Russian Military Convoy Denied Entry to Tartus Base in Syria

A Russian military convoy was reportedly denied entry to a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus by the Ministry of Defense of Syria’s transitional government.

According to Turkish outlet TRT, a convoy consisting of 30 military vehicles carrying missile systems departed from Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia province in the morning. Upon arrival at a checkpoint in Tartus, the convoy was halted and prevented from proceeding further.

After an eight-hour standoff at the checkpoint, Russian forces were forced to return to Khmeimim Air Base by approximately 17:00 local time.

The incident follows recent statements by Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasr, who suggested that the future of Russian military bases in Syria would depend on their strategic benefit to the country. “If it benefits Syria, then yes,” he stated.

Reports indicated that Russia had begun withdrawing its military presence from the port of Tartus. Satellite imagery, in late January showed the loading of military equipment onto cargo vessels Sparta and Sparta II, which are operated by the Russian company Oboronlogistika.

The Tartus Port, Russia’s sole naval base outside the former Soviet Union, played a critical role in Moscow’s military and geopolitical strategy. Used since 1977, it became a key logistics hub during Russia’s military intervention in Syria in 2015, supporting operations with advanced missile systems and enabling arms shipments to Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The port also allowed Russia to monitor NATO activities in the Mediterranean and served as a launch point for Wagner Group deployments to Africa. With Turkey restricting military access to the Bosphorus Strait, Tartus provided vital access to the Mediterranean, reinforcing Russia’s regional presence.

Earlier, Syria’s transitional government officially terminated a 49-year investment contract with Russia for the Port of Tartus, redirecting all revenues to the Syrian state. The agreement, signed in 2019, required Russian investment in the port’s development, but Syrian officials cited unfulfilled commitments. The administration has since launched rehabilitation efforts, reduced customs duties, and revised import regulations to enhance efficiency.