Russia is moving military equipment from Syria to Libya

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Agency said on January 3 that two cargo ships, Sparta and Sparta II, were heading to the port of Tartus in Syria, believed to be transporting Russian military weapons and equipment to Libya. Ukraine also reported that three other ships, including a landing ship and an oil tanker, would also dock at Tartus in the coming days, according to Business Insider .

Russian warships present at the port of Tartus, Syria on December 5, 2024

PHOTO: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES

Previously, CNN on January 1 quoted informed sources as saying that Russian transport planes landed in Libya with a significant increase in frequency in December 2024, especially after the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia has not commented on the above information.

Russia leases the Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base in Syria, allowing Moscow to directly deploy forces to the Mediterranean and maintain a presence in the region. However, the overthrow of its ally, Mr. al-Assad, has raised questions about Russia's future operations in Syria. "We do not want Russia to leave Syria in a way that weakens our relations," said Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the new Syrian government.

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In that context, Libya, a North African country bordering the Mediterranean Sea, is considered an alternative for Russia to station its forces there. According to a report by the Atlantic Council (USA) research organization in July 2024, Libya is the main hub for Russia to conduct operations in Africa.

“Located strategically in the corridor between Africa and Europe, Libya provides Russia with a gateway to deploy operations in Sudan, Chad, Niger, the Sahel countries and the Central African region,” the report said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tinh-bao-ukraine-nga-dang-doi-thiet-bi-quan-su-tu-syria-chuyen-den-libya-185250104104702473.htm