Russia Withdraws All Submarines from the Mediterranean Sea Following Strategic Losses

In a significant development for the Russian Navy, all submarines have been withdrawn from the Mediterranean Sea after the loss of their base in Tartus, Syria. Naval experts note that this withdrawal marks a notable shift in the operational capabilities of the Russian fleet in the region. The Tartus naval facility, which has been pivotal for Russian operations, has been rendered ineffective, leading to an absence of Russian submarines in the eastern Mediterranean for the first time in over a decade. “The loss of our assets in Tartus essentially eliminates our underwater presence in this crucial maritime area,” stated an anonymous official from the Russian defense ministry. This strategic retreat has raised concerns about the future of Russian naval power in the Mediterranean, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and military engagements in Ukraine.