This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
On April 4, Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive to seize the capital of Tripoli from armed groups backing the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA).
However, a UN report has revealed that several foreign armed groups, including Russian mercenaries, are supporting Haftar's forces.
According to the report, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have regularly supported Haftar's forces, while Turkey has supported the GNA, in violation of a UN arms embargo imposed on Libya since 2011.
On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that his country was ready to send troops to Libya in support of the GNA.
A diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that it is an "open secret" that large numbers of Russian mercenaries are fighting in Libya, despite Russia's denial of involvement.
The diplomat explained that the reason Russian mercenaries were not mentioned in the report is because their activities have "largely taken place since the cut-off date for compiling the report".
However, the diplomat noted that the panel is in the process of gathering evidence of the extent of Russian activity and will update the committee in the coming months.
Materials made by the United States, Russia, and China appear to be in use in the conflict, but it is unclear whether they were supplied directly by these countries.
Both parties to the conflict have received weapons and military equipment, technical support, and non-Libyan fighters in non-compliance with sanctions measures related to arms, according to the report.
