Syria agrees deal with Russia over future use of 2 key Mediterranean bases

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria and Russia have finalized an agreement concerning the future of two pivotal Mediterranean coastal bases, ultimately leading to their cessation as military outposts for Russia, according to Syria’s Foreign Ministry report on Sunday. Russia held significant political and military influence over ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad from 2011 to 2024 during the Syrian conflict, which pitted Assad's regime against an Islamist-led armed opposition, with current interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa being a notable militant figure during that time.

The Hmeimim air base, situated near Latakia, and the Tartus naval base were crucial Russian strongholds in the eastern Mediterranean throughout the conflict. According to the agreement reached, Syria will assume control over both the Hmeimim air base and the commercial berth at Tartus port, integrating them into the nation's civil administration.

The military installations at both locations will serve as "joint training and qualification centers," as stated by the Foreign Ministry. These new arrangements signify a "reorganization of Russia's presence" along Syria's coast, as per the ministry's statement. The development marks the most substantial shift since negotiations commenced around a year and a half ago, paving the way for a new chapter in Syrian-Russian relations.

Moscow has not yet commented on the agreement. While Russia did not interfere during the rapid revolt that culminated in Assad's removal, it did grant asylum to the former Syrian leader and his family. Following Assad's downfall, Russian forces that remained in Syria gradually withdrew from the country. Syria's emerging leadership has sought to preserve robust bilateral relations with Russia, with al-Sharaa visiting President Vladimir Putin in Moscow twice since assuming power, with discussions about the two Mediterranean bases being among the key topics.