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Damasco Agrees with Moscow to Maintain Russian Bases in the Syrian Mediterranean

Damasco and Moscow have agreed to maintain two Russian military bases in the Syrian Mediterranean, with a redefinition of functions after a year and a half of negotiations. The bases will be converted into 'joint training and rehabilitation centers' within three months.

By EFE·Aug 9·elpais.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Damasco and Moscow have signed a memorandum of understanding to maintain two Russian military bases in the Syrian Mediterranean. The agreement comes after a year and a half of negotiations and will see the bases converted into joint training and rehabilitation centers.

Why it matters

The agreement between Damasco and Moscow is significant for the future of Russian military presence in the region and has implications for the ongoing transition in Syria.

Imagine two big military bases in the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia has been keeping its troops and equipment. Now, the government of Syria and Russia have agreed to work together to make these bases into places where they can train and help each other. This is a big deal because it shows that Syria and Russia are working together to make the region a safer and more stable place.

Analysis

Background

The agreement between Damasco and Moscow to maintain two Russian military bases in the Syrian Mediterranean marks a significant development in the region. The negotiations, which began after the fall of the Bachar El Asad regime in December 2024, have been ongoing for over a year and a half. The agreement comes as a result of intense negotiations between the new authorities in Damasco and Russia, which intervened militarily in the Syrian war in 2015 at the request of El Asad.

The Agreement

The agreement, announced by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will see the two bases, Hmeimim and Tartús, converted into 'joint training and rehabilitation centers'. The process is expected to be completed within three months. The agreement also includes the transfer of management of the civilian installations, including the airport of Hmeimim and the fourth commercial dock of the port of Tartús, to the Syrian authorities. This marks a significant shift in the relationship between Damasco and Moscow, with the Syrian authorities taking control of the civilian aspects of the bases.

Implications

The agreement has significant implications for the future of Russian military presence in the region. The conversion of the bases into joint training and rehabilitation centers marks a new chapter in the relationship between Damasco and Moscow. The agreement also highlights the ongoing transition in Syria, with the new authorities in Damasco taking control of key aspects of the country's infrastructure. The agreement is seen as a positive development for the region, with the potential to improve relations between Damasco and Moscow and reduce tensions in the region.

Key points

  • Damasco and Moscow have agreed to maintain two Russian military bases in the Syrian Mediterranean.
  • The bases will be converted into 'joint training and rehabilitation centers' within three months.
  • The agreement marks a significant shift in the relationship between Damasco and Moscow.
  • The agreement has implications for the future of Russian military presence in the region.
  • The agreement could lead to improved relations between Damasco and Moscow and a reduction in tensions in the region.
The Upside

The agreement between Damasco and Moscow could lead to improved relations between the two countries and a reduction in tensions in the region. It also has the potential to improve the stability and security of the region, which could have positive implications for the people living there.

The Downside

However, the agreement also raises concerns about the potential for Russian military presence in the region to be used to exert influence over the Syrian government. This could have negative implications for the country's sovereignty and the stability of the region.

Originally reported at

elpais.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsrussiasyriamilitarybasesagreementdiplomacy

Author

EFE

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 9, 2026

Source

elpais.com

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Topics

russiasyriamilitarybasesagreementdiplomacy

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