Published 15 December 2024 at 11.59
Foreign. Russia will withdraw its military from the front lines in northern Syria and in the Alawite Mountains but keep its own military bases in the country, Syrian sources told Reuters.
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Satellite images on Friday showed military material being loaded onto two large transport planes at the Russian Hmeimim airbase in Syria.
At least one cargo plane is said to have flown to Libya on Saturday, but according to a military source, this does not mean that the Russians intend to leave the base completely.
Hmeimim an important military base for Russian military and mercenary operations in Africa.
Along with the military base in Tartus plays a significant role in Russia's global military presence.
A senior rebel official close to the new al Qaeda-led administration told Reuters that the issue of the Russian military presence in Syria and previous agreements between the Assad regime and Moscow were not up for discussion.
– That is a matter for future talks, and the Syrian people will have the final say, the official said, adding that Moscow have established communication channels.
– Our forces are now also close to the Russian bases in Latakia, the rebel added without giving further details.
The Kremlin has announced that Russia is in talks with Syria's new leaders about bases.
Russia's Defense Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on Reuters' reporting.
A Russian source, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said talks with Syria's new leader were ongoing and that Russia does not withdraw from its bases.