The Russian army in Hmeimim base is transferring weapons, soldiers and equipment to Qamishli airport northeast Syria

Local sources revealed that Russia has begun transferring military equipment and soldiers from its base in Hmeimim in Latakia Governorate to Qamishli Airport, as part of an undisclosed agreement with the Kurdish-majority Syria Democratic Forces (SDF).

According to sources, the city of Qamishli, which is under the control of the SDF, along with the cities of Hasakah, Deir al Zour, and Raqqa, is witnessing increased military activity.

Russian military cargo planes recently arrived at Qamishli Airport, carrying heavy equipment and advanced radars, along with the deployment of an air defense system.

This appears to be a preparation to transform the airport into a permanent military base, replacing the Hmeimim base.

This development comes after a series of attacks targeting the Hmeimim base, which resulted in the deaths of Russian soldiers.

The perpetrators are believed to be linked to the new authorities in Damascus.

According to sources, Moscow seeks, through this informal alliance with the SDF, to protect its military presence in Syria, at a time when US pressure is mounting to end foreign presence in the country.

In light of the deadline set by the Syrian Ministry of Defense for military factions not affiliated with the Syrian army, which is scheduled to expire on May 27, the SDF has begun taking fortification measures.

According to sources, Kurdish forces have planted mines in various areas of northeastern Syria and dug tunnels inside residential areas, particularly in Raqqa, Hasakah, and Qamishli.

This has led to cracks in a number of residential buildings, raising fears among residents of the risk of collapse.

Civilian sources confirm that the SDF’s random operations in residential areas, whether through planting mines or digging tunnels, have become a direct threat to the safety of civilians, especially given the lack of oversight or regulation.

Despite an agreement reached last March between the Syrian government and the SDF, stipulating the latter’s integration into the regular forces, its implementation has not progressed beyond the initial stages.

Observers attribute this to the Kurdish side’s insistence on self-rule within the framework of the Syrian state, a demand Damascus has so far rejected.

In southern Syria, some armed factions still refuse to join the Ministry of Defense, such as Druze groups in Sweida and factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, which condition their acceptance of the Ministry of Defense on specific privileges.