Russian vessel for personnel evacuation from Syria breaks down in open sea – Ukrainian intelligence

A cargo vessel, Sparta, sent by Russia to evacuate its military equipment and weaponry from Syria, has broken down on the way and the Russian crew is adrift in the open waters near Portugal.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Quote: "The cargo vessel Sparta, dispatched by Russia to evacuate military equipment and weaponry from Syria, has reportedly broken down at sea due to a fuel line malfunction in its main engine. The Russian crew is drifting in open waters near Portugal while attempting repairs.

Meanwhile, remnants of the Russian contingent in Syria have completed their withdrawal from remote areas and concentrated in two locations: the Khmeimim Airbase and the Tartus Naval Base."

Details: Russia has begun transferring part of its military equipment and weaponry from the Tartus port to Libya by sea.

Russian forces in Syria are also actively discussing the possibility of a complete withdrawal from Syrian territory, including the bases in Khmeimim and Tartus, by no later than 20 February 2025. 

This move is reportedly linked to efforts by the new administration in Damascus to secure the lifting of international sanctions.

Background:

• Assad’s regime ruled Syria for 24 years before its collapse following a 12-day offensive led by rebel forces spearheaded by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (Levant Liberation Organisation). The offensive ended with the capture of Damascus, the country’s capital, on 8 December.
• The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that losing military bases in Syria could severely impact the Kremlin’s ability to conduct operations in Africa. It would weaken Russia’s position in Libya and sub-Saharan countries and undermine its influence on authoritarian regimes in Africa.
• Russian state agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported that deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family are in Moscow, where Russia has granted them asylum.
• On 10 December, Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russian forces were using ships and military transport aircraft to load troops, weapons and equipment, returning them from Syria to Russia.
• On 12 December, Bloomberg reported that Russia is nearing an agreement with Syria's new leadership to retain its bases at the naval port of Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase.
• Following negotiations with Syria's new leadership, Russia has evacuated at least 400 soldiers from the Damascus region. A representative of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stated that discussions are ongoing regarding the evacuation of additional soldiers across Syria.

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