Eyes on Syria

Eastern Mediterranean Mission for a US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon Departing NAS Sigonella: he mission itself is not unusual, as in recent years we have tracked multiple similar operations. However, this time the SIGINT (signals intelligence) activity has shifted focus. While such missions traditionally covered the entire coastline of countries bordering the Eastern Mediterranean, today’s operation is concentrated exclusively off the Syrian coast.

The likely objective of the Poseidon is to monitor developments in Syria, particularly to assess any movements at Russian bases in the region. Rebel forces—especially jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda—are advancing southward, drawing closer, though still at a “safe” distance, to the airbases in Latakia and the naval base in Tartus.

It is not unreasonable to consider that Moscow may be contemplating the evacuation of these bases should they become threatened by the rebels’ progress.