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Russia has begun pulling its forces from a key military outpost in northeastern Syria.
Some shit you should know before you dig in: If you’re unaware, Russia maintained a close and strategic relationship with Syria while Bashar Assad was in power, with Assad granting Moscow broad access to key military facilities such as the Khmeimim Air Base and the Tartus naval facility, Russia’s only naval foothold in the Mediterranean. Russian forces stationed there primarily conducted airstrikes, intelligence operations, and logistical support that bolstered Assad’s forces during the civil war, helping reverse battlefield losses and suppress rebel-held areas. After Assad was driven from power, elements of the new Syrian leadership openly criticized Russia, arguing that it had backed the former regime unconditionally and prioritized its own strategic interests over Syria’s sovereignty and civilian protection. Critics within Syria and the international community have long argued that Russia’s military intervention enabled Assad to remain in power and facilitated widespread atrocities, including indiscriminate bombings and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
What’s going on now: First reported by Syrian news outlets and then picked up by AP, Russian forces have begun quietly evacuating their positions at Qamishli Airport, a strategic military outpost in northeastern Syria that has served as a hub for Russian operations since 2019. According to on-the-ground observations, soldiers have packed up equipment over the past several days, and aircraft have been seen flying in and out of the area to facilitate the withdrawal.
SDF fighters currently guarding the base confirmed that the evacuation began roughly five to six days ago and has been progressing in stages. It is believed that the troops and equipment are being transferred to Russia’s main Khmeimim air base on the coast, but some reporting indicates the equipment is returning directly to Russia.
As of now, neither Russia nor the Syrian government has issued a formal statement regarding the pullout, though Syrian security officials have hinted that Syria may soon request a complete Russian departure from Qamishli.
