2021-02-25

BENGHAZI - Fighter jets commanded by the Libyan military general Khalifa Haftar were secretly upgraded and serviced using parts shipped in by Russia over 2019 and 2020, violating the existing UN arms embargo, according to security sources with knowledge of the operations.

The parts were flown into the Benina airbase, located south of Benghazi, and at least three models of aircraft received upgrades. 

These were the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, the Sukhoi Su-24 and the Sukhoi Su-27.

The equipment imported by Russia included parts relating to the engines of the aircraft as well as guns that were mounted on the aircraft.

The UN Security Council has imposed an arms embargo on Libya since February 2011 relating to the supply or arms and military equipment to and from Libya.

For security reasons another journalist wants to remain anonymous, but he is known to our organisation.

Photo: Wil Crisp

Team members

Wil Crisp

Wil Crisp is a British freelance journalist.

Wil Crisp
Supported
A grant of €10.000 was allocated on 28/10/2020
ID
MT/2020/140

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