Russian diplomats and military flee Syria as crisis intensifies
Opposition forces in Syria have compelled Russian troops to leave key cities. Fighting in Damascus and significant equipment losses exacerbate the situation.
Photo: wikipedia.org, CC BY 4.0
The intensification of the Syrian conflict has forced Russian troops to evacuate from key regions, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Intelligence Directorate.
On December 1, 2024, opposition forces launched an offensive in the country's south, engaging in battles in Hama, Homs, and Suwayda. The Russian contingent hastily withdrew from Hama, regrouping at the Khmeimim Air Base.
Armed unrest erupted in Damascus, prompting the emergency evacuation of Russian military personnel and diplomats from the capital. Troops also vacated the base in Khan Shaykhun, leaving behind significant stockpiles of weapons.
Later, Russian aircraft targeted these areas, likely in an attempt to destroy the abandoned equipment.
Amid the operation's failure, the commander of the Russian contingent, General Kisel, resigned, while special forces commander Colonel Baykulov was summoned to Moscow for explanations.
Additionally, Syrian and Iraqi sources reported that hundreds of fighters linked to pro-Iranian groups crossed the Syrian border overnight on Monday, according to Voice of America.
Their objective is to support government forces in combating insurgent groups, particularly in the north, where fighting has recently escalated.
Meanwhile, Turkey, a supporter of opposition forces, denied accusations of foreign involvement in the recent jihadist offensives.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the root of the issue lies in the official Damascus government's inability to engage in dialogue with the opposition. According to him, ignoring opposition demands has only worsened the crisis.
At the same time, Iran continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting its ally. Tehran has officially pledged to assist the Syrian government, as evidenced by the increasing deployment of fighters.
Experts note that reviving the Astana process, initiated by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, could be a step toward stabilizing the region. Turkey has expressed readiness to facilitate negotiations to reduce tensions.
Earlier reports indicated that Russia used an experimental ballistic missile, "Oreshnik," in an attack on Dnipro. However, thanks to advance warnings from the U.S., Kyiv was able to minimize the attack's impact.
It was also reported that Syria suffered a series of powerful airstrikes: four waves of attacks inflicted damage on military facilities in Damascus, Homs, Masyaf, and Tartus.