Russia's withdrawal from Syria threatens African influence
Propaganda channels on Telegram reported that the Russian command has decided to transport equipment out of the Khmeimim airbase in Syria. Russian vessels are also departing from the base in Tartus. Assurances from the Syrian opposition that Russian military bases are "safe" were insufficient.
The Russian channel on Telegram, Fighterbomber, run by Air Force Captain Ilya Tumanov, reported on Sunday that after the rebels entered Damascus and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the Russian command decided to evacuate equipment from the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia, Syria.
Fighterbomber stated that the decision is "a bit late." According to his findings, Russian planes stationed at Khmeimim will be sent back to Russia or to African countries.
According to the profile War Observer, additional equipment, which was transferred from various regions of the country, may be evacuated from the Khmeimim base.
The American portal The War Zone on platform X also reported on the possible evacuation of one of the Russian bases. "Three Il-76 transport planes and one An-124 have arrived at the base," reads the post.
Evacuation to take months?
"The Moscow Times" reminds us that dozens of modern fighters and bombers from Russia have been stationed at the Khmeimim base in Syria since 2015. "The evacuation of equipment will take months. The most important thing is for the personnel to leave without losses," notes Fighterbomber.
In the early days of December, OSINT group analysts noted movements of Russian ships, indicating preparations for evacuation from the port of Tartus, which is about 200 kilometres northwest of Damascus.
The port in Syria is of strategic importance. It is the only port outside the territory of the former USSR where the Russian navy is stationed.
Weakening position in Africa?
It appears that the Russian authorities have decided to evacuate, despite assurances from Syrian opposition leaders that Russian military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria are safe. Russian news agencies reported such declarations on Sunday, citing Kremlin sources.
However, the evacuation could cost Russia dearly. According to analysts from ISW, Russia could lose credibility as a partner and defender among its African allies. This, in turn, may weaken the Kremlin's political, economic, and military influence on the continent.
Source: TVN24, "The Moscow Times", X, Telegram, WP Wiadomości
