Another Group of Russian Planes Leaves Syria, Returns Home
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russia’s defense ministry said another group of its aircraft has left the Russian air base in Syria and is returning home.
Wednesday’s announcement comes two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military to withdraw most of its fighting forces from Syria, signaling an end to Russia’s five-and-a-half month air campaign.
The pullout from the Hemeimeen base coincides with the resumption of UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva between the Syrian government and the representatives of the moderate, Western-Backed opposition, AP reported.
On the ground, a cease-fire has been in effect since late February. Extremist factions — such as the Daesh (ISIL) group or the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front — are not part of the truce.
Russia didn’t indicate when the next group of planes will leave or how many will be pulled out.