https://aviationweek.com/defense-spa...-29-aug-5-2020
U.S. Africom Confirms Su-24s in Libya
U.S. Africa Command (Africom) has confirmed the presence of Russian Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer fighter bombers in Libya, releasing satellite imagery of the Libyan National Army-controlled Al-Khadim air base. Three Su-24s can be seen in the images released by Africom on July 24: Two are parked on the airfield’s flight line, while the nose of a third is visible under a partially constructed sun shelter nearby. Commercial satellite imagery had already confirmed the presence of Su-24s at Al-Khadim.
Africom revealed the presence of Russian combat aircraft in Libya in May, providing imagery of both Su-24s and MiG-29s in transit to the North African state, but it presented images of MiG-29s on the ground only at Al-Jufrah air base. As many as 14 Russian combat aircraft may be on the ground in Libya, Africom has previously said.
Both Al-Jufrah, 140 mi. southwest of the Libyan city of Sirte, and Al-Khadim, near Benghazi, are under the control of the Libyan National Army led by Gen. Khalifa Belqasim Haftar and supported by Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Africom is particularly concerned with the Russian presence in the country, which is apparently spearheaded by personnel from the Wagner Group, a private military contractor that has support from Moscow. Over the past several weeks, Africom has been documenting and releasing overhead imagery of the “broad scope” of Russian involvement, says U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gregory Hadfield, Africom’s deputy director of intelligence. Hadfield says Russia is attempting to gain a “foothold” in the country.
Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 airlifters have been flying in supplies, including air defense equipment, utility trucks and Russian mine-resistant/ambush-protected vehicles. Two Il-76s can be seen in imagery provided by Africom.
“The type and volume of equipment demonstrates an intent toward sustained offensive combat action capabilities, not humanitarian relief, and indicates the Russian Ministry of Defense is supporting these operations,” says Brig. Gen. Bradford Gering, Africom’s director of operations.
Al-Khadim has previously been associated with a presence by United Arab Emirates armed forces, but there is no sign of UAE forces in the images presented by the U.S.