Russia is increasing the shipment of weapons to a naval base in Syria

Twice as many Russian ships pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. Thus, weapons and military equipment are transported to the naval base in western Syria.

The number of Russian warships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar doubled compared to the same period in 2023, writes Gospodarka Morska.

The Spanish Ministry of Defense said that “several hundred” ships with weapons or military materials on board are heading from the ports of Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg to the Russian naval base in western Syria.

In Syria, the Russians have two bases – a naval and an air force. The first is located in Tartus.

In this way, Russia enjoys the right of peaceful passage, that is, the right of all ships to pass quickly and unhindered through the territorial sea, if this does not violate the peace, order or security of the coastal state. At the same time, submarines must surface and be visible.

At the same time, Russian ships are accompanied by ships from Spain and neighboring countries.

In the Spanish media El Pais, they write that Russia considers itself a superpower and wants to be seen, so sailing in the waters around NATO countries is to some extent a “demonstration of power”. The Kremlin is also testing the Alliance’s ability to respond to risks and threats.

According to Salvamento Maritimo, the service responsible for safety in Spanish waters, about 70,000 ships and vessels pass through the Strait of Gibraltar every year.

Read also: What is known about the Syrian port of Tartus.