Russia scrambles to withdraw troops from chaotic Syria
The overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad means that the Russians will have to withdraw the soldiers and equipment they sent to Syria. The evacuation is encountering difficulties — one of the ships sent for this purpose has broken down and is drifting off the coast of Portugal, and there is still a significant amount of Russian equipment left in the last two bases.
By 20 January 2025, Russia is required to evacuate its soldiers from Syria, along with equipment, and dismantle military bases — according to unofficial information, this is the stance of the new Syrian authorities. Some Russian soldiers may be relocated to Libya.
Although — according to Ukrainian intelligence — Moscow is trying to negotiate with Damascus the possibility of leaving a military contingent in Syria, the operation to withdraw Russian troops from Syria has already begun. It is encountering problems.
One of these problems is the malfunction of the civilian transport ship "Sparta," which is believed to be carrying equipment and soldiers being withdrawn from Syria. Due to a fuel system failure, "Sparta" is drifting along the coast of Portugal, and the crew is attempting to fix the issue on their own.
A new Russian landing ship, "Ivan Gren," has also entered the Mediterranean Sea — one of two ships of project 11711 introduced into service. These are relatively modern ships, delivered in the last decade (although construction took several years), with a length of about 135 metres and a displacement of about 7,300 tonnes. Ships of this type can carry up to 300 soldiers, 40 armoured personnel carriers, or 13 tanks.
Russian aircraft and helicopters in Syria
Simultaneously — as highlighted by the Ukrainian service Defence Express — the future of the aviation component of the Russian contingent in Syria remains uncertain. After the fall of al-Assad, the Russians took shelter in two military bases — the port of Tartus and the Humaymim airbase. Around the latter, unidentified drones fly unimpeded, and — as shown in available footage — Syrians are throwing stones at Russian soldiers.
In a video taken by one of the drones and published on 12 December, the Ukrainian service meticulously counts seven Su-24M bombers, four or five Su-35 or Su-30 aircraft, three Mi-8 helicopters, and two each of Ka-52 and Mi-24/35. In total, 18-19 machines, probably constituting the most valuable part of the Russian contingent.
