After the withdrawal of the Russian Navy: ground troops leave southern Syria

Russian soldiers and military vehicles have been seen withdrawing from areas in southern Syria. They were moving towards their main base in the coastal town of Latakia. Sizeable Russian military convoys were spotted heading north on the Damascus-Homs highway near the village of Shinshar. Among the military vehicles carrying Russian flags were tanks and armored personnel carriers. The military equipment was previously stationed in southern regions such as Daraa and Damascus.

On Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian forces left bases in Ain Issa and Al-Samn in rural areas of Al-Raqqa province. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies on Friday appeared to show cargo planes at a Russian military airfield in Syria with their noses open to accommodate heavy military equipment. Helicopters that were dismantled and prepared for transport could also be seen.

According to US information, the Russian naval ships have already completely left the port of Tartus. This was previously reported by a US official who wished to remain anonymous. Where these will be stationed is still unclear, but Russia could look for a new base in the Mediterranean along the African coast. The U.S. official did not say how many ships Russia had stationed in Syria.

When asked about Tartus, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed on Wednesday that the US had determined that some Russian naval ships and forces were leaving Syria. “One of their key political allies has just been removed from power,” Singh said. “We see that Russia is protecting its resources.” Russia had supported the rule of the ruler Bashar al-Assad, who was driven out by insurgents. He was given asylum in Russia after he was overthrown on Sunday.

This article first appeared at ntv.de