Russian ships return to Tartus base in Syria ahead of expected withdrawal

so far, No Russian warships were seen in Tartus Since the overthrow of the Assad regime in early December. Earlier high-resolution satellite images showed dozens of military vehicles parked near where the ships are now parked. There were also cranes nearby that could be used to load equipment.

Maritime analyst Frederik Van Lokeren told BBC Verify that two more Russian warships could also be in the port. He said the ships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky could also be involved in the evacuation, Ukrainian military intelligence told BBC Verify.

“With the cancellation of the 49-year lease, it became very clear to Russia that it could no longer hope to maintain a military presence in Tartus, and therefore there was no point in staying there and delaying a naval evacuation.” Mr. Van Lokeren added.

According to Anton Mardasov of the Middle East Institute’s Syria program, the evacuation of all Russian equipment may take some time.

“Over the years, much more has been brought there than these ships and vessels can take,” Mr Mardasov told BBC Verify.

Meanwhile, Russia’s main air base in Syria continues to operate in Hmeimim. Satellite images show large Russian planes being loaded with military equipment on various dates after the fall of the Assad regime.