Russia Withdraws Troops from Syrian Cities
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s intelligence agency has reported a significant withdrawal of Russian military forces from several cities in Syria, including Hama and Homs. This comes as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), continue to advance southward.
According to the agency, Russian troops have evacuated from Hama and are now stationed at their Khmeimim airbase in northwest Syria. Clashes have erupted in Damascus, prompting a rapid evacuation of Russian troops and diplomats.
Russia’s military presence in Syria has been weakening due to the opposition forces’ advances. The Ukrainian intelligence agency reported that Russian forces abandoned bases and equipment as they retreated from Syrian cities.
The escalation of the Syrian civil war has also led to an increase in airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces on rebel-held areas, targeting civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Iran-backed militias have crossed into Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad‘s regime.
Russia’s military intervention in Syria began in 2015 to support Assad’s regime and secure strategic interests. However, the Kremlin is facing growing challenges in supporting Assad’s regime amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with opposition forces pushing further southward and Russian troops struggling to maintain their grip on Syrian cities.
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