Russia to continue air strikes after Syria withdrawal

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that Russian forces will begin leaving Syria, it has been clarified that Russia will continue air strikes in the region.

Russian forces began leaving Syria on Tuesday 14 March, although Putin also added that Russia will maintain its airbase and a naval facility in the area where it will retain some of its troops.

Commenting on the move, Russia’s deputy Defence Minister Nikolay Pankov said: "The announcement by President Putin on the very day of the beginning of this round of Intra-Syrian Talks in Geneva is a significant development, which we hope will have a positive impact on the progress of the negotiations.”

Pankov added: “Certain positive results have been achieved... However, it is too early to talk about victory over terrorism. A Russian air group has the task of continuing to strike terrorist facilities.”

Interfax news agency reported that Victor Ozerov, upper house defence committee head, claimed as many as two battalions could remain behind in Syra to guard Hmeimm and the naval base at Tartous.