Syria Hints at Transforming Russian Bases into Army Training Centers

On Tuesday, October 24, Syria hinted at plans to convert two Russian military bases within its territory into training centers for its army. This announcement was made by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa during his speech at the Royal Institute of International Affairs 'Chatham House' in London.

Al-Sharaa noted that of the dozens of military bases that previously existed in the country, only two remain, and they intend to transform these into facilities for the training of Syrian troops. 'Among the dozens of bases, only two remain, and we are trying to convert them into bases for training the Syrian army,' he stated, according to a video published by a Syrian journalist.

The President mentioned the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia and the Tartus Naval Base, both located along the Mediterranean coast. These bases are the only Mediterranean military installations of Russia, playing a crucial role in its operations in Africa.

The ongoing military presence of Russia in Syria was agreed upon with the former dictator of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024 and found refuge in Moscow. Following Assad's removal, Russia gradually withdrew its troops from bases and posts throughout Syria, although it is estimated that hundreds, if not thousands, of military personnel remain at the two bases after several rounds of negotiations with the new administration.

However, Al-Sharaa did not specify how exactly these transformations might occur, nor whether Russian military personnel would remain to assist in training the Syrian army. He also emphasized that Damascus maintains ties with Moscow due to historical relations, reaffirming his previous comments that military cooperation with Russia is not off the table, given the Syrian army's reliance on Russian weaponry.

This statement from the President of Syria has piqued the interest of international observers, as it may signal a shift in the country's military strategy at a time when it is attempting to regain control over its territories after years of conflict. It is important to note that amid these developments, Syria continues to seek support from various international players, including Russia, which remains a key ally of Damascus.