Syria to Take Control of Hmeimim Airport, Tartus Berth in Deal with Russia
Syria will take over civilian facilities including Hmeimim airport and a commercial berth at Tartus port under a new memorandum, with Damascus calling it the biggest step in 18 months of negotiations.
Under a memorandum of understanding, Syria is set to assume control of civilian infrastructure currently used by Russia, including Hmeimim airport and a commercial berth at the port of Tartus. The agreement reorganizes Russia’s remaining military footprint while handing key logistical assets to Syrian authorities.
Damascus described the deal as the most significant development in 18 months of talks and said it opens a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations. Details on the exact timeline and operational handover were not disclosed.
The Tartus facility has long served as Russia’s only naval maintenance and supply point in the Mediterranean, while Hmeimim airbase has been central to Russian operations in the region. The shift in control may recalibrate Moscow’s regional posture.
Source: First Squawk