An investigation conducted by “Eekad” platform has uncovered the fate of the Syrian Airlines cargo fleet following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad. The fleet consists of three Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 military and civilian transport aircraft.
According to the findings of the “Eekad” team, navigational data and flight analysis showed that the three planes took different routes after Assad’s fall. However, one of them has continued to operate in parts of Libya under the control of Khalifa Haftar.
The investigation revealed that the aircraft with registration number “YK-ATD” departed from Damascus to Benghazi four days before Assad’s fall. It is believed to have transported Syrian regime officials and personnel to Libya. Its first recorded appearance since Assad’s fall was on January 9, 2025, when it was spotted flying off the Libyan coast after departing from Benina International Airport in Benghazi, heading toward Sabha Airport, which is controlled by Haftar.
The investigation concluded that the continued use of this aircraft in Libya, without being returned to the new Syrian government, supports the theory that it may be involved in suspicious military or logistical operations. These operations could serve Russian interests in the region or facilitate the movements of Syrian regime figures after Assad’s fall.
A previous report by the Malcolm Kerr–Carnegie Middle East Center had highlighted Assad regime’s ability to support Haftar and his family’s authority in eastern Libya both directly and indirectly. This support is rooted in a shared authoritarian ideology, oligarchic rule, and secret business networks that have boosted the wealth of both regimes. The report also pointed to military aid received by both Assad’s regime and Haftar from Russia.
