Images appear to show Russia dismantling military equipment in Syria

Satellite images appeared to show Russian forces packing up and dismantling military equipment at one of their key bases in Syria on Friday, suggesting that it may be preparing for a military withdrawal after former president and Russian ally Bashar Al-Assad was overthrown by Syrian rebels last week.

Satellite images appeared to show Russian forces packing up and dismantling military equipment at one of their key bases in Syria on Friday, suggesting that it may be preparing for a military withdrawal after former president and Russian ally Bashar Al-Assad was overthrown by Syrian rebels last week.

It remains to be seen what the final arrangement may be between Russia and Syria's new government, but the movements reflect the profound shift in the country's post-Assad power dynamics, as Moscow grapples with losing a key ally and the potential erosion of its influence in the Middle East.

Maxar Technologies, a U.S. defense contractor, released imagery on Friday showing transport movements at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, both located south of Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.

This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on Friday shows an Antonov An-124 heavy transport aircraft preparing to load equipment at Hmeimim Air Base. (©2024 Maxar Technologies/AFP via Getty Images)AFP - Getty ImagesAt Hmeimim, two An-124 heavy transport aircraft were observed on the airfield with their nose cones raised, ready to load equipment. Nearby, a Ka-52 attack helicopter was seen being dismantled, likely in preparation for transport. 

Other forces, including Russian military convoys, appear to be heading toward the airbase.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-syria-military-dismantling-equipment-rcna184236

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