Additional Coverage:
- New satellite images show Russian cargo ships at the key Tartus naval base in Syria, apparently to haul away military equipment (newsbreak.com)
Local satellite images appear to show Russian military equipment being removed from a key Syrian naval base. This suggests Moscow is reducing its presence in the country.
The images show two Russian cargo ships, the Sparta and Sparta II, docked at the port of Tartus. These ships are designed to carry vehicles and other wheeled cargo.
The Sparta and Sparta II had been in the Mediterranean Sea for several weeks before docking. One of the ships, the Sparta II, has already departed.
The images also show a decrease in military vehicles and equipment at the base compared to previous weeks. This suggests a transfer of assets onto the cargo ships.
Russia’s future at the Tartus base and the nearby Hmeimim airbase had been uncertain since the fall of the Assad regime.
The rebel forces now control the region where both facilities are located. Recent reports indicate the new Syrian government has canceled Russia’s lease on the Tartus port.
Other signs of a Russian military drawdown have been observed in recent weeks. Warships have left Tartus port, and transport aircraft have been seen moving equipment from Hmeimim airbase.
Both the Pentagon and Ukrainian military intelligence have reported observing Russia consolidating and moving assets out of Syria.
The loss of Tartus and Hmeimim would be a significant blow to Russia’s influence in the Middle East. These facilities provide access to a warm-water port and allow for the movement of forces to and from Africa.