Russia Resumes Military Flights to Syria's Hmeimim Airbase After Six-Month Pause

Russia has resumed military flights to its Hmeimim airbase in Syria after nearly six months of inactivity, signaling a renewed but likely reduced presence amid the new Syrian transitional government led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. Flight tracking data shows Russian transport and heavy cargo aircraft landing in Latakia, with Kremlin sources confirming the reactivation of these flights. The Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval port remain critical strategic assets for Russia's military operations in the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean, though their future came into question after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and his flight to Moscow. Russia is engaging diplomatically with Syria's new government, and a Syrian delegation is working to reopen its embassy in Moscow. Despite Russia's efforts to maintain a foothold, sources indicate that its military footprint in Syria will be smaller compared to the Assad era. The situation reflects ongoing geopolitical shifts, with the US and EU also engaging with Syria's transitional government amid eased sanctions and broader regional dynamics.