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yesterday

Satellite Images Indicate Combat Drones at Haftar-Controlled Libyan Base, Raising Arms-Embargo Questions

The findings suggest fresh violations of the UN weapons ban that could reshape leverage in Libya’s east–west standoff.

A satellite image shows a combat drone, which experts identified as most likely a Chinese-made Feilong-1, on the runway at Al Khadim airbase, east of Benghazi, Libya, May 3, 2025. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS
A Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle is seen during a demonstration flight at Teknofest aerospace and technology festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27, 2022. REUTERS/Aziz Karimov/File Photo
Title: Philippines South China Sea Image ID: 23235221495221 Article: An unidentified drone flies over the areas of Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea while Chinese coast guard ships tries to block Philippine coast guard ships and supply boat during a rotation and resupply mission on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. As a U.S. Navy plane circled overhead, two Philippine navy-manned boats manage to breach through a Chinese coast guard blockade in a dangerous confrontation in the disputed South China Sea and succeeded in delivering food and other supplies to Filipino forces guarding a contested shoal on board BRP Sierra Madre. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Overview

  • Reuters, in analysis published Thursday, reported satellite images showing at least three drones at Al Khadim airbase between April and December 2025.
  • Weapons analysts said one aircraft most likely matches China’s Feilong-1 and two match Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2, while cautioning the identifications are not definitive.
  • Imagery shows two ground-control units, a truck with satellite equipment seen January 12, and new hangars, which together point to active or recent drone operations.
  • The UN arms embargo has been in place since 2011 and requires approval for weapons shipments, yet Reuters could not determine the supplier, the delivery timing, or any exemptions.
  • Analysts said the presence of combat drones would bolster Khalifa Haftar’s hold in eastern Libya and strengthen his hand in talks on unifying the country’s rival authorities.