Russian Troops Stranded at Sea as Cargo Ship ‘Sparta‘ Suffers Damage Amid Syria Evacuation
Canadian defense analysts have reported that a portion of Russian military personnel are stranded at sea following a malfunction on the cargo ship ‘Sparta’, which was en route from Syria. The intelligence comes from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), according to the publication Focus.
The cargo ship ‘Sparta’, chartered by Russia for the evacuation of weapons and equipment from Syria, has encountered an engine failure in the fuel pipeline, making it difficult for the crew to address the issue while adrift in the open sea near Portuguese waters.
Meanwhile, the remaining Russian military contingents in Syria have completed their withdrawal from remote areas and have retreated to strategic bases. Some equipment has already begun to be moved from the Syrian port of Tartus to Libya.
Ukrainian intelligence further adds that within Russian military circles in Syria, discussions are active regarding a full withdrawal from the country. According to GUR, the new Syrian government has requested Russia to withdraw its military presence, including from key bases in Hmeimim and Tartus, by February 20, 2025. The purpose, as stated, is to facilitate the lifting of international sanctions.
The situation highlights the mounting challenges faced by Russia in Syria, including logistics issues and political tension.
