UK Monitors Russian Cargo and Warship Movement Suspected of Arms Transport
The UK’s Royal Navy has successfully tracked a Russian warship and cargo ship, suspected of carrying arms from Syria, in an operation dubbed the “Syrian Express.” The operation involved HMS Somerset and coordination with NATO forces. The cargo ship Baltic Leader has been previously noted for carrying military supplies and has faced legal issues in the past. This operation reflects ongoing efforts to monitor Russian maritime activities in the region.
The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom has successfully concluded a three-day operation focused on monitoring a Russian warship and military cargo ship navigating the English Channel, suspected of transporting armaments from Syria. The operation has become part of a frequent pattern referred to as the “Syrian Express” by The Times (London).
During this operation, the Russian corvette Boikiy was detected moving from the Baltic, prompting the dispatch of HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate stationed in Portsmouth, to track its movement. Commander Joel Roberts of the Somerset indicated that the ship is experienced in escorting Russian vessels, having undertaken similar missions previously.
The operation involved the coordination of HMS Somerset along with UK patrol aircraft and NATO forces. The inclusion of a Merlin helicopter allowed for enhanced information gathering, and the Belgian minehunter BNS Crocus also participated in observing the movement of the ships.
Boikiy met with the cargo ship Baltic Leader, which is suspected to be transporting military equipment from Syria’s Tartus base. Reports suggest that this cargo operation is linked to the evacuation of military supplies following the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Satellite imagery revealed military equipment present at Tartus when Baltic Leader docked on February 1.
The Times has published exclusive photographs of this naval operation, capturing the transit of the corvette and cargo ship. Images show individuals in military fatigues on the cargo ship, as well as Russian personnel manning machine guns at times during the transit.
From March 1 to March 3, both Baltic Leader and Boikiy traversed toward the North Sea and the Baltic. The Baltic Leader has gained notoriety for carrying Russian military equipment. In 2022, French authorities detained the ship over potential sanction breaches and subsequently prosecuted its captain, who was ultimately acquitted due to ownership disputes.
This operation marked the second instance in which HMS Somerset was engaged to track Russian maritime activities within the year. Earlier, it had participated in monitoring the suspected Russian spy ship Yantar. A fortnight prior, HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne were involved in surveilling a convoy of five Russian vessels believed to be transporting supplies from Syria to a Baltic port.
The United Kingdom’s Royal Navy has clearly demonstrated its commitment to monitoring maritime activities involving Russian vessels, particularly those suspected of transporting military equipment from Syria. Their recent operation, involving the tracking of the corvette Boikiy and cargo ship Baltic Leader, underscores the persistent surveillance efforts designed to ascertain the movements of such vessels within European waters. As tensions in the region persist, such naval initiatives will likely continue in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
