The Kremlin stated that the future of Russia’s military bases in Syria would be discussed with the country’s new rulers following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it was too early to speculate about the fate of the bases and highlighted that any decisions would be made in consultation with Syria’s new leadership. Peskov confirmed that Russia is taking necessary precautions to ensure the security of its bases, including Khmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base. Despite rebel forces now controlling Latakia province, no direct threats to the Russian facilities have been reported. Analysts suggest that losing the Tartus base would significantly impact Russia’s influence in the Middle East and Africa. Russian forces had been repositioned for security, with some bases cut off by rebels and Kurdish forces. Meanwhile, reports confirmed that Assad had sought political asylum in Russia, though details of his whereabouts remain undisclosed. On December 8, Syria’s embassy in Moscow raised the opposition flag, signaling the shift in power as rebels seized control of Damascus, ending Assad’s decades-long rule. The situation has left the Kremlin facing a period of uncertainty and instability. n18oc_crux