Russia’s military bases in Syria set for major change under new deal
Syria says reached deal with Moscow on fate of Russian bases
Syria has reached an agreement with Russia regarding the future of the country's two military bases, Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, according to Syria's official SANA news agency. The foreign ministry quoted the deal as preserving mutual interests while transforming the bases into joint training and capacity-building centers.
The memorandum of understanding, reached after a year and a half of negotiations, stipulates that the process will be completed within no more than three months. Syria plans to hand over civilian facilities at both bases to Damascus. Russia, a key ally of ousted leader Bashar Al Assad during the 13-year Syrian civil war, provided vital military support to keep Assad's forces in power.
The agreement comes as Assad's ouster in 2024 significantly diminished Moscow's influence in the region, prompting President Vladimir Putin to seek stronger relations with the new Islamist authorities in Damascus.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
