Russian Forces Begin to Leave Syria

While Russian ships remain anchored off the coast of Tartus, awaiting clarity on whether they can resume using the Syrian port, numerous Russian military vehicles are heading to the airbase near Latakia for repatriation.

russia likely began withdrawing its troops from Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, FT and CNN.

Locals filmed russian military columns advancing from the base in Tartus toward the coast.

Satellite images from Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs show An-124 cargo planes,… pic.twitter.com/yKIpnZPEYf

— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) December 14, 2024

In this context, the arrival of a Russian Air Force Antonov An-124 (reg. RA-82037) from Moscow at the airbase this morning seems significant. Satellite images released by Maxar confirm activity at the Syrian base, suggesting possible Russian withdrawal operations.

The aircraft landed in Syria around 07:00 UTC, utilizing Turkish airspace (highlighting, once again, Erdogan’s overly accommodating stance toward his frenemy Putin).