Critical times are unfolding for the Russian bases in Tartus and Khmeimim as jihadist forces have approached dangerously close to both, with the latter being in closer proximity.
A major Russian airstrike against the Islamist rebels is anticipated, aiming to halt their forces.
The forces of jihadists and the Turkish-backed Syrian opposition, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are advancing in northwest Syria, pushing deeper into the Latakia Governorate, according to media reports.
The offensive, launched as part of a broader assault this week, has brought Islamist rebel units within approximately 20 miles of the Russian airbase at Khmeimim, a key strategic asset for Moscow along the Mediterranean coast.
As rebel forces continue their push westward, they increasingly threaten the Khmeimim airbase, a critical Russian stronghold in Syria that has played a pivotal role in supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
The base, located just 20 kilometers from the jihadists’ front lines, serves as a major hub for Russia’s aerial operations in the region. It is a vital component for maintaining Moscow’s influence in Syria and the broader Middle East.
The rapid advance of the jihadist forces toward Latakia is said to have blocked Assad's forces, with Syrian troops struggling to maintain a cohesive defensive line against the well-coordinated and highly motivated Islamist rebel groups.
Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, has taken the lead in this offensive, using a combination of ground assault units and artillery support to push Syrian forces away from key positions along the way.
The threat to the Khmeimim airbase has raised heightened concern among Russian military officials, with reports indicating that additional security measures are being implemented at the base.
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The attack comes amid a period of increased instability in northwestern Syria, with numerous factions competing for control in a landscape further complicated by ongoing Turkish involvement and shifting alliances.
The gains made by the rebels in the Latakia Governorate are particularly significant due to their proximity to the Mediterranean coast, where Russia has long sought to establish a permanent military presence.
In response to the rebel offensive, Russian military aircraft carried out a series of airstrikes aimed at disrupting supply lines and regrouping forces behind the front lines.
However, tensions have suddenly flared between Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkey-backed rebels of the Syrian National Army (SNA).
Tensions between Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkey-led Syrian National Army (SNA) have significantly escalated.
HTS has moved north to the southern Shahba region (Tal Rifaat) to assist in escorting Kurdish displaced persons held hostage by the SNA, while HTS has assured the Kurdish forces that all displaced individuals will be allowed to leave.
The Turkey-backed rebels are said to have requested that HTS fighters abandon control of large areas of Aleppo and hand them over to the Turkey-friendly factions of the SNA.
In a statement, the Turkey-backed rebels addressed the Jihadists, saying: "Immediately stop your aggression against the factions of the National Army and the Fajr al-Hurriya Operations Room.
Return the areas liberated by our operations room to their previous status. Direct your weapons against the enemies of the Syrian revolution, instead of engaging in looting and plunder.
Adopt a spirit of national responsibility and abandon policies that threaten the unity of the revolutionary ranks.
We call on the factions participating in the Deterrence Operation Room to declare their position regarding the behavior of HTS."
In short, Turkey-friendly forces and Jihadists have clashed over control of Aleppo and other areas, which is expected to lead to conflict between them on the battlefield.
