Now Reading: Syria, Russia reach deal to convert two bases into joint centres
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Syria, Russia reach deal to convert two bases into joint centres
Syria, Russia reach deal to convert two bases into joint centres
Syria said on Sunday that it reached a deal with Moscow on the fate of its two Russian bases. The Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base will be turned into "joint training…
The Story in Brief
Syria said on Sunday that it reached a deal with Moscow on the fate of its two Russian bases. The Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base will be turned into "joint training and capacity-building centres" under a memorandum of understanding, Syria's SANA news agency reported. The agreement sets a time limit of no more than three months to complete the process. Civilian facilities at both bases will be handed over to Damascus in the meantime.
Russia was a key ally of ousted president Bashar al-Assad during Syria's 13-year conflict. His overthrow in 2024 weakened Moscow's regional influence. President Vladimir Putin has courted the new Islamist authorities in Damascus to secure the bases' future. Syria continues to demand the extradition of Assad, who remains in Moscow. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani inspected the sites on Sunday.
The Indian Opinion
The deal is being sold as a win-win, but the real test is whether Moscow will ever hand over Bashar al-Assad. Syria has demanded extradition; Russia has stayed silent. The three-month timeline for converting civilian facilities sounds ambitious. Watch if the bases actually become training centres or remain de facto Russian outposts. A single number will settle the question: how many Russian troops stay after the handover.
Sources (3): newindianexpress.com, ndtv.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
