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Russia Engages HTS Rebels to Secure Tartus and Khmeimim Bases Post-Assad

Dec 13, 2024, 12:08 AM

Following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia has initiated talks with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which now controls power in Syria, to secure its military presence. The discussions aim to retain control over the Tartus naval base and the Khmeimim air base, which are crucial for Russia's military operations in the Middle East. Despite early indications that Russia might lose access to these bases, Moscow is reportedly nearing an agreement with Syria's new leadership to keep its forces stationed at these locations. The talks are described as 'constructive' by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who emphasized the importance of these bases for continuing the fight against international terrorism. Satellite imagery has shown Russian warships temporarily leaving the Tartus port, suggesting Moscow is taking precautions while negotiating its future military presence in the region.