Kyiv Strikes Russian Tanker Near Libya Using New Bases, Officials Claim
In a significant military operation, Kyiv reportedly targeted a Russian gas tanker near Libya using maritime drones launched from a secret base, according to two unnamed Libyan officials. This operation, which took place in March, was likely approved by Western powers.
In March of this year, Kyiv executed a strike on a Russian gas tanker, employing maritime drones that operated from a clandestine base in Libya, as reported by two unnamed Libyan officials. According to AP News, this operation was likely sanctioned by Western authorities, marking a notable escalation in Ukraine's military capabilities and international cooperation.
This revelation comes on the heels of recent claims from the French publication RDI, which stated that over 200 Ukrainian officers and specialists have been deployed in western Libya with the consent of the Tripoli government, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. Reports suggest that this deployment is part of a broader agreement encompassing military training, particularly in the realm of drone warfare, as well as potential long-term collaboration in arms development.
The Russian gas tanker referenced by the unnamed officials is the Arctic Metagaz, a vessel owned by Moscow's shadow fleet. It was attacked on March 3, and reports indicate that its hull drifted in the Mediterranean Sea for several weeks following the assault, raising concerns about maritime security and the implications for international shipping routes.
One of the Libyan military officials disclosed to AP News that the strike on March 3 was launched from a base in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. According to RDI, the Ukrainian bases utilized for these operations include a military aviation academy in Misrata, which also hosts international forces; a drone operation facility near the coastal city of Zawiya, located close to key energy infrastructure; and a coordination center in Tripoli that is used for collaboration with Libyan forces.
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) declined to comment on the situation when approached by the Kyiv Post. The current state of Libya remains deeply divided among rival administrations following the ousting of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 during the Arab Spring. The internationally recognized government in Tripoli faces competition from a parallel power structure in the east, backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar, as reported by The Guardian.
This operation highlights the evolving dynamics of military alliances and the increasing involvement of Ukraine in international conflicts, particularly in the context of its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. The use of Libyan bases for such operations underscores the complex geopolitical landscape in the region and raises questions about the future of military cooperation between Ukraine and Libya.
As Ukraine continues to strengthen its military capabilities and forge new alliances, the implications of this strike on the Arctic Metagaz could resonate beyond the immediate conflict, potentially affecting global energy markets and maritime security. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments in Libya and the broader implications for regional stability as Ukraine seeks to leverage its military advancements in the face of ongoing threats.