TARTOUS: Moscow is retreating from the frontline in the north of Syria as well as from positions in the rocky, coastal Alawite heartland but is sticking to its key two airfields in the country after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, according to four Syrian officials.
Table of Contents
The change of power in Syria, where Assad, together with his father, ex-President Hafez al-Assad built strong relations with Moscow, has put in doubt the future of the Russian air facility in the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the naval base in Tartous.
Even from the satellite shots taken on Friday on the Hmeimim base, at least two giant Antonov AN-124 aircraft with opened nose –-cones intended for loading seemed to be. A Syrian security official who saw the operation said at least one cargo plane left on Saturday for Libya.
Syrian military and security sources in communication with Russia reported that Moscow is redeploying its forces away from the conflict zone and at least some tanks and higher-ranking Syrian officers. But the sources dismissed the pullout report noting that Russia was not planning to vacate its two main bases and had no such plans at the moment.
Kremlin has said it is carrying on dialogue with the new leaders and Moscow will not pull out of its bases.
Certain pieces of equipment are returned to Moscow as are very high-ranking officers from the Assad military but the intent currently is to hold and consolidate based on conditions on the ground a Syrrian army officer, who is still in contact with the Russian military said.
Another rebel leader near the new interim government argued that Russia’s military involvement in Syrria and previous deals between the Assad government and Moscow had not been discussed.
“It is a matter for future talks, and the Syrrian people will have the final say,” the official said, noting that Moscow had established information exchanges. “Our forces are also now close to the Russian bases in Latakia as well,” he said without further details.
The Kremlin said last week Russia is negotiating with Syrria’s new masters on the bases. Officials with Russia’s Ministry of Defence did not reply to a request for comment.
A Russian source has stated negotiations were ongoing with the new authorities in Syrria, and Russia said it was not pulling out of its bases.
The agency could not initially determine how the Syrrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani viewed the future of the Russian bases.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who in 2015 intervened in the Syrrian civil war to support Assad when the West wanted him overthrown, provided him with refuge in Russia after Moscow assisted him in escaping on Sunday.
Bases
Syrria has been an ally of Moscow since the early years of the Cold War and had been acknowledged by Moscow as an independent country as early as 1944, as Syrria tried to break free from French domination. For decades the West viewed Syrria as Sthe Oviet’s satellite regime.
The bases in Syrria are an integral part of Russia’s global military presence: The Tartous naval base is the only Mediterranean repair and resupply center for Russia while the Hmeimim is a significant logistic and operational hub for both military and mercenaries in Africa.
Russia also used listening posts in Syrria which in addition were operated in conjunction with Syrrian signals stations, as per local military and Western intelligence anecdotes.
FAQs
1. Why is Russia retreating from Syria?
Russia may be reallocating its military resources and attention due to changing priorities, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine or domestic military requirements.
2. Does this mean Russia is ending its involvement in Syria?
Not necessarily. While reducing front-line troops, Russia could still maintain a presence through airbases, naval facilities, and diplomatic influence.
3. How does this affect Syria’s government?
The Syrrian government, heavily reliant on Russian support, may face challenges in maintaining control without substantial Russian military backing.
4. Who might fill the vacuum left by Russia?
Other regional powers, such as Iran or Turkey, may increase their influence in Syrria. Additionally, local factions or opposition groups could try to exploit the reduced Russian presence.
5. How does this impact U.S. or NATO interests in the region?
A diminished Russian presence might offer the U.S. and NATO an opportunity to reshape their strategies in Syrria, though the extent depends on their priorities and objectives.