Haftar discusses military support on Russian aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean
Operation Dignity leader in the east, Khalifa Haftar has visited the Russian aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, as it was en route from the coast off Syria through the Mediterranean to Russia, reported Russian media and news agencies on Wednesday morning.
Haftar discussed – via video chat with the Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, the issue of fighting terrorism in the Middle East.
This move by Russia shows unquestionable support for the eastern leader of Operation Dignity forces, though he opposes the UN-brokered Government of National Accord.
Haftar visited Moscow twice last year and the Speaker of the HoR, Agilah Saleh also visited Russia last year. Both requested a more integrated role for Moscow in Libya’s conflict and asked the Kremlin to help lift the UN embargo on weapons sent to Libya.
An official at the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on Tuesday that the Russian Navy had warned the Libyan airplanes of flying over the (Point.33) area above Sirte city in the Libyan territorial waters.
The official, who asked to remain anonymous, told Libyan Press Solidarity that the Russian warnings were given by the Russian naval forces saying they are doing military sea drills in the Libyan waters from 6.am till 5.pm every day from January 08 to January 11.
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