Russia is advancing plans to deploy medium-range missiles in southern Libya’s Sabha air base, aiming them at Europe, in a move reportedly backed by General Khalifa Haftar and facilitated by Belarus.

Sources told Agenzia Nova that the Kremlin seeks to install missile systems at the Sabha base, about 1,000 kilometers from Italy’s Lampedusa. The move would allow Moscow to project military power across the Mediterranean. The base, controlled by Haftar, has already been expanded with Belarusian support. Russia may deploy Tor-M1 air defense systems to protect the launch sites.

This missile plan coincides with Haftar’s push toward Tripoli, where he aims to dismantle rival militias and unseat Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba. Following the assassination of Ghaniwa al-Kikli by Brigade 444, Haftar has gained momentum to consolidate national control.

The geopolitical implications reach further. According to insiders, part of the plan includes relocating up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya with Haftar offering citizenship. Another 800,000 could be transferred to Syria under a Trump-brokered agreement with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. In exchange, Syria would convert the Russian-controlled Latakia base into a joint U.S.-Syrian commercial port.

Türkiye’s Calculated Engagement

Despite historic opposition to Haftar, Turkey has deepened its engagement with Cyrenaica. Ankara is reportedly training 1,500 to 2,000 LNA troops and has sold drones to Benghazi. Saddam Haftar’s visit to Ankara on April 4 marked a symbolic anniversary and reaffirmed a shifting alliance. Turkey is now poised to shelter Dabaiba if needed, while pursuing energy exploration in eastern Libya.

Russia’s move in Sabha marks an unprecedented extension of its missile reach from North Africa. If realized, it would place European capitals within striking range and trigger fresh NATO concerns. The proposed mass population transfer from Gaza adds a humanitarian and geopolitical dimension to the military plans, with potential ripple effects from Tripoli to Damascus.