Russia’s Strategic Shift: From Syria’s Conflict to Libya’s Shores?
Russia’s military presence in Syria faces uncertainty after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime. Russia’s Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase, which have been critical to operations in the Mediterranean and Africa since Assad’s fall, are now protected by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an alliance of Islamist groups that came to power after the establishment of the Assad regime. The fall of Assad. However, satellite images and reports indicate that Russia is also preparing to move its military assets. As a result, there is speculation that Moscow may move its military assets to Libya. Russian authorities deny any such move and say they are in talks with HTS. However, analysts say logistical challenges and tensions caused by past hostilities against Syria’s new authorities could force Russia to reconsider its presence in Syria. But if Russia gains a permanent base in Libya, it could challenge NATO and upset the fragile balance in the war-torn country.
source: data warehouse
