Russian presence in Syria remains. But it’s unclear for how long
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Russian presence in Syria remains. But it’s unclear for how long

Associated Press  

HMEIMIM, Syria — A convoy of Russian military vehicles rolled down the highway towards the Syrian city of Tartus on Monday as soldiers stood guard. Planes periodically descended and rose from Russia’s Hmeimim air base in the Syrian coastal province of Latakia while smoke rose from the base. Since Assad’s departure, there have been no clashes between Russian troops and the former insurgents who have suddenly become the de facto security forces for all of Syria. A fighter guarding the shuttered civilian airport next to the Hmeimim base said Monday, “The Russians are preparing to withdraw from Syria, God willing.” He gave only his nickname, Abu Saif, because he wasn’t authorized to comment publicly.

Syria Russian Moscow Syrian Base Russian Forces Forces Assad Hmeimim  presence  base  forces  moscow  syria  hmeimim  remains  long  syrian  russian  assad  military  assads  unclear

History of this topic

Russia woos Syria with trade offer to keep its military bases as US withdraws from West Asia: Report
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Russia woos Syria with trade offer to keep its military bases as US withdraws from West Asia: Report

Firstpost  

As US President Donald Trump has stopped the opposition to Russia and Syria’s new regime is eager to expand its footprint, Russia is wooing the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa with economic and trade offers to retain strategic footholds in the country As the United States is withdrawing from the world stage, Russia is wooing the new Syrian …

Turkey and Russia engage in delicate maneuvers over Syria after Assad’s downfall
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Turkey and Russia engage in delicate maneuvers over Syria after Assad’s downfall

Associated Press  

The rapid downfall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad has touched off a new round of delicate geopolitical maneuvering between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The Assad regime’s demise opens another chapter in the complex relationship between Putin and Erdogan, with wide-ranging implications not just …

Russian presence in Syria remains. But it's unclear for how long
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Russian presence in Syria remains. But it's unclear for how long

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In 2017, Assad’s government signed a deal with Russia …

Syria's ousted leader Assad says he wanted to keep fighting but Russian allies evacuated him
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Syria's ousted leader Assad says he wanted to keep fighting but Russian allies evacuated him

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS — Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad said Monday he wanted to stay in the country after rebels captured the capital, but the Russian military evacuated him from their base in western Syria after it came under attack. AP AUDIO: Syria’s ousted leader Assad says he wanted to keep fighting but Russian allies evacuated him AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports …

With Assad gone, Russia withdraws from Syrian military bases & changes tone for new rulers
3 months, 2 weeks ago

With Assad gone, Russia withdraws from Syrian military bases & changes tone for new rulers

Firstpost  

Satellite imagery and videos from the ground appear to show that Russia is thinning its military presence in two military bases in western Syria and withdrawing personnel and equipment from the rest of the country This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on Friday shows an Antonov An-124 heavy transport aircraft preparing to load equipment at Khmeimim airbase in …

Russian military has begun large-scale withdrawal from Syria, US and Western officials say
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Russian military has begun large-scale withdrawal from Syria, US and Western officials say

CNN  

CNN — Russia has begun withdrawing a large amount of military equipment and troops from Syria following the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, according to two US officials and a western official familiar with the intelligence. US and western intelligence suggests that Russian officials have been trying to determine whether Hayat Tahrir al Sham, the main rebel group …

Syria’s ousted leader Assad says he wanted to keep fighting but Russian allies evacuated him
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Syria’s ousted leader Assad says he wanted to keep fighting but Russian allies evacuated him

LA Times  

Syrian Civil Defense members, known as the White Helmets, carry one of several bodies that were found near a road linking to the airport in Damascus. “The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.” In Damascus, residents dismissed Assda’s comments and some said he had abandoned Syria’s people long ago. The spokesman for the transitional …

At a Russian air base in Syria, questions loom over Moscow’s place in the country
3 months, 2 weeks ago

At a Russian air base in Syria, questions loom over Moscow’s place in the country

LA Times  

The Sukhoi fighter aircraft punched through the clouds, its growl echoing over Russia’s Hmeimim air base on Syria’s coast. Speaking Monday from inside Hmeimim air base, a representative of Russia’s military — who refused to be named in line with military regulations — said relations with the rebels were “quite good.” “We don’t feel unsafe with the new government,” he …

Putin's goons flee Syria: Russians begin to dismantle military outposts after fall of murderous despot Bashar al-Assad
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Putin's goons flee Syria: Russians begin to dismantle military outposts after fall of murderous despot Bashar al-Assad

