Syrian forces block Russian convoy’s access to Tartus base PHOTO

A Russian convoy en route to Tartus province from Hmeimim airbase in Latakia faced an unexpected delay when Syrian military forces blocked its access to the base.

The convoy, consisting of 30 vehicles carrying missiles, left Hmeimim airbase early in the morning of February 10, heading toward Tartus, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

However, upon arrival at the Tartus checkpoint, it was halted by forces affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defence. The convoy, which was initially intended to enter the base, was kept waiting for approximately eight hours.

By late afternoon, around 17:00 (local time) on the same day, the convoy was forced to return to Hmeimim airbase in the Jeble area, unable to complete its intended journey to Tartus.

To recall, in December 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime was toppled by a surprise offensive from rebel forces, leading to the dismantling of Russian military bases in the country and a significant reduction in Russia's influence in Syria. 

Despite this regime change, Russia has expressed a strong desire to retain its two key military installations in Syria: the Hmeimim Air Base, located near Latakia, which has been essential for Russian air operations since 2015, and the Tartus Naval Base on the Mediterranean coast, which serves as Russia's primary naval facility in the region. 

The rapid advance of rebel forces and the fall of Assad’s regime have sparked concerns regarding Russia’s strategic position in Syria and its broader influence in the Middle East. The loss of Aleppo to the rebels, in particular, has been viewed as a major setback for Russia in the region.

By Khagan Isayev