ALBAWABA - Following the Russian war on Ukraine, the Private Military Company Wagner has risen to the spotlight as a number of its fighters were deployed to eastern Ukraine to fight alongside the Russian army and has been deemed an ally to Russia up until the rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin back in June 2023.
The Wagner Group has been accused of using cluster munitions and other banned weapons, committing human rights abuses and war crimes in the countries where it has operated, and among these countries are a number of Arab countries.
Wagner's activity in the Middle East
In this article, AlBawaba lists three Arab countries where the Wagner group has been operating and the reason behind its activities across various Arab countries:
Libya
The Wagner Group's arrival in Libya coincided with a major escalation in the conflict between the LNA and the Government of National Accord (GNA). The LNA, led by Khalifa Haftar, was backed by Russia. The Wagner Group played a significant role in the fighting, providing the LNA with weapons, training, and logistical support.
The group's fighters were also involved in some of the most brutal fighting, including the battle for Tripoli in 2019. The Wagner Group was deployed to Libya to support the LNA, where they played a significant role in the fighting
Following a ceasefire between the two warring parties, Wagner Group's presence in Libya was reduced, however, it is believed that the group still has a significant presence in the country.
Syria
The Group's earliest activities in Syria focused on providing security for Russian military and diplomatic personnel around 2015, shortly after Russia intervened in the Syrian Civil War to support the Assad regime.
The Wagner Group has been involved in some of the most brutal fighting in Syria, including the battle for Palmyra in 2016. The group has also been accused of committing human rights abuses, such as torture and summary executions.
Their activities in Syria have been condemned by the United Nations and human rights groups. They have been accused of using banned weapons, such as cluster munitions, and of engaging in human rights violations.
Sudan
The Wagner Group first appeared in Sudan in 2017, shortly after the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir. The group's presence in Sudan was initially denied by the Russian government, but it was later confirmed by the United Nations.
The Group has been involved in a number of high-profile operations in Sudan, including the suppression of anti-government protests and the support of the Sudanese military in its campaign against rebels in Darfur.
Their presence also raised concerns about the proliferation of private military companies (PMCs) and the potential for these companies to be used to circumvent international law.
