Russian forces blocked from Syrian port amid rising tensions
The Russian military convoy was prevented from entering the naval base in Tartus, Syria. This is further evidence of the difficult situation the Russians are facing following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Not only have they lost access to key bases, but they are also having difficulties evacuating their forces and equipment.
Two facilities in Syria were critically important for the Russians—the Humaymim airbase in Latakia province and the base in the port city of Tartus. The new Syrian authorities are not favourable towards Moscow and have been systematically making this clear. In January, the lease agreement was cancelled, which allowed Russia access to the Tartus port, and the movement of cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II was obstructed.
Syrians did not let the Russian convoy into the port in Tartus
As reported by Turkish media, the Syrian Ministry of Defence prevented a Russian military convoy from entering the base in Tartus. This is confirmed by recordings published on social media, showing a convoy of over 30 vehicles being turned around (after an eight-hour wait at the checkpoint, according to Turkish sources) just before entering the base in Tartus.
The Defence Express service, specialising in military topics, noted that among the equipment transported by the Russians were, among other things, parts of the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft systems, as well as missiles intended for them. This confirms that there is still a lot of valuable Russian weaponry in Syria—even though many resources have already been evacuated either by sea or transported to the Humaymim airbase.
Syria may fall under the umbrella of another power
The significance of the Tartus base to the Russians was explained by the British military intelligence, which stated in one of their statements that there is no comparable alternative base for the Russian navy in the region.
Although Moscow is trying to negotiate with the new Syrian authorities (who primarily demand the removal of Bashar al-Assad), they may not achieve their intended goals, particularly the main goal of maintaining access to Syrian bases.
Even more so, as another power could take on a role in the country, which has been favourable to Putin for years. In early February, Reuters reported that interim President Ahmed al-Shara is negotiating a defence pact with Turkey. It is expected this will establish two Turkey-controlled military bases in Syria and deploy dozens of F-16 fighters there.
