Russia is reducing its military footprint in Syria and shifting some of its assets from the Middle Eastern country to Africa, flight data and satellite imagery analyzed by RFE/RL appear to show.
Moscow seems to have withdrawn a significant amount of military equipment from its bases in Syria since President Bashar al-Assad, Russia’s longtime ally, was ousted from power on December 8.
To offset the potential loss of its air base in Hmeimim and naval base in Tartus, Russia looks to be increasing its presence in Libya, Mali, and Sudan. But experts say the African countries are unlikely to be viable alternatives.
Still, flight data and satellite imagery suggest Russia is transferring some of its military assets from Syria to its facilities in Africa.
Losing its Syrian bases would be a major strategic setback for Russia, which has used the facilities to project its power across the Middle East and Africa.
Moscow has said it is still in negotiations with the new government in Damascus over the future of its military bases in Syria. But the significant movement of Russian military equipment suggests it is preparing for a partial or full withdrawal from Syria, experts say.
A satellite image shows Russia’s naval vessels departing their usual positions at the Tartus base on December 5. Source: Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies.
A satellite image from Russia's Tartus base on December 10. Source: Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Helicopters disassembled for transport at the Hmeimim air base in Latakia, Syria on December 13. Source: Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Heavy transport aircraft preparing to load at the Hmeimim air base in Latakia on December 13. Source: Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
On December 15, a group of military trucks, armored personnel carriers, and personnel were seen being assembled on the tarmac at the Hmeimim air base. An Il-76 transport aircraft was parked near the equipment and several additional transport aircraft were also seen at the air base. Source: Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Russia has several bases in Africa, where Moscow has boosted its military footprint in recent years. They include facilities in Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Sudan.
Moving a significant amount of military equipment from Russia or Syria to Africa, however, will be costly, experts say.
“To carry out important operations Russia will have to pay a lot of money. Both for its air and sea fleet,” said Roland Marchal of the Paris Institute of Political Studies.
It would also be more difficult to fly cargo jets all the way from Russia to Africa loaded down with heavy weaponry, with refueling a major challenge. That also assumes Russia can secure overflight rights from Turkey, a regional rival.
Despite the costs, Russia appears to be moving some of its military assets from Syria to bases in Mali and Libya, which is home to an estimated 1,200 Russian mercenaries.
Satellite images also show increased activity in Russia’s naval base in Sudan. Moscow signed a deal to open a base on the African country’s Red Sea coast in 2019. It is unclear if the naval facility is fully operational.
A comparison of the activities at Russia’s Al-Jufra base in Libya on December 5, December 10, and December 15 shows the arrival of a Russian Ilyushin plane. Source: Planet Labs.
Satellite images show activities at Russia’s naval base in Sudan between November 16 and December 10. Source: Planet Labs.
Images from December 13 (top picture) and December 11 (bottom picture) of Bamako airport in Mali, which is home to a Russian base, shows a plane unloading. Source: Planet Labs
Bamako airport on December 13 zoomed in to show plane unloading. Source: Planet Labs
Flight analysis shows Moscow sending cargo planes to Libya, with some coming from Syria and others from Russia.
There has been heavier than usual traffic in recent weeks between Russia and Libya, although it is unclear what the planes were transporting.
A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 jet -- a heavy-lift workhorse cargo plane -- flew from Russia to Libya on December 12, went back to Russia a day later, and immediately flew back to Libya, flight records show.
Flight records from December 16 also show an Ilyushin Il-76 jet flying from Russia to Moscow’s military base in Bamako in Mali. The jet returned to Russia the next day.
Cargo planes flying from Russia to Libya used the air space of Turkey, a NATO member.
The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said on December 12 that Russia’s logistical challenges in reaching Africa “will increase the political leverage that Turkey will hold over Russia.”
The think tank also mentioned the “practical costs of supporting Russian operations in Africa if more cargo planes stop to refuel at other airfields.”