The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency reported on January 3rd that two cargo ships, Sparta and Sparta II, were heading to the port of Tartus in Syria, believed to be transporting weapons and equipment for the Russian military to Libya. Ukraine also reported that three other ships, including a landing ship and an oil tanker, would also arrive 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
Earlier, on January 1st, CNN, citing informed sources, reported that Russian transport planes had landed in Libya with significantly increased frequency in December 2024, particularly after the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Russia has not commented on these reports.
The Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base in Syria, leased by Russia, allow Moscow to directly deploy forces to the Mediterranean, thus maintaining a presence in the region. However, the overthrow of its ally, al-Assad, raises questions about Russia's future activities in Syria. The leader of the new Syrian government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated: "We do not want Russia to leave Syria in a way that weakens bilateral relations."
Israel reveals details of raid on 'Iran-linked missile factory' in Syria.
In this context, Libya, a North African country bordering the Mediterranean, is considered an alternative for Russia to deploy troops there. According to a July 2024 report by the Atlantic Council (USA), Libya is a key center for Russia's operations in Africa.
“Strategically located in the corridor between Africa and Europe, Libya provides Russia with a gateway to deploy operations in Sudan, Chad, Niger, the Sahel states, and Central Africa,” the report states.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tinh-bao-ukraine-nga-dang-doi-thiet-quan-su-tu-syria-chuyen-den-libya-185250104104702473.htm
Comment (0)