Syria: Bloomberg Claims Russia Closing in On Deal to Maintain Reduced Military Presence

Bloomberg reports that Russia is in negotiations with Syria to maintain a limited military presence in the country following recent changes in leadership, Orda reports.

Before this development, Russia reportedly began reducing its military assets in Syria, prompting questions about its continuing regional influence.

Bloomberg had made a similar report following Bashar al-Assad's toppling.

Moscow reportedly seeks to retain access to its strategic military installations - the naval facility at Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase - crucial to Russia's regional military presence. A phone call between the Syrian and Russian leaders and Russia sending funds to Syria preceded this event.

Damascus had previously set conditions for restoring relations with Russia.

Earlier this month, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra indicated that Russia's continued presence at its military bases would be conditional on what it can offer. Russia could emerge as a regional counterbalance and aid Damascus in anti-terrorist operations.

Russia's military involvement in Syria began in 2015 when it deployed forces to support the Syrian government. This support, which included both ground troops and air operations, played a significant role in the country's civil war.