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 informed that three other ships, including a landing ship and an oil tanker, would also arrive at Tartus in the next few days, according to Business Insider .

Russian warships present at Tartus port, 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.

The Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base in Syria, leased by Russia, allow Moscow to directly deploy forces to the Mediterranean, thereby maintaining a presence in the region. However, the overthrow of its ally, Mr. al-Assad, raises questions about Russia's upcoming activities in Syria. The leader of the new government in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said: "We do not want Russia to leave Syria in a way that weakens the relations between the two countries."

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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 center for Russia to conduct activities 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