Russia in 'direct contact' with rebel group and hopes to maintain military bases in Syria, state media says

Russia rapidly packing up military equipment at bases in Syria

The future fate of Russia's two military bases in Syria — the Tartus naval base on the Mediterranean coast and the Khmeimim Air Base near the port city of Latakia — is still a big unknown in the wake of the collapse of the Assad government. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has since said that Moscow is currently in direct contact with the political committee of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which holds Damascus a…

Russian presence in doubt as armored columns seen flowing towards Syrian coast

Large columns of Russian forces and military vehicles were seen withdrawing from southern Syria on Friday, toward their primary base in the coastal city of Latakia.Significant Russian military convoys were seen on the Damascus-Homs highway near Shinshar village heading north. The military equipment had been previously stationed in southern regions such as Daraa and Damascus.On Thursday, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights repor…

Russia Negotiating with Syrian Jihadi Rebels to Keep Military Bases

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikahil Bogdanov says Russia is in "direct contact" with Syrian insurgents over the fate of Russian bases.

Russia is sending 4 ships to its bases in Syria to evacuate weapons, Ukraine intelligence says

The Russian vessels remained missing from Tartus as of December 10.BlackSkyRussia is dispatching four ships to its bases in Syria, per Ukraine's main intelligence directorate.They will evacuate weapons and military equipment from its key base in Tartus, they said.Russia is trying to secure a deal with Syria's new leadership to keep the bases, per reports.Russia is sending four ships to its bases in Syria to evacuate weapons and military equipmen…

Russia, HTS in 'direct contact' to keep bases in Syria: What we know

Russia is reaching out to the new seat of power in Syria in a bid to maintain its military bases in the country, citing the ongoing threat of the Islamic State.