Russia to Retain Tartus, Hmeimim Bases in Syria After Assad's Fall

Dec 12, 2024, 03:32 PM

Russia is close to reaching an agreement with Syria's new leadership to maintain its two military bases in the country, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. Talks are underway for Russian forces to remain at the naval port in Tartus—Russia's only Mediterranean port—and the air base at Hmeimim, which has been used to bomb Idlib and is vital for supplying Russia's security operations in Africa. The potential deal, which may be a temporary arrangement, is significant for the Kremlin's strategic interests in the Middle East amid Syria's instability. The Defense Ministry in Moscow reportedly believes it has an informal understanding with the HTS-led regime in Damascus, though the situation could still change.