Russia likely withdrawing its troops from Syria, satellite images revealed
Illustrative photo: Russia may have begun to withdraw military vehicles from Syria (Getty Images)
Russia has likely begun withdrawing some of its troops from Syria. This is indicated by the analysis of satellite images, reports Financial Times.
According to the FT, satellite images taken by Maxar and Planet Labs show an increase in the number of ground vehicles at the Khmeimim airbase. Several large transport planes have arrived there. Additionally, the images reveal the dismantling of Russian helicopters and air defense systems at the base.
These factors suggest that Russian forces are preparing to leave. In particular, an anonymous Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Moscow is likely withdrawing a significant amount of equipment from the country. However, it is unclear whether this activity marks the beginning of a partial or full withdrawal.
An An-124 heavy-lift aircraft with its nose open for loading or unloading at Hmeimim air base in Syria (photo: MAXAR)
"This drawdown may signal a complete Russian exit from Syria, but it is too early to tell," said Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that the presence of Russian troops in Syria will depend on negotiations with the new interim government in Damascus.
Photo: Drone footage broadcast by Syria Television shows aircraft in hangars at Khmeimim
The Financial Times speculates that Russia may offer the new Syrian government money, energy resources, or gold and diamonds mined in Africa. A former senior Russian official told the Financial Times that Russia is establishing relations with the new Syrian government based on "friendship and love."
In particular, Maxar’s satellite images captured two An-124 transport aircraft at the Khmeimim airbase. These are currently the world’s largest heavy transport planes, capable of carrying up to 150 tons of cargo.
Satellite images of Khmeimim air base have shown the arrival of large transport aircraft (photo: Maxar)
The images also show three Il-76 transport planes on the ground. Three An-32 planes and one An-72, smaller transport aircraft, are visible in the pictures.
The fall of Assad’s regime in Syria
In November, large-scale clashes erupted in Syria between the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, units of the Syrian National Army, and the forces of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
This led to the overthrow of Assad’s regime and the "building of a new Syria." Eventually, Assad fled to Moscow, where he allegedly claimed to have voluntarily transferred power.
