Russia’s air base at Hmeimim in Syria is currently providing refuge for approximately 9,000 individuals fleeing a surge of sectarian violence, as stated by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday.
Hmeimim is one of two military installations in Syria that Russia aims to maintain, even after the ousting of its ally, former president Bashar al-Assad, by Islamist factions in December.
“They sought refuge, fully aware that their lives were at stake,” Zakharova informed reporters, noting that the majority of those sheltering there are women and children.
The ongoing sectarian conflict in Syria has set the newly established Islamist-led government’s security forces against fighters from Assad’s Alawite minority. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that hundreds of Alawite civilians have been killed in retaliatory attacks following assaults on security personnel.
The downfall of Assad, whom Moscow had supported for years during Syria’s civil war, has significantly impacted its interests in the Middle East.
Russia is working to establish relations with the new Syrian leadership under interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the future of the Hmeimim base and the Tartous naval facility remains uncertain.
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Zakharova emphasized that Russia is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and assets in Syria, maintaining active communication with Arab nations, Turkey, and Iran to promote long-term stability in the region.
She expressed Russia’s shock at the violence and its hope that those responsible would face justice.
