Russia to Lease New Military Airbase in Syria

Russia is reportedly planning to lease a new military airbase in Qamishli city, north-eastern Syria, adjoining Turkish city of Nusaybin.

Syria’s Khmeimim Air Base, located south-east of the city of Latakia is currently operated by Russian forces. The legal status of the base is regulated by a treaty the concerning countries signed in 2015. About two years later, Russia announced its decision to turn the Khmeimim base into a component of its permanent military contingent stationed in Syria.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was the first to publish the information about the lease negotiations between Moscow and Damascus.

“Washington can deploy missiles on the territory of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries in the region. The presence of air defense and missile-defense systems in Qamishli will allow Russia to intercept the US missiles long before they reach Russia's territory,” uawire wrote, citing Avia.Pro report.