Syria-Russia Deal Ends Moscow's Combat Role at Its Only Overseas Bases

Syria and Russia will convert the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base into joint training centres, concluding 18 months of talks after Assad's ouster. These are Russia's only military bases outside the former Soviet Union; Tartus was its sole Mediterranean repair hub. A three-month transition replaces a 49-year lease and indefinite access granted under Assad.