Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk17/2024

Task Force Composition
As reported by OSINT at the morning of Apr-27


Weekly Brief
Weapons transports between Syria and Libya are continuing with a regular pace with a third delivery completed at the beginning of the week. Weapon deliveries are rumored to be destined for Russia's Afrika Korps operating in Libya.

Sparta IV, a known weapon runner between Syria and Russia has reappeared in the Mediterranean, coming from Saint Petersburg. It is unclear if this vessel is already carrying weapons or if it is picking up a new delivery in Syria.
It will be interesting to see if the Sparta IV will reinforce the Libyan Express or remain on the Syrian Express between Syria and Russia.

Daily Events
April 21
Satellite imagery indicate that the amphibious landing vessels Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky are departing the port of Tobruk, Libya. Steregushchy class corvette Merkury is believed to provide an escort [1].

April 24
Satellite imagery of the port of Tartus, Syria, confirmed the presence of all vessels of the task force with the exception of the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov and the intelligence collection vessel Kildin [2].

April 26
Russian cargo vessel and known weapons runner Sparta IV passed through the Strait of Gibraltar during the morning hours [3].

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