Syria to regain Mediterranean bases as Russia shifts to joint training role

Syria and Russia have agreed that Damascus will assume civil control of two key Mediterranean facilities — the Hmeimim air base and the commercial berth at the Tartus port — while the military portions at both sites will be reclassified as Russia‑Syria joint training centers. Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the move as a reorganization of Moscow’s presence on the coast following lengthy negotiations and said the change marks a major turning point in bilateral relations. Russia had not immediately commented on the announcement.

The agreement comes amid significant political shifts since President Bashar al‑Assad was ousted in December 2024 and fled to Russia; insurgents led by interim President Ahmad al‑Sharaa now control Syria. Moscow provided asylum to Assad and gradually withdrew most forces from the country, retaining personnel at the coastal bases until now. Syria’s new leadership has pursued closer ties with Moscow while also restoring relations with Western and Arab states — Washington has eased most sanctions and France has reestablished diplomatic representation — developments that helped frame recent talks with Russia, as reported by AP News

This story has also been reported by: Reuters, Al Jazeera, France 24, New York Times, CNN, ABC News, Al-Monitor, SANA