Daily Mail  

Russia has begun dismantling its military outposts in Syria amid uncertainty about its future in the region following Bashar al-Assad's abrupt fall last weekend. An An-124 heavy transport aircraft with its nose cone lifted, at Russian Khmeimim airbase, near Latakia, Syria, December 13 A satellite image shows an overview of Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria, December 13 Russian President …

Russian cargo plane departs Syria for Libya, more flights expected, official says
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Russian cargo plane departs Syria for Libya, more flights expected, official says

Hindustan Times  

By Tuvan Gumrukcu Russian cargo plane departs Syria for Libya, more flights expected, official says LATAKIA, Syria -A Russian cargo plane departed from Russia's air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia for Libya on Saturday, a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility said, following rebels' overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last weekend. The official told Reuters that …

Assad ally Russia in touch with Syrian rebels, aims to maintain its naval and air bases
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Assad ally Russia in touch with Syrian rebels, aims to maintain its naval and air bases

Firstpost  

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said contacts with HTS, the most powerful force in the country after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, were “proceeding in constructive fashion” Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu watch servicemen passing by as they visit the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017. Reuters Russia has established …

Russia Nears Deal With New Syria Leaders to Keep Army Bases
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Russia Nears Deal With New Syria Leaders to Keep Army Bases

Live Mint  

Russia is nearing an agreement with Syria’s new leadership to keep two vital military bases in the Middle East state, a key objective of the Kremlin after the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad. Putin’s Syria Setback Threatens Key Russian Military Bases Moscow has established contact with HTS in Damascus and hopes the group “will honor promises” to keep foreign …

With Assad gone, Russia's military bases face an uncertain future
3 months, 3 weeks ago

With Assad gone, Russia's military bases face an uncertain future

Firstpost  

As Syrian opposition forces control the cities in which Russian military bases are located, the future of Russian military presence in Syria is uncertain A Syrian opposition forces' rocket launcher firing against President Bashar al-Assad's regime forces on the outskirts of the city of Hama, Syria, on Wednesday. Syrian opposition controls areas around Russian bases Russia has at least two …

In satellite pics: What's happening at Russian bases after Assad's fall
3 months, 3 weeks ago

In satellite pics: What's happening at Russian bases after Assad's fall

India Today  

A big question mark looms large over the future of Russian air and naval bases on the Mediterranean coast in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow in face of a swift rebel offensive. Russian military vessels were missing from a satellite image captured by American geospatial firm Planet Labs PBC on December 9, a day after Assad fled …

Why fall of Bashar-al Assad in Syria threatens Russia across the Mediterranean, Africa and beyond
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Why fall of Bashar-al Assad in Syria threatens Russia across the Mediterranean, Africa and beyond

Firstpost  

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria poses a significant threat to Russia’s influence in key regions like the Mediterranean and Africa jeopardising its military footholds, alliances and long-term strategic objectives. This could weaken Russia’s influence not only in Syria but also in the Mediterranean, North Africa and Central Africa, regions where it has worked hard to grow its …

'Damascus Spring': Reports say Assad arrives in Moscow after rebels seize Syria
3 months, 3 weeks ago

'Damascus Spring': Reports say Assad arrives in Moscow after rebels seize Syria

New Indian Express  

Meanwhile, Dozens of Syrians explored Assad's luxurious Damascus home after it was looted on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said, following the fall of the capital to rebel forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Assad left on a private plane that took off from Damascus international airport at 10:00 pm on Saturday night, without specifying where he …

'Damascus Spring': Reports say Assad arrives in Moscow after rebels seize Syria
3 months, 3 weeks ago

'Damascus Spring': Reports say Assad arrives in Moscow after rebels seize Syria

New Indian Express  

Meanwhile, Dozens of Syrians explored Assad's luxurious Damascus home after it was looted on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said, following the fall of the capital to rebel forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Assad left on a private plane that took off from Damascus international airport at 10:00 pm on Saturday night, without specifying where he …

Amid opposition forces' offensive, are Russian military bases in Syria at risk?
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Amid opposition forces' offensive, are Russian military bases in Syria at risk?

