The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

Wounded fighters flown to Russia as Haftar ties grow

Around 70 members of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army were evacuated on Tuesday aboard Russian planes.

Members of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army patrol in Qanfudah, on the southern outskirts of Benghazi, on January 28, 2017

Around 70 members of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army were evacuated on Tuesday aboard Russian planes, LNA spokesman Mohamad Ghanim old AFP.

He said Russia has agreed to provide care for up to 500 wounded fighters, or more "as needed".

Emboldened by its military success in Syria, analysts believe Russia is increasingly turning its eyes to chaos-ridden Libya with support for Haftar, whose forces oppose Tripoli's internationally backed government.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chaos in Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed ousting of Moamer Kadhafi has seen rival parliaments and governments vying for control of territory, and jihadists including the Islamic State group have taken advantage to gain ground.

Pro-Haftar fighters have been battling jihadists around Libya's second city Benghazi, 100 kilometres (600 miles) east of Tripoli.

Russia has been cultivating Haftar as an ally, with the military chief making several visits to Moscow last year. In January, he met Russian officers and spoke via video link to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu while aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier off the Libya coast.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

DJ Joe Mfalme detained for 14 more days

DJ Joe Mfalme detained for 14 more days

Explosive blows up hotel next to police station, deaths reported

Explosive blows up hotel next to police station, deaths reported

ADVERTISEMENT