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Russian military bases in Syria to remain functioning

Xinhua, March 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Russia's military bases will remain functioning to monitor a cease-fire between the Syrian government and opposition forces, a Kremlin spokesman said Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin asked to ensure full security of the air force base in Hmeimim and naval facility in Tartus from air, land and sea, the Tass news agency quoted Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Putin had, before ordering a withdrawal of the bulk of Russian Armed Forces in Syria, talked on phone with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on the decision, and the latter agreed to start a political process in Syria as early as possible, according to Peskov.

The Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday that Russia has begun to withdraw military equipment from Syria.

"The technical staff of the (Hmeimim) air base has started preparing aircraft for long-range flights to airfields in the Russian Federation. The personnel are loading equipment and other inventory into transport aircraft," the ministry said in a statement

A cease-fire between Assad's forces and his opponents in the country introduced on Feb. 27 has largely held, but it does not cover the Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front terrorist groups.

Putin ordered the withdrawal of troops from Syria starting from Tuesday, about six months after Russia began an air campaign in the country. Endi