Libya PM warns of “battlefield” amid Russian weapon transfers

Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah has warned that Libya risks becoming a "battlefield" amid reports of Russian weapons being moved from Syria to the country, AFP reports. Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Dbeibah expressed concerns over foreign powers imposing their authority on Libya outside legitimate agreements.

Libya has endured political instability since the 2011 uprising that ousted Moamer Kadhafi.

The north African country remains divided between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and an eastern administration based in Benghazi backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has received Russian support for years. Recent media reports indicate Moscow is transferring military equipment from its bases in Tartus and Hmeimim following the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed the transfers Wednesday, labeling them a cause for concern. Russia's bases in Syria have been critical to its operations in Africa and the Middle East. Dbeibah reiterated Libya's rejection of any foreign military presence not authorized by the central government.