Russian ship delayed by new Syrian rules at Tartus port
After two weeks of waiting, the Russian ship Sparta was granted permission to dock at the Syrian port of Tartus. There, it would most likely be loaded with military equipment. The new Syrian authorities have imposed restrictions that may impact Russian military operations in the region.
The Russian ship Sparta, which entered the Mediterranean Sea at the beginning of the year, received permission to dock at the port of Tartus only after 14 days. According to the Polish Press Agency, this ship is often used by the Russian Ministry of Defense for transporting military equipment. It sailed from Baltiysk in the Kaliningrad region on December 11 and reached the Syrian coast on January 5.
For two weeks, Sparta, along with other Russian units, awaited permission from the new Syrian authorities to enter the port. During this time, Russian ships had to move away from the shore to a distance of about 18 miles, a consequence of Syrian forces patrolling the territorial waters. The only evacuation route for Russian personnel was the Humaymim airbase.
Will the new Syrian authorities thwart the Russians' plans?
Military equipment is likely to be loaded at the port of Tartus and sent to Russia or eastern Libya. General Khalifa Haftar, who rules eastern Libya, has made several air and naval bases in Tobruk available to the Russians. From Libya, the equipment can be transported further, including to Mali, where Russia is trying to strengthen its position (the contract for services provided by Wagner Group mercenaries expires in February).
The potential closure of access to the port of Tartus would be a significant blow to Russia. It is the only foreign naval base that allows Moscow to control maritime routes in the Mediterranean Sea. Losing access to this port could affect Russian operations in Africa, where Wagner Group mercenaries oversee the exploitation of natural resources in several countries.
Previously, Vladimir Putin helped Bashar al-Assad maintain power in Syria. After Assad's overthrow, foreign media reported that Russia "granted asylum" to Assad and his family, supposedly for humanitarian reasons.
