Syria says it has reached an agreement with Moscow on the future of Russia’s military presence in the country, according to reports. The deal concerns the status and operation of Russian facilities, including the naval base at Tartous and the Hmeimim air base.
Reports describe the agreement as a reorganization of the Russian military presence. Some coverage says the arrangement gives Syria greater control over the bases, while other accounts focus on the future structure of Russia’s role there. The available reports do not provide a detailed public account of the agreement’s terms.
The reported deal follows an extended period of discussions between Syrian and Russian officials. Its implementation and the practical division of responsibilities at the bases are expected to determine how the arrangement affects the two countries’ military and political relationship.