Russia contacts ‘strongest force’ in Syria

Mr. Bogdanov added that Moscow hopes HTS will fulfill its commitments “to combat all excesses,” maintain order and ensure the safety of diplomats and other foreigners. HTS is currently the strongest force in Syria after leading the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government last weekend, according to Reuters.

Mr. Bogdanov also emphasized that Moscow hopes to maintain two Russian bases in Syria, including the naval base in Tartous City and the Khmeimim air base near Latakia City, to continue efforts to fight international terrorism. . He argued that maintaining the fight against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) “requires joint efforts and in this connection, our presence and the Khmeimim base play an important role in the fight against international terrorism in general”.

During a press conference after meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the capital Ankara yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized the need for both sides to continue efforts to fight IS in Syria. Mr. Blinken added that there is broad consensus on what Türkiye and the United States want to see in Syria after Mr. al-Assad is overthrown, according to Reuters. Mr. Fidan emphasized that Türkiye’s priority in Syria is to ensure stability and prevent the domination of groups considered terrorist by Ankara, according to Reuters.