Libya to replace Syria as Russia’s Mediterranean hub

Since the ousting of Syrian president Bashar Assad, there has been a surge in Russian air and maritime traffic to Libya, where Moscow seeks a new Mediterranean hub.

Flights increased from the Syrian Hmeimim base to Al Khadim’s airbase in the Libyan desert, where Russia was transferring its military equipment, according to data analyzed by CNN.

The Libyan base would help Russia maintain its growing influence in Sub-Sahara Africa among the military-ruled states as well as to project power in the Mediterranean, where it has endured a setback following the fall of its ally in Damascus.

Since the fall of Assad, there has been at least one flight a day from Hmeimim to Al Khadim by giant carriers such as Antonov AN-124 transport planes, as well as Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft.

US military told CNN the transported equipment includes Russian air defense systems.

On January 3, The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports a flotilla of Russian ships will be arriving in the Syrian port of Tartus in the coming days to transfer equipment, with some destined for Libya, according to a report on the Maritime Executive, a specialized news website.