Russian president orders partial troop withdrawal from Syria

World Today

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria and ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian troops in the country. 

Putin stopped by the Russian Hmeimim Air Base near the coastal city of Latakia to make the announcement. He was greeted by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

CGTN’s Alaa Ebrahim reports.

Putin also met with Russian forces and ordered his defense minister to prepare the troop withdrawal.

The move comes one week after the Ministry of Defense said it defeated ISIL. 

A Russian military source said the withdrawal means that Russian helicopters, mining teams, military police and other military experts will be pulled out of combat stations in several frontlines across the country.

Russia will maintain a presence at its naval and airbase near the Syrian coast.