Major General Ali Al-Nassan, Chief of the General Staff of the Syrian Army, arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, heading an official delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Defense. The delegation was received by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus Bek Yevkurov, according to the Syrian Ministry of Defense’s Telegram channel on Wednesday evening.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) clarified that the visit aims to develop mechanisms for coordination and cooperation between the defense ministries of the two countries.
Strengthening Russian Presence in Al-Qamishli
Local reports in August indicated that Russian forces have reinforced their presence at Al-Qamishli Airport in northeastern Syria, accompanied by structural changes within their forces there. Military sources described these changes as routine, typically occurring every one or two years, and included the appointment of new commanders, without any increase in the size or number of Russian troops.
On August 5, Russian forces conducted a patrol in the eastern countryside of Al-Qamishli alongside a vehicle belonging to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking what was considered the first such joint patrol in years.
Ongoing Talks Regarding Russian Bases
Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin stated in late July during a press conference that communications between Moscow and Damascus continue regarding Russian military bases in Syria. He explained that these bases “contribute to ensuring the safety of Russian military personnel and represent a factor of stability in the region.” He also noted that they could assist in enhancing the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians.
Russian forces are deployed across several sites within Syria, most notably at the Hmeimim Air Base in the Latakia countryside, the naval base in Tartus, as well as other military locations in the northeastern part of the country.
