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Future of Russian Bases in Syria Depends on Negotiations with New Authority
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Syrian Opposition Appears Keen to Delay Decision on Russian Bases' Fate, Reflecting Desire to Avoid Early Tension with Moscow

Four Syrian officials told Reuters about Russian forces' withdrawal from northern Syria battle fronts and coastal highland positions, while maintaining main facilities following Syrian regime president Bashar al-Assad's fall.
Assad's overthrow, who with late father Hafez established close Moscow alliance foundations, raised questions about Russian military facilities' future, represented by Hmeimim airport in Latakia and Tartus naval port.
Satellite images taken Friday show apparently at least two Antonov AN-124s, classified among world's largest transport aircraft, at Hmeimim base with front ends open likely preparing for loading.
Syrian security official near facility reported at least one cargo plane departing Saturday toward Libya. Syrian military and security sources connected to Russian side told Reuters about Moscow withdrawing elements from frontlines and transferring heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers.
Sources, requesting anonymity given situation sensitivity, confirmed continued Russian presence in main facilities with no current withdrawal intention.
Senior Syrian army commander connected to Russian forces told Reuters Moscow transferred some equipment and senior Syrian officers to Russian capital, explaining current goal as repositioning and redeployment per field developments.
Reuters quoted senior Syrian opposition official close to new interim administration ruling out currently discussing Russian military presence in Syria and previous Assad regime-Moscow agreements.
Official added Russian military presence fate subject to future discussions Syrian people decide, noting establishing Moscow communication channels. Explained opposition forces currently "surrounding Russian bases in Latakia," without details.
Kremlin announced direct negotiations with new Syrian leadership about bases. Russian source confirmed ongoing consultations with Syria's new rulers, denying Moscow's bases withdrawal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose 2015 Syrian conflict intervention supported Assad when West demanded his removal, granted Assad asylum in Russia after Moscow facilitated his Sunday departure.
Levant-Agencies
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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