Retreat from Syria: Ukraine's Intelligence explains Russian tactics
Illustrative photo: Ukraine's Intelligence explained how Russians are withdrawing from Syria (Getty Images)
Russia has begun a large-scale withdrawal of its troops from Syria. The evacuation has involved military transport aircraft, and ships organized to travel along the Khmeimim - Ulyanovsk route, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reports.
"To retreat from Syria, the Russians have deployed a caravan of military transport aircraft, which are loading the remaining troops, weapons, and military equipment," noted Ukraine's Intelligence.
Russia's evacuation operation encompasses air and sea logistics to transport military personnel, equipment, and machinery.
According to Ukraine's spy agency, flights are planned from the Khmeimim airbase using Antonov An-124 and Ilyushin Il-76MD aircraft to Ulyanovsk, Chkalovsky, and Privolzhsky airfields.
At the same time, the Russians are conducting emergency dismantling of equipment and military property in the port of Tartus.
In particular, Russian ships are involved in the operation, including the bulk carrier Sparta II and the large landing ship Alexander Shabalin.
Ukraine's Intelligence also added that the assault ships Alexander Otrakovsky and Ivan Gren had set course for the Mediterranean. They had been joined by the frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko.
Reports indicate that several hundred Russian special forces have arrived at Tartus to ensure the retreat.
"Probably, the aggressor state is counting on agreements with anti-government forces for an unhindered exit from Syria. Even representatives of so-called Moscow diplomacy no longer refer to the groups rebelling against Assad's regime as 'terrorists,' instead demonstrating a neutral, even 'friendly' public rhetoric," explained Ukraine's Intelligence.
Meanwhile, discontent with the command is being observed among Russian military personnel on the ground, and one of the bases is under siege.
Earlier, the rebels successfully overthrew the long-standing regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The dictator is currently in Moscow, which has provided him with "shelter."
The White House stated that the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria shows that the positions of Russia and Iran are weakened.
