Russia transferring its troops in Syria to Libya – Large landing ships dispatched

Russia is preparing to transfer its military forces from Syria’s Port city of Tartus to Libya, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, known as HUR, reported on Friday. Russians are currently waiting for the arrival of the ships that will export military equipment and weapons, HUR reported in a statement posted on Telegram messaging app on January 3. “On January 5, 2025, the Russian large landing ships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky, along with the dry cargo ship Sparta, are scheduled to arrive at the Syrian port. They are currently en route to Tartus in the Mediterranean Sea. On board the Otrakovsky is the chief of staff of the 121st Brigade of Landing Ships of the Russian Navy, Captain 1st Rank Yuri Davityan,” HUR’s statement reads. The intelligence agency added that on January 8, two additional Russian vessels are expected to dock in Tartus – the universal cargo ship Sparta II and the tanker Ivan Skobelev, which are now preparing to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. Some of the Russian armored vehicles evacuated from Syria have already been unloaded in Russia’s Vladimir region, HUR stressed. Russia started withdrawal of its troops from the military base in Syria after thetoppling of Bashar al-Assad by rebel groups in early December. Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russia was having great difficulty evacuating soldiers from the country. It should be noted that Kremlin was the closes ally of Bashar al-Assad and granted political asylum to the ousted leader and his family. Meanwhile,
Ukraine is establishing diplomatic relations with the new Syrian government with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha visiting Syria for talks.