Why Syria is so important

HAVING a naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus gives the Russian fleet access to the Mediterranean.

And by exercising control over the country, Putin has a foothold in NATO territory.

It has enabled him to reduce American influence in the region.

Russia also uses the Hmeymim air base on northwest Syria’s Mediterranean coast to launch air strikes. It holds transport planes, fighter jets and helicopters.

And Russia uses Syria as a testing ground for more than 200 types of weapons and drone technology.