Summary:

On 27 November, the Italian magazine Focus on Africa published an open-source intelligence (OSINT) report indicating Haftar-aligned forces may be using Kufra Airport in southern Libya as a staging ground for deepening support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).  

The investigations, conducted by Eekad Facts, focused on the “Paths of Peace” battalion, a unit loyal to retired General Khalifa Haftar and allied with Sudan’s RSF. 

The report identified a Colombian mercenary, Jorge Luis Silvestre Ardila, active at the base east of Kufra. Ardila has a background in the Colombian army and paramedic services, indicating the ongoing presence of foreign military expertise. Satellite imagery from January to November 2025 revealed new warehouse construction, road paving, and high vehicle activity, aligning with RSF advances in Sudan, including operations in El Fasher and West Kordofan.  

The findings suggest the base is functioning as a logistical hub, potentially supporting medical operations, and highlight the growing involvement of foreign mercenaries in cross-border operations. 

Outlook: 

The expansion of the Kufra base and the presence of foreign mercenaries illustrate a deepening operational collaboration between Haftar-aligned forces and Sudan’s RSF, signaling an ongoing entrenchment of military cooperation in southeastern Libya. Furthermore, this development may point to a growing effort by Libya’s eastern government to exert influence on military operations and outcomes in Sudan.  

Beyond immediate security implications, these developments may contribute to a prolonged insecure environment in southern Libya, with implication for the entire country and region. Prolonged instability will hinder local economic activity, discourage investment, and limit opportunities for development in a region already affected by instability. 

The increased concentration of armed groups and foreign personnel may also complicate governance, as local authorities face challenges in asserting control over territory and regulating cross-border movement. At the regional level, the growing logistical and operational capacities of these networks could affect neighboring areas, influencing trade routes, migration flows, and the ability of states to enforce security measures.  

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