Russia and Syria agree to convert military bases into joint training centers
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Russia and Syria sign a memorandum to reorganize Russia's military presence, converting bases into joint training centers. The agreement, reached after 1.5 years of talks, will see civilian assets like Hmeimim airport and a Tartus port berth transferred to Syrian control. The new arrangements take effect after a transition period of up to three months, though Moscow has yet to comment officially.
The Deal
Russia and Syria finalized a memorandum of understanding after 1.5 years of negotiations, Syrian state agency SANA reported, citing the Foreign Ministry. The deal outlines the phased reorganization of Russia's military footprint, which includes bases at Hmeimim in Latakia province and a logistics facility in Tartus. The Russian government has not issued an official statement on the accord.
Civilian Transfers
Under the memorandum, Syria will assume civilian management of the Hmeimim airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus port, integrating them into national infrastructure. These facilities had been under Russian control since Moscow's military intervention in 2015. The transfer marks a shift toward sovereign oversight of Syrian assets.
Military Transformation
Russian military bases will be converted into joint training centers serving the interests of both countries, according to the agreement. The conversion process will begin after a transition period not exceeding three months. The deal replaces prior arrangements that existed before the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, and follows Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's October 2025 pledge in Moscow to honor all previous agreements with Russia.
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