In an interview on February 27th with Al Arabyia news network, an informed source within the Revolutionary Guards of Iran revealed that Iran has several military bases in Libya.
The source, who requested anonymity due to his sensitive position within the Guards, elaborated further that the Iranian military bases are located mostly along Libya’s borders with the African countries of Chad and Niger. From there, he said, the Guards actively smuggle arms and supply logistical assistance to rebellious groups in the western and Central African countries.
According to this source, Guards’ members enter Libya under the guise of oil company employees. Most of these companies are under the control of the Revolutionary Guards of Iran.
The source, who a colonel in the Guards, adds that Gaddafi and his government are quite aware of these activities and have even signed joint contracts with those Iranian oil companies so that the member of the Guards can enter Libya without any trouble.
However, the Colonel stated that with the current unrest in Libya, over 500 Guards’ members have been unable to evacuate, but are under orders to destroy all documents.
According to this source, the military collaborations between the Revolutionary Guards of Iran and the Ghaddafi’s government date back to 2006.
It is important to note that Nigerian officials recently confiscated an Iranian arms shipment destined for Gambia. The weapons included mortars, rockets and shells for anti-aircraft guns and were hidden in containers marked building materials. Nigerian officials have accused a suspected member of the Guards and a Nigerian of illegally importing arms and have set trial for later this year.