U.S. lawmakers seek review of Russian military presence in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A U.S. House Armed Services Committee amendment raised concerns over Russia’s continued military presence in Syria, directing the Pentagon to assess Moscow’s influence and the strategic role of its military bases in the country.
The amendment to H.R. 8800, introduced by Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina on June 4, calls on the U.S. Secretary of Defense to submit an unclassified report to the House Armed Services Committee by Dec. 31, 2026, examining the impact of Russian forces stationed at the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia and the naval facility in Tartus.
According to the proposed directive, lawmakers are concerned that Russia’s military foothold in Syria continues to bolster Moscow’s influence in both Syria and the wider Middle East despite political changes in the country.
The report is expected to outline efforts and plans by the U.S. Department of Defense to work with Syria’s government to reduce Russian influence or facilitate the withdrawal of Russian forces from the two bases.
The Pentagon is also tasked with evaluating whether the Russian facilities in Syria serve as logistical hubs for supplying weapons to Iran-backed groups in the region, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
The committee further seeks an assessment of whether the bases have been used to recruit and transport foreign fighters, including Syrians and Africans, to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The report would also examine the role Russian forces may have played from the Khmeimim and Tartus bases in supporting the repression of Syrians under the former government of Bashar al-Assad.
The amendment reflects growing scrutiny in Washington over Russia’s long-term military presence in Syria and its broader regional implications following the country’s political transition.