Damascus open to restoring Russian control in southern Syria

This move is expected to have a direct impact on curbing Israeli military activity in the area and could open the door for a larger Russian role in mediating between Damascus and Tel Aviv.

A source told Russia’s Kommersant newspaper that Damascus has shown interest in the return of Russian military police to resume patrols in southern Syria, as they did before the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on 8 December 2024.

According to the source, the Transitional Government believes the step could help reduce Israeli military activity. Since December 2024, Israel has controlled parts of southern Syria and continues its operations there.

The Syrian Transitional Government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, is reportedly keen on restoring Russian patrols in the southern provinces, as conveyed by a participant in the August 1 meeting between Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and the Syrian diaspora in Moscow.

The source added that Russia’s return to its previous positions could “prevent Israeli interference in Syrian affairs,” while also enabling Moscow to mediate between the Transitional Government and Israel.

An Israeli source told the newspaper that Tel Aviv’s position on the return of Russian patrols to the south will depend on several factors, including existing Russia–Israel agreements and Moscow’s stance if an agreement with the new Syrian government on resuming patrols is signed.

a.k

ANHA