Renewed Tensions at the "Salvador Pass", a Strategic Crossroads in the Sahel
The forces of the Libyan General Command are reinforcing their positions in the "Salvador Pass", a crucial point at the junction of the Libyan, Nigerien, and Algerian borders.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Renewed Tensions at the "Salvador Pass", a Strategic Crossroads in the Sahel
The forces of the Libyan General Command are reinforcing their positions in the "Salvador Pass", a crucial point at the junction of the Libyan, Nigerien, and Algerian borders. This maneuver revives attention on this critical zone, the site of past military operations and a passage point for various illicit traffics.
Key Points:
- Deployment of Libyan troops to the "Salvador Pass"
- Objective of securing the area against Chadian armed groups and trafficking
- Reminder of the major security issues in this zone
The "Salvador Pass": A Strategic and Sensitive Crossroads The "Salvador Pass", or "Salvador Col", is a key geographical area located at the intersection of the borders of Libya, Niger, and Algeria. Its strategic importance is characterized by:
- A historical passage point for commercial caravans
- A transit zone for contemporary migratory flows
- A privileged corridor for jihadist groups and traffickers
Trafficking and Security Threats The region is known to be a hub for various illicit activities:
- Arms trafficking
- Drug trafficking
- Goods smuggling
- Transit of jihadist groups
Past Military Operations The "Salvador Pass" has already been the site of significant military operations:
- In April 2015, as part of Operation Barkhane:
- Parachuting of 90 soldiers from the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP)
- Clashes between Franco-Nigerien forces and traffickers
- Result: 3 traffickers killed, 3 wounded, seizure and destruction of weapons and drugs
Current Geopolitical Context The Libyan military reinforcement is part of a tense regional context:
- Persistent instability in Libya since 2011
- Growing terrorist threat in the Sahel
- Stakes of controlling migration routes and smuggling
Regional Implications The actions of the Libyan General Command could impact:
- Relations with Niger and Algeria
- The dynamics of armed groups and trafficking networks
- International efforts to combat terrorism in the Sahel
This new mobilization at the "Salvador Pass" underscores the persistence of security challenges in this crucial region of the Sahel. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened international cooperation to stabilize this strategic zone in a sustainable manner.
