Russia's notable Syria move after Assad

After jihadist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of the capital Damascus on December 8 in Syria, Bashar al-Assad, who left the country with his family, took refuge in Russia.

Following the collapse of the 61-year-old Baath regime, it was claimed that Russia has begun a large-scale withdrawal of troops and equipment from Syria.

In a report by CNN citing US officials and an intelligence source, it was stated that the status of Russia's Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base is on the agenda.

Emphasizing the geopolitical importance of Tartus, the officials argued that leaving Syria without a port in Libya could put the Russians in a difficult position.

The officials claimed that in such a situation, the Russians would be "left without a Mediterranean port to project their power on NATO's southern flank."

Noting that Russian forces and military equipment have begun to be withdrawn from Syria on a large scale, but questioning the permanence of this, the officials noted that Russian forces have begun moving their naval assets from the East Mediterranean country of Syria to the North African country of Libya.

AIRCRAFT SEEN PREPARING FOR LOADING AT AIRBASE

In satellite imagery dated December 13 from Maxar, it was seen that Russia was preparing aircraft for loading to depart from its military bases in Syria.

It was determined that two AN-124 heavy military transport aircraft at the Hmeimim airbase had their nose cones raised and were ready for cargo loading.

In the national press, it was reported that a Ka-52 attack helicopter was being dismantled for transport and parts of the S-400 air defense unit were being prepared for packaging.

LATEST MESSAGES FROM PESKOV AND BLINKEN

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a press conference last week that Russia is in contact with the rebels in Damascus.

Peskov stated, "We must be in contact with those who control the situation on the ground because we have facilities and personnel there."

CNN's report emphasized that Russia is questioning the "possibility of negotiation" with HTS regarding the potential to remain at the Hmeimim air and Tartus naval bases.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement over the weekend that he could not comment on Russia's withdrawal from Syria.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN SYRIA SINCE NOVEMBER 27?

In Syria, clashes between jihadist armed groups led by HTS and Bashar al-Assad's forces intensified on November 27.

Between November 30 and December 7, the groups gained the upper hand in major provinces such as Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, and Homs.

With the support of opposition forces for the groups that began entering the capital Damascus on December 7, the regime lost control entirely in Damascus and many other regions, leading to its collapse.

As the Baath Party's 61-year rule came to an end, regime leader Assad fled the capital.

News Source: AA