The Syrian Armed Forces refused entry to Russia's heavily armed convoy at the Tartus naval base. This situation indicates a cooling of relations between the two countries. According to reports, the convoy, consisting of vehicles equipped with 30 missiles, was stopped at a checkpoint by Syrian military personnel when it attempted to enter Tartus from the Khmeimim airbase in the Latakia province. After an eight-hour wait, the convoy was forced to return to Khmeimim airbase at 17:00 local time .
This event occurs against the backdrop of Russian troops withdrawing from Syria. Russia began withdrawing its troops from Tartus after the Bashar al-Assad regime was overthrown by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group at the end of 2024. Satellite images show the gradual removal of Russian equipment and materials from the port of Tartus.
According to Syria's new Defense Minister Muhraf Abu Qasra, the preservation of Russian bases depends on how much they align with Syria's interests. If it benefits Syria, the Russian bases can be maintained.
This incident highlights the need to reconsider Russia's military involvement in Syria and the development of relations between the two countries.
It is important to note that earlier, Syrian Defense Minister Muhraf Abu Qasra stated that for Russian bases to continue their operations in the country, Russia must hand over Bashar Assad. Additionally, Russia needs to acknowledge its role in the destruction of Syria alongside the Assad regime and pay several billion dollars in compensation.
Abdullah Sayyid
