Russia has commenced the withdrawal of its military contingent stationed at the Qamishli airfield in northeastern Syria. This strategic move comes as the transitional government in Damascus intensifies efforts to consolidate control over regions previously held by Kurdish-led forces.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Reuters, citing sources within Syria, confirmed the departure of Russian personnel. According to the reports, the military units are relocating toward western Syria and returning to Russia.
During the current month, government forces under the leadership of Syria's transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, have successfully reclaimed territories in the northern and eastern parts of the country from the Syrian Democratic Forces. These operations are part of a broader mandate by the Damascus administration to restore sovereign authority across the entirety of the Republic.
Despite the movement, Reuters journalists observed on Monday that Russian flags were still flying at the Qamishli airport, with two Russian-marked aircraft remaining on the runway. The withdrawal precedes a high-level diplomatic engagement, as Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Moscow on January 28 for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The Qamishli airbase has served as a critical hub for Russian operations in northeastern Syria since the height of the conflict, providing a strategic foothold near the Turkish border. The shifting military landscape follows years of complex geopolitical maneuvering involving regional powers and international stakeholders. This transition marks a significant phase in the Syrian peace process as the transitional government seeks to stabilize the nation following the collapse of the previous administration.
