Libya Urges U.S. to Help End Conflict as Russian Role Grows
- Interior Minister says Russia fueling war to extend influence
- Russian mercenaries deployed to frontlines in Tripoli conflict
Military vehicles of the UN-backed government forces of Libya clear the way for the ground troops in south of Tripoli, Libya, Nov. 4.
Photographer: Hamza Turkia/Xinhua via Getty Images
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The security chief for Libya’s UN-backed government accused Russia of fueling a months-long war to extend its influence over the strategic oil producer, and called on the U.S. to step up efforts to resolve the conflict.
Fathi Bashagha, the Tripoli-based government’s interior minister, said counter terrorism cooperation with the U.S. that led to a series of devastating airstrikes on Islamic State in September was continuing, but the war launched by eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar provided fertile grounds for the terrorist organization to regroup.