Russia Faces Strategic Setbacks After Losing Syrian Bases

The fall of Bashar al-Assad disrupts Moscow’s military operations in Africa and the Mediterranean, forcing reliance on Libya as an alternative hub.

The overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Russia scrambling to maintain its military and logistical foothold in the Middle East and Africa.
Russia has begun evacuating troops and equipment from its key Syrian bases, Tartus and Khmeimim, with plans for a full withdrawal by February 2025, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
Moscow has intensified flights to Libya, aiming to use the al-Khadim airbase near Benghazi as a replacement for its Syrian facilities to sustain African operations.
The loss of Syria undermines Russia’s ability to project power in Africa, complicating arms shipments and support for mercenary operations critical to its influence in countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger.
African governments are questioning Russia’s reliability as a security partner, and logistical challenges in Libya and political instability threaten Moscow’s long-term plans in the region.