Putin relocates Russian weapons systems to Libya after fall of Assad: 'Haftar may be making a big mistake'

middle east - The fall of Bashar al-Assad has caused even more headaches for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Questions arose in the Middle East recently about whether Russia has withdrawn from Syria or not. Satellite images seem to show Russian troops packing up material at one of their key air bases in the country. Despite Putin denying military withdrawal and proposing deals to new Syrian authorities, rumors continue to swirl.

The Wall Street Journal and the BBC report that Russia is moving advanced air defense systems and weapons from Syria to Libya. Libyan authorities claim that Russian cargo planes carrying defense material have arrived in the country. Russia choosing Libya as a refuge is not surprising, as it has become an increasingly important hub for Russian operations in Africa, with Russian military presence and Wagner group activities there for years.

Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, who controls much of the country and receives Kremlin support, has Wagner group mercenaries using his airbase as a transit point to other African nations. High Russian officials have reportedly discussed using ports in Benghazi and Tobruk with Haftar.

The cooperation between Libya and Russia worries the West. Last year, CIA Director William Burns expressed concerns about the Wagner group's presence in Libya, fearing that it could fund the organization. Burns stated that efforts are being made to combat the Wagner group in Africa, as it poses a threat to Africans across the continent.

There is still uncertainty about Russia's alleged military presence in Libya. American authorities suggest it could be temporary storage of defense systems and weapons. The Institute for the Study of War notes that the relocation from Syria to Libya may be a precautionary measure in case negotiations with the new Syrian government fail.

Russia faces a dilemma, according to Syria expert Jalel Harchaoui. If Russian troops remain in Syria, they will face challenges in accessing essential resources. Harchaoui warns that running a foreign military base without local support is difficult. If Russia permanently withdraws from Syria and establishes a presence in Libya, the future is uncertain. Harchaoui suggests that allowing Russia in could be a mistake by Haftar, potentially tied to the fall of Assad.