Russia is secretly rebuilding a military base in Tartus, Syria
This is reported by the specialist maritime portal The Maritime Executive.
The latest manoeuvres by Russian ships indicate preparations for a long-term deployment following a prolonged hiatus, the portal notes. For a long time, the Russian presence in the region was minimal, with only one corvette, the Stoyky (F545), at sea.
However, its route proved unusual: the ship circumnavigated the entire African continent and took part in exercises in Cape Town. It called at the Seychelles and Iran. Instead of returning home after an exhausting voyage, the corvette remained off the Syrian coast.
Previously, Russian visits to Syria resembled routine port calls. Now, ships are occupying berths on a permanent basis. The Stoyky has been moored for weeks at piers designated for a permanent flotilla.
The political situation in Damascus also favours the Russians. In December 2024, military agreements were suspended, but they have now been reinstated. This was facilitated by the withdrawal of the last American units from Syria in mid-April. Now the Russian military feel like masters on the Syrian coast, the article states.
A secret convoy and camouflage at sea
The main evidence of the base’s restoration was the movement of a large logistics convoy. It is escorted by the powerful frigate ‘Admiral Kasatonov’ (F461). This is a modern warship with significant armament. The group includes three vessels that are already subject to international sanctions.
The convoy includes the following vessels:
- the product tanker “General Skobelev”;
- the cargo ship “Sparta”;
- the oil tanker “Akademik Pashin”.
These ships usually carry weapons and military supplies, and their behaviour at sea is highly suspicious. For example, the tanker "General Skobelev" is deliberately falsifying its AIS signals. The vessel is pretending that it is still in the waters of the Baltic Sea, although in reality it has already passed through the Strait of Gibraltar. Experts are certain that the convoy is heading specifically for Tartus.
What else is known about Syria
For Syria, it is Russia that has become the main supplier of oil. As we have already reported, oil supplies from Russia to Syria in 2026 rose by 75% – to approximately 60,000 barrels per day.
Meanwhile, Germany wants to return hundreds of thousands of refugees to Syria. This issue was discussed at a meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
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