Syria open to keeping Russian bases – WaPo

Syria is open to allowing Russia to maintain its air and naval bases on the Mediterranean coast, provided that any agreement serves the country’s interests, its new Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra has told The Washington Post. He has emphasized that while past relations were adversarial, the new government in Damascus is adopting a pragmatic approach toward Moscow.

Russia significantly ramped up its military presence in Syria during the civil war, intervening in 2015 to support then-President Bashar al-Assad’s government against militant rebel forces and help it regain control over territory. Since then, Moscow has continued to operate Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia and a logistical support center in Tartus, both situated on the Mediterranean coast. In 2017, Russia and Syria agreed to keep Moscow’s troops stationed there for 49 years. 

Following Assad’s departure to Russia in December amid a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS), a militant group, insurgents assumed leadership roles in Syria’s new government. Abu Qasra, once a key figure in the rebellion, now serves as defense minister under Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of HTS.

In an interview with the Washington Post published on Thursday, Abu Qasra stated that in its discussions with Moscow, Syria is considering allowing Russia to retain its military bases if the arrangement is mutually beneficial. 

“If we get benefits for Syria out of this, yes,” the minister told the outlet when asked if Russia would be allowed to maintain its bases in Tartus and Latakia.

He noted that Russia’s attitude towards the new Syrian government has “significantly improved” since the fall of Assad, adding that Damascus is currently weighing Moscow’s demands.

He has also hinted at the possibility of seeking the extradition of Assad, who fled to Russia when his government collapsed, noting that the topic was discussed during recent meetings with Russian officials.

Last month, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov traveled to Damascus to engage in talks with Syria’s new leadership. Officials there have requested to be compensated in exchange for allowing Russia to maintain its bases, and Moscow has indicated that the matter is open to negotiation. Bogdanov has acknowledged that further discussions are necessary before any agreement can be finalized.

Beyond its relationship with Russia, Syria’s new government is undertaking significant military reforms. Abu Qasra reported that approximately 100 armed factions have agreed to integrate under the Defense Ministry’s command, though some groups remain resistant. The government is also negotiating with US-backed Kurdish forces and discussing the status of US and Turkish military bases within Syria.