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Russia seeks Turkey’s help to withdraw troops from Syria, CNN Turk reports

by Tim Zadorozhnyy December 9, 2024 6:25 PM 1 min read
Photo for illustrative purposes. Russian soldiers walk past a Russian military police armored vehicle at a position in the northeastern Syrian city of Kobane on Oct. 23, 2019. (AFP via Getty Images)
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Russia has asked Turkey to assist in withdrawing its troops from Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, CNN Turk reported on Dec. 9.

According to the outlet’s correspondent in Ankara, Russia has proposed relocating its forces to Turkish-controlled areas of Syria before transporting them to Russia by air.

However, Moscow reportedly intends to retain control over its key military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim.

The reports align with claims by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) that Russia has begun withdrawing military and naval assets from Syria after Assad’s regime fell to opposition forces.

A rapid offensive on Dec. 8 resulted in the capture of Damascus, ending Assad’s 24-year rule.

The Kremlin has been a staunch ally of Assad, maintaining a substantial military presence in Syria since intervening in the Syrian Civil War in 2015.

Strategic facilities such as the Tartus Naval Base and Khmeimim Airbase have been critical to Russia's regional influence.

The Russian media previously reported that Assad and his family arrived in Russia on Dec. 8, where they were granted asylum by Russian authorities.

What does Assad’s downfall mean for Russia and Ukraine?
As Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed in a matter of days, Russia’s influence in the Middle East appeared to wane. Preoccupied with its all-out war against Ukraine, Russia was unable to prevent the Dec. 8 downfall of its main ally in the region. The stunning rapidity of the rebels’

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