The secret procurement of French-made military Gazelle helicopters by Eastern Libya’s commander, Marshal Khalifa Haftar, constitutes a serious violation of the UN arms embargo. Allegations have emerged that illegal shipments were carried out through networks linked to South Africa and Russia.
Forces loyal to Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander of military units in eastern Libya, reportedly received French-made Gazelle helicopters through a covert deal that breached the United Nations (UN) arms embargo. According to information published by Jeune Afrique and confirmed by Italian sources, four Gazelle helicopters were supplied to Haftar. Although these helicopters were presented as “civilian aircraft” at the time of delivery, they are believed to have been equipped with military hardware.
The illegal supply chain is said to have originated through parallel networks based in South Africa, with intermediaries allegedly connected to Russia also playing a role in the shipment process. This secret deal and delivery constitute a grave violation of an international ban.
Basic Information on the UN Security Council Arms Embargo
The arms embargo on Libya is enforced by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The embargo was first established under Resolution 1970, adopted in 2011. Since then, it has been extended annually and remains legally in effect. The main purpose of the embargo is to maintain peace and security in the face of internal unrest and violence against civilians in Libya. The embargo prohibits all countries from supplying Libya with any form of weapons, ammunition, or related military equipment.
