Information about the informal agreement was reported by Bloomberg on Thursday.
Syria. Russia wants to maintain military bases after Assad falls
Russian troops are still stationed at Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base in Latakia province in western Syria.
Their presence is a result of Russia's support for the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad. Although Russia is actively participating in the fight against HTS and other rebel groups, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said the Kremlin would maintain the base to “continue the fight against international terrorism.” He said he was looking forward to it.
See: Syria. Prime Minister of interim government appointed
However, he said no decision had yet been made on the future fate of the Russian military.
HTS has established a government in Syria. Rebels are considered terrorists
HTS, which originated from al-Qaeda and established a transitional government in Syria, is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States, and other countries.
The Biden administration is considering eliminating the classification if the new Syrian authorities follow through on promises to protect Syria's minorities, according to NBC News.
See also: Syria: 5 casualties in Russian airstrike. Father, mother and three children died
Meanwhile, Russian state media and officials stopped referring to rebels as “terrorists” shortly after Assad's fall.
Russia did not withdraw its troops. Important port of Tartus
Defense Department deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Wednesday that Russia is “consolidating” its forces in Syria, but no withdrawals have yet been seen.
See: Syria. Drone attack on military academy. At least 80 people died
The base in Tartus is of particular importance to Russia's national interests, as it is the only Russian port in the Mediterranean Sea and a support base for the Russian military in Africa.
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