Sources from Al-Jazeera in Ras Lanuf port in the oil crescent region in Libya confirmed that armed men from the Russian Wagner company deployed an air defense system of the type "S-300" (S-300) in the vicinity of the Ras Lanuf petrochemical plant.
The sources reported that the Wagner gunmen deployed the system 250 meters south of the factory, which they controlled during the past days, accompanied by Syrian mercenaries and Libyan militants from the forces of retired Major General Khalifa Haftar.
The sources added that the Wagner gunmen are training Libyan militants and Syrian mercenaries on types of weapons in technical workshops attached to the Ras Lanuf Petrochemical Factory.
Wagner elements took control of oil facilities in Ras Lanuf last month, with the support of Haftar's forces, and expelled their workers.
Wagner gunmen also took up positions at Ras Lanuf airport, as sources say they are preparing it to carry out military operations from it.
Militarization of oil installations
The Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation recently denounced what it described as the militarization of oil facilities, and condemned the entry of foreign mercenaries to oil facilities and the obstruction of Libyan oil exports by Haftar's forces.
The deployment of militants around the oil installations coincided with the continued military build-up of Haftar's forces in the coastal city of Sirte.
The Pentagon said two weeks ago that Haftar's forces were still receiving military supplies through the Moscow-backed Wagner Group, it said. It added that satellite images showed transporting fighter jets, air defense missiles, landmines and armored cars.
On the other hand, the internationally recognized Libyan government of reconciliation confirms that it is determined to extend its control over all of the Libyan soil, and that it has prepared for a military operation in Sirte, but the leaders of its forces have stated that they have made room for a political solution in order to restore Sirte peacefully and avoid bloodshed.
US-Libyan talks
Politically, US officials held talks via the Internet with Libyan officials, regarding moves towards finding a peaceful solution regarding Sirte and Jufrah, and the reopening of the Libyan oil sector.
The Director of the US National Security Council for the Middle East and North Africa, General Miguel Correa, and the US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, confirmed during the talks; The need for a Libyan operation to restore the country's sovereignty and remove foreign forces from it.
Washington says it will continue to work actively with Libyan leaders who are prepared to reject foreign intervention, de-escalate and work for a peaceful solution in Libya.