Syrian regime change ousts Russia from key naval base
The Syrian government has cancelled the lease agreement that allowed Russia access to the Port of Tartus. According to various assessments, including those from British intelligence, this development poses a significant problem for the Kremlin, which has lost one of its most crucial bases outside Russian borders.
Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which had collaborated with Russia, global attention turned primarily to the Humaymim airbase in Latakia province and the Port of Tartus. Russia was keen on continuing its use of these facilities, but an agreement with the new Syrian authorities could not be reached.
Russia expelled from Syrian base
The Syrian government cancelled the lease agreement that had been established in 2019 for up to 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 others, the cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II have already entered the Port of Tartus. It is likely that the evacuation of Russian equipment will now commence—either to Russia or Libya. Analyst MT Anderson has published photos on the X service, showing that Russian military equipment, transported from various parts of Syria in recent weeks, is located at the port.
This was a key Russian base in the region
Losing access to the Port of Tartus is a significant setback for Russia. It was the only overseas Russian naval base that provided the Kremlin with capacity to control maritime routes in the Mediterranean Sea and supply African countries.
"There is no comparable alternative base for the [Russian Navy] in the region," according to a statement from British military intelligence.
The importance of the Port of Tartus for Russia is evidenced by the ships that have appeared there over the years. These were not only cargo ships but also warships, including Kilo-class submarines (Project 636.3) adapted to carry Kalibr cruise missiles, the frigate Admiral Essen of the Admiral Grigorovich class, and Ropucha-class landing ships (Project 775).
