Syria and Russia formalize agreement on future of military bases

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Syria and Russia formalize agreement on future of military bases

51 minutes ago

News sources:

LEMONDE

ALJAZEERA

REUTERS

Syria and Russia formalize agreement on future of military bases

Credited from: REUTERS

Syria and Russia agree on the future of Hmeimim and Tartous bases.
The bases will transform into joint training and capacity-building centers.
The agreement aims to preserve mutual interests between the nations.
Management of civilian facilities will transition to Syrian control.
Completion of the transition is set within three months.

Syria announced that it has reached a formal agreement with Russia regarding the future of its two military bases, Hmeimim and Tartous, after 18 months of negotiations. Under this memorandum of understanding, both bases will transition into “joint training and capacity-building centers” aimed at "preserving mutual interests," according to Syrian state news agency SANA and reports from Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

The agreement stipulates that civilian facilities, including the Hmeimim airport and commercial berth at Tartous, will be handed over to Syrian management, reflecting a significant shift in control. This transition is to be completed within three months, as stated by the Syrian Foreign Ministry and reported by Reuters.

This development is crucial as these bases represent Russia's primary military footholds in the Mediterranean and have been central to its influence in the region, especially following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The future of these bases had been a pressing issue in light of changing leadership dynamics in Syria, as noted by Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.