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Bashagha: Russia fueling Tripoli war for Libyan oil control

The Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord, Fathi Bashagha, told US-based Bloomberg that he accuses Russia of fueling a months-long war to extend its influence over the strategic oil production, calling on the US to step up efforts to resolve the conflict.

Bashagha said counterterrorism cooperation with the US that led to a series of devastating airstrikes on ISIS in September was continuing, but the war launched by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar provided fertile grounds for the terrorist organization to regroup.

United Nations-led efforts to persuade regional powers that have intervened on both sides of the conflict to deescalate have been complicated by a growing deployment of Russian mercenaries who are now fighting alongside Libyan National Army forces on the stalled battle lines near Tripoli. The mercenaries are employed by the Wagner Group, headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, an associate of President Vladimir Putin, Bashagha told Bloomberg.

After accusing Russia of backing up the LNA, Bashagha accused Russia of aspiring to restore power to remnants of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime and boosting its influence in Africa and on Europe’s southern flank.

“We call on the US to play an effective role, and we are prepared for full cooperation with the US and the United Nations.” Bashagha added.

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