Russia loses crucial Mediterranean outpost in Syrian shift
The Syrian government has cancelled the lease agreement that granted Russia access to the port of Tartus. According to British intelligence and others, this is a significant setback for the Kremlin, which has lost one of its most vital bases outside Russia.
Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which had been cooperating with Russia, global attention primarily turned to the Humaymim airbase in Latakia province and the port of Tartus. The Russians were eager to maintain their usage of these locations but were unable to secure an agreement with the new Syrian authorities.
Russia ousted from Syrian base
The Syrian government revoked the lease agreement established in 2019 for a period of 49 years. However, permission was granted for several Russian cargo ships, which had been at sea for an extended period, to enter the port.
Among the vessels that have entered Tartus port are the cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II. It is likely that the evacuation of Russian equipment will now begin, either to Russia or Libya. Analyst MT Anderson published photos on the X platform showing Russian military equipment transported in recent weeks from across Syria, now located at the port.
This was Russia's key base in the region
For Russia, losing access to the port of Tartus is a substantial blow. It was their only overseas naval base that allowed the Kremlin to control shipping routes in the Mediterranean Sea and supply countries in Africa.
"There is no comparable alternative base for the [Russian Navy] in the region," stated British military intelligence in a statement.
The significance of the port of Tartus for Russia is highlighted by the presence of Navy vessels that have appeared there over the years. These included not only cargo ships, but also warships such as Kilo-class submarines (Project 636.3) equipped to carry Kalibr cruise missiles, the Admiral Essen frigate from the Admiral Grigorovich class, and Ropucha-class landing ships (Project 775).
