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Energy · Geopolitics · Libya · US-Russia Relations
Russia's increased military and financial presence in Libya, supporting military commander Khalifa Haftar, prompted the U.S. to abandon its passive "wait and see" policy and re-engage diplomatically to counter Moscow's growing influence in the region.
Following the Sept. 11, 2012 Benghazi attack, which resulted in the deaths of three U.S. employees and 10 Libyan security officers, Washington's Libya policy became distant, focusing primarily on counter-terrorism against groups like Daesh/ISIS and AQIM.
Russia capitalized on this vacuum, providing mercenaries from the Wagner private security company and financial aid, including 2 billion Libyan dinars ($1.42 billion) and a previous 10 billion Libyan dinars printed in Russia, to Haftar's forces. Haftar's failures in Tripoli and the revelation of Russian involvement spurred U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reconsider support for Haftar and intensify diplomatic efforts with regional allies like Italy, France, Egypt, and the UAE.
The U.S. is now actively seeking a political solution, restarting negotiations, and potentially identifying an alternative leader in Libya, signaling a return to more direct engagement after years of distance.
