Syrian standoff: Russian convoy halted at Tartus base
The Russian military convoy was prevented from entering the naval base in Tartus, Syria. This is further evidence of the challenging situation Russians find themselves in following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Not only have they lost access to key bases, but they are also facing difficulties in evacuating their forces and equipment.
Two facilities in Syria were critically important for the Russians—the Humaymim airbase in Latakia province and the base in the port city of Tartus. The new Syrian authorities are not favorable towards Moscow and have consistently demonstrated this. In January, the lease agreement allowing Russia access to the Tartus port was canceled, and the movement of cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II was obstructed.
Syrians did not let the Russian convoy into the port in Tartus
According to Turkish media, the Syrian Ministry of Defense prevented a Russian military convoy from entering the base in Tartus. This is corroborated by videos circulating on social media, showing a convoy of over 30 vehicles being turned away (after an eight-hour wait at the checkpoint, as reported by Turkish sources) just before entering the base in Tartus.
The Defense Express service, which specializes in military topics, noted that among the equipment transported by the Russians were parts of the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft systems, as well as missiles for these systems. This confirms that significant Russian weaponry still remains in Syria—even though many resources have already been evacuated either by sea or transported to the Humaymim airbase.
Syria may fall under the umbrella of another power
The strategic importance of the Tartus base for Russians was explained by British military intelligence, which stated in a communication that there is no comparable alternative base for the Russian navy in the region.
While Moscow is attempting to negotiate with the new Syrian authorities (who primarily demand the handover of Bashar al-Assad), they may not succeed in reaching their key objectives, particularly the goal of accessing Syrian bases.
This is especially true as another power might take the country, which has been an ally to Putin for years, under its influence. In early February, Reuters reported that interim President Ahmed al-Shara is negotiating a defense pact with Turkey. This pact is expected to establish two Turkey-controlled military bases in Syria and deploy dozens of F-16 fighters there.
