Satellite imagery and Ukrainian intelligence suggest activity consistent with drawdown at Moscow’s key air base
Russia appears to be withdrawing some of its Syria-based forces following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, according to analysis of satellite photography and a Ukrainian intelligence assessment. Images captured by Maxar and Planet Labs reveal an increase in ground vehicles at the Hmeimim air base, the arrival of several large transport aircraft and the disassembly of Russian air-defence systems — all factors consistent with forces gathering there to depart.
” He added: “It requires collective efforts, and our presence and base in Hmeimim played an important role in the context of the broader struggle against global terrorism.” Analysts have said Russia could offer the new Syrian government money, energy supplies, or gold and diamonds it is extracting from Africa, as well as a possible broader political partnership. A former senior Russian official told the Financial Times that Russia was reaching out to HTS with “friendship and love”.
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