Now Reading: Syria, Russia agree to turn bases into joint training centres
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Syria, Russia agree to turn bases into joint training centres
Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to convert two Russian military bases into joint training and qualification centres within three months. The bases at Hmeimim air base in Latakia…
The Story in Brief
Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to convert two Russian military bases into joint training and qualification centres within three months. The bases at Hmeimim air base in Latakia and the Mediterranean port of Tartus have been under scrutiny since the ouster of Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry called the pact the most significant development since talks began 18 months ago. Under the deal, Syria will manage civilian facilities like Hmeimim airport and a commercial berth at Tartus. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who met Vladimir Putin in Moscow last October, is also building ties with the US after meeting Donald Trump and getting sanctions lifted.
The Indian Opinion
The claim that Russia has lost all military influence in the Middle East is exaggerated. While the bases are no longer under exclusive Russian control, the joint training arrangement keeps Moscow's footprint on the Mediterranean. The test will be whether Russian military activity at Tartus and Hmeimim actually shrinks in the coming months, or whether this is just a rebranding to suit Syria’s new government. A clear number to watch: the count of Russian naval vessels docking at Tartus after the three-month transition period.
Source: livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
