Syria says it reached deal with Moscow on future of Russian bases
Syria has reached an agreement with Russia to transition the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base into joint training and capacity-building centers. The move is framed by Damascus as an assertion of national sovereignty over its territory.
Why it matters
This agreement signals a potential shift in the long-standing military relationship between Russia and Syria following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base will become joint training and capacity-building centres under the agreement.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A satellite image shows a Russian naval facility, in Tartous, Syria in this handout picture taken on December 6, 2024 [File Planet Labs/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 9 Aug 2026 9 Aug 2026 Syria says it has reached a deal with Moscow on the future of Russia’s two military bases in the country, which were used to support ousted President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian war.
Syria’s official SANA news agency quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying on Sunday that the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base would be turned into “joint training and capacity-building centres” under new arrangements aimed at preserving mutual interests.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in