Russia Seeks Deal With Syria’s New Leadership to Retain Key Military Bases, Bloomberg Reports

Russia is moving toward an agreement with Syria’s new leadership to retain control of two strategic military bases—the naval port in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase—in the Middle East, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, according to Bloomberg on December 12.

Sources familiar with the discussions, who were speaking anonymously, indicate that negotiations involve an informal understanding with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS ). The arrangement would allow Russian forces to maintain their presence at the bases. However, the situation remains fluid due to ongoing instability in Syria, Bloomberg reports.

Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister, confirmed that contact has been established with HTS’s political committee, currently operating in Damascus.

“Representatives of the Russian Embassy have held meetings with the committee to discuss issues related to the security of our diplomatic mission and Russian citizens in Syria,” Bogdanov said.

He emphasized that Moscow is committed to retaining its military bases in Syria to continue combating international terrorism and expects the new Syrian leadership to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats.

“Contacts with representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are progressing constructively, and we hope all commitments will be fulfilled,” Bogdanov concluded.

Previously, it was reported that Russian intelligence operatives convinced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to leave the country, warning him that he was on the verge of losing the war.