Russian warships leave Tartus naval base as US prepares to strike Assad
Russian ships have left the Syrian port of Tartus, according to the satellite images that have been published today by Image Satellite International (ISI).
One of the images taken earlier shows at least seven ships docked in the port. The image taken today shows no ships. According to ISI only one Kilo-class submarine remained in the port.
Among the ships that have left the port are frigate Admiral Grigorovich which is equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, Ropucha landing ship, cargo ship Inzhener Trubin.
The worships have reportedly been deployed off the Syrian coast to provide defense against the possible US strikes.
It has been reported that the Navy flotilla has been placed into a full combat readiness state. Its air defense systems are active and connected to land based radars and air defense systems. Ships are in the positions for optimal coverage of the Syrian coast.
The information has been later confirmed by Alexei Kondratyev, deputy head of the Upper House Defense Committee. According to him, in addition to land based air defense systems, Russian Navy will also be involved in fending off any possible missile attacks.
Information on a chemical attack by the Syrian Air Force came out on the night before Sunday, April 8. At least 70 people were killed in the attack. The Syrian Foreign Ministry denied that Damascus was involved in the attack.
Donald Trump accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of using chemical weapons, and promised Assad that he would pay a “high price” for it. Trump also reiterated that Russia and Iran are also responsible, as they have supported the Syrian regime.