Reuters: Russia is not going to leave its bases in Syria yet

15 December, 2024 US soldiers observe Russian soldiers near the village of Tannuria. Photo: AFP The Russian contingent in Syria is withdrawing its troops away from the front line but is not going to leave its military bases yet.

Reuters reported on this, citing anonymous sources. According to the publication, Russia has no plans to leave the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia and the naval facility in Tartus, where Russian troops and their equipment are stationed. Despite this, the Russian contingent deployed in northern Syria and the Alawite Mountains has left its positions.

Russian ships in the port of Tartus.

Photo credits: MT Anderson

In addition, satellite images taken since the beginning of December 2024 show the constant departure of Russian ships from Tartus, as well as the evacuation of equipment from these bases. Similar activity has also been observed at the Khmeimim air base, an important point for the Russian Aerospace Forces' logistics and support of troops in Syria. Analyzing the new satellite imagery, the activity of two An-124 transport aircraft with an open nose for loading cargo is noticeable.

Additionally, anonymous sources told Reuters that some military equipment was being shipped back to Russia, as were high-ranking officers in Assad's army.

A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber with the number "21" in Syria.

2015. Photo credits: Russian Ministry of Defense

This activity's main purpose is to regroup the forces and prepare them for new challenges in the region resulting from radical changes in priorities. At present, the new Syrian government has not yet begun official talks with Moscow on the status of Russian bases and further cooperation, which may not continue.

"It is a matter for future talks, and the Syrian people will have the final say," said the official, adding that Moscow had set up communication channels. Militarnyi previously reported that the Russian contingent at the Khmeimim air base evacuated air defense systems to the port of Tartus. The Russian Khmeimim airbase in the Syrian province of Latakia continues to operate despite the overthrow of the Assad regime.

According to the released footage, Su-24 frontline bombers, Su-34 fighter-bombers, and Su-30/35 fighter jets remain at the airbase.