Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Syria and Russia strike deal on future of Mediterranean bases
Russia had two big military bases in Syria, a country on the Mediterranean Sea.
These bases helped the old leader of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, during a long war.
The old leader was removed from power, and Syria got a new leader.
Now, Syria and Russia have made a deal about those bases.
Syria will take control of the air base and the part of the port used for ships.
The places used by soldiers will be turned into training centres where people from both countries can learn together.
Russia used to be a very strong friend of the old Syrian leader.
The new Syrian leader has been trying to stay friendly with Russia too.
He has visited Russia and met its leader twice.
This deal is a big step after about a year and a half of talks.
Russia has not said anything about the agreement yet.
Syria and Russia reached an agreement on Sunday over the future of Russia's two strategic Mediterranean coastal bases.
Under the deal, Syria will take control of the Hmeimem air base and the commercial berth at Tartus port.
The military facilities at both sites will become 'joint training and qualification centres.'
Syria's foreign ministry said the move marks the most significant development since negotiations began about a year and a half ago.
Russia has not yet commented on the agreement, while Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Vladimir Putin twice since coming to power.
- Who
- Syria and Russia, including Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin
- What
- An agreement determining the future of Russia's two Mediterranean coastal bases, with Syria taking control of the Hmeimem air base and Tartus commercial berth while military facilities become joint training centres
- When
- Sunday, confirmed by Syria's foreign ministry
- Where
- Syria's Mediterranean coast, specifically Hmeimem air base near Latakia and Tartus naval port
- Why
- To reorganize the Russian presence along Syria's coast following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad
Syrian Government Perspective
Russian Perspective
Control of the bases
Syrian Government Perspective
Syria frames the agreement as taking control of key sites and a step toward a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations.
Russian Perspective
Russia has not commented on the agreement, leaving its view of the rearranged presence unstated.
- Deal parties
- Syria and Russia
- Sites affected
- Hmeimem air base near Latakia and Tartus naval port
- Syrian control
- Hmeimem air base and commercial berth at Tartus port
- Military facilities
- Converted into joint training and qualification centres
- Negotiation timeline
- Approximately a year and a half
- Russian comment
- Not yet provided
- Assad's role
- Ousted president supported by Russia between 2011 and 2024