Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Russia has begun scaling back its military from frontline positions in northern Syria and the Alawite Mountains.
According to statements from four Syrian officials, it is maintaining a presence at its two main bases. The future of Russia’s Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartous naval facility remains uncertain due to the longstanding alliance between Assad and Moscow now being in question.
Recent satellite images show at least two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes at the Hmeimim base preparing to load, with one plane departing for Libya on Saturday, as a Syrian security official reported.
Syrian military and security sources who maintain contact with Russian forces have confirmed that while Russia is reducing its frontline forces and some heavy equipment, it has no plans to withdraw from its main bases completely. These adjustments appear to respond to the evolving situation, allowing for strategic regrouping and redeployment.
There has been increased activity at Russia's air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia amid reports that Russia is pulling back its military presence https://t.co/H3s5iHUG4b pic.twitter.com/Qbn13jPkpF
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 14, 2024A senior Syrian army officer in contact with the Russian military explained that some equipment and high-ranking officers from Assad’s military are returning to Moscow. However, the primary aim is to adjust troop deployments based on ground realities rather than a full-scale withdrawal.
Conversely, a senior rebel official indicated that discussions about the Russian military presence and past agreements are not currently on the negotiation table with Syria’s new interim government. “The Syrian people will have the final say in future talks,” the official noted, adding that Russian forces remain in proximity to their bases in Latakia.
The Kremlin has acknowledged ongoing discussions with Syria’s new leaders regarding the bases, although Russia’s defence ministry has not officially commented.
Reuters has not been able to confirm the long-term plans for Russian bases under the new Syrian leadership, including views from rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Russian troops have been in Syria since 2017, propping up the Assad regime and overseeing the war.
Since the downfall of Assad, their troops are withdrawing from those bases and going towards the Mediterranean coast.@RamsaySky reports from Syria: https://t.co/N3pssGFdZF pic.twitter.com/HRu2Hn29xl
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 14, 2024Russian involvement in Syria has been a cornerstone of its global military strategy, dating back to Cold War alliances. The Tartous naval base is Russia’s sole Mediterranean repair and resupply hub, while the Hmeimim airbase is crucial for military and mercenary operations across Africa.
Read: Russia Responds to Kyiv’s ATACMS Use with ‘Massive’ Strike on Ukraine
Additionally, Yoruk Isik, a geopolitical analyst in Istanbul, suggested that Russia might be rerouting its cargo planes through the Caucasus to Libya’s Al Khadim airbase.
On the ground, a Russian military convoy was observed relocating from Hmeimim to Tartous, indicating ongoing logistical adjustments. Resident Ali Halloum expressed a common sentiment among Syrians, voicing opposition to any foreign intervention, whether Russian, Iranian, or otherwise.
Despite these changes, life at the Hmeimim base continues with usual military activities, and satellite imagery has recently shown several Russian naval vessels near Tartous, underscoring a sustained, though recalibrated, Russian military presence in the region.
