Syria takes over Russian military bases in deal with Moscow

Under a new agreement, Syria will assume control of two Russian military bases that had been used to support ousted leader Bashar Assad during the Syrian civil war. The deal, confirmed by Syrian officials, marks a significant shift in the country's post-war relations with Russia. The two bases—one naval and one air—had served as key hubs for Russian military operations in the region. For years, Moscow used the facilities to back Assad's forces against rebel groups. Now, their management will transfer to Syria's current government. The move is seen as part of a broader realignment in Syria, as the new authorities seek to reassert national sovereignty while navigating a complex web of international alliances. Details on the timeline of the handover or the presence of Russian personnel were not disclosed. The agreement signals a continued, though changed, role for Russia in Syria's security landscape.