Arabi 21: AFRICOM is looking for new allies, including Libya, to form a military force against the Russian movement in Africa
The Qatari “Arabi 21” website reported that the arrival of senior officers from the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to Libya reflects a special interest in the country, which the Americans attributed to terrorist threats, permissible borders, and the need to form a joint military or security force between the divided West and East.
The website confirmed that there is a new threat represented by Russia’s progress in the plan to strengthen its presence in Libya and in the Sahel countries. This appeared clearly in AFRICOM’s statements and reports, and was reflected in the escalation in the American rhetoric towards the Russian presence in the country and considering it as undermining its security and stability.
It pointed out that there were press reports that conveyed words attributed to the commander of the military command of AFRICOM, General Michael Langley, to the effect that they are searching for new allies in the region after the recent departure of American forces from Niger, and Libya is included in the search.
It explained that what seems clear from the American policy trends at the present time is the reliance on political and diplomatic options and local forces as means to contain Russian penetration into the country.
It continued that AFRICOM reduced the focus on the 5+5 security committee, which did not succeed in achieving any tangible progress on the security track in the country, and its attention was directed to the leaders and forces in force on the ground.
It continued that in the east, communication took place between AFRICOM and the sons of the American Khalifa Haftar, who hold senior military and security positions, and their influence and weight are increasing in the areas controlled by Haftar in the east and south of the country. He continued that the AFRICOM delegation visited the 444th Brigade, considering that it is a military force that is distinguished from other armed groups in the country. West of the country with its discipline.
It added that these forces are likely to be the core of the joint force that the United States seeks to form to carry out the tasks of securing the borders, removing mercenaries, and confronting terrorist threats.
It concluded by saying, “It is true that AFRICOM’s tasks and objectives focus on besieging extremist groups, but its interest has become greater over the past five years in the Russian presence in Libya and the Sahel countries. In fact, Americans have become concerned about the nature of the Russian movement in Africa.”
