Official statements from Iranian or Russian governments or credible news agencies

Putin Announces Evacuation of 4,000 Iranian Fighters from Khmeimim Base to Tehran, Claims Objectives Achieved After Assad's Regime Fall

Dec 19, 2024, 10:44 AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has evacuated 4,000 Iranian fighters from Syria, specifically from the Khmeimim base to Tehran. During his remarks, Putin stated that Russia has not been defeated in Syria and emphasized that the country's objectives have been achieved. He noted that the goal of preventing the emergence of a terrorist enclave in Syria was met, asserting that the situation there does not represent a defeat for Russia. The evacuation follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, and Putin highlighted that government forces and pro-Iranian units retreated without resistance.