Russia Reduces Military Presence in Syria Following al-Assad’s fall

---

A Syrian security official confirmed that a Russian cargo plane departed from Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia for Libya amidst reports that Moscow is transferring military equipment no longer deemed necessary after the fall of al-Assad‘s regime.

A Syrian official stationed outside the Russian airbase in Latakia stated that a Russian cargo plane left the base on Saturday en route to Libya. This comes as Moscow scales back its military presence and transfers equipment rendered superfluous after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. However, it is unlikely that Moscow will abandon its strategic interests and bases along the Mediterranean despite losing its regional ally, particularly given the ongoing tensions with the West.

• Russia Reduces Military Presence in Syria Following al-Assad’s fall

• The fall of Al-Assad Sparks Political Debate in Iran

The official added that more Russian planes are expected to depart from Hmeimim Air Base in the coming days.

Increased activity was observed at the airbase that day. Besides the departing cargo plane, an Ilyushin IL-76 and an Alligator helicopter were seen landing. Helicopters were spotted flying within the base, while a Sukhoi Su-34 aircraft refueled. A Zeppelin flew over the base, and trucks bearing Russian flags were seen inside.

Satellite images released by Maxar following the opposition’s takeover earlier in the week show that Russia appears to be gathering military equipment at Hmeimim. The photos taken on Friday reveal two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes, among the world’s largest, with their noses open.

• The fall of al-Assad’s Regime: Will It Affect Russia’s Influence in the Region?

• After Al-Assad’s Fall… Syria Closes Its Doors to the Houthis

Maxar stated: “Two AN-124 heavy transport planes are stationed at the airport, their noses open and ready for equipment loading.”

It added: “Nearby, a Ka-52 attack helicopter is being dismantled, likely for transport, while parts of the S-400 air defense system are also being prepared to leave their previous deployment site at the airbase.”

The company also noted that the Russian naval base in Tartus, Moscow’s only repair and maintenance hub in the Mediterranean, “remains largely unchanged since our coverage on December 10, with two frigates still off the coast of Tartus.”

• “Bashar al-Assad’s Fall: The Map of Armed Groups Under the Banner of ‘Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’”

• Al-Assad’s Fall Weakens Iran but Doesn’t End Its Capabilities in the Middle East

British Channel 4 News reported seeing a convoy of over 150 Russian military vehicles moving along a road. It added that the Russian military is operating in an organized manner, suggesting an agreement for an orderly withdrawal from Syria.

Moscow has supported Syria since the early days of the Cold War, recognizing its independence in 1944 when Damascus sought to break free from French colonial rule. The West long viewed Syria as a Soviet ally.

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, many Russian military installations were shut down. However, Moscow maintained its naval base in Tartus, albeit with reduced size and capacity.

• Washington Warns al-Assad against Using Chemical Weapons in Response to His Defeats

• Maher Al-Assad Abandons Hezbollah to Avoid Israeli Strikes

The situation shifted in 2010 when Vladimir Putin adopted a more ambitious policy. Moscow increased military spending to modernize its army and undertook works to enable Tartus to accommodate larger ships.

Matters accelerated in 2015 when Russia deployed its military and the Wagner Group to support al-Assad’s regime. By the end of that year, Russian media reported that 1,700 soldiers were stationed in Tartus. Today, the exact number of personnel remains unknown as the Russian Defense Ministry does not disclose specific details.

• Following in the footsteps of the UAE, Egypt restores relations with Syria to end al-Assad’s international isolation

• Al-Assad meets Khamenei and Raisi in Teheran – Details

The planes that carried out devastating bombings since 2015, saving al-Assad at the time, operated from this base.

The Kremlin stated that following al-Assad‘s fall, its focus is now on securing its military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria.

• Syria, Victim of its Geography: Why Does It Continue to Suffer?

• Israel Prepares for Worst-Case Scenarios in Syria

• From Al-Qaeda’s veil to the political shirt: Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani?

• Washington Follows the Events in Syria… What about “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham”?

• A New Study Outlines Possible Scenarios for Syria’s Future