Russia initiates emergency troop withdrawal from Syria: air and sea transport deployed
The Russian military is conducting a large-scale operation to withdraw troops from Syria, utilizing transport aircraft and ships. Emergency measures are linked to escalating threats.
Photo: wikipedia.org, CC BY 4.0
Russia has launched a large-scale operation to withdraw its troops and equipment from the Syrian Arab Republic, according to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The operation, which began in early December 2024, includes the Khmeimim airbase and Tartus port, where urgent dismantling of military infrastructure is underway.
To transport the remaining contingent, Russia has deployed heavy military transport aircraft, including An-124 and Il-76MD, which shuttle between Syria and Russian airfields in Ulyanovsk, Chkalovsky, and Privolzhsky.
Maritime vessels are also engaged in the operation, including the cargo ship "Sparta II" and the large landing ship "Alexander Shabalin," based in Baltiysk.
The Northern Fleet ships "Alexander Otrakovsky" and "Ivan Gren" are already en route to the Mediterranean Sea to bolster the evacuation efforts.
The operation also involves the frigates "Admiral Gorshkov" and "Admiral Golovko." Hundreds of Russian special forces are arriving at the Tartus port to ensure security during the withdrawal.
Sources suggest that Moscow is seeking agreements with anti-government forces in Syria to avoid obstacles. In public rhetoric, Russian diplomacy has softened its tone, refraining from using the term "terrorists" to describe the opposition.
Meanwhile, discontent among military personnel over the organization of the withdrawal is growing. One Russian garrison has reportedly found itself under siege, adding to the tension.
Experts believe that the operation, dubbed "Syrian Retreat," could mark a new point of escalation in Russia's domestic political crisis.
Earlier reports indicated that Russian military personnel and diplomats were hastily leaving Syria under pressure from opposition forces, which have seized key cities, exacerbating the crisis. Fighting in Damascus and the loss of equipment have further complicated the situation.
Additionally, it was revealed that the Russian National Wealth Fund is rapidly shrinking due to the war and sanctions: liquid assets have dropped to $53.8 billion, while gold reserves have decreased by 15% due to sales to cover the budget deficit.