A Russian general, Andrey Averyanov, is believed to have been killed during a drone strike on the tanker Qendil in the Mediterranean Sea last December. The attack is reported to have involved approximately ten high-ranking members of Russian intelligence disguised as sailors.
According to sources, the strike resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries, with Averyanov identified among the deceased. He was a prominent figure in Russian military intelligence and was considered a leading candidate to head the Wagner Group, recently restructured as the Africa Corps.
In a possible retaliation, just days after the attack, Libyan military chief Mohammed al-Haddad died in a plane crash shortly after taking off from Ankara, Turkey. Libyan sources suggest that this incident may have been linked to Russia’s response to Lebanon allegedly providing Ukraine with territory for operations against shadow fleet tankers.
Averyanov was already on sanctions lists from the U.S. Treasury and the EU Council due to his connections with Russian military intelligence. He has also been mentioned in investigations by the Bulgarian prosecutor’s office regarding explosions at military depots and other incidents.
The reported death of Russian General Andrey Averyanov in a drone attack highlights ongoing tensions in the region. The incident may have broader implications, including potential retaliatory actions linked to military operations in Libya.