Russia is nearing an agreement with the new leadership of Syria regarding the preservation of two crucial military bases in this Middle Eastern nation, which is a key objective for the Kremlin following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, reports Bloomberg citing sources.
"According to informed sources in Moscow, Europe, and the Middle East, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, negotiations are underway for Russian troops to remain at the naval port of Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow believes it has an informal understanding with 'Hayat Tahrir al-Sham' (HTS), a former affiliate of 'Al-Qaeda', which has led the offensive to topple Assad, that they can stay at the Syrian bases," said a source in Russia. "The situation may still change amid the ongoing instability in Syria," the source warned, as reported.
It is noted that the naval base serves as Russia's only hub in the Mediterranean. The airfield is utilized to support Russia's operations in ensuring security in Africa, enabling it to project political and economic influence and restore some of Moscow's power from the Cold War era on the continent.