Russian military returning from Syria, withdrawal to depend on situation - defense minister

ANKARA, December 11. /TASS/. Russian servicemen are beginning to return home from Syria. The exact timeframe for the withdrawal will depend on the situation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday. "They are already returning. Everything will depend on the situation," he said when asked how long the withdrawal might take. Earlier on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Khmeimim airbase in Syria where he said that the most combat worthy group of international terrorists had been crushed and ordered to begin withdrawal of most of the Russian contingent from Syria. He stressed that Russia’s assistance had helped preserve Syria as a sovereignty and create conditions for United Nations-mediated political settlement. The president said that in conformity with the international agreements the Russian center for reconciliation of the warring parties would continue to operate in Syria. Apart from that, Russia will maintain two bases in Syria: in Tartus and in Khmeimim. Read more