Putin orders withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria

MENA

Published: 2017-12-11 15:01

Last Updated: 2024-03-29 08:02


Putin orders withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria. (Roya Arabic - Archive)
Putin orders withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria. (Roya Arabic - Archive)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria, during a surprise visit on Monday to the Khmeimim Airbase in Syria’s Latakia province, Russia Today reported.

During the visit, Putin met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, where Russian forces are assisting Syria in the battle against ISIS.

“I order the defense minister and chief of the general staff to start the withdrawal of Russian troops to the site of their permanent deployment," Putin stated

He also added that the Russian and Syrian militaries have cooperated to defeat “the most battle-hardened grouping of international terrorists.”

Putin warned that should the “terrorists” try to “rear their heads” in Syria again, Russia will strike them as “they have never seen before.”

The Russian President confirmed that the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria would continue its work.

However, this move does not mean that Russia will withdraw all its troops from Syria, as it would continue to use the Khmeimim Airbase and the Syrian port of Tartus, as both provide technical support for the Russian Navy.

After the short visit to Syria, Putin headed to Cairo, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.