Russian Military Situation In Syria "Dire" As Troops Retreat, Ships Leave Tartus Base

Russian forces in Syria, caught up in the panicked flight of their Syrian army allies from the insurgent offensive, are retreating from prepared positions, abandoning significant amounts of equipment including helicopters, artillery and armor.

There are also reports that Russia is evacuating ships from its base in Tartus, on the Mediterranean, which it has held for over 50 years. Although Russia says it is sending mercenaries to reinforce the Syrians (since literally all of its troops are in Ukraine), but the quality and quantity of those forces is questionable. The loss of Syria on top of the Russian army's inability to subdue Ukraine is a serious blow to the Kremlin's global prestige. JL

Sofiia Syngaivska reports in Defense Express:

The situation for Russian military personnel in Syria has grown dire as the capture of Aleppo, ongoing battles in Hama region, and advances toward Homs, have dealt a severe blow to the morale and operational stability of the Russian and Syrian government forces which are suffering substantial losses and are being forced into chaotic retreats, abandoning their weapons and equipment. (And) signs have appeared that Russia is withdrawing ships from its base in the Syrian port of Tartus, particularly carriers of long-range Kalibr land attack cruise missiles, a tanker and a submarine. 

The situation for Russian military personnel in Syria has grown dire, with reports of widespread depression among troops due to the significant advances of opposition forces. Key victories, such as the capture of Aleppo, ongoing battles in Hama region, and advances toward Homs, have dealt a severe blow to the morale and operational stability of the Russian and Syrian government forces.

Syrian government troops, supported by russian military units, are suffering substantial losses and are being forced into chaotic retreats, abandoning their weapons and equipment. The disorderly withdrawal highlights the growing pressure from opposition forces, leaving key positions vulnerable.

In response to this crisis, russian authorities have dispatched Arabic-russian interpreters to Hama to assist their officers in restoring discipline among Bashar al-Assad’s beleaguered forces. The urgency of these measures underscores the severity of the situation on the ground.

 

First signs have appeared that russia may soon withdraw all the ships from its base in the Syrian port of Tartus, operating since 1971. On the morning of December 2, 2024, the russian Yelnya oil tanker was recorded leaving Tartus, this vessel has been of great importance for the logistical support of the russian Navy's fleet in this region.

In his article for Naval News, naval expert H I Sutton refers to data suggesting that some or all other ships, particularly carriers of long-range Kalibr land attack cruise missiles, including a submarine, have also left the port.

 

Furthermore, Moscow has suspended scheduled rotation of its troops in Syria, signaling a shift in strategy. To compensate, russian leaders are planning to deploy mercenaries from private military companies, including units potentially drawn from the African Corps. These reinforcements are expected to arrive soon to bolster faltering campaign.