Russia sends first convoy to Syrian bases since signing basing agreement

Russia made its first resupply mission to Syria’s Tartous port and Hmeimim airbase facilities since last month’s agreement on the future of Russian military presence in Syria, Reuters reports. Last week, the four-vessel convoy arrived at the Mediterranean port of Tartous carrying supplies including ammunition destined for Hmeimim and Tartous, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Under the new deal signed on 9 August after 18 months of negotiations, ​civilian facilities used by Russia are to be transferred to Syrian control and military sites will be turned into joint training centers with continued presence of Russian forces.

Wanting a piece

TotalEnergies is seeking a 10% stake in the USD 15 bn Basra-Baniyas pipeline Iraq is planning to build as a bypass to Hormuz, CEO Patrick Pouyanné announced following talks in Paris with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. The push comes as the French energy major announces its commitment to raise its investments in Iraq by 4 USD bn to USD 16 bn. About the project: If it reaches a final investment decision, the pipeline linking Iraq’s oil-rich Basra to Syria’s Baniyas on the Mediterranean would take four years to complete construction. As of now, the consortium planning to lead the buildout is composed of US energy giant Chevron, Qatar-based UCC Holding, and US investment firm TI Capital.

Against the wind

Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad Airways is flying 15% more than last year, despite headwinds like geopolitical disruptions and rising costs, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De tells our UAE desk. That’s a step up from the airline's previously published figure of 10% more summer capacity y-o-y, disclosed in June. Etihad’s planes are running at roughly 90% full, De says.

IN CONTEXT- It has been an unforgiving year for Gulf aviation. The Iran war forced airlines across the region to reroute, spiking fuel costs and grounding flights outright. The International Air Transport Association expects Middle Eastern carriers to post a combined loss this year, the only region forecast to be unprofitable in 2026. Emirates and Qatar Airways both pulled back summer capacity in response.

Traveling cup

Kuwait will host the Saudi Super Cup for the first time, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation selecting Kuwait’s Altai Media Group as its official partner for the 2026-27 season, Saudi’s state news agency SPA reports. The tournament runs on 19-23 December at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, featuring Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah, and Al Kholood.