Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Russian State Duma Andrey Kartapolov warned on Monday that any attack on Russian military bases in Syria would trigger a "strong response." "Opponents know that if they target our bases, they will face consequences," he said according to Interfax.

Kartapolov emphasized the crucial role of these bases and confirmed they would continue their mission as directed by President Vladimir Putin. He also stated that the bases' security is guaranteed by the Russian Armed Forces, despite the desire of some adversaries to see them removed.

These remarks followed the Syrian rebels' overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad after 24 years in power. Assad later arrived in Moscow after being granted asylum by Russia.