Damascus/Moscow: Russia is scaling back its military presence from the front lines in northern Syria and positions in the Alawite Mountains, but sources say the Kremlin has no plans to vacate its key bases in the country following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Four Syrian officials, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that despite the shifting dynamics, Russia will maintain its stronghold at two vital facilities: the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartous naval base.
The fate of these bases, which were vital to both President Assad and his late father, Hafez al-Assad, who fostered a long-standing alliance with Moscow, is now in question as Syria’s political landscape shifts. Satellite imagery from Friday revealed what appeared to be two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes at the Hmeimim airbase, reportedly preparing to load up. One of the planes flew out on Saturday, heading to Libya, as noted by a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility.
Syrian military and security sources in contact with Russian forces told Reuters that Moscow is pulling back troops from the front lines, along with heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers. However, the sources, who remained anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation, emphasized that Russia is not withdrawing from its main bases and currently has no intention of doing so. While some equipment is being returned to Moscow, the strategy at this stage is to regroup and redeploy, based on developments on the ground, according to a senior Syrian army officer in touch with Russian military personnel.
A senior rebel official close to Syria’s new interim administration told Reuters that discussions regarding the Russian military’s presence and past agreements with the Assad government have not yet begun. “It is a matter for future talks, and the Syrian people will have the final say,” the official stated. They also confirmed that Moscow had established communication channels. “Our forces are now in close vicinity of the Russian bases in Latakia,” they added, though no further details were provided.
The Kremlin has confirmed ongoing discussions with Syria’s new leadership concerning the bases. A Russian source, speaking anonymously, reiterated that Russia is not pulling out from its positions in Syria. However, Reuters could not immediately confirm how Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, views the long-term future of Russia’s military presence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2015 intervention in Syria was crucial in bolstering Assad’s regime when Western powers called for his ouster. After Moscow helped Assad flee the country on Sunday, Putin granted him asylum in Russia.
Bases of Strategic Importance
Moscow’s support for Syria dates back to the early days of the Cold War when Syria sought independence from French colonial rule. Since then, the two nations have maintained a close relationship. The Tartous naval base, which Russia has controlled since 1971, is integral to Russia’s military operations in the Mediterranean, providing repair and resupply services for its fleet. The Hmeimim airbase serves as a staging post for Russian military and mercenary operations, particularly in Africa.
Satellite imagery from December 9 also showed at least three vessels from Russia’s Mediterranean fleet—two guided missile frigates and an oiler—moored roughly 13 km (8 miles) northwest of Tartous.
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Yoruk Isik, a geopolitical analyst at the Bosphorus Observer in Istanbul, speculated that Russia could be sending cargo planes via the Caucasus, likely routing through the Al Khadim airbase in Libya. A convoy of Russian infantry fighting vehicles and logistics vehicles was also spotted on the highway connecting the Hmeimim airbase to Tartous, though the convoy had temporarily halted due to a malfunction. Soldiers were seen working to repair one of the vehicles.
Despite the pullback, Russian forces appear to maintain a presence at the Hmeimim base, with soldiers seen walking around and jets in their hangars. On the ground, local sentiment remains wary. Ali Halloum, a resident of Jablah near Latakia, expressed a deep-seated rejection of foreign intervention: “Whether it’s Russian, Iranian, or the previous government who was oppressing us and denying us our rights … we don’t want any intervention from Russia, Iran, or any other foreign intervention.”
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The evolving situation in Syria reflects the ongoing complexities of international alliances and the shifting political landscape, with Russia’s role in the country remaining a critical point of focus.
