Russia begins withdrawing its forces from northeastern Syria amid advances by government forces.

Moscow, Russia – Russia has begun withdrawing its forces from northeastern Syria, coinciding with the advance of government forces in the region, in a move reflecting a changing nature of the Russian military presence in the country. Syrian sources told Reuters that the withdrawal includes Qamishli Airport, which has been a Russian deployment point since 2019, as part of Damascus’s efforts to control areas previously held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The sources stated that the Russian withdrawal began gradually last week, with military vehicles and heavy weapons being transferred to Hmeimim Air Base in western Syria, while another contingent of troops headed to Russia. However, some Russian aircraft and equipment remain in Qamishli, where Russian flags are visible on the tarmac.

This move comes after government forces expelled the SDF from large swathes of territory in the north and east of the country this month, as part of Damascus’s efforts to consolidate its control over all Syrian territory. The fragile ceasefire between the two sides has been extended for 15 days, amid indications that negotiations are continuing to reach a long-term agreement. The Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing an unnamed Syrian source, confirmed that the Syrian government may request the withdrawal of Russian forces immediately after the Kurds are expelled from Qamishli, deeming the continued Russian presence at the base no longer necessary.

This withdrawal comes within the context of Moscow’s close relationship with Syria, which extended throughout the years of supporting former President Bashar al-Assad and has continued under current President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has affirmed his commitment to all previous agreements with Russia. This reflects Damascus’s keenness to regulate the foreign military presence on its territory within the framework of strategic understandings.

It is worth noting that the Russian deployment in Syria is primarily concentrated in naval and air bases on the Mediterranean coast, with a reduced presence in inland areas. This reflects a realignment of Moscow’s priorities in the country following the shift in the military and political landscape of northeastern Syria.