Syrian shift: Kremlin loses key naval foothold in Tartus
The Syrian government has canceled the lease agreement that allowed Russia access to the port of Tartus. According to British intelligence and other sources, this presents a significant problem for the Kremlin, as it has lost one of its most crucial bases outside Russia.
After the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who was aligned with Russia, was overthrown, international focus was primarily on the Humaymim airbase in the Latakia province and the port of Tartus. The Russians were eager to continue using these facilities, but they were unable to reach an agreement with the new Syrian authorities.
Russia ousted from Syrian base
The Syrian government canceled the 2019 lease agreement, which was set for a 49-year term. However, permission was granted for several Russian cargo ships, which had been waiting at sea for some time, to enter the port.
Among the ships that have already docked at Tartus port are the cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II. The evacuation of Russian equipment is likely to begin soon, either to Russia or Libya. Analyst MT Anderson shared 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
Losing access to the port of Tartus is a substantial setback for Russia. It was Russia's sole overseas naval base that allowed the Kremlin to control shipping routes in the Mediterranean Sea and supply various countries in Africa.
"There is no comparable alternative base for the [Russian Navy] in the region," stated British military intelligence in a report.
The significance of the port of Tartus for Russia is underscored by the ships that have historically docked there. These included not only cargo vessels 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).
