Putin’s Move: Russian Military Assets Shift from Syria to Africa, Impacting Global Security
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making significant changes to the country’s military presence following the fall of Syrian dictator Bashir al-Assad. According to reports from the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russian military equipment will be relocated to Libya, North Africa. This move is set to have far-reaching implications for global security.
Russian Fleet Deployment
On January 5, 2025, the Russian large landing ships Ivan Grin and Alexander Otrakovsky, along with the dry cargo ship Sparta, are expected to arrive in the Syrian port of Tartus in the Mediterranean Sea. Captain 1st Rank Yuri Albertovich Davityan is reportedly on board the Russian Northern Fleet’s large landing ship Alexander Otrakovsky, overseeing the operation.
Impact on African Operations
The Chief of Staff of the 121st Brigade of Landing Ships is waiting for the warships to move military equipment from Tartus, a significant setback for Putin. Ukrainian intelligence has revealed that mercenaries from the African Corps, controlled by the Russian Defense Ministry, are also present at the Tartus base in Syria. The African Corps, also known as the Russian Expeditionary Corps (REK), plays a crucial role in supporting Russian political influences and Moscow-aligned governments in Africa.
Continued Presence in Libya
Moscow has maintained a military presence in Libya since October 2018, specifically in Benghazi and Tobruk, with the support of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army (LNA). Ukrainian intelligence reports that on January 8, 2025, two additional Russian ships, the general cargo ship Sparta II and the tanker Ivan Skobelev, are scheduled to call at Tartus before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. These cargo ships will be used to transport military equipment and weapons from Syria to Libya, further solidifying Russia’s presence in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Putin’s strategic moves in Africa and the Middle East are becoming increasingly clear. The shift in military assets not only impacts regional dynamics but also has broader implications for global security. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
