Russia is concentrating troops at the naval base in Tartus (photo)

The Russians have sent equipment to the port of Tartus, awaiting the arrival of landing and cargo ships of the Russian Navy, which are currently heading to Syria.

The Russians are concentrating a significant amount of military equipment at the naval base in Tartus, Syria. The corresponding Maxar satellite images were published by military observer Evan Gill, writes “Militarnyi”.

The images show a cluster of trucks and other vehicles at the base’s pier. However, the cargo terminals remain empty.

It is obvious that the equipment is awaiting the arrival of landing and cargo ships of the Russian Navy, which are currently heading to Tartus. According to naval weapons researcher H I Sutton, a whole group of such ships is being sent to Syria.

In particular, among them was noticed a large landing ship of project 775 “Alexander Shabalin”, as well as container ships of the “Syrian Express” Sparta and Ursa Major.

In addition, researchers recorded the departure of a group of ships of the Northern Fleet, which includes landing ships and cargo ships, covered by a large anti-submarine ship of the 1155 project “Udaloy”.

Against the background of these events, reports appeared about the activity of Russian equipment at the Khmeimim air base. According to the photos published by the observer Preston Stewart, the equipment is concentrated near the Il-76 military transport aircraft. Russian combat aircraft also remain at the base, in particular, Su-24 front-line bombers, Su-34 fighter-bombers and Su-30/35 multi-role fighters.

These events take place against the background of the recent strike by Israeli forces on an arms depot in the Tartus area. A powerful explosion caused a detonation that caused an earthquake.

The question of the further presence of the Russian contingent depends on the position of the new Syrian government. The scale of the evacuation may indicate a possible complete withdrawal of Russian forces from the country or their significant reduction.

As USM reported the day before, the European Union will discuss the closure of the Russian naval base with the new Syrian authorities.