As soon as Assad fled, Russia was also forced to leave Syria, revealed in satellite footage.

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Russia has suffered a major setback after the coup of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Russia had established a strong foothold in Syria during Assad's rule. After the rebels took over Syria, Russia has now started fleeing from it. Satellite imagery taken by Maxar on December 13 has revealed that Russia is reducing its military presence in Syria.

Two AN-124 heavy military transport planes were seen at the Russian air base Khmeimim in Latakia, Syria. The footage shows that the planes were preparing for takeoff, which means they were ready to load cargo. The footage also shows a Ka-52 attack helicopter being dismantled, possibly in preparation for takeoff. While the S-400 air defense system was being packed up.

Russia has two bases in Syria. The pictures taken from the Tartus Naval Base show a slight change, but it is evident that here too Russia is preparing to carry military goods in cargo.

Going back to Russia

Photos taken from the Tartus Naval Base on the Mediterranean coast show fewer changes. According to CNN, photos taken earlier in the week showed two Russian frigates stationed off the coast with no major activity indicating they would leave soon.

Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, described the activity as part of a larger shift at Khmeimim and the nearby Tartus Naval Base. β€œIn short, a withdrawal is underway,” Kofman wrote on X.

Chaotic withdrawal of Russian troops – Ukraine

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Agency (HUR) said on December 10 that Russia is reportedly evacuating its military bases in Syria as one of its military bases is under siege, Kyiv Independent reported. HUR claimed that Russian soldiers in Syria are expressing frustration with their commanders over what they described as a chaotic withdrawal process.

The Kremlin has stressed the importance of securing its military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying on December 11 that Moscow maintained contact with Syria's new leadership. However, he declined to disclose the number of Russian troops in the country or comment on a possible evacuation.