Russian naval vessels have vanished from their Mediterranean base in Tartus, Syria, following the unexpected collapse of President Bashar Assad's government, according to recent satellite imagery.
Planet Labs PBC captured images earlier this month showing multiple warships docked at Russia's naval facility in Tartus. However, imagery taken on Monday revealed all warfighting vessels had departed their berths, with their absence continuing into Tuesday as confirmed by BlackSky satellite photos.
The naval movements coincide with the sudden fall of the Assad regime over the weekend, when rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rapidly captured Damascus, ending Syria's 13-year civil war.
Analysis of satellite imagery shows a pattern of recent naval activity. While several warships including two surface combatants and a submarine were visible on December 1, they disappeared two days later, briefly returned by Friday, and departed again. The flotilla consisted of five surface vessels - three frigates and two replenishment oilers - plus one submarine.
Ukraine's military intelligence reported that Moscow is not only withdrawing its naval assets from Tartus but also airlifting military equipment from its nearby Khmeimim airbase. Open-source intelligence suggests the Russian vessels may be positioned off Syria's coast.
The developments raise questions about Russia's military foothold in Syria, where Tartus serves as Moscow's main overseas naval base providing strategic Mediterranean access. The Khmeimim airbase has been key for Russian military operations in Africa.
The White House attributes Assad's rapid defeat to reduced support from his traditional allies - Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah - who face their own military challenges elsewhere. "Assad was effectively abandoned because his only friends no longer had the capacity to help," stated a Biden administration official.
While Russian state media confirms Syrian rebels now control the province containing both bases, Moscow has not officially announced any major force changes. The future status of Russia's military presence remains uncertain as Syria transitions to new leadership.