Russian planes depart Khmeimim airbase in Syria’s Latakia
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A Syrian security official confirmed on Saturday that a Russian cargo plane departed from the Russian Khmeimim airbase in Latakia, located in northwest Syria, en route to Libya.
The official further indicated that additional Russian flights are expected to depart from the airbase in the coming days, according to Reuters.
This follows the collapse of the Syrian regime on Dec. 8, after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions took control of the capital, Damascus. Russia, the key ally of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, has long been the main supporter of the Syrian regime.
Satellite imagery released by Maxar, following the fall of al-Assad’s regime, shows Russia seemingly amassing military equipment at its airbase in Syria. Maxar reported the presence of two AN-124 heavy transport aircraft at the airport prepared to load equipment.
In this context, retired U.S. General Mark Hertling told CNN that Moscow appears to be planning a withdrawal from its bases in Latakia and Tartus, citing security concerns at these locations. He further noted that while there are not enough planes at Latakia to transport all the equipment currently stationed there, the departure of the cargo plane marks the beginning of this process.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the matter.