US Campaigns Against Russian Mercenaries in Libya: CIA Director Takes a Stand"

Washington, DC - CIA Director William Burns visited Libya in mid-January to pressure a top Libyan commander to expel Russian mercenary outfit Wagner, according to European and Libyan security officials. The US is concerned that the group may tap into the country's oil riches, leading to renewed efforts by the Biden administration to counter the activities of the group.

During his visit, Burns warned Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who is aligned with the government in Tripoli, about hosting the Russian mercenaries. Burns's visit was part of a wider campaign against Wagner, which has been expanding its influence in various parts of Africa.

After the visit, the US Treasury designated Wagner Group, led by Russian associate of President Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin, as a transnational criminal organization. The US is worried that Wagner could tap into new revenue streams, either through Libya's oil revenue or by branching into the country's fuel smuggling networks.

The Russian mercenaries, which include 300 Russians and 700 Syrians, are stationed in the east of the country, including around oil facilities and Haftar's Al Khadim air base. During his appearance at Georgetown University, Burns referred to the Wagner Group as "a particularly creepy Russian organization" and stated that the US is working hard to counter it, as it is threatening Africans across the continent.

The Russian mercenaries were brought to Libya in 2018 by Haftar to help defeat a rival government in Tripoli. After the effort failed, both Libyan factions backed a unified government in 2021, and Wagner and its Syrian allies kept a low profile. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Wagner has also relocated some of its mercenaries to Ukraine.

Wagner is run by Prigozhin and has played a key role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The group has also signed contracts with the governments of the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Mali, but has also been accused of helping massacre civilians.

In conclusion, the US is taking a strong stance against the Wagner Group, as it continues to expand its influence in various parts of Africa and threatens the stability of the continent.