# Syria-Russia military base reorganization

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syria-russia-military-base-reorganization
> Updated: 2026-08-11T10:00:54.000Z. Sources: 92. Developments: 2.

Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to reorganize the Russian military presence in Syria following 18 months of negotiations. Under the agreement, signed on August 9, the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval base will be repurposed from purely military installations into joint training and capacity-building centers.

As part of the transition, which is expected to be completed within three months, the Syrian government will assume management of civilian facilities at both sites. This includes the Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at the port of Tartus, allowing these facilities to be gradually integrated into Syria’s civilian administration. Despite the change in designation, Russian forces are expected to remain stationed at the new training centers.

The Russian Foreign Ministry described the deal as a “significant step toward improving bilateral military cooperation” and strengthening ties between Moscow and Damascus. This strategic shift follows the 2024 removal of Bashar al-Assad and marks a change in the relationship between Moscow and the new Syrian administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

## Claims

- Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on August 9 to settle the future of Russian military bases. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Syrian state will take over management of civilian facilities at Hmeimim and Tartous. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The transition to the new facility status is expected to be completed within three months. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The memorandum follows 18 months of intensive negotiations between Syria and Russia. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Russian forces will remain stationed at the new joint training centers. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Russian Foreign Ministry stated the agreement is an important step to boost bilateral military cooperation and ties. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: Russia and Syria agree to transform Hmeimim and Tartous bases into joint training centers

Russia and Syria have signed an agreement to transform the Hmeimim and Tartous military bases into joint training centers, with Syria taking control of civilian infrastructure at both sites.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-and-syria-reach-deal-on-hmeimim-and-tartus-military-bases

### 2026-08-08: Syria and Russia agree to reorganize military bases in Hmeimim and Tartus

Syria and Russia have agreed to reorganize Russian military bases in Hmeimim and Tartus into joint training centers, with Syria taking control of civilian facilities within three months.

86 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syria-and-russia-agree-to-reorganize-military-bases

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Cite as: Syria-Russia military base reorganization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syria-russia-military-base-reorganization