Russia has two strategically-important military facilities in Syria – the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia Province and the naval facility at Tartous on the coast. These facilities are crucial for Russia to project power in the region, across the Mediterranean and into Africa.
Russian war bloggers have warned that the insurgents’ rapid advances threaten to undermine Russia’s geopolitical clout in the Middle East and its ability to influence the situation on the ground in Syria. The most immediate threat is to the future of the Hmeimim airbase and the naval facility at Tartous.
Rybar, a prominent Russian war blogger with over 1.3 million followers, warned that Moscow’s forces are facing a grave threat from the insurgents. He said that relying on the Syrian army alone would be a lost cause and that the Russian air force and specialists are needed to prevent defeat.
Another war blogger, “Fighterbomber”, warned that Russia’s forces in Syria are badly exposed and losing the Hmeimim airbase would mean losing 75% of Moscow’s capabilities. He also said that a full evacuation of all military equipment might not be possible if it became necessary.
The Russian Defence Ministry has declined to comment, but Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow is doing everything it can to prevent “terrorists” from prevailing in Syria. The Kremlin has also stated that it still supports Assad and is analysing the situation to see what help is needed to stabilise the situation.
The rapid advances of insurgents pose a significant threat to Russia’s interests in Syria, and if left unchecked, could lead to a major embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-bases-syria-threatened-by-insurgent-advance-say-moscows-war-bloggers-2024-12-07