First Russian delegation in Syria post-Assad era 

A Russian delegation has arrived in Damascus for the first time since Moscow's ally, President Bashar al-Assad, was ousted from power, Russia’s TASS news agency reported on Tuesday. The visit comes as Russia seeks to secure its strategic military bases in Syria.

The delegation, led by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Kremlin special envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev, is expected to meet with Syria’s new leadership this week, according to TASS and Syrian sources cited by Reuters.

Russia, which provided refuge to Assad and supported him militarily during his years of conflict with rebel forces, is aiming to retain control of key bases, including the Tartous naval facility and the Hmeimim air base near Latakia. These bases are critical to Moscow’s military operations, with the Tartous facility serving as Russia’s only Mediterranean hub for repairs and resupply.

Moscow has also used Syria as a logistical center for deploying military contractors across Africa, underlining the strategic importance of maintaining its foothold in the region.

Ynet contributed to this article.