Putin's Bases in Syria at Risk After Assad's Fall

Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Vladimir Putin's military bases in Syria may face significant threats. Tom Røseth from the Norwegian Defence University argues that this development could have substantial consequences for Russia's influence in the Middle East and Africa. Assad and his family are reportedly being granted asylum in Russia, a decision made by Putin himself. Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, Russia has established two major military installations in the region: the naval base at Tartus and the airbase at Khmeimim. However, the future control of these bases is uncertain, as losing access could considerably weaken Russia's strategic presence. Røseth suggests that without the support these bases provide, Russian operations in Africa and the Middle East will become increasingly challenging. Meanwhile, Kremlin officials state that it is too early to determine the future of these military bases in Syria.

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