Syrian government forces pull out from airbase near Palmyra — report

Syrian government forces have begun to withdraw from the key T-4 airbase near the ancient city of Palmyra in the Homs Governorate, Al Jazeera reports, citing local sources.

The withdrawal comes amid the rebel offensive against the Syrian regime.

T-4, also known as Tiyas, is believed to be one of two major airports — the other being Damascus International Airport — where Iranian cargo airlines carrying weapons set for Hezbollah in Lebanon often land. The weaponry is then believed to be stored in warehouses in the area before being trucked to Lebanon.

In recent years, Israel has attacked the T-4 airbase on multiple occasions.

Israeli defense officials have claimed in the past that the base is used by Iranian forces as part of the Islamic Republic’s efforts to entrench militarily in Syria, something Israel has vowed to prevent.