Russian forces have commenced a significant withdrawal from military bases in northeast Syria, specifically from areas that remain under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This development follows the SDF's loss of most of its territory during a recent offensive by Syrian government forces.
Evidence of Evacuation at Qamishli Airport Base
Associated Press journalists visited a base adjacent to Qamishli airport on Tuesday and confirmed that SDF fighters are now guarding the facility. These fighters reported that Russian troops began moving their equipment out over the past several days.
Inside the former living quarters for Russian soldiers, the space was largely empty, with only scattered items left behind. These remnants included workout equipment, protein powder containers, and some articles of clothing, indicating a hurried departure.
SDF Fighter Details the Withdrawal Process
Ahmed Ali, an SDF fighter stationed at the base, provided further insight. He stated that the Russian forces initiated the evacuation of their positions around the airport approximately five or six days ago. Their equipment was withdrawn via a cargo plane, though the destination remains unclear.
"We don't know if its destination was Russia or the Hmeimim airbase," Ali remarked, referring to the primary Russian base located on Syria's coast. "They still have a presence in Qamishli and have been evacuating bit by bit."
To date, there has been no official statement from the Russian government regarding this withdrawal from Qamishli.
Russia's Evolving Role in Syrian Politics
Russia has been actively building relations with the new central Syrian government in Damascus. This diplomatic shift is notable given that former President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Moscow, was ousted in December 2024 during a rebel offensive led by the now-interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Moscow's decisive military intervention a decade ago, which employed scorched-earth tactics in support of Assad, was instrumental in turning the tide of Syria's civil war at that time, thereby keeping Assad in power. However, Russia did not attempt to counter the rebel offensive in late 2024 and instead granted asylum to Assad after he fled the country.
Despite having been on opposing sides during the civil war, the new leadership in Damascus has adopted a pragmatic approach to its relationship with Moscow. Russia has maintained its presence at key air and naval bases along the Syrian coast.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagement
In a further sign of ongoing cooperation, interim President al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Moscow on Wednesday for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Recent Conflict and Ceasefire Developments
Fighting erupted earlier this month between the SDF and Syrian government forces after negotiations aimed at merging their forces collapsed. A ceasefire was subsequently established and has been largely holding.
Following the expiration of a four-day truce on Saturday, both sides announced that the ceasefire had been extended for an additional fifteen days.
Syria's defense ministry issued a statement clarifying that this extension is intended to support a U.S. military operation. The operation involves transferring accused Islamic State militants from prisons in northeastern Syria to detention facilities in Iraq.
