in West Africa.
