Russia to retain forces in Syria as Hmeimim, Tartous become joint training centers

Russia will maintain a military presence in Syria under a new agreement signed on August 9, transforming its Hmeimim and Tartous bases into joint training centers. This memorandum of understanding, reached after 18 months of negotiations, redefines Russia's role following Bashar Assad's departure from Syria in 2024. Under the agreement, Syria will assume control of civilian infrastructure at these sites, including Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port, while military facilities will become joint training centers within three months. Russian forces will continue to be stationed at these new centers, preserving Moscow's strategic influence in the region. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated, "We regard the signing on 9 August of the memorandum... as an important step aimed at further improving bilateral cooperation in the military sphere."