Syrian Base Loss Forces All Russian Submarines' Withdrawal From Mediterranean

Tartus, Syria was Russia's only naval base in the Mediterranean. With the humiliating deposal of Kremlin client Assad, Russian control of that base and the safety of its military assets there could no longer be assured. 

Because the Russians have no other bases in that region, they have withdrawn all of their submarines, which is both a strategic degradation of their global power projection - and another embarrassment. JL

Militarnyi reports:

The Russian Navy has withdrawn its last submarine from the Mediterranean Sea. The last Russian submarine left the Mediterranean on January 2, (following) the departure of all Russian surface or submarine vessels in the port of Tartus due to Russian ally Assad's fall. The last ship to leave the Mediterranean was the Novorossiysk submarine (B-61). Its departure was made under the cover of night through the Strait of Gibraltar. The Portuguese Navy confirmed the movement. Tartus was the only Russian naval base in the Mediterranean.

The Russian Navy has withdrawn its last submarine from the Mediterranean Sea. 

After the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and the loss of Russian control over Syria’s government, a significant number of Russian ships left the port of Tartus within a short time.

The last Russian submarine left the Mediterranean on January 2. According to objective control, there are no more Russian surface or submarine vessels in the port of Tartus.

Russian ships in the port of Tartus in early December. Photo credits: MT Anderson

According to the media, the last ship to leave the Mediterranean was the Novorossiysk submarine (B-61). Its departure was made under the cover of night through the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Portuguese Navy confirmed the movement.

 

Whether the submarine and ships’ departure from the region is final or just part of a planned rotation remains to be seen.

It is worth noting that the port of Tartus was the only Russian naval base in the Mediterranean. Further use of the port depends on the relationship between Russia and the new Syrian government.

In the event of negative developments, Russia may lose this base forever.

Port of Tartus. December 10, 2024. Photo credits: Maxar

Militarnyi previously reported that the Russian contingent in Syria was withdrawing its troops away from the front line but was not going to leave its military bases yet.

Despite this, the Russian contingent deployed in northern Syria and the Alawite Mountains has left its positions.

Similar activity has also been observed at the Khmeimim air base, which is important for the Russian Aerospace Forces’ logistics and support of troops in Syria.

The new satellite imagery shows the activity of two An-124 transport aircraft with an open nose for loading cargo. Additionally, anonymous sources told Reuters that some military equipment and high-ranking officers in Assad’s army were being shipped back to Russia.