Official announcements from the Russian government or credible reports from international news agencies

Russia Evacuates Naval Base in Tartus and Khmeimim Air Base Amid Rebel Drone Threats

Dec 7, 2024, 08:45 PM

Russia has initiated a comprehensive evacuation of its military assets from Syria, prompted by fears of rebel drone attacks on its naval base in Tartus and the rapid progress of rebel offensives. The Russian Navy has ordered all vessels at the Tartus naval base to depart, with reports confirming the final ships are leaving. Satellite imagery has revealed an increased presence of Russian transport aircraft at the Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia, including at least three Il-76 and one An-124, indicating a significant airlift operation. This suggests that Russia is not only withdrawing its naval forces but also its air and ground assets from the region, marking a potential end to its military presence in Syria.