Nov 18,
2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
“Itamil
Radar” has announced that it monitored the landing of a British Royal Air Force
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, with the registration number ZZ175, in Misrata,
Libya.
The website added that the aircraft embarked on this unusual journey from RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire, UK, taking off at 08:51 Central European Time (CET), and arriving in Misrata at around 12:10 CET.
Itamil
Radar is specialized in monitoring and following up on regional air traffic. It
reveals its monitoring of planes landing in Libyan territory, without providing
further details.
This
particular flight is part of a series of infrequent, but periodically tracked
flights to Misrata, involving various aircraft models operated by the British
Royal Air Force, including the C-130 Hercules, C-17As, and A400M Atlas.
The nature
and purpose of these flights remain unclear, adding an element of intrigue to
the UK’s military involvement in the region.
The
presence of the military aircraft highlights the continued international
military interest in Libya, which is strategically important, due to its
geopolitical position and natural resources. These covert operations reflect
the complex dynamics and the ongoing international military engagements in
Libya, suggesting deeper involvement in the region’s affairs.
Their
frequency and nature suggest a sustained, if not increasing, level of activity
by the UK in Libya, pointing to strategic interests or commitments that have
yet to be fully disclosed.
In April,
the global air traffic website, Flightradar24 tracked a Turkish military
Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, arriving at the Al-Watiya airbase from
Ankara.
The plane
was believed to be transporting military supplies, despite the fact that the
UN-brokered ceasefire agreement stipulates that all military cooperation with
foreign nations must be halted.
In May,
Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar stated that the Turkish soldiers and
Syrian mercenaries in Libya would remain to preserve Ankara’s interests.
The UN
estimates there are over 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya,
helping both sides of the conflict.
--