Syria Blocks Russian Evacuation Ship Sparta II at Strategic Tartus Port.

According to information published by UAWire on January 10, 2025, Russia’s evacuation of military assets from Syria has hit a critical roadblock, as the cargo ship Sparta II has been denied access to the port of Tartus by the country’s new authorities.
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Russian cargo ship Sparta II remains stranded off the Syrian coast as new authorities deny port access, stalling Moscow's evacuation of military assets from Tartus. (Picture source: OBL)

This development follows a regime change in Syria that saw the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, casting uncertainty over Russia’s future in the region. The ship, which arrived off the Syrian coast on January 5 after departing Russia’s Kaliningrad region in December, remains adrift as negotiations falter.

The Tartus port, home to Russia’s only naval base outside its borders, is a linchpin in Moscow’s regional strategy. However, the vessel’s controversial history, including prior sanction-listed activities such as transporting military equipment from Crimea to Syria, has likely contributed to the denial. This impasse has effectively stalled Russian evacuation efforts, forcing reliance on alternative routes, such as air operations through Khmeimim airbase, to withdraw personnel and smaller assets.

Satellite imagery has revealed an extensive buildup of Russian military equipment at Tartus, including dismantled air defense radar systems and over 100 trucks staged for removal. Despite this readiness, no ships are currently docked at the port to load these assets, leaving significant resources stranded. The lack of maritime access underscores the severity of the challenge facing Moscow as it attempts to recalibrate its presence in Syria.

The broader geopolitical context further complicates the situation. Russia’s withdrawal of its fleet from Tartus in December followed the rapid advance of Syrian rebels toward Damascus, signaling a major shift in the country’s power dynamics. The overthrow of Assad’s regime has prompted Moscow to engage in negotiations with the new authorities to secure its remaining footholds in Syria, particularly the Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has confirmed these talks, highlighting the strategic importance of these installations to Russia’s influence in the region.

Meanwhile, international attention on the situation has intensified. A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has been deployed to monitor the Sparta II and broader developments in the Mediterranean, reflecting heightened interest in the implications of Russia’s repositioning. The vessel’s continued delay adds to the uncertainty, amplifying concerns over Russia’s ability to protect and extract its military assets under shifting regional dynamics.