Ukrainian Intelligence Claims Russia Preparing to Move Military Assets from Syria to Libya

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on January 3 that Russia is preparing to transfer military equipment and weapons from its naval base in Tartus, Syria, to Libya, Orda reports, citing The Kyiv Independent.

The reported moves come in the wake of rebels toppling the Russian-backed Assad regime in early December.

HUR claims that the Tartus base on the Mediterranean coast currently houses members of Russia's Africa Corps.

Established in 2023, this military unit comprises over 2,000 personnel, including soldiers, officers, and experienced mercenaries, many formerly associated with the Wagner Group.

The Africa Corps has reportedly operated in several countries, including Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

HUR detailed upcoming Russian naval movements, stating that the landing ships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky, along with the cargo vessel Sparta, are scheduled to dock at Tartus on January 5.

Two additional vessels - the cargo ship Sparta II and tanker Ivan Skoblev - are expected to arrive on January 8.

Russia plans to use the Sparta and Sparta II cargo ships to transport military equipment and weapons from Syria to Libya, HUR claimed.

Additionally, the Russian frigate Admiral Golovko is reportedly planning to make a refueling stop.

The intelligence agency also noted that some armored personnel carriers, believed to be from Syria, have already been transported to an airfield in Russia's Vladimir Oblast. 

The Kyiv Independent has not independently verified these claims.