Russia has initiated a significant withdrawal of military equipment and troops from Syria following the removal of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The withdrawal, described as large-scale and significant by US and western officials, commenced last week. However, the permanency of this move remains uncertain.
Reports from US and western intelligence indicate that Russian officials are exploring the possibility of negotiating with Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), the main rebel group now in control of Syria. The aim is to potentially reach a settlement that would allow Russia to maintain presence at key bases such as the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia and a port facility at Tartus.
