Russia, Wagner Group complicating Libyan ceasefire efforts

Verified photographic evidence shows indiscriminately placed booby-traps and minefields around the outskirts of Tripoli down to Sirte since mid-June.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jul 15, 2020
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 4 images

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clear evidence that Russian employed, state-sponsored Wagner Group laid landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around Tripoli, further violating the United Nations arms embargo and endangering the lives of innocent Libyans. 

Verified photographic evidence shows indiscriminately placed booby-traps and minefields around the outskirts of Tripoli down to Sirte since mid-June. These weapons are assessed to have been introduced into Libya by the Wagner Group. 

“The Russian-state sponsored Wagner Group is demonstrating a total disregard for the safety and security of Libyans,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “The Wagner Group’s irresponsible tactics are prolonging conflict and are responsible for the needless suffering and the deaths of innocent civilians. Russia has the power to stop them, just not the will.” 

In late May, AFRICOM reported that at least 14 Mig-29s had been flown from Russia to Syria, where their Russian markings were painted over to camouflage their Russian origin. The aircraft were then flown into Libya, a violation of the United Nations arms embargo. AFRICOM assesses that the warplanes were being actively flown in Libyan airspace, further complicating the conflict in Libya and elevating the risk of miscalculation.

Russia’s introduction of landmines, booby traps, attack aircraft, and their continued support of the 2,000-person strong Wagner Group in Libya changes the nature of the current conflict and intensifies the potential risk to non-combatants. 

“Our intelligence reflects continued and unhelpful involvement by Russia and the Wagner Group,” said Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, AFRICOM’s director of intelligence. “Imagery and intelligence assessments show how Russia continues to interfere in Libyan affairs. Wagner Group’s reckless use of landmines and booby-traps are harming innocent civilians.”

Russia’s use of PMCs in Libya is just part of a long history of using these non-state actors as tools of power projection. Russian-sponsored PMCs are active in sixteen countries across Africa.

More in Media Room
Ambassador Robert Scott Joins Obangame Express 2025 in Cabo Verde
U.S. Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, U.S. Africa Command, visited Praia, Cabo Verde, in support of Obangame Express 2025, U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s premier West Africa maritime security exercise, May 13-16, 2025.
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted several airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on May 11, 2025.
Read more
U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Launch African Lion 25 in Morocco
U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Read more
More in Media Room
Ambassador Robert Scott Joins Obangame Express 2025 in Cabo Verde
U.S. Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, U.S. Africa Command, visited Praia, Cabo Verde, in support of Obangame Express 2025, U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s premier West Africa maritime security exercise, May 13-16, 2025.
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted several airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on May 11, 2025.
Read more
U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Launch African Lion 25 in Morocco
U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Read more
More in Media Room
Ambassador Robert Scott Joins Obangame Express 2025 in Cabo Verde
U.S. Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, U.S. Africa Command, visited Praia, Cabo Verde, in support of Obangame Express 2025, U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s premier West Africa maritime security exercise, May 13-16, 2025.
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted several airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on May 11, 2025.
Read more
U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Launch African Lion 25 in Morocco
U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Read more