Firstpost  

As Syrian opposition forces have pushed President Bashar al-Assad’s forces on the defensive, the prized Russian military bases in Syria no longer appear to be impenetrable fortresses they once were Even though President Bashar al-Assad rules Syria, it has long been an open secret that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the force behind his rule. Russia maintains four military …

Russian, Syrian jets strike Idlib as rebels seize ground in Aleppo
4 months ago

Russian, Syrian jets strike Idlib as rebels seize ground in Aleppo

India Today  

Russian and Syrian jets struck the rebel-held city of Idlib in northern Syria on Sunday, military sources said, as President Bashar al-Assad vowed to crush insurgents who had swept into the city of Aleppo. Residents said one attack on the second day of raids hit a crowded residential area in the centre of Idlib, the largest city in a rebel …

Russia gets pulled into another war, bombs Syria's rebel-held city of Idlib
4 months ago

Russia gets pulled into another war, bombs Syria's rebel-held city of Idlib

Firstpost  

Russian and Syrian jets bombarded Idlib for a second consecutive day Sunday, targeting rebel-held areas near Aleppo after insurgents launched a bold offensive. Airstrikes killed four people and injured dozens in Idlib People check the damage at the scene of a Syrian regime airforce strike that targeted a neighbourhood in Syria's rebel-held northern city of Idlib on December 1, 2024. …

Russia’s Putin slams presence of foreign troops in Syria
3 years, 6 months ago

Russia’s Putin slams presence of foreign troops in Syria

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the presence of foreign troops in Syria, saying they are there against the will of the Syrian government and are blocking the consolidation of the war-torn country, the Kremlin said Tuesday. Syrian state TV described Monday’s meeting as “long” and said the two were later joined by Syria’s foreign minister and Russia’s …

Russia’s Putin visits Syria to meet Assad, a key Iran ally
5 years, 2 months ago

Russia’s Putin visits Syria to meet Assad, a key Iran ally

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Damascus on Tuesday for a meeting with President Bashar Assad, a rare visit that comes amid soaring tensions between Iran and United States following the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. Putin’s visit is the second to the country during the war, where his troops have been fighting …

Russian president Vladimir Putin lands in Damascus on unannounced visit
5 years, 2 months ago

Russian president Vladimir Putin lands in Damascus on unannounced visit

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian president Vladimir Putin has …

Syria: Russian helping hand
5 years, 4 months ago

Syria: Russian helping hand

The Hindu  

The much-advertised Turkishonslaught along the border with Syria in mid October ended just a few days after it began. The “Free Syrian Army”, consisting of Arab militias and Syrian army deserters, armed, trained and financed by the U.S. and its Gulf allies, is now assisting the Turkish army inside Syria. Trump, on the other hand, he said, openly stated the …

Russia and Turkey begin joint patrols in northeast Syria
5 years, 5 months ago

Russia and Turkey begin joint patrols in northeast Syria

Al Jazeera  

Ground and air units are patrolling near the Syrian border town of Darbasiya. Turkish and Russian troops began their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria on Friday under a deal between the two countries that forced Kurdish fighters to evacuate from a so-called “safe zone” on the Syrian side of the border. ‘Regime elements’ released Overnight, Turkey‘s defence ministry …

As U.S. pulls out, Russia moves to fill void in northern Syria
5 years, 5 months ago

As U.S. pulls out, Russia moves to fill void in northern Syria

LA Times  

Russia moved to fill the void left by the United States in northern Syria on Tuesday, deploying troops to keep apart advancing Syrian government and Turkish forces. Outside Manbij, Russian troops patrolled front lines between Turkish and Syrian army positions to keep them apart, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. “No one is interested” in fighting between Syrian government troops and Turkish …

In Syria, Russians now patrol the line with Turkey
5 years, 5 months ago

In Syria, Russians now patrol the line with Turkey

CNN  

CNN — Russia has stepped up its role in the conflict in Syria by deploying military police to the country’s north. After Turkey launched a long-threatened offensive across the border into Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria last week, local Syrian Kurdish leaders struck a deal with Syria’s government in Damascus to enforce the border. On Tuesday, Russia’s presidential envoy on Syria, Alexander …

In Syria, Russia’s big moment may have arrived
5 years, 5 months ago

In Syria, Russia’s big moment may have arrived

CNN  

Moscow CNN — As Turkish forces amass along the Syrian border and US forces draw back, one winner could be Russia. Russia supports the disputed Syrian government, while Turkey backs one of Syria’s main rebel groups. Though Russia and Turkey support opposing sides in the Syrian civil war, Russia would certainly welcome a full US withdrawal from Syria because it …

