Satellite images reveal Russian withdrawal from Syria

(Dan Tri) - Satellite images show that Russia appears to have begun withdrawing its forces from Syria after the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime last weekend.

Satellite photo of the Russian naval base in Tartous on December 6 (Photo: ABC News).

Immediately after the opposition took control of the capital Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad's government collapsed on December 8, Israel increased attacks on military targets in Syria, including military ports in Latakia and Tartous.

Russia currently operates two strategic bases in Syria, including the naval base at Tartous on the Mediterranean coast and the Hmeimim air base in Latakia province. It also stations bombers at military airports in Homs and Palmyra.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on whether those facilities were affected by the wave of Israeli attacks.

However, satellite imagery shows that Moscow appears to have begun withdrawing its forces from Syria two days before the attack.

Satellite images of the Russian naval base in Tartous on December 9 show that several military ships are no longer anchored (Photo: Planet).

Satellite images from Planet Labs show three ships stationed at Tartous beginning to leave port on December 9. According to satellite imagery analysis by BlackSky and Planet Labs, Russia previously had five surface ships and one submarine at Tartous.

The Tartous base is Russia's only repair and resupply hub in the Mediterranean. Moscow has used Syria as a stopover point for its military contractors in and out of Africa.

Another satellite image from Maxar Technologies shows increased traffic at Al Assad airport in Latakia, near the Russian air base. The activity appears to have occurred after the Syrian opposition overthrew the Assad regime over the weekend.

Information from Russia shows that although Syrian opposition forces have advanced to areas where foreign troops are stationed, no fighting has broken out.

Earlier, Russian state media agency TASS said: "Yesterday, the opposition took full control of the Latakia province, including the cities of Tartous and Jableh."

"The armed forces of the opposition have no plans to penetrate Russian military bases, which are operating normally," TASS said.

Russia, which has been an ally of President Assad's regime for decades, is said to be trying to reach an agreement with the Syrian opposition to ensure the safety of the bases.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was too early to talk about Russia's relations with the Syrian opposition.

Mr Peskov stressed that discussions about these bases would depend on Syria's new leaders. "It will take time before we can engage in serious dialogue with those in power," he added.

He affirmed that Russian forces in Syria are taking all necessary measures to ensure security for military bases.

The Kremlin spokesman also said that Russia is in dialogue with Türkiye about the situation in Syria. He said: "Syria is going through a very difficult period of instability and it is important to maintain dialogue with all countries in the region. We are determined to do this and continue consultations and analysis."

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/anh-ve-tinh-he-lo-cuoc-rut-quan-cua-nga-khoi-syria-20241211153407504.htm