WorldSyria says it reached deal with Moscow on future of Russian bases

Syria says it has reached an agreement with Russia to reorganise Moscow’s military presence at two important facilities on the Mediterranean coast. Under the arrangement, Damascus will take control of civilian sites at Hmeimim air base and the commercial pier at Tartus port. The military areas are to become joint Russian-Syrian training and qualification centres. The deal represents a major change to Russia’s long-standing military role in Syria, while still allowing Moscow to retain a presence through the new arrangement.