Russian forces evacuate ships and weapons from Syria - Ukrainian intelligence
Photo: Russia is withdrawing ships and airlifting weapons from bases in Syria (Getty Images)
Russia is evacuating its ships and transporting leftover weapons by air from its bases in Syria as the regime of Bashar al-Assad falls, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU).
The rapid collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has led to the Russian contingent fleeing the country.
“After losing control of Damascus and amid the ongoing offensive by opposition forces in the provinces of Latakia, Hama, and Tartus, the Russian military withdrew its warships from the Tartus naval base, which Assad had previously handed over to Moscow in exchange for security,” intelligence officials stated.
On December 9, the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich of the Black Sea Fleet and the cargo ship Engineer Trubin of the Northern Fleet departed Tartus for the Mediterranean Sea.
“Additionally, the Russians are transferring the remnants of their weapons and military equipment from the Khmeimim airbase using military transport aircraft,” the DIU reported.
Russian Federation withdraws ships and airlifts remaining weapons from bases in Syria (t.me/DIUkraine)
What’s happening in Syria
After Syrian rebels captured Damascus, opposition forces opposing President Bashar al-Assad’s regime are advancing toward the coast.
In Damascus, the Syrian capital, the dictator’s residence, government buildings, and the central office of the national television station are now under the control of anti-Assad forces.
Please find more details on the situation in Syria and the whereabouts of President Bashar al-Assad in the RBC-Ukraine report.
