Russia Nears Agreement with HTS to Retain Tartus and Khmeimim Bases in Syria for Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Dec 12, 2024, 05:21 PM

Russia is nearing an agreement with the new leadership of Syria, specifically with the political committee of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to maintain its military presence in the country. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, talks are focused on retaining control over the naval port in Tartus and the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia, which are crucial for Russia's strategic interests in the Middle East and Africa. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has expressed Moscow's intent to continue its fight against international terrorism from these bases. The discussions come in the wake of the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, marking a significant shift in Syrian governance and foreign policy dynamics.