Satellite images and ship tracking data reveal a sudden stop in Russian military and commercial activity at the Syrian port of Tartus following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s government. Tartus, a strategic hub for Moscow’s Mediterranean operations since 1971, had been a center of naval and trade activity just days earlier.
Before Assad’s ousting, satellite imagery showed five Russian warships and a submarine docked at the port. By Tuesday, Dec. 10, those vessels had departed.
Two frigates remain off Syria’s coast, with their next moves unclear. Smaller Syrian naval vessels are still docked at Tartus. This has contradicted Israeli claims that recent airstrikes near Latakia destroyed Syria’s entire naval fleet.
Commercial shipping at Tartus has also ceased. Ship tracking data shows no vessels entering or leaving the port since Monday, Dec. 9.
Two grain carriers en route to Tartus altered course and are now idling near Cyprus. Additionally, an Iranian oil tanker carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil reportedly turned back in the Red Sea after Assad’s removal.
Syria’s dependence on Iranian oil to fuel its refineries raises concerns about potential shortages. Analysts warn the disruption could soon result in diesel and gasoline scarcities across the country.