Leaders in Rome fear Moscow's warships could be parked "two steps" from Italian shores, as Defense Minister Guido Crosetto put it.

Russia is reportedly moving military equipment from Syria’s Tartus naval base and Khmeimim air base to eastern Libya after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The loss of its military power in Syria has led Russia to turn its sights on Libya. Could the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria see the strengthening of his Libyan counterpart, Khalifa Haftar?

Russia appears to be scrambling to reinforce its bases in Libya as it faces being thrown out of Syria, its other foothold in the Mediterranean.

Recent aircraft and ship movements suggest Russia has launched an air bridge between Syria and Al-Khadim airbase in Libya. They also hint that some military kit might then head further south towards Niger,

If Russia relocates to Libya, experts worry the shift could impact security in the Mediterranean and unbalance the frozen conflict there. Russian military bases in Syria appear to be being packed ...

The rapid downfall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad has touched off a new round of delicate geopolitical maneuvering between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Experts believe that Russia is moving defence materials from Belarus to Libya in a bid to increase its military presence.

Moscow has operated important naval and air bases in Syria in exchange for the support it provided to prop up Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian dictator who was ousted last week.

Russia is moving its troops and equipment in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, with the Kremlin saying no decision has been taken about the Russian military status in the country as of yet.

Acting decisively now can undermine Russia’s and Iran’s positions in the Middle East and strengthen U.S. and European influence in the region.