Satellite images indicate that two An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft and three Il-76 transport aircraft have arrived at the Khmeimim air base.
Russia began withdrawing some of its forces from Syria after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The Financial Times reported this in connection with an assessment of Ukrainian intelligence.
An anonymous Ukrainian official said Moscow is likely to withdraw a large amount of equipment from the country. However, it is not yet known whether this activity is the beginning of a partial or complete withdrawal.
In addition, Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs published satellite images of Russian military bases, where it is noticeable that Russia has begun preparations for the withdrawal of its troops from Syria.
In particular, the photo shows that two An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft, three Il-76 transport aircraft, as well as cargo aircraft of smaller models – three An-32 and one An-72 – arrived in Khmeimim air base.
The Washington Post wrote that the planes have open nose compartments to accommodate heavy equipment.
In the photos, Russian soldiers dismantle the Ka-52 attack helicopter. Maxar’s analysts suggest it is being primed for loading. Experts have identified parts of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, which are also likely being prepared for repatriation.
Maxar Technologies also published photos of Russian ships sailing in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Syria.
The fact that the Russian ships in Syria left Tartus was previously reported by the German media in connection with a note distributed by the German Ministry of Defense.
Let’s remember that on December 8, rebel forces in Damascus declared the capital “free” from Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia.
Bloomberg previously wrote that Russia is negotiating with the new Syrian leadership to maintain bases at the naval port in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.