Syria says it's open to allowing Russia to keep hold of two key military bases, months after rebel groups ousted Kremlin ally Bashar Assad.

Russia will likely keep a reduced military presence in Syria, achieving a key objective for President Vladimir Putin after the downfall of the Assad regime he backed, according to people familiar with the matter.

Syria’s new leadership is open to allowing Russia to keep its military bases in the country if it aligns with national interests, Murhaf Abu Qasra, defense minister in the transitional government, told The Washington Post in an interview published on February 6.

Russia is reportedly nearing a deal with Syria to maintain a limited military presence in the country after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 17, citing sources familiar with the matter.