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RUSSIA-FORCE-GROUP-SYRIA-HMEYMIM
Russia starts forming permanent force grouping at Syria’s Tartus and
Hmeymim
MOSCOW, Dec 26, 2017 (BSS/TASS) – Russia has started forming a permanent
grouping of forces at the Tartus naval facility and the Hmeymim airbase in
Syria, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at a conference call on
Tuesday.
“Last week, the supreme commander-in-chief approved the structure and the
personnel strength of the Tartus and Hmeymim bases. We have started forming a
permanent grouping there,” Shoigu said.
On December 11, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the forces
pullout from Syria. Russian Defense Minister Shoigu reported to Putin on
December 22 that his order on the forces pullout from Syria had been
fulfilled. Three military police battalions, the Center for the
Reconciliation of the Warring Sides and Russia’s bases at Tartus and Hmeymim
will remain in Syria.
Russia’s Federation Council (the upper house) approved on Tuesday the
ratification of an agreement between Russia and Syria on expanding the naval
facility near the port city of Tartus, making it a full-fledged naval base.
According to the document, Russia’s vessels, including nuclear-powered
cruisers, will be allowed to enter Syria’s waters and ports.
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