Russia discusses restructuring its military presence in Syria

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said today that Moscow is discussing a “possible restructuring” of its military installations in Syria, according to Reuters.

In a related context, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee approved last Friday a package of amendments to the draft budget of the U.S. Department of Defense, which included a request for the Pentagon to prepare periodic reports on the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had stated months earlier that Russia was holding consultations with the Syrian transitional government regarding the restructuring or repurposing of Russian military facilities on Syrian territory.

Lavrov noted that the Syrian side had expressed interest in the continued Russian presence, but in new formats that align with current developments and circumstances.

Russia’s military presence in Syria is primarily concentrated at the Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia Governorate and the Tartus naval base on the Syrian coast.

A-H 

ANHA