The sudden collapse of the Assad regime has raised questions about Russia’s future in Syria. Russia has long established a military presence at two important bases in the country. New satellite images show what Russian warships and aircraft are currently doing.
New satellite images show what Russian forces are doing in Syria after the fall of Assad.
Russian aircraft are still present at Khmeimim Air Base, but Moscow’s warships are no longer stationed at the nearby naval facility in Tartus, according to images taken this week by Maxar Technologies and obtained by Business Insider.
Russia supported longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s brutal civil war. But the Russian military’s presence in Russia became unclear over the weekend after rebels captured Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad after a rapid offensive that lasted just a few days. President Assad then fled to Moscow.
The Kremlin relies heavily on its base in Syria to project its power, and losing it would be a major setback, but not what Russia needs in the midst of a war in Ukraine. Tartus is Russia’s main overseas naval base, providing the country with important access to warm-water ports. Meanwhile, Moscow uses Hmeimim to move troops in and out of Africa.
Satellite images taken on Monday showed Russian aircraft, helicopters and military equipment at the Hmeimim air base near the coastal city of Latakia. Much activity was witnessed at the adjacent civilian Bassel Al Asad International Airport.
Russian aircraft were spotted at Khmeimim Air Base on Monday. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Crowds and traffic at the civilian airport adjacent to Hmeimim on December 9th. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
At this time, it is unclear whether the assets have already been withdrawn and whether Russia will maintain its position at this base.
Images taken on Tuesday show a Russian warship missing from a naval facility in the Mediterranean port city of Tartus. At least two frigates were spotted several miles off the coast.
On December 5th, a Russian naval vessel was discovered in Tartus. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
This December 10th image is missing ships. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Five Russian surface ships (three frigates, two refueling tankers) and a submarine were spotted at the Tartus base earlier this week, but they left the facility by Monday and were still missing the next day. It was.
It is unclear whether or when the warship will return to port. Their presence in the Mediterranean Sea may be due to safety reasons amidst all the uncertainties on land, rather than a complete evacuation from Tartus.
On December 10th, a Russian frigate sailed off the coast of Syria. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
On December 10, another Russian frigate was spotted off the coast of Syria. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
The new images come amid questions over the future control of Russia’s long-held Tartus and Khmeimim bases. The country’s Ministry of Defense has not publicly indicated any major changes to the military’s posture.
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Ukrainian military intelligence announced that Russian troops were withdrawing from the base and evacuating troops. BI could not independently confirm this. The ship has left port, but the exact reason is unclear.
The Kremlin said it was taking steps to ensure the security of the base through dialogue with Syria’s new leadership as details of the transitional government emerge. Russian state media said rebels controlled the province where the facility is located.
Russia’s failure to maintain access to these bases could spell trouble for Moscow in the region.
“The potential loss of Russian bases in Syria would have a significant impact on Russia’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean,” conflict analysts at the Institute for War Studies, a U.S.-based think tank, said in an assessment on Monday. It will pose a threat.” It is on the southern side of NATO and operates in Africa. ”
