Russia’s Naval Base in Syria Under Threat
Russia’s military presence and influence in Africa are at risk due to the possible loss of its naval base in Tartus, Syria. The base is important for Russia’s Mediterranean Sea task force.
For over 10 years, Russia has maintained Bashar al-Assad‘s regime in exchange for access to the Tartus port and Khmeimim airbase. This allowed Russia to operate in the Middle East and Africa.
The Tartus base hosts several military assets, including warships, submarines, and auxiliary vessels. It also features a coastal battery with Onyx missiles and air defense systems.
As the Syrian opposition forces capture major cities, the Tartus base is one of the last regime-held areas on the Mediterranean coast. Russia’s current Mediterranean presence consists of a submarine, three frigates, two auxiliaries, and a spy ship.
The situation in Syria
Syrian opposition forces have captured Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus over 10 days of fighting. This has left Russian coastal assets in one of the last regime-held areas on the Mediterranean coast.
Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus on December 8 and arrived in Moscow with his family later that day. He was granted asylum by Russia.
Signs of evacuation from Tartus
There have been signs of Russian evacuation from Tartus, including ships leaving the base and airlifting remaining weapons and equipment using the Khmeimim airbase.
Impact on Africa operations
The fall of the Assad regime will weaken Russia’s position in Africa. Russia has focused on turning African governments in its favor through military assistance.
According to expert H.I. Sutton, the loss of Tartus would threaten Russia’s Mediterranean naval task force presence and ability to support its military operations in Africa.
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