Italian authorities seize cargo ship allegedly carrying weapons to Libya: Report

ISTANBUL

Italian authorities seized a cargo ship allegedly transporting Russian weapons to General Haftar, commander of eastern Libya forces.

Italian law enforcement carried out the operation at the request of US authorities and seized weapons worth millions of dollars allegedly bound for Benghazi in Libya, Italy's Corriere della Sera daily reported on Friday.

The US provided information about the cargo ship destined for forces loyal to Russia-backed General Haftar, who controls eastern and parts of southern Libya, the daily said of the ship seizure on Tuesday.

US intelligence officials suspect that the Kremlin wants to build its military port in Tobruk, which is controlled by Haftar in Libya.

Exporting military equipment to Libya violates UN sanctions.

The large merchant vessel MSC Arina left China on April 30. US authorities decided to seize the arms shipment and requested Italian intervention upon its arrival in the southern port of Gioia Tauro, the Italian newspaper claimed.

However, the daily contacted the shipping company, MSC, which stated that it was not aware of any container seizures.

The specific military equipment on board remains unclear, but some analysts suggest it could include armed drones.

On Friday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concern about Russian naval missions delivering military equipment to Libya.