What future for Russian military bases in Syria?

A Russian Su-34 fighter jet at Khmeimim airbase in Latakia province, Syria

Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

After a lightning military campaign by the opposition military coalition led by the Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Bashar al-Assad resigned as President of Syria and left the country, raising questions about the fate of Russia's strategic military bases in the Middle Eastern country.

Russia will negotiate with the new government

At a press conference on December 9, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow government forces in Syria are taking all necessary measures to ensure security for Russian military bases in the country, according to Sputnik news agency.

Affirming the primary importance of these bases, Mr. Peskov said it was still too early to talk about the possibility of continuing a military presence in Syria, but Moscow would discuss the issue with the current authorities in Damascus.

Syrian President and family are refugees in Russia

Russia currently maintains two strategic bases in Syria, including the naval base in Tartus on the Mediterranean coast and the Khmeimim air base in Latakia province. In addition to the Khmeimim air base, Moscow also bases bombers at military airports in Homs and Palmyra.

The Kremlin has not confirmed reports that former President Assad has visited Moscow, and said it has no information about his family's whereabouts. Assad's son is studying in Moscow.

Mr Peskov said that if Russia grants asylum to Mr Assad and his family, President Vladimir Putin would have the authority to make the decision. According to the spokesman, President Putin has no scheduled meeting with Mr Assad.

Israeli tanks in the buffer zone between Syria and the Golan Heights on December 8.

Israel vows to destroy Syria's heavy weapons stockpile

In another development, Israeli officials said on December 9 that their forces would increase airstrikes targeting Syrian heavy weapons depots, according to Reuters.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz listed the targets of attacks on Syrian territory in the coming time, respectively surface-to-air missile systems, surface-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles, long-range missiles, and coastal defense missiles.

US, Israel launch airstrikes against Syria after al-Assad regime collapses

A senior Israeli government official said airstrikes would continue in the coming days, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was not interested in intervening in Syria's internal affairs and was focused on protecting its citizens by destroying enemy weapons depots.

Earlier, Israeli forces cleared mines and set up new fences on the line between the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights and the 400-square ^-kilometer demilitarized zone on the Syrian border. On December 8, the Israeli army sent infantry into the demilitarized zone.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tuong-lai-nao-cho-cac-can-cu-quan-su-nga-o-syria-185241209185022941.htm