Exclusive - Russia appears to deploy forces in Egypt, eyes on Libya role: sources

[highplainsdem]

Source: Reuters UK

Russia appears to have deployed special forces to an airbase in western Egypt near the border with Libya in recent days, U.S., Egyptian and diplomatic sources say, a move that would add to U.S. concerns about Moscow's deepening role in Libya.

The U.S. and diplomatic officials said any such Russian deployment might be part of a bid to support Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, who suffered a setback with an attack on March 3 by the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) on oil ports controlled by his forces.

The U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States has observed what appeared to be Russian special operations forces and drones at Sidi Barrani, about 60 miles (100 km) from the Egypt-Libya border.

Egyptian security sources offered more detail, describing a 22-member Russian special forces unit, but declined to discuss its mission. They added that Russia also used another Egyptian base farther east in Marsa Matrouh in early February.

-snip-

Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-russia-libya-idUKKBN16K2RW

[GP6971]

1. Another challenge to the US

my bet is Dolt45 will respond forcibly and convince Egypt to kick them out.

[Xolodno]

2. Interesting.

Thought Russia left Libya for dead.

[cstanleytech]

4. They probably feel secure enough from the territory they stole from the Ukraine and are merely

stretching their feet out.

[Javaman]

3. prediction:at the current rate of things, russia owns the middle east in 10 years. nt

[DeminPennswoods]

8. They can have it

Keeping the peace there in client states will bankrupt them, even with oil revenue.

[NickB79]

9. Climate change will make the ME a hellhole by mid-century

Heatwaves and wet-bulb humidity spikes beyond survivable levels will ensure widespread humanitarian crises, refugee waves and a complete collapse of governments in the region.

Enjoy getting dipped in that shitshow, Russia.

[Javaman]

10. He'll hole for normal people

But Putin will build a gulag there and have the political prisoners extract the oil

[NickB79]

11. That doesn't sound improbable at all

What a world we live in.....

[still_one]

5. Wonder if Tulsi Gabbard will go to Egypt and Libya like she did Syria?

[Verbose Matthias]

6. Not Good

Especially since our "president" appears to be Putin's bitch.

[Blue_Tires]

7. I'm sure Greenwald and Scahill will get right on this...