Drones in the Desert: Haftar's New Aerial Arsenal in Libya

Eastern Libya's military force led by Khalifa Haftar has reportedly acquired Chinese and Turkish combat drones, according to Reuters findings. This acquisition appears to defy a standing U.N. embargo prohibiting weaponry supply to the troubled North African region.

Commercial satellite imagery indicates the presence of three drones at the Al Khadim airbase, situated around 100 kilometers east of Benghazi. The drones' arrival between late April and December went unnoticed until now, with ground control equipment still visible at the site, according to experts.

The drones play a crucial role in Libya's tense political landscape. Experts suggest they bolster Haftar's control over eastern territories and oilfields, impacting negotiations for unification with the Tripoli-based government. These developments underline Libya's ongoing ambition to rearm despite international embargoes and highlight continuing geopolitical tensions.