Russian forces have begun a large-scale withdrawal from Syria, using both aircraft and naval vessels to evacuate personnel, weapons, and military equipment.
According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), the operation includes an extensive airlift and naval mobilization from key military bases.
Flights of An-124 and Il-76MD transport aircraft are scheduled to depart from the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia. These planes are set to deliver troops and equipment to Russian airfields in Ulyanovsk, Chkalovsky, and Privolzhsky.
Russia is also deploying its naval fleet to support the withdrawal:
Cargo ship Sparta II and landing ship Alexander Shabalin are being prepped in Baltiysk for deployment to Syria's Tartus port.
Northern Fleet landing ships Alexander Otrakovsky and Ivan Gren have already set sail for the Mediterranean.
Frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko are reportedly involved in securing the evacuation.
Russian forces are dismantling infrastructure and removing military assets from the Tartus naval base, secured by several hundred special forces.
HUR noted that Russia appears to have negotiated with Syrian opposition forces to ensure a smooth withdrawal. Moscow has adopted a more neutral tone toward anti-Assad groups, previously labeled as “terrorists.”
Strategic Withdrawal Under Pressure
This withdrawal comes amid a rapid change in Syria’s political landscape.
On December 8, Syrian opposition forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad, capturing Damascus and effectively ending the Assad family's 50-year rule.
Control over key provinces like Latakia and Tartus, home to major Russian military installations, has also shifted to opposition forces. Reports indicate that, despite these developments, Russian bases in Tartus and Khmeimim have not been breached.
