Russia shifts military focus to Libya, heightening Mediterranean security concerns

Following the conclusion of the Syrian civil war, Russia has begun repositioning its military assets, with Libya emerging as a key focus.

After withdrawing forces from Syria, Moscow is now bolstering its military presence in Libya, particularly at the Maaten Al Sarra airbase, which it is modernizing to support operations across North Africa.

Russia’s military build-up in Libya is not limited to airbases and logistics hubs. It is also looking to secure a strategic naval port in Libya. This move could significantly increase Moscow’s influence in the Mediterranean, as its naval assets would be much closer to Europe than when stationed in Syria. The potential for Russia to establish a permanent military presence in Libya is raising alarms within NATO, particularly for Italy, which sees the proximity as a serious threat to regional security.

In addition to Libya, Russia is expanding its reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening alliances with military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan. The repositioning of Russian forces from Syria to Libya forms part of a broader strategy to solidify its presence in Africa, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. With NATO countries increasingly concerned about Moscow’s growing influence, particularly in the Mediterranean, Russia’s presence in Libya could have far-reaching implications for European security and the wider geopolitical landscape.