Russia and Turkey establish new military bases in Syria
The Russian Armed Forces have established a new military base in northern Syria after reaching an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which consists primarily of Kurdish fighters.
According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Masdar News, the base was established in the border city of Amuda in the Al Hasakah Governorate. As the new facility was being built, heavy vehicles started to arrive. The base will reportedly serve as an observation point for the Turkish border.
At present, the Russian military has two bases in the Al Hasakah Governorate, the main one being the Al Qamishli Airport.
According to Al Ekhbariya, Ankara has been reinforcing its military presence in Syria at the same time. The Turkish army has established two new military facilities near the city of Ras al-Ayn in north-eastern Syria, and the towns of Al Toulan and Al Kanhir in the Al Hasakah Governorate.
In October this year, when Damascus deployed its forces, there was fighting in this region between Syrian divisions and pro-Turkish fighters. Confrontations broke out when Syrian government forces captured positions on the Turkish border, only a few kilometers from the cordon line.