War Drums Beating: Algerian Army Deepens Incursion 70 Kilometers into Libyan Territory Under Air Cover
The Algerian army, with air coverage, has penetrated between 50 and 70 kilometers into Libyan territory near Ghadames, in a move considered a response to the advance of Khalifa Haftar’s army, backed by Russia, toward the Algerian border.
According to “Defence Arab,” a website specializing in news about Arab armies, this incursion aims to prevent Haftar’s forces from advancing toward the unmarked international border between Algeria and Libya, which extends for 100 kilometers, particularly as the area is known to be rich in oil.
At the same time, the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States in Libya issued a joint statement expressing their “concern” over recent military movements in southwestern Libya, emphasizing the need to address border security issues. The embassies noted that the ongoing political stalemate in the country could lead to an escalation of clash risks.
The embassies called on both the Libyan and Algerian military forces to “seize the opportunity to intensify consultations and cooperation to secure the borders and uphold Libya’s sovereignty.”
For his part, Saddam Haftar, son of General Khalifa Haftar and Chief of Staff of the ground forces, stated that the movements of certain units are part of a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing national security and protecting the southern borders by increasing patrols in the desert. He clarified that the military movements are not targeting any party but are related to securing areas such as Sabha, Ghat, Ubari, Murzuq, Al-Qatrun, and Brak Al-Shati.
In the same context, observers believe that the advance of Haftar’s forces toward the Algerian border reflects Russian support, in response to Algeria’s backing of Tuareg militants in northern Mali in their struggle against the Malian army and Russian Wagner militias. Reports have circulated that Algeria has facilitated the arrival of Ukrainian military intelligence officers to participate in the battle and has provided them with air cover.
Recent developments seem to indicate a potential escalation in the region, warranting close monitoring of events and the positions of the concerned parties.
