Tunisia-With Russia starting its moves in Libya, the US desires to expand its ties with neighbouring Tunisia

In light of the recent Russian movement of dispatching advanced MiG-29 fighter and SU-34 ground strike jets to Libya, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), is in discussions with neighbouring Tunisia to reinforce relations between the two nations, Business  Insider reported.

US Army General Stephen Townsend, the Commander of AFRICOM, talked by phone with Imed Hazgui, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Tunisia. They addressed possibilities for upcoming training and preparation exercises and reaffirmed the powerful ties between the two countries.

Since 2011, the United States has invested more than $1 billion in the Tunisian military. The two countries have operated together and have magnified Tunisian border security, military intelligence, and air-ground operations.

Tunisia’s military faces the violence raging in Libya to its east; while on its western border with Algeria it faces Islamic jihadist fighters from both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS).

According to News outlet, With the civil war in Libya and the Russian move to elevate more advisors and battle aircraft into the fight, Townsend and Hazgui accepted as to the necessity for increased security in the region. Townsend, while attempting to increase the value of cooperation between the American and Tunisian militaries, was quick to point out that US combat troops will not be part of the personnel influx.

On the other hand, Russian military aircraft are being stationed to present close air assistance and support the Wagner Group contractors that are helping the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) in the ongoing civil war. Russian fighter aircraft arrived in Libya, via Syria where they were repainted to camouflage their Russian origin. AFRICOM posted satellite photographs of a MiG-29 at the Libyan al-Jufra airbase.

“Russia is clearly trying to tip the scales in its favor in Libya. Just like I saw them doing in Syria, they are expanding their military footprint in Africa using government-supported mercenary groups like Wagner,” stated Townsend as reported by Business Insider, “For too long, Russia has denied the full extent of its involvement in the ongoing Libyan conflict. Well, there is no denying it now. We watched as Russia flew fourth-generation jet fighters to Libya — every step of the way. Neither the LNA nor private military companies can arm, operate, and sustain these fighters without state support — the support they are getting from Russia.”

The SU-34 will be used as close-support attack aircraft while the MiG-29s are air superiority fighters and may be used to counter Turkish drones which have decimated the LNA in recent fighting

“As Russia continues to fan the flames of the Libyan conflict, regional security in North Africa is a heightened concern,” Townsend added. “We’re looking at new ways to address mutual security concerns with Tunisia, including the use of our Security Force Assistant Brigade. Tunisia recognizes the benefits of American values, professionalism, and commitment. They very much value our partnership.”