Doubts over impact of Putin’s Syria withdrawal declaration
7 years, 3 months ago

Doubts over impact of Putin’s Syria withdrawal declaration

Al Jazeera  

Russian leader’s announcement of partial troop exit has little military significance and is about sending a political message, analysts say. So that means Russia’s military strength is still present in Syria.” US troops in Syria Alam said Putin’s orders may have a different aim: to send a strong message to the US. Describing the decision as “political”, Alam said it …

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders forces to start pulling out of Syria
7 years, 3 months ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders forces to start pulling out of Syria

ABC  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces in Syria to start withdrawing after a two-year military campaign. Mr Putin made the announcement during a surprise visit to Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria's Latakia Province, where he held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and addressed Russian military servicemen. "The task of fighting armed bandits here in Syria, a …

Putin orders withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria
7 years, 3 months ago

Putin orders withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria

CNN  

CNN — Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria during a visit to the war-torn country on Monday. Putin was met at Russia’s Hmeimim air base by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad alongside Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, according to Russian state news agency Tass. “In two years, the Russian armed forces, together with the …

Putin orders beginning of withdrawal from Syria
7 years, 3 months ago

Putin orders beginning of withdrawal from Syria

Al Jazeera  

In surprise visit to airbase in Syria, Russian president orders his troops to start pulling out of the war-torn country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to a Russian base in Syria and ordered his troops to start withdrawing from the war-torn country. Russia’s state news agency Novosti cited Putin as saying that “in general, the combat …

Russia says Syria government seized most territory from ISIS
7 years, 6 months ago

Russia says Syria government seized most territory from ISIS

India TV News  

Russia’s military on Tuesday said that Syrian troops have liberated about 85 percent of the war-torn country’s territory from militants, a major turn-around two years after Moscow intervened to lend a hand to its embattled long-time ally. Russia has been providing air cover for President Bashar Assad’s troops since 2015, changing the tide of the war and giving Syrian and …

Russia is at a dead-end in Syria
7 years, 9 months ago

Russia is at a dead-end in Syria

Al Jazeera  

The victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections last November raised the Russian leadership’ hopes of improving Russian-US relations in general and reaching a compromise on Syria, in particular. Despite the fact that, in Moscow, there was an attempt to present these statements as “a victory of Russian diplomacy”, practically this means that Washington is becoming less interested …

Key moments in Russia’s campaign, involvement in Syrian war
7 years, 9 months ago

Key moments in Russia’s campaign, involvement in Syrian war

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Russia’s announcement that the Islamic State group’s leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may have been killed in a Russian airstrike in Syria in late May — if confirmed — would be a huge military coup for Moscow as a key player in Syria’s civil war and strengthen its hand in future peace talks. It delivered thousands of tons of …

Russia ‘scaling down’ military presence in Syria
8 years, 2 months ago

Russia ‘scaling down’ military presence in Syria

Al Jazeera  

Moscow says it has begun the reduction of its Syria deployment with the only Russian aircraft carrier to leave first. Russia’s military says it has begun scaling down its deployment to Syria with its sole aircraft carrier the first to quit the conflict zone. “In accordance with the decision of the supreme commander of the Russian armed forces, Vladimir Putin, …

Russia, Syria to open ‘exit route’ for Aleppo civilians
8 years, 8 months ago

Russia, Syria to open ‘exit route’ for Aleppo civilians

Al Jazeera  

Besieged Aleppo residents distrustful of Russia-Syria plan to give civilians and surrendering rebels way out of city. Russia and the Syrian government have said they will open up a route to give besieged civilians, as well as rebels willing to surrender, a way out of the northern city of Aleppo. Backed by Russian air strikes, the Syrian army has been …

After capturing Palmyra, pro-government forces in Syria intend to have a tight grip over IS
9 years ago

After capturing Palmyra, pro-government forces in Syria intend to have a tight grip over IS

Firstpost  

Regime troops were locked in heavy fighting with the Islamic State group in central Syria after dealing the jihadists a major blow by seizing the ancient city of Palmyra. Beirut: Regime troops were locked in heavy fighting with the Islamic State group in central Syria after dealing the jihadists a major blow by seizing the ancient city of Palmyra. Backed …

Syrian forces poised to retake IS-held Palmyra
9 years ago

Syrian forces poised to retake IS-held Palmyra

The Hindu  

Syrian government forces were on the verge on Thursday of recapturing Palmyra, an ancient town in central Syria controlled by the Islamic State group, having pushed closer to its outer edges with the support of Russian airstrikes. “We are doing it in an organized way” “We might witness in the next 48 hours an overwhelming victory in Palmyra,” he said …

