The opposition's advance on critical fronts of the civil war in Syria has put Russia's strategic presence at the Tartus Naval Base under threat. Tartus Base, known as one of Russia’s most important military bases in the Mediterranean, there have been reports of warships being evacuated due to developments in the region. Information from Naval News and other sources indicates that this move may be directly related to the situation on the ground.
Current Presence of the Russian Navy in Tartus
The Tartus Naval Base plays a critical role in Russia’s military operations in Syria, but the shifting of front lines near the base threatens this strategic asset. HI Suttons According to an analysis by , Russian naval assets currently stationed in Tartus include:
- 2 Gorskhov class frigates
- 1 Grigorovich class frigate
- 2 auxiliary ships
- 1 modernized Kilo class submarine
Evacuation Movements
According to Naval News, the Russian Navy's withdrawal signals from Tartus stand out as follows:
- Movement of the Yelnya Supply Ship:
- December 2 2024 Project 160 Altay class sea replenishment ship Yelnya, left Tartus.
- Yelnya is known to play an important role in supporting Russia's power in the Mediterranean.
- Evacuation of Other Ships:
- Naval News reports that there are reports that other warships have also left Tartus.
- Although not yet confirmed, these moves are thought to be a response to the rapid advance of the opposition.
Advance of the Opposition in Syria
The opposition has begun to make rapid advances on the front lines in Syria, threatening the Tartus region. This could put Russia’s military assets at risk and pose a major disadvantage to regime forces in the region. Droxford Maritime An analysis by found that these movements:
- Advancement of the opposition
- The Syrian regime deteriorating military situation It is stated that it is connected with.
Strategic Importance
Tartus Naval Base, has a critical role in maintaining Russia’s power in the Mediterranean. In addition to being an important point that meets the logistics needs of the Russian navy, this base also undertakes the task of providing support to regime forces in Syria. However:
- Advancement of the opposition,
- The front lines approach Tartus,
- Ve regional security risks, endangering Russia's naval existence.
Potential Scenarios
Russia's activity at the Tartus Naval Base raises the following possibilities:
- Discharge:
- If the rebel advance continues, the Russian navy may have to evacuate its assets in Tartus entirely.
- Temporary Withdrawal:
- Evacuations may be temporary as part of security measures and the fleet may return to base.
- Increased Military Support:
- Russia may send more military forces to maintain its presence in the region.
The alleged evacuations at the Tartus Naval Base could have significant implications for Russia’s military strategy in Syria and its power in the Mediterranean. This has the potential to change the balance in the region:
- The weakening of the Syrian regime,
- The reduction of Russia's military presence in the region,
- Acceleration of the opposition's advance may lead to such results.
The developments following this move by the Russian navy will play a critical role in determining the course of the war in Syria.
