According to diplomatic officials, a report by UN experts has confirmed the use of Russian mercenaries in Libya, which has been shaken by fighting. „Group Wagner“ mercenaries, who are said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, are involved in fighting against the UN-recognized government in Libya alongside General Khalifa Haftar.
The UN diplomats quoted yesterday from an as yet unpublished expert report. „The committee has identified the presence of ChVK Wagner’s private military forces in Libya since October 2018,“ the report said. The „Wagner group“ is involved in combat operations in the country and is trying to gain influence. The mercenary force also provides technical support, specialists in airspace surveillance, know-how for electronic countermeasures and snipers. Their use „effectively increased“ Haftar’s fighting strength.
The UN experts were unable to independently check the number of Wagner mercenaries active in Libya, but estimated them to be between 800 and 1,200. General Haftar received further support from Syrian fighters.
