Syria Moves to End Russia’s Assad-Era Military Base System

Syria has announced a landmark agreement to restructure Russia’s presence on the Syrian coast, placing civilian facilities at Hmeimim Airport and Tartus Port’s fourth commercial berth under Syrian state administration. Russia’s military bases will be converted into joint Syrian-Russian training centres, with the changes due to take effect within three months following approximately 18 months of negotiations. The agreement does not remove Russia from Syria altogether, but it would end the Assad-era system that allowed Moscow to operate autonomous bases and use Syrian territory to project military power. Announced two days after Türkiye, Saudi…