Russia pulls back generals, heavy gear from Syria, keeps bases
In recent days, technology companies and war bloggers have been closely monitoring the movements of Russian troops stationed in Syria. According to numerous reports, Russia is withdrawing generals and heavy equipment from the country, where a rebellion and the overthrow of a dictator occurred last week, although it does not plan to completely vacate the military bases.
Russian forces have abandoned posts in northern Syria and the Latakia mountains, but they do not intend to fully evacuate their military bases. This information was reported by Reuters, citing several sources. Russia is withdrawing its contingent from forward positions and evacuating heavy equipment and high-ranking officers of Assad's army.
According to the independent Russian investigative portal Important Stories, based on the analysis of satellite images from Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, two large An-124 transport aircraft, three other Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes, as well as smaller transport aircraft—three An-32 and one An-72—have arrived at the Khmeimim base.
The American newspaper "The Washington Post" also analyzed these images. It notes that the planes have their hatches open, which may indicate they are ready to be loaded or are currently being loaded.
Russian troops in Syria: Are they preparing for evacuation?
The images also show Russian military personnel dismantling a Ka-52 attack helicopter. According to Maxar analysts, this may indicate that they are preparing it for transport.
A source in the Syrian special services reports that, most likely, one transport plane flew from the Khmeimim airbase to Libya on Saturday. The day before, Maxar analysts noticed nine transport planes at the Khmeimim airport, including two of the largest in the world, the An-124. Experts speculate that a Ka-52 helicopter and the S-400 missile system are being prepared for loading.
Bloggers are sharing videos depicting Russian military columns heading towards the Khmeimim airbase. In particular, "Military Informer" posted a video showing a passerby asking a Russian soldier where they are heading. The soldier replied that they are going to Russia.
There is also another video in which Syrians watch the departing Russians and wave their shoes in their direction, an act that, in Arab culture, is considered a grave insult and expression of contempt.
