Syria Recasts 2 Russian Bases as Joint Training Centers, Reclaiming Civilian Control Within 3 Months
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 9
Syria Recasts 2 Russian Bases as Joint Training Centers, Reclaiming Civilian Control Within 3 Months
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 9
Summary
Damascus said Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base will be turned into joint Russian-Syrian training and qualification centers, while Syria takes over civilian facilities at Hmeimim and Tartus’s commercial section.
The transition is due within three months, formalizing the biggest shift in Russia’s military presence since Bashar al-Assad’s 2024 overthrow after 18 months of negotiations.
Russia has not commented, but analysts said the deal lets Syria assert more sovereignty over strategic coastal sites while preserving Moscow’s remaining foothold in the Mediterranean.
That pragmatism reflects mutual dependence: Syria still needs Russian oil, grain, debt relief and technical support, while Moscow wants to retain its only Mediterranean military platform and wider regional leverage.
The accord suggests post-Assad Syria is pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy—keeping Russia engaged even as it explores ties with the US, Turkey and others.