A Russian Su-34 fighter at Khmeimim air base in Latakia province, Syria
Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
After the lightning military campaign of the opposition military alliance led by the Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Mr. Bashar al-Assad resigned as President of Syria and left the country, raising questions. about the fate of Russia’s strategic military bases in the Middle Eastern country.
Russia will negotiate with the new government
At a press conference on December 9, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow government forces in Syria are taking all necessary measures to ensure the security of Russian military bases in the country, according to the news agency. Sputnik.
Affirming the primary importance of these bases, Mr. Peskov said it was still too early to talk about the possibility of continuing a military presence in Syria, but Moscow would discuss that issue with the current ruling party. in Damascus.
Russia currently maintains two strategic bases in Syria, including the naval base in Tartus on the Mediterranean coast and the Khmeimim air base in Latakia province. In addition to Khmeimim air base, Moscow also places bombers at military airports in Homs and Palmyra.
The Kremlin did not confirm reports that former President Assad had visited Moscow, and said there was no information about his family’s whereabouts. Assad’s son is studying in Moscow.
Mr. Peskov said that if Russia grants asylum to Mr. Assad and his family, President Vladimir Putin has the authority to make this decision. According to the spokesman, President Putin has no schedule to meet Mr. Assad.
Israeli tanks in the buffer zone bordering Syria and the Golan Heights on December 8
Israel announced it would destroy Syria’s heavy weapons warehouse
In another development, Israeli officials said on December 9 that their forces would increase air strikes targeting Syria’s heavy weapons warehouses, according to Reuters.
Defense Minister Israel Katz of Israel lists targets for attacks on Syrian territory in the near future, namely surface-to-air missile systems, surface-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles, and missiles. long range, coastal defense missiles.
A senior Israeli government official said airstrikes would continue in the coming days, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel was not interested in intervening in Syria’s internal situation but only focused on focuses on protecting citizens by destroying enemy arsenals.
Previously, Israeli forces cleared mines and established new fences on the line between the Golan Heights controlled by this country and the 400 km demilitarized zone.2 on the Syrian border. On December 8, the Israeli army sent infantry into the demilitarized zone.
