Syrian sources say Russia withdrawing from front lines but will remain at main Syria bases

By Reuters 14 December 2024, 4:53 pm

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Russian fighter jets on the tarmac at the Russian Hmeimim military base in Latakia province, in the northwest of Syria, February 16, 2016. (AFP/Stringer)

TARTUS — Russia is pulling back its military from the front lines in northern Syria and posts in the Alawite Mountains but is not leaving its two main bases in the country after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, four Syrian officials tell Reuters.

The ousting of Assad, who along with his late father, former President Hafez al-Assad, had forged a close alliance with Moscow, has thrown the future of Russia’s bases – the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartus naval facility – into question.

Satellite footage from Friday shows what appeared to be at least two Antonov AN-124s, among the world’s largest cargo planes, at the Hmeimim base with their nose cones open, apparently preparing to load up.

At least one cargo plane flew out today for Libya, a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility says.

Syrian military and security sources in contact with the Russians tell Reuters that Moscow is pulling back its forces from the front lines and withdrawing some heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers.

But the sources, who speak on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, say Russia is not pulling out of its two main bases and currently has no intention of doing so.

Some equipment is being shipped back to Moscow as are very senior officers from Assad’s military but the aim at this stage is to regroup and redeploy as dictated by developments on the ground, a senior Syrian army officer in touch with the Russian military tells Reuters.

A senior rebel official close to the new interim administration tells Reuters the issue of the Russian military presence in Syria and past agreements between the Assad government and Moscow are not under discussion.

“It is a matter for future talks and the Syrian people will have the final say,” says the official, adding that Moscow had set up communication channels.

“Our forces are also now in close vicinity of the Russian bases in Latakia,” he adds without elaborating.