Russian military maintains significant presence at its airbase in Syria
According to the American intelligence and analytical center “Stratfor”, Russia maintains a significant presence at the Khmeimim airbase in Syria, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that the majority of Russian forces would be withdrawn from the war-torn country.
According to satellite images, the airbase in Latakia is currently home to 24 Russian aircraft, including 12 Su-24s, four Su-30s, four Su-34s, and four Su-35s.
Following Putin’s announcement of a withdrawal from Syria last Monday, only 20 aircraft, mostly Su-25s, have returned to Russia.
An unknown number of Mi-24 and Mi-35 helicopters are also stationed at the Khmeimim airbase.
According to the head of the Main Operations Directorate of the Armed Forces of Russia, Lieutenant-General Sergey Rudskoy, Russian aircraft continue to carry out airstrikes against the so-called Islamic State and al-Nusra Front in support of Syrian government forces.
On Wednesday, Russian Colonel-General Alexander Dvornikov said that Russian special forces are actively carrying out reconnaissance missions and “other special tasks” in Syria.
Earlier today, Syrian government forces entered the city of Palmyra, which has been held by the so-called Islamic State since May.