Russia is approaching an agreement with the Syrian opposition to maintain military bases

According to Isna, some informed sources in Russia, Europe and the Middle East who wished to remain anonymous announced that negotiations are underway so that Russian forces can remain in Tartus seaport and Hmeimim air base.

An informed source in Russia stated that the Ministry of Defense of this country believes that it has reached an informal understanding with the Tahrir al-Sham editorial board. However, the source warned that the situation could change due to instability in Syria.

The Tartus naval base is Russia’s only point of access to the Mediterranean Sea. Hmeimim Air Base is also used to support Russia’s security operations in Africa, allowing Moscow to expand its political and economic influence and restore some of its Cold War-era authority on the continent.

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