A verified image of an improvised explosive device found in Tripoli that U.S. Africa Command says was introduced into Libya by the Wagner Group, a Russian-backed private military contractor. “Russia’s introduction of landmines, booby traps, attack aircraft, and their continued support of the 2,000-person strong Wagner Group in Libya changes the nature of the current conflict and intensifies the potential risk to non-combatants,” AFRICOM said in a statement. At least 14 MiG-29 fighter planes sent to Libya by Russia began operations last month, AFRICOM said at the time. “The Russian-state sponsored Wagner Group is demonstrating a total disregard for the safety and security of Libyans,” AFRICOM’s director of operations, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, said in a statement. The United Nations and the U.S., which doesn’t currently have ground troops in the country, support Libya’s Government of National Accord.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 15, 2020 13:52 UTC