The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has reported that Russia has transferred additional military forces and equipment to the Hmeimim Airbase in Latakia province, as part of a recent escalation in its military activity in western Syria.

According to SOHR, more than nine Antonov A124 cargo aircraft have landed at the base over the past few days, while four military convoys were observed moving from Russia’s Tartus naval facility to the airbase.

Convoys from Tartus to Latakia

The watchdog said that a Russian convoy consisting of 24 medium-sized military transport trucks carrying logistical equipment, along with four kerosene tankers, departed from Tartus port and arrived at Hmeimim under the escort of Russian military police.

In a separate movement, another convoy of 24 trucks later left Hmeimim for Tartus, reportedly transporting undisclosed military equipment, which forced the vehicles to move slowly due to the sensitive nature of the cargo.

Russia has maintained a military presence in Syria since September 30, 2015, when it intervened at the request of the Syrian government. Although Moscow scaled back parts of its deployment following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, it continues to operate from two key bases, Hmeimim Airbase near Latakia and the Tartus naval base on the Mediterranean coast.

In addition to these installations, Russian forces maintain dozens of military outposts and checkpoints across the country, underscoring Moscow’s continued strategic influence in the region.