Russia reportedly transferring military assets from Syria to Libya

Russian forces are preparing to transfer military equipment and personnel from Syria to Libya, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), as reported the Polish public broadcaster Belsat. HUR says operations are underway at the Tartus naval base in Syria, where Russian warships are expected to arrive in early January to facilitate the transfer.

The vessels, including the landing ships Ivan Gren and Alexandr Otrakovsky and the bulk carriers Sparta and Sparta II, will transport heavy weaponry to eastern Libya, where Russian mercenaries are stationed at Al-Khadim airbase. These assets are expected to bolster Khalifa Haftar, the eastern warlord opposing Libya’s UN-recognized government in Tripoli.

Following the recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Russian forces have increased activity in Libya, moving air defense systems and troops from Syria’s 5th Corps and 25th Special Armored Division. Analysts suggest these maneuvers reflect Moscow’s strategic shift to maintain influence in North Africa after Assad's downfall.