Syrian militant leader discusses the prospects for ties with Russia
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani shares his insights regarding the future of Syria's relations with Moscow. Read the full article on RT.com.
TroibNews 
**Russia’s Khmeimim and Tartus Bases Remain Operational in Syria**
The head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, indicated the possibility of Syria establishing a relationship with Russia if Moscow shows intent to engage. In an interview aired on Istanbul-based Syria TV, al-Julani noted that “Syrian leadership was keen to avoid provoking Russia.”
A significant escalation occurred in Syria over a two-week period in November, when HTS militants launched an offensive that resulted in the seizure of key cities, ultimately leading to their presence in Damascus. Following the collapse of the Syrian military, President Assad fled and was granted asylum in Russia.
Al-Julani asserted that the new Syrian government is open to allowing Russia “the opportunity to re-evaluate the relationship with Syria in a way that serves common interests.” He stressed the need for “careful management” of relations with other nations at this critical juncture.
Currently, discussions between Moscow and Syrian militants revolve around "maintaining Russia’s presence in Syria, and its previous status," as reported by TASS sources who are believed to be acquainted with the negotiations. The agency claimed in a recent report that Moscow “has secured temporary security guarantees, so the military bases are operating as usual.”
The Khmeimim Air Base and a logistics support center in Tartus are situated in western Syria along the Mediterranean coast. In 2017, a deal between Moscow and Damascus permitted the stationing of Russian troops at these bases for a period of 49 years.
Following the militant takeover of Damascus, concerns arose regarding the future of the Khmeimim and Tartus bases. Nevertheless, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated that Russian diplomats have already addressed these matters with the HTS political committee.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
The head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, indicated the possibility of Syria establishing a relationship with Russia if Moscow shows intent to engage. In an interview aired on Istanbul-based Syria TV, al-Julani noted that “Syrian leadership was keen to avoid provoking Russia.”
A significant escalation occurred in Syria over a two-week period in November, when HTS militants launched an offensive that resulted in the seizure of key cities, ultimately leading to their presence in Damascus. Following the collapse of the Syrian military, President Assad fled and was granted asylum in Russia.
Al-Julani asserted that the new Syrian government is open to allowing Russia “the opportunity to re-evaluate the relationship with Syria in a way that serves common interests.” He stressed the need for “careful management” of relations with other nations at this critical juncture.
Currently, discussions between Moscow and Syrian militants revolve around "maintaining Russia’s presence in Syria, and its previous status," as reported by TASS sources who are believed to be acquainted with the negotiations. The agency claimed in a recent report that Moscow “has secured temporary security guarantees, so the military bases are operating as usual.”
The Khmeimim Air Base and a logistics support center in Tartus are situated in western Syria along the Mediterranean coast. In 2017, a deal between Moscow and Damascus permitted the stationing of Russian troops at these bases for a period of 49 years.
Following the militant takeover of Damascus, concerns arose regarding the future of the Khmeimim and Tartus bases. Nevertheless, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated that Russian diplomats have already addressed these matters with the HTS political committee.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
