First Batch Of Russian Planes Leave Syria, Objectives “Generally Accomplished”

Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a withdrawal of Russia’s troops in Syria on Monday, ending a campaign which lasted six months and has “generally accomplished” its objective.

“I think that the tasks set to the defense ministry are generally fulfilled,” Putin said. “That is why I order to begin withdrawal of most of our military group from Syria starting from tomorrow.”

He ordered defense minister Sergei Shoigu to begin the withdrawal. The first group of planes has left the Hmeymim airbase near Latakia, defying US president Barack Obama’s “prescient” (according to Bloomberg) prediction that Russia would be trapped in a “quagmire” in Syria.

The aircraft were sent back to Russia, where pilots returned to a hero’s welcome. The planes that remained would continue their campaign, however.

Video of the first batch of planes leaving:

“Certain positive results have been achieved. A real chance has emerged to put an end to this long-running standoff,” said Nikolai Pankov to RIA Novosti. “But it is still early to talk about victory over terrorism. The Russian aviation group has the task to continue carrying out strikes on terrorist facilities.”

The UN’s envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has welcomed the announcement.

“We hope it will have a positive impact on the progress of the negotiations in Geneva aimed at achieving a political solution to the Syrian conflict and a peaceful political transition in the country.”

Bloomberg‘s analysis of the situation:

“For Putin, who’s worked with the U.S. to promote diplomacy in Syria even though the two powers backed opposite sides in the war, it’s an opportunity to display peacemaking credentials while preserving the gains Assad’s army made under Russian air cover.”

Sources: The Guardian, Zero Hedge

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