Russian military base in Syria bustling as forces pull back

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Russian military base in Syria bustling as forces pull back

STORY: Russia’s air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia has become a hive of activity since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

A cargo plane and helicopter were seen landing at the base. And at least one cargo plane flew out on Saturday (December 14) for Libya, a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility said.

While satellite footage from Friday shows what appeared to be at least two Antonov AN-124s at the base with their nose cones open, apparently preparing to load up.

It comes as Russia is pulling back its military from the front lines in northern Syria after the fall of President Assad, Syrian officials told Reuters.

Syrian military and security forces in contact with Russia told Reuters that there would be more departures in coming days as Moscow withdraws heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers.

Russian forces will also pull back from posts in the Alawite Mountains, but will not leave its two main bases in the country, they said.

Russia’s bases in Syria are an integral part of its global military presence.

The Tartous naval base is Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and resupply hub, and the Latakia air base a major staging post for military and mercenary activity in Africa.

Reuters was unable to immediately ascertain how Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa – better known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani – saw the long-term future of the Russian bases.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2015 intervention in the Syrian civil war helped prop up Assad when the West was calling for him to be toppled.

Last Sunday, Putin granted Assad asylum in Russia after Moscow helped him to flee Damascus.

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