Russia appears to be dismantling and removing military equipment from a key base in Syria, raising speculation that the country is preparing to withdraw following the overthrow of Syrian leader and Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces last week.
According to a report from Reuters, satellite imagery from US defense contractor Maxar shows activity suggesting preparations for a Russian exit from the Hmeimim Air Base. The images, taken Friday, reveal two Antonov An-124 cargo planes on the tarmac with their nose cones lifted for loading.
"Two An-124 heavy transport aircraft are at the airfield—both with their nose cones lifted and prepared to load equipment/cargo," Maxar said. "Nearby, a Ka-52 attack helicopter is being dismantled and likely prepared for transport while elements of an S-400 air defence unit are similarly preparing to depart from its previous deployment site at the air base."
Maxar noted that Russia's naval base in Tartous, a key Mediterranean hub, “remains largely unchanged since our Dec. 10 imagery coverage with two frigates continuing to be observed offshore of Tartous.”
In addition, British broadcaster Channel 4 reported a convoy of over 150 Russian military vehicles traveling along a roadway. The outlet suggested that Russia has negotiated an agreement with local forces to facilitate an orderly withdrawal.
Syria has long been a Russian ally dating back to the beginning of the Cold War. Russia’s presence in the country has been an essential part of its strategy in handling the Middle East. Hmeimim and Tartoud have been vital for Moscow’s ability to project power in the region and maintain influence in the Mediterranean.
Since the Assad regime's collapse, however, Russia has shifted its focus to safeguarding its military and diplomatic assets in Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the extent of the situation in Syria, also emphasizing that Russia’s priorities lie in the ongoing war in Ukraine. He confirmed that Russia is engaging with Syria's new leadership to address security concerns.
“You know, of course, that we are in contact with those who are currently in control of the situation in Syria,” Peskov told reporters, per Reuters.
