Syria's Jolani "Does Not Want Russia to Leave”, Rebels Hunt for Assad Aides "Hiding" At Russian Base

Syria’s new leadership has expressed desire to rebuild ties with Russia, the close ally of deposed leader Bashar al-Assad. In an interview to Al Arabiya TV, Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said his country shared "deep strategic interests" with Russia. A Syrian security source told Al-Jazeera that military forces have set up checkpoints surrounding the Russian Hmeimim military base in Tartous province. This came after reports that some former officers under the Assad regime had fled to the Russian base. Meanwhile, Russia's spy service (SVR) claims the US and British intelligence services are preparing "terrorist acts" against Russian military bases in Syria, RIA news reported.

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