Russia is withdrawing from Tartus: Satellite images document critical movement

In Syria, rebels advancing under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have captured Damascus and toppled the Bashar al-Assad regime.

While this development marks the beginning of a new era in the Middle East, notable moves are also taking place on the Russian front.

Satellite imagery taken from the Tartus Naval Base on the Mediterranean coast has revealed the Russian Navy's withdrawal process from the region.

According to images provided by Maxar, three guided-missile frigates and two support ships that were in the port of Tartus on December 5 had left the port by Tuesday, December 10.

The Tartus base had been home to modern Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, as well as an improved Kilo-class attack submarine. These vessels are capable of carrying long-range Kalibr land-attack missiles and Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missiles.

The withdrawal of the ships is being evaluated as part of Russia's process of reducing its presence in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.

Furthermore, the images also revealed an Israeli strike on the Latakia naval base, located 50 miles north of Tartus.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that they targeted Syrian missile boats in the port on Tuesday, December 10. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the attack was carried out by the Israeli Navy.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF TARTUS

Built by the Soviets in the 1970s, the Tartus Naval Base played a critical role as Russia's logistics hub in the Mediterranean. With Russia increasing its control over the base in 2012, the region became an important center supporting operations in Crimea and Africa. However, the weakening of this strategic presence in Tartus, alongside the political change in Syria, indicates that the balance of power in the region will be reshaped.