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Russia Packs Up S-400 Systems, Negotiates to Keep Tartus and Khmeimim Bases in Syria

Dec 13, 2024, 05:42 PM

Russia is nearing an agreement with Syria's new leadership to maintain its two vital military bases—the naval port in Tartus and the air base at Khmeimim—following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. According to multiple sources, including a memo from Germany's Defense Ministry, Russia is negotiating with Syrian rebels to retain its strategic military presence in the Middle East. Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies, dated December 13, shows increased activity at Khmeimim airbase, with Russian An-124 cargo planes loading military equipment, including S-400 air defense systems and Ka-52 attack helicopters, indicating a potential withdrawal or consolidation of forces. Convoys of Russian military vehicles have been observed moving towards the coast from various parts of Syria, including large columns from Homs. The developments suggest that while Russia is preparing to evacuate some military assets, including the packing up of S-400 systems, it aims to secure agreements to keep its key bases in Syria.