Russia plans to withdraw troops completely? The interim government takes control of the entire army, calls a country a "friend"

According to satellite imagery and flight data, Moscow is reducing its military presence in Syria, while transferring military equipment to Libya, Mali and Sudan.

Satellite imagery from Maxar taken on December 17 shows the buildup of Russian military equipment at the Tartus naval base in Syria. (Source: X/evanhill)

According to information posted by the NZIV website on December 22, flight data analysis shows an increase in air traffic between Russia and Libya.

Although the purpose of these supplies remains unclear, experts say they are linked to Moscow's efforts to increase its influence in African regions.

The Russian government says it is continuing negotiations with the new Syrian government over the future of the bases in Khmeimim and Tartus. However, the large-scale movement of equipment suggests a possible full withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria. If that happens, Russia would lose a key stronghold in its control of the Middle East and Africa.

According to experts, the transfer of large volumes of military equipment is associated with logistical difficulties and high costs. However, despite these difficulties, Moscow continues to increase its presence in Africa.

Russia has begun withdrawing military equipment from Syria, after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on December 8.

On the same day, December 22, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Damascus and met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. At a joint press conference after the meeting, Mr. Fidan expressed optimism about a "brighter future" for Syria and promised Ankara's support in rebuilding infrastructure, reforming institutions and assisting the return of displaced people.

Mr. Fidan stressed that restoring stability in Syria is key for millions of refugees, calling for consensus within the country and building a system to protect minorities, including all religions and ethnicities.

For his part, Mr. al-Sharaa called Türkiye "a friend of the Syrian people" and affirmed that the two sides aimed to build "a strategic relationship in line with the future of the region." He also emphasized the commitment of the new Syrian government to building a state that meets the aspirations of all its people.

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said they will soon announce a new structure of the Defense Ministry and the army in the coming days to ensure that no armed forces are allowed to fall outside state control.

According to state news agency SANA , Mr. Sharaa discussed the form of organization of military institutions during a meeting with armed factions on December 21.

Last week, Syria's interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said the Defense Ministry would be restructured by combining former rebel forces and officers who defected from Mr. Assad's army.

Reuters news agency reported that an official source revealed that Murhaf Abu Qasra, a key figure in the uprising that toppled President Bashar al-Assad, had been appointed defense minister in the interim government. However, at a press conference on December 22, Mr. Sharaa did not mention this appointment.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tinh-hinh-syria-nga-tinh-rut-quan-hoan-toan-chinh-quyen-lam-thoi-nam-toan-bo-quan-doi-goi-mot-nuoc-la-ban-298418.html