Russian forces begin pulling out of bases in northeast Syria

Russian forces have begun pulling out of positions in northeast Syria in an area still controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces after the group lost most of its territory in an offensive by government forces.

Associated Press journalists visited one base next to the Qamishli airport today and found it guarded by SDF fighters who said the Russians had begun moving their equipment out in recent days.

Inside what had been living quarters for the soldiers was largely empty, with scattered items left behind, including workout equipment, protein powder and some clothing.

Ahmed Ali, an SDF fighter deployed at the facility, says the Russian forces began evacuating their positions around the airport five or six days ago, withdrawing their equipment via a cargo plane.

“We don’t know if its destination was Russia or the Hmeimim airbase,” he says, referring to the main Russian base on Syria’s coast. “They still have a presence in Qamishli and have been evacuating bit by bit.”

There has been no official statement from Russia about the withdrawal of its forces from Qamishli.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is expected to visit Moscow tomorrow and meet with Putin.