Russians are retreating their naval ships from Tartous while their ally is in danger:
The Russian Navy base at Tartus in Syria appears under imminent threat as the civil war turns against the Assad regime. As the
, Russia is already taking precautions. Russia currently has five naval ships and a submarine
. These comprise of two
Gorskhov class frigates, one
Grigorovich class frigate, two axillaries and an
Improved-Kilo class submarine.
One of these vessels, the auxiliary
Yelnya, was noted
on the morning of December 2 2024, with information suggesting that some or all of the other vessels also left. This unexpected move comes several days into a sudden change in the situation in Syria’s ongoing civil war. The Assad regime, of which Russia is a key ally, is now on the back foot. Opposition forces are rapidly advancing towards the capital.
Although unconfirmed, this ship movement is considered likely to be directly related to the situation on the ground. If so it is the first visible sign that Russia is moving valuable assets out of the country. Respected naval analyst
noted on X and Bluesky that “there is a realistic possibility departure is related to the worsening situation in Syria.” Yelnya is a Project 160
Altay class oiler, which is a valuable asset and important to maintaining Russia’s force in the Mediterranean. Information suggests that the submarine, frigates and another auxiliary also sailed out of Tartus.