Russia Hands Over Syrian Bases, Keeps a Foot in the Door—New Deal Cuts Military Footprint
Syria is taking control of two major Russian military bases, with Moscow’s presence being scaled back and converted into joint training centers.
Syria’s foreign ministry announced a deal with Russia to reorganize Moscow’s military footprint at the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval port [215708][215217]. Under the agreement, civilian authorities will take over management of Hmeimim Airport and part of the Tartous port, while the remaining military facilities at both sites will be converted into joint training and capacity-building centers [215217][215708][215159]. The conversion is expected to be completed within three months [215217].
The agreement marks a significant shift for the two facilities, which have served as Russia’s primary military footholds in the Middle East since the Syrian civil war [215708]. For years, Moscow used the bases to back ousted leader Bashar Assad’s forces against rebel groups [215729]. Now, their management will transfer to Syria’s current government [215729].
The deal signals Moscow’s intent to maintain a military foothold in the region, though with a reduced permanent presence [215708][215136]. No specific timeline for the handover or troop numbers were disclosed [215729][215136]. The agreement follows months of speculation about Russia’s future in Syria after recent political changes in Damascus [215708].