Rare visit: Russian military delegation arrives in Syria

Sources in Damascus, Syria, have reported an unusual visit by a Russian military delegation.

By visiting southern Syria, Moscow explores the possibility of redeploying its military police near the Israeli border, according to Israel's news outlet Detaly.co.il.

The possible deployment would serve as a buffer between Israeli and Syrian forces

Russian military police were previously stationed in southern Syria during Bashar al-Assad’s early years but were withdrawn following shifts in the region’s security dynamics.

The idea of returning Russian forces to southern Syria has been under discussion with Damascus in recent months. A Syrian source said the government has not yet approved the plan, but it remains under consideration.

Another source suggested that Russian presence in southern Syria could potentially be part of a broader security arrangement between Israel and Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently spoke with President Vladimir Putin, and the topic may have been raised during their discussions. Historically, Israel has not opposed Russian involvement in Syria, and bilateral coordination reached its peak under Assad.

The visit coincides with domestic tensions in Syria, where some elements have expressed dissatisfaction with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rapprochement with the United States, particularly following his recent White House visit and Syria’s participation in the international coalition against ISIS. Al-Sharaa emphasised that the “new Syria” seeks to restore political and strategic relations with all countries, especially Russia.

By Khagan Isayev