Syria has announced, according to its own reports, that it has reached an agreement with Moscow regarding the future of the two Russian military bases located in the country. These bases were previously utilized during the Syrian civil war to support the ousted leader, Bashar al-Assad.
The official state news agency Sana reported on Sunday, referencing the Foreign Ministry, that the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval base will henceforth serve as joint training and capacity-building centers. This declaration of intent followed eighteen months of negotiations. Sana further indicated that the transition is slated to be completed within a maximum of three months, by which time the civil facilities of both sites will be handed over to the government in Damascus. Both bases remained operational throughout the negotiation period.
Russia was a crucial ally to Assad during the 13-year civil war, maintaining his regime through military backing. However, Assad’s fall in 2024 has significantly diminished Russian influence in the region. Since then, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been striving to cultivate positive relations with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Scharaa, particularly concerning the future of Russia’s only two official military outposts outside the former Soviet Union. Although Scharaa previously acknowledged Russia’s “historical role in the region,” Damascus continues to demand the extradition of Assad, who is currently in Moscow with his wife.
