Russia is establishing a second military base in Syria.

(Baonghean.vn) - Russia, a close ally of the Bashar Al Assad regime, will build a second military base in central Syria at Al Chayirat airport - which the Russian military has been using since the first airstrikes on September 30.

Following the establishment of the first military base in northwestern Syria, near Latakia, Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH), announced, "The Russians are building (at the airport) to serve future operations in eastern Homs and other areas, including eastern Qalamoun, near the border with Lebanon – where ISIS is present."

Russia's first military base is located at Hmeimim, northwest of Latakia, Syria. (AP photo)

According to a Syrian military source, a second Russian military base will become operational before the end of December. The Al Chayirat airport is located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Homs, an area frequently affected by fighting between government forces and ISIS militants.

Furthermore, Rami Abdel Rahman stated that forces loyal to the Bashar regime are fighting in the east and southeast of Homs, particularly in Palmyra and the town of Al Qaryataine – areas controlled by IS with the support of the Russian air force. The OSDH estimates that the Russian and Syrian air forces have conducted more than 40 airstrikes around the town in the past 72 hours.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde)