Russia Withdraws from Syria, Moves Naval Assets to Libya

Dec 16, 2024, 07:18 PM

Russia has initiated a significant withdrawal of military equipment and troops from Syria following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to U.S. and Western officials. The withdrawal, which began last week, includes the movement of naval assets from Syria to Libya. Moscow has also increased pressure on Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar to secure a port in Benghazi, aiming to maintain a Mediterranean sea port for power projection. The Russian withdrawal is described as large-scale and significant, but it remains unclear whether it is permanent or temporary. U.S. intelligence suggests Russia is attempting to negotiate with Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), the main rebel group now in charge of Syria, to retain some key bases like Khmeimim airbase in Latakia and the port facility at Tartus. Satellite imagery has shown Russian military aircraft being prepared for departure from Syria, indicating the scale of the withdrawal.