Russia's strategic withdrawal from Syria raises questions
In recent days, technology companies and war bloggers have been observing the anxious movements of Russian troops stationed in Syria. According to numerous reports, Russia is withdrawing generals and heavy equipment from the country where a rebellion and the overthrow of the dictator occurred last week, but does not plan to fully vacate military bases.
15 December 2024 08:44
Russian forces have left posts in northern Syria and the Latakia mountains, but they do not intend to completely evacuate their military bases. This information was reported by Reuters, citing several sources. Russia is withdrawing its contingent from advanced posts and evacuating heavy equipment and high-ranking officers from Assad's army.
According to the independent Russian investigative portal Important Stories, based on analysis of satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, two large An-124 transport aircraft, three other Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes, as well as smaller transport aircraft – three An-32 and one An-72 – arrived at the Khmeimim base.
The American newspaper "The Washington Post" also analysed these images. It reports that the planes have their hatches open, which may indicate that they are ready to be loaded or are currently being loaded.
Russian troops in Syria. Are they preparing for evacuation?
The images also show that Russian military personnel are dismantling a Ka-52 attack helicopter. According to Maxar analysts, this may suggest that they are preparing it for transport.
A source in the Syrian special services reports that most likely, one transport plane flew from the Khmeimim airbase to Libya on Saturday. The day before, Maxar analysts noticed nine transport planes at the Khmeimim airport including two of the largest in the world, the An-124. Experts speculate that a Ka-52 helicopter and the S-400 missile system are being prepared for loading.
Bloggers are publishing videos depicting Russian military convoys heading towards the Khmeimim airbase. Specifically, "Military Informer" shared a video where a passerby asks a Russian soldier where they are heading. He replies that they are going to Russia.
There is also another video showing Syrians watching the departing Russians and waving their shoes in their direction, which in Arab culture is the greatest insult and expression of contempt.
