The UK Royal Navy tracked a Russian warship and cargo ship suspected of transporting armaments back from Syria. Part of the operation, referred to as the “Syrian Express,” involved HMS Somerset and international cooperation. The Russian corvette Boikiy rendezvoused with the cargo ship Baltic Leader, which has a history of military transport. The operation reflects ongoing monitoring of Russian maritime movements.
The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom recently completed a three-day operation, tracking a Russian warship and a military cargo ship suspected of transporting armaments from Syria back to their home country. This operation is part of an ongoing series of movements that The Times of London has referred to as the “Syrian Express.”
The Russian corvette, Boikiy, was initially detected progressing southward from the Baltic Sea. In response, HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate based in Portsmouth, was dispatched to monitor the warship’s movements. Commander Joel Roberts noted the frigate’s regularity in tracking Russian vessels, stating, “Somerset is well versed in the escort of Russian ships, having conducted these operations on a number of occasions.”
The operation involved coordination between the Somerset, UK patrol aircraft, and NATO forces. The frigate utilized its Merlin helicopter for reconnaissance while the Belgian minehunter BNS Crocus assisted in monitoring the vessels. Boikiy met with the cargo ship Baltic Leader, which is believed to have been departing from the Tartus base in Syria, facilitating the extraction of military equipment amid the Russian withdrawal following the Assad regime’s collapse.
Satellite images highlighted military equipment present at the Tartus dock when Baltic Leader arrived on February 1. The Times also released images from a fishing vessel showing personnel in military attire on the cargo ship, indicating a heavily-armed transit as Russian personnel occasionally operated machine guns during the voyage. The tracking operation spanned from March 1 to March 3, en route to the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Baltic Leader, a RoRo cargo vessel weighing 7,100 dwt, has a history of transporting Russian military equipment. In 2022, French authorities briefly detained the ship over potential sanctions violations, which led to a court case against its captain that resulted in an acquittal. Earlier this year, Portuguese authorities reported tracking Baltic Leader as it headed towards the Mediterranean on another suspected mission associated with the “Syrian Express.”
This instance marked the second activation of HMS Somerset for tracking Russian vessels in the current year. Previously, in January, Somerset tracked the suspected Russian spy ship Yantar alongside HMS Tyne. Furthermore, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Tyne, and RFA Tideforce only weeks ago monitored a group of five Russian ships, which included three cargo vessels believed to be returning from Syria to Russian Baltic ports.
The Royal Navy’s tracking of the Russian warship Boikiy and military cargo ship Baltic Leader underscores ongoing concerns regarding military activities linked to Syria. The operation exemplifies the UK’s commitment to closely monitoring potential threats in the region, particularly in relation to Russian activities. As the situation continues to unfold, enhanced vigilance from NATO and UK forces remains paramount to ensure stability in maritime operations.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
