Russian Ships Heading to Syria to Move Equipment to Libya
The ongoing evacuation of Russian troops and equipment from Syria is gaining momentum. This follows the recent fall of the Syrian government. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, a flotilla of Russian ships is set to arrive at the Syrian port of Tartus in the coming days. Some of these vessels are reportedly headed for Africa. This evacuation marks a significant shift in Russia’s military presence in the region.
Details of the Evacuation
On January 5, 2025, several Russian vessels, including the large landing ships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky, along with the dry cargo ship Sparta, are scheduled to dock in Tartus. These ships are currently navigating the Mediterranean Sea towards their destination. The GUR has indicated that the Chief of Staff of the Russian landing ships fleet is expected to oversee the next phase of this evacuation.
As the evacuation unfolds, Russia is consolidating its presence at Tartus, a long-standing naval outpost. This follows the withdrawal from forward positions after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow. Tracking data from GUR reveals that additional Russian vessels, including a second cargo ship named Sparta II and the tanker Ivan Skobelev, are also en route to Syria. These ships are anticipated to reach Tartus by January 8. Furthermore, the Russian frigate Admiral Golovko is expected to refuel in the area, indicating ongoing military operations.
Military Equipment and Future Plans
Ukrainian intelligence suggests that the cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II will be loaded with military equipment and weapons. These supplies are likely destined for Libya, reflecting Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with the North African nation following the upheaval in Syria. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that Russia plans to ship modern air defense systems to Libya as part of this strategy.
While some vessels are being prepared to transport military personnel and equipment, there are indications that Russia is still negotiating with the emerging Syrian regime. This suggests that Russia aims to maintain a military base in Syria despite the ongoing evacuation. Additionally, reports indicate that Russia is conducting an airlift operation to evacuate troops and equipment, with as many as 25 military transports needed to complete the process. Recently, armored personnel carriers have been observed arriving in the Vladimir region, likely transporting materials from Syria.
In a related incident, the cargo ship Sparta was involved in a rescue operation for the Russian vessel Ursula Major, which began sinking off Gibraltar on December 23. After assisting the Ursula Major, the Sparta resumed its journey, declaring Port Said, Egypt, as its destination. This series of events highlights the complexities and challenges of Russia’s military logistics in the region.
