Russia Withdrew Air Defense Systems from Syria Following the Fall of the Former Regime
ARK News.. A Syrian media source has revealed new details regarding the fate of Russia’s most prominent air defense systems in Syria, as well as the nature of the redeployment of Russian forces and the reduction of their military presence, in developments that may indicate the future shape of Russia’s role in Syria during the coming phase.
According to Syria TV, two military sources from the Syrian Ministry of Defense said that Russia withdrew S-400 and S-300 air defense systems, along with Bastion missile systems, following the fall of the former regime.
The two sources explained that the mission of the S-400 system had been limited to defending Russian bases, noting that the former regime itself did not possess the system.
The sources also indicated that the Syrian administration had requested Russia, since the fall of the regime, to vacate the only berth at the Tartous naval base and relocate toward the military base, adding that the port has not been used since that time.
Regarding the Himeimim Air Base, the sources confirmed that operations there are almost frozen, with no Russian aircraft landing or taking off from the base.
One of the sources added that the ballistic missiles stationed in Brigades 55 and 56 were withdrawn just two days before the fall of the regime, suggesting that the move may have been part of understandings reached between the leadership of the “Deterrence of Aggression” operation and Moscow.
The source further noted that discussions are underway between Damascus and Moscow to transform the two bases into logistical facilities tasked with securing logistical support for the Russian fleet in both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, alongside the activation of military training activities for both the Russian and Syrian armies.
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