Syria Blocks Evacuation Of Russian Military Assets From Moscow’s Tartus Naval Base

Syrian authorities refused entry to a ship deployed to evacuate military equipment from Russia’s Tartus Naval Base in Syria, per Moscow Times.

The development comes after Russian-backed leader Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow by rebel forces, which marked a major change in Syrian politics.

Russian Cargo Vessel Sparta II has been drifting close to Tartus since January 5, 2025, after it left Baltiysk, Kaliningrad Oblast on December 11, 2024, per Moscow Times.

Per reports, Russian forces dismantled air defence radars and moved more than 100 trucks of military equipment to the port.

There are no ships presently berthed to aid with the evacuation process, which has left equipment and personnel stranded at the port.

Evacuation of Russian military assets from Tartus has stalled as Russian authorities could not secure permission from the new Syrian Government.

The Khemeimim Airbase which is serviced by the Russian Defense Ministry flights is now the only remaining evacuation route.

Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha talked about Moscow’s military presence in Syria during a December 30, diplomatic visit to Damascus. Per Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, Kyiv and the new Syrian government have similar views on the matter, though specific details were not shared.

References: Yahoo, Kyiv Independent

Source: Maritime Shipping News