Bloomberg: Russia Resumes Military Flights to Syria
Return of Russian aircraft to Hmeimim Air Base follows months of pause amid efforts to reinforce Syria partnership and secure strategic foothold despite Western pressure.
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Russia has resumed military flights to Syria’s Hmeimim Air Base after nearly six months, according to a Bloomberg report citing FlightRadar24 data. The renewed air operations come as Moscow and Damascus work to restore bilateral coordination following the removal of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Two Russian military aircraft — an Il-62 transport plane and a heavy-lift An-124 Ruslan — reportedly flew multiple missions to Latakia in late October, with the An-124 making three trips between October 24 and Wednesday of the same week.
A Kremlin-linked source confirmed to Bloomberg that Russia has restarted its military flights to Syria.
Strategic Presence in West Asia and Africa Remains Priority
Moscow has long relied on its presence in Syria to maintain military and geopolitical access to West Asia and Africa, particularly through the Hmeimim Air Base and the Tartus naval facility, Russia’s only naval base on the Mediterranean.
The leadership transition in Damascus placed future Russian military infrastructure under uncertainty. However, recent engagements between officials signal continuity in strategic coordination.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin met the new Syrian transitional head, Ahmed al-Shar’a, in Moscow two weeks ago to discuss the future of Russia’s bases.
Russia’s Defense Ministry also announced that Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with his Syrian counterpart, Merhaf Abou Qasra, on continued defense coordination.
Diplomatic Channels and Embassy Restoration
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, a Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation is currently in Moscow working to reopen the Syrian embassy in Russia.
The state-run SANA agency confirmed preparations to resume consular services for Syrian citizens.
Officials stressed that Russia remains committed to assisting Syria as it emerges from more than a decade of conflict. During an August meeting, Putin assured Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani that Moscow would support reconstruction efforts.
Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak reiterated Moscow’s readiness to cooperate with Syria across multiple sectors to support national recovery. (PW)