Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia hosted talks between Syrian and Russian military officials after an inspection by a delegation from Syria’s Ministry of Defense.
The talks were attended by Syrian Chief of General Staff Maj. Gen. Ali al-Nuhsan, Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Asim Hawari and Navy Commander Maj. Gen. Muhammad al-Suud. The delegation inspected the area around the air base before meeting with Russian military representatives.
Agreement on the future of the bases
Russia became involved in Syria’s civil war in 2015 at the request of the Assad government and established military bases in Hmeimim and Tartus. During the war, hundreds of attacks on civilian areas were carried out from these bases.
After the Assad government was overthrown in December 2024, Moscow and Syria’s new administration negotiated the future of the military bases. At the end of the talks, they agreed to gradually transfer Hmeimim Air Base and Commercial Berth No. 4 at the Port of Tartus to civilian administration.