Satellite images have confirmed the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from their largest military base in Syria, located at Kamishli International Airport in al-Hasakah province. After nearly ten years of presence, which began in 2016, the facility that served as Russia’s main stronghold in the region now stands empty. The official handover of the airport to the control of the Syrian government administration took place on Tuesday, marking the end of an era of Russian military presence in the country’s northeast.
The base had strategic significance for Russian operations in Syria. It hosted air defense systems, military and helicopter units, and was the launch point for joint Russian-Turkish patrols along the Syria-Turkey border. The withdrawal process, which included the dismantling of radar stations and the removal of military equipment, was observed over recent weeks. Analysts link this decision to Russia’s need to reallocate military resources and concentrate efforts on the full-scale war in Ukraine.
The handover of Kamishli Airport is part of a broader and comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The agreement provides for the phased merging of the parties’ military formations and administrative bodies in al-Hasakah province, which remains the SDF’s last stronghold. Thus, Russia’s departure could become a catalyst for a shift in the balance of power and administrative control in this key region of the country.
Full version: صور أقمار صناعية.. مطار القامشلي بسوريا خالٍ من قوات روسية لأول مرة منذ عقد