Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday that Russia has begun establishing a permanent presence at its military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim in Syria.

"Last week the commander-in-chief approved the structure and the bases in Tartus and in Hmeimim. We have begun forming a permanent presence there," he said, according to the RIA news agency. 

The news comes after Russia, Turkey and Iran reaffirmed their “strong and continued commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic” on Monday.

The three nations issued the statement giving their support after the Astana summit on Dec. 21-23.

Source: arabnews