Moskau wendet sich an die neue syrische Führung, um Stützpunkte zu sichern

The fall of the Assad government in Syria clearly puts Russia’s naval base in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia at risk. Both facilities have played an important role in the logistics of Russian operations in Libya and the Sahel. Khmeimim, in particular, is a refueling point for aircraft carrying military equipment, personnel and other cargo.

After Syria, the next logistics hub for the Russian military leadership is Libya. At the same time, cargo planes can fly from Russia to Libya without refueling only if they are empty. But heavy, loaded vehicles will not be able to cover such long distances without stopping.

Thus, supplying operations in Africa via Libya becomes very expensive and unstable. Of course, there are Russian naval bases in Tobruk, but their control is conditioned by the dual power situation in Libya. The situation can worsen at any moment, so Russia cant count on them.

Another solution to this situation for Russia could be a base on the Red Sea in Port Sudan, negotiations on the creation of which have intensified this year. But it is worth considering that the civil war in Sudan has not yet ended, complicating the negotiations.

Therefore, the loss of Syria as a transit base could be a blow not only for Russian positions in the Middle East, but also in Africa.