Libya investigates reports of Ukrainian drones as Kyiv seeks regional influence

Libya will investigate reports that African opposition movements operating in the south have obtained drones of Ukrainian origin, according to The Arab Weekly plus agencies on August 26^th.

The reports will undoubtedly raise concerns over suspicious activity around military and diplomatic complicity in their transfer through a neighbouring state.

Libya’s Attorney General, Al-Siddiq al-Sour, has ordered an urgent investigation in response, stating that the office will treat the information with utmost seriousness. The inquiry will focus on tracing logistical routes and identifying all parties involved, regardless of whether they are operating within Libya or not.

If evidence validates the reports, then the case will be referred to international courts due to the violation of international law.

Media leaks alleged that forces around Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Abdulhamid Dbeibah brought in a new consignment of drones via the border of a neighbouring country.

This transfer was allegedly facilitated by Ukraine’s military attaché in that country, with analysts remarking that Dbeibah has forged quiet but strong ties with Kyiv.

The divisive and unstable nature of Libya’s governance, alongside the increasingly potent Russian influence in the neighbouring Sahel region, meant that the arrival of Ukrainian drones in western Libya to counteract Russian influence was inevitable.

Eastern Libya’s rival administration to the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity has strengthened ties with Russia and Belarus, with the former being a supporter of the eastern government in Libya.

Understandably, the confluence of Russian interference and support in eastern Libya alongside Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, with the ongoing instability of Libya in the west, has contributed to both the Tripoli-based government and Kyiv wanting to be more assertive in restricting Russian-backed forces.

Informed sources have cited evidence of Ukrainian drones being used in northern Mali in support of Tuareg separatists, and Kyiv suggesting drones could be provided to extremist groups operating against the military juntas of Burkina Faso and Niger.

The Arab Weekly plus agencies, Maghrebi.org