Part 2/14:
Russia maintains two key bases in Syria: the naval hub in Tartus and an air base in Latakia. Tartus is especially critical, serving as Moscow’s sole Mediterranean access point and a pivotal transit hub for military operations extending into Africa, notably in Libya and Sub-Saharan regions. According to military analysts, if these bases were to fall into rebel hands, Russian logistics and power projection would be severely compromised, potentially destabilizing its influence in the region.