UK monitors Russian vessels transporting munitions from Syria

Britain announced on Saturday that it had recently monitored six Russian naval and merchant vessels transporting ammunition used in Syria as they navigated through the Channel. The British defense ministry stated that these ships, which were being closely observed by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, were departing Syria following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of Russia, in December.

According to the ministry, Russia has been withdrawing its military resources from Syria since Assad’s ousting, characterizing this as a significant setback for Moscow’s ambitions in the Middle East.

Defense Minister John Healey remarked, “These vessels were retreating from Syria after Putin distanced himself from his ally Assad, yet they remained armed and loaded with ammunition. This indicates that while Russia is diminished, it still poses a threat.”

Russia aims to maintain access to naval and air bases in Syria under the new Islamist leadership that emerged after Assad fled to Moscow following 13 years of civil conflict, during which Russian forces intervened on his behalf.

The British defense ministry noted that the withdrawal of ammunition from Syria reflects how Russia’s focus on its war in Ukraine has impacted its ability to support Assad’s regime. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking their first communication since Assad’s departure. The Syrian presidency reported that Putin had invited Syria’s new foreign minister to Moscow and indicated that Russia was open to reassessing bilateral agreements established during Assad’s tenure.