Damascus, August 13, 2025 (Agencies): Syria’s transitional government has expressed readiness to welcome back Russian military police patrols in the country’s southern governorates, aiming to limit Israeli military activity near its borders and open the door for renewed Russian mediation with Tel Aviv. The proposal was reportedly raised by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during a meeting in Moscow with members of the Syrian diaspora.
Prior to the regime change last December, Russian patrols were a regular presence along Syria’s southern border, but they ceased following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Damascus now hopes that reinstating these patrols will help reduce Israeli incursions into southern regions such as Quneitra and Daraa, while also facilitating possible mediated understandings between Syria and Israel.
The request comes amid heightened Israeli military operations in southern Syria. Earlier this year, Israel demanded the complete demilitarization of areas south of Damascus and has continued routine airstrikes on Syrian military positions, citing security concerns for its border communities. Israeli forces also maintain a presence in the UN buffer zone, further fueling tensions.
From 2018 until late 2023, Russia maintained military police posts and aerial patrols along Syria’s southwestern frontier to enforce the 1974 ceasefire with Israel and counter the influence of Iranian-backed groups. The end of these patrols created a security vacuum that allowed such groups to expand their presence, prompting increased Israeli cross-border strikes.
The Syrian government’s proposal now places the decision in Moscow’s hands. Whether Russia will agree to redeploy patrols depends on its strategic interests in the region and its ability to negotiate acceptable security arrangements with Israel. Regional actors are closely watching for any signs of renewed Russian involvement, which could significantly influence the balance of power in southern Syria.