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Syria, Moscow strike deal on two Russian bases
Syria announced on Sunday that it has finalised a deal with Russia on the future of the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, Moscow’s only two official military bases outside the former…
The Story in Brief
Syria announced on Sunday that it has finalised a deal with Russia on the future of the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, Moscow’s only two official military bases outside the former Soviet Union. The bases will become joint training and capacity-building centres, according to a memorandum of understanding quoted by state news agency SANA. The deal, reached after 18 months of talks, gives three months to complete the process, and civilian facilities will be handed over to Damascus in the meantime.
Russia used the bases to support ousted president Bashar al-Assad during Syria’s 13-year civil war. Assad was toppled in 2024, a blow to Moscow’s regional influence. Damascus has repeatedly demanded that Russia extradite Assad, who is sheltering in Moscow. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani inspected the bases on Sunday.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that Russia is losing all influence in the Middle East after Assad’s fall is too simplistic. Moscow has held on to its bases through hard bargaining, and Damascus’s demand for Assad’s extradition remains a separate, unresolved issue. Syria needs the leverage that a deal with Russia provides, while Russia needs a foothold in the Mediterranean. The real test will be whether Russia actually hands over Assad within the three-month timeline, or uses delays to keep him safe.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
