Where does the Russian S300 anti-aircraft defense system that would be deployed in Libya come from?

The Ras Lanouf oil complex. (Drawing). REUTERS / Esam Omran Al-Fetori

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Photos that have been circulating widely on social networks since mid-July, seem to indicate that a Russian anti-aircraft defense system has been deployed in Libya, not far from the port of Ras Lanouf, an oil terminal located some 600 km to the is from Benghazi. At the same time, Twitter accounts close to the Egyptian authorities claim that Cairo has deployed these missiles in eastern Libya, but the authorities remain silent. In February, however, the Egyptian authorities said they had deployed nine S300 anti-aircraft defense systems on the border with Libya.

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The Egyptian authorities remain silent on this deployment of Russian anti-aircraft missiles S300 in eastern and southern Libya, but do not deny it. For anyone who knows Ras Lanouf , there is no doubt: the photos circulating were taken there, not far from the port of this oil terminal. They show missile launcher tubes and radars that are used with the S300 system. These missiles would also be deployed near Sirte, in the center, and in Al Joufra in the south of Libya.

According to several specialists questioned by the American magazine Forbes , there is no doubt either, the photos show many materials related to the Russian S300.

Turkish call for a political solution

Since the start of the tension because of the Turkish intervention in Libya , considered by Egypt as a threat to its national security, Cairo has been working to show its strength so as not to have to use it. Egypt therefore seeks to be a deterrent. And if the signs of this deployment are confirmed, Turkey will be in a weaker position vis-à-vis Russia and its allies in Libya.

Visiting Tripoli this Thursday August 6, Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish Foreign Minister, said he was ready to discuss a political solution in Libya.

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