Syrian forces close in on Islamic State-held ancient city of Palmyra
9 years ago

Syrian forces close in on Islamic State-held ancient city of Palmyra

ABC  

Syrian pro-government forces have advanced to within one kilometre of the ancient city of Palmyra and are poised to launch an assault to retake the city from jihadists. Key points: Clashes reported on outskirts of Palmyra City's recapture would be strategic victory Hopes Moscow talks will boost peace process The Islamic State group overran the city dubbed the "Pearl of …

Syrian war: Russian warplanes leave Syria raising hopes for UN peace talks, Opposition sceptical
9 years ago

Syrian war: Russian warplanes leave Syria raising hopes for UN peace talks, Opposition sceptical

ABC  

Russian warplanes have begun leaving Syria as Moscow moves to draw down forces that have tipped the war President Bashar al-Assad's way. Key points: Russia pulls first planes from Syria UN hopes move will encourage peace talks Opposition is sceptical about Russia's motive Staffan de Mistura, the UN's special envoy for Syria said he hoped the move would have a …

Russia begins withdrawing military equipment from Syria
9 years ago

Russia begins withdrawing military equipment from Syria

Firstpost  

Russia has begun to withdraw military equipment from Syria, the defence ministry said on Tuesday, after Moscow announced it will pull the bulk of its forces from the war-torn country. Moscow: Russia has begun to withdraw military equipment from Syria, the defence ministry said on Tuesday, after Moscow announced it will pull the bulk of its forces from the war-torn …

Vladimir Putin orders start of Russian forces’ withdrawal from Syria
9 years ago

Vladimir Putin orders start of Russian forces’ withdrawal from Syria

Live Mint  

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday he would start pulling his armed forces out of Syria, five months after he ordered a military intervention that turned the tide of the war in favour of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had telephoned Assad to inform him of the Russian decision, but Peskov said the …

President Putin orders Russian military to start pullout from Syria
9 years ago

President Putin orders Russian military to start pullout from Syria

LA Times  

In a surprise announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the withdrawal of most Russian troops from Syria beginning Tuesday, less than six months after Moscow’s war planes began bombarding forces arrayed against the Syrian government. U.S. intelligence officials believe Putin has ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria to pressure Assad to step aside and allow another …

What’s Russia up to in Syria? I would wager they're after something big – retaking Palmyra
9 years, 6 months ago

What’s Russia up to in Syria? I would wager they're after something big – retaking Palmyra

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Syria’s army, the only institution upon …

Russia trying to set up base in Syria, U.S. says
9 years, 6 months ago

Russia trying to set up base in Syria, U.S. says

CNN  

Story highlights Russian military movements are "progressing on a daily basis," Pentagon says U.S. Secretary of State warned his Russian counterpart last week over Syria buildup Putin says Russia is supporting the Syrian government in fight against ISIS aggression CNN — The Russian military appears to be attempting to set up a forward operating base in western Syria, the U.S. …

Russia joins combat in Syria
9 years, 6 months ago

Russia joins combat in Syria

The Hindu  

Three Lebanese sources familiar with the political and military situation in Syria said on Wednesday that Russian forces have begun participating in military operations in support of government troops. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, gave the most forthright account yet from the region of what U.S. officials say appears to be a new military build-up by Moscow, one …

Russian presence in Syria growing, sources say, as US warns Moscow conflict will escalate if it provides military support to Assad
9 years, 6 months ago

Russian presence in Syria growing, sources say, as US warns Moscow conflict will escalate if it provides military support to Assad

ABC  

US military intelligence sources say there is evidence Russia is sending troops and military hardware to bolster the forces of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Sources say they have obtained aerial photographs allegedly showing increased Russian military activity at al-Assad International Airport on Syria's Mediterranean coast, and at the Russian naval facility in Tartus. One official said dozens of Russian naval …

Russia-NATO standoff over Syria looms
12 years, 3 months ago

Russia-NATO standoff over Syria looms

The Hindu  

The kidnapping of Russian nationals on Monday is drawing Moscow deeper into the Syrian crisis, which is becoming increasingly internationalised as battle lines get more sharply defined between foreign supporters of the government and the armed opposition. Haitham al-Maleh, a member of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces told Russia Today that his group identified Russians as …

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