Overview

• Russia's naval ships have left the Tartus base in Syria, raising questions about the future of its only Mediterranean military facility.
• The Tartus base, established in the 1970s, has been critical for Russian naval operations and power projection in the region.
• Kremlin officials are negotiating with Syria's new rulers to secure continued access to the Tartus and Khmeimim bases, though no agreements have been finalized.
• Analysts suggest potential relocation options, such as Libya or Sudan, but these lack the infrastructure and strategic value of Syria's bases.
• The loss of these bases would diminish Russia's influence in the Middle East and Mediterranean, further straining its global military reach.