An incident has occurred in Syria that may indicate growing tensions between Damascus and Moscow. A military convoy of 30 Russian vehicles was unable to enter the Syrian base in Tartus. After waiting eight hours at the checkpoint, the column was forced to return to the Khmeimim airbase. 

The situation occurred against the backdrop of recent statements by Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra. The high-ranking official made it clear that the Syrian leadership is reviewing its terms of cooperation with Russia. Damascus is demanding the return of President Bashar al-Assad, who, according to local sources, has left the country and has been in Moscow since December last year. 

The incident has caused a stir among military experts and political analysts, with many seeing it as a sign of a major shift in Damascus's policies.

Historically, the Tartus base has been an important strategic facility for Russia. Its use allows for the permanent presence of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean. The Tartus base is the only stronghold of the Russian fleet in the region, and its loss could seriously limit Moscow's operational capabilities.

The Russian side has not yet made official comments on this matter.