Russia has carried out its first major supply mission to its Khmeimim air base in Syria following the change of regime in Damascus. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials and satellite imagery. The operation confirms Moscow's intention to maintain its strategic military presence in the region, despite political changes in the Arab Republic.
Special Transport Under Naval Escort
A key element of the operation was the cargo ship "Sparta," which departed from St. Petersburg in March and arrived at the Syrian port of Tartus in May. For a significant portion of the route, the ship was escorted by units of the Russian Navy. In the Mediterranean Sea, the escort was provided by the frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" and another warship.
US sources claim that the ship was transporting specialized equipment for the needs of the Khmeimim air base. "Sparta," its owner SC South LLC, and the parent structure Oboronlogistics are under US sanctions for activities in the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defense. According to the publication, this ship is part of a small fleet that Moscow uses for the covert transfer of weapons and equipment in the region.
Strategic Importance of Bases
The Khmeimim air base and the naval base in Tartus remain the main pillars of Russia's military presence outside the country. They provide Moscow with access to the Mediterranean Sea and serve as footholds for operations in Africa and other directions. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the preservation of these facilities became one of the Kremlin's priority tasks.
New Rules of the Game in Damascus
The new Syrian leadership, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, continued contacts with Moscow, despite the fact that Russia had supported the Assad regime for years and struck forces that are now in power. According to WSJ, Russia is supplying the new Syrian authorities with wheat and oil, likely on preferential terms.
At the same time, the Syrian Foreign Minister stated that agreements concluded by Assad with Russia are frozen. Nevertheless, the dialogue continues, and Russia is demonstrating its readiness to adapt to the new political reality.
US Reaction and the Question of Sanctions
Washington does not consider the latest delivery a cause for special concern. US officials note that Damascus's ties with Moscow are known, and military equipment is far from previous US interests in northeastern Syria.
The publication recalls that the Joe Biden administration, after the fall of Assad, linked the lifting of sanctions on Syria to the withdrawal of Russian bases. At the same time, the Donald Trump administration abandoned this condition and ordered the lifting of sanctions, opening new opportunities for the development of relations between the countries.