Syria will take back control from Russia of 2 key Mediterranean bases under a new deal

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russian forces in Syria will give up control of two strategic bases on the Mediterranean coast, which will be used as joint Russia-Syrian training centers under a new agreement between the two countries, Syria's Foreign Ministry said Sunday. Russia was the top political and military ally of ousted President Bashar Assad during the country's civil war between 2011 and 2024. Assad was ousted in December 2024 by Islamist insurgents led by current interim President Ahmad al-Sh