Admiral Kuznetsov, a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser of the Russian Navy
Pan-Arabic newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that Russia plans to build a second naval base in Syria.
This article originally appeared at Postskriptum, translated from Russian by Olga Seletskaia exclusively for SouthFront
The newspaper cites a senior Russian military source. The source stressed that the construction of the base will reaffirm the importance that Moscow attaches to the alliance with Damascus. He said that Russia “does not accept Assad’s removal under any circumstances .” The base will be built in the city of Jableh. It is a larger and more important base than exists in the city of Tartous.
Jableh is less than 60 km from Tartous. A military airport, which may be used by Russian aircrafts is being constructed not far from the city.
In March 2015 year Assad said in an interview with the Russian press that Russia may build, a large military base in Syria, and his government is only waiting for an official request from Russia to build such a facility. Assad added: “Any measures that increase the Russian presence in the region are important for us. Russia plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the region and in the maintenance of stability in the world. “