In recent days, Russia has increased cargo flights to Libya amid uncertainties regarding its military bases in Syria, according to Libyan military officials.
A military official at al-Khadim air base reported that at least six Russian planes, some arriving from Russia and others from Syria, have delivered military equipment since December 8, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by Syrian rebels.
While the specifics of the cargo remain unverified, flight records indicate a significant uptick in air traffic between Russia or Belarus and eastern Libya, which is under the control of a military leader backed by the Kremlin.
Since last Thursday, at least four Russian Il-76 cargo planes have made multiple trips from Moscow or Minsk to Benghazi, returning afterward.
Russia's military bases in western Syria, including a major naval and air base, are vital for its influence in the Middle East. Moscow is currently in negotiations with Syria's new leadership to maintain these bases, but no agreement has been reached yet.
President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will evaluate its relationships with the new political forces in Syria, emphasizing the need for mutual interests.
A report from the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project suggested that the flights to Libya may be a strategy for Russia to reduce its dependence on its Syrian bases by enhancing its military presence in Libya.
Libya has been fragmented into rival factions since a civil war, which ended in a stalemate four years ago. Similar to the situation in Syria, both Turkey and Russia have deployed forces in Libya, supporting opposing sides.
The faction supported by Turkey controls the northwest, including Tripoli, while a rival faction led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter, backed by Russia, holds power in the northeast.
The Libyan military officer noted that the Russian flights were conducted with minimal notice, as the air base was informed only when the planes were already en route.
On the same day that Syrian rebels captured Damascus, several civilian flights from the city landed in Benghazi, the eastern Libyan capital.
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah of the rival western government condemned Russia's actions, stating that the transfer of additional weaponry to Libya poses a significant threat to the country's peace and security. However, he lacks control over the eastern region.
During a panel discussion, Dbeibah warned against Libya becoming a battleground for international interests.
On December 13, two flights operated by Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry departed in quick succession, both arriving in Benghazi shortly before ceasing to share their location data.
One flight listed Moscow as its departure point, while the other did not disclose either its origin or destination.
Additionally, a U.S.-sanctioned Belarusian cargo company sent two Il-76 planes from Minsk to Benghazi, with their destinations not publicly listed, although flight paths indicated they reached Benghazi before route tracking was interrupted.
The Belarusian company, RubiStar, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in August for its involvement in supporting the Russian military efforts in Ukraine.
Following the fall of the Assad regime, reports emerged of Russian military equipment moving from Damascus towards Russian bases in Syria.
Recent satellite images revealed Russian military vehicles and equipment departing from the Khmeimim air base, with some heading to the naval base at Tartus.
Additional images showed military trucks and personnel carriers at the naval base, indicating ongoing military logistics in the region.