Satellite imagery from Dec. 9 by Planet Labs shows at least three Russian naval vessels, including guided missile frigates and an oiler, anchored around 13 km northwest of Tartous, Syria’s coastal city.
This comes after Syrian rebels seized Damascus following a swift advance, prompting Moscow to reposition its fleet for security reasons. Russia’s Tartous base, the only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, now holds only part of its Mediterranean fleet, which was previously positioned there. The rest of the fleet remains unaccounted for in the latest satellite images. The Russian defense ministry has not yet responded to a Reuters request for comment.