It turns out that the new Syrian regime is not only not coming to terms with the Russians in negotiations to keep their bases in Syria, but is also harassing Russian attempts to evacuate them. Reports began to appear in the media, based on data from the MarineTraffic portal and Osint researchers, that the cargo ship Sparta II arrived at the port of Tartus on 5/1, but is not receiving permission from the Syrians to dock at the port and is forced to sail about 12 miles from the coast without being able to dock since it is sailing in water 1600 meters deep. The situation is forcing the Russians to increase the evacuation by air from warmer waters.

This is the second cargo ship sent to Tartus, the first (Ursa Major) sent by the Russian “superpower” – sank off the coast of Spain on 12/23.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Sparta is planned to transport weapons and equipment from Tartus to Libya. According to Russian bloggers, the reason is that the Syrians are resorting to financial blackmail against the Russians.