Ship for transportation of Russian troops broke down in Syria

Russia has sent the cargo ship Sparta to export its weapons, equipment and troops from Syria, but it broke down while sailing on the high seas. The Russian crew is currently trying to fix the problem.

This was reported by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on Monday, December 23.

Problems of Russians during the withdrawal of troops from Syria

The DIU said that the cargo ship broke down while in motion because the fuel pipe of the main engine failed. The Russian crew is currently trying to fix the problem and is drifting in the high seas near Portugal.

"Meanwhile, the remnants of the Russian contingent in Syria have completed their withdrawal from remote areas and are located in only two places — at the air base in Hmeymim and the naval base in Tartus," the statement said.

According to intelligence, Russia has begun to move some of its weapons and equipment from the port of Tartus to Libya by sea.

Also, the Russian military in Syria is actively discussing the alleged demand of the new government of the Arab republic to Moscow. According to them, they are demanding the complete withdrawal of their military contingent from Syrian territory, in particular from the bases in Hmemim and Tartus, no later than February 20, 2025. This step is allegedly connected to the new government in Damascus' desire to achieve the lifting of international sanctions.

As a reminder, the Financial Times recently reported that Russia may have begun withdrawing its troops from Syria amid the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Satellite images were published.

In addition, the DIU found out that Russians in Syria are afraid of evacuation. They believe that their convoy will be covered by fire.