Russia Reduces Military Presence in Syria, Removes Equipment from Tartus

Russia has commenced a significant reduction of its military presence in Syria, withdrawing vehicles and containers from the Tartus port, which serves as a crucial base on the country's Mediterranean coast, reports NewsBox.

Satellite images from Planet Labs confirm that a large portion of the military equipment previously stationed at the port is missing after ships connected to the Russian Ministry of Defense departed Tartus, writes BBC.

This development occurs amid "candid" negotiations between the Kremlin and the new authorities in Damascus, who have reportedly annulled the lease agreement with Russia for the port, although government officials have not confirmed this information.

Tartus was an essential base for Russia in the Mediterranean Sea, providing a location for ships to refuel, resupply, and undergo repairs. However, after the fall of the Assad regime, military vessels have ceased to appear in satellite images.

Despite the Kremlin's aim to retain control of the port, Moscow seems to have opted to remove the most valuable equipment from Tartus. Satellite images also show that Russian equipment has been gradually transported over several weeks from the nearby Khmeimim airbase.