Russia Abandons Strategic Airbase in Syria Near Turkish Border

Russian forces are reportedly preparing to leave the Qamishli airbase in northern Syria, a site long used to support Moscow’s operations in the region.

According to Kurdistan 24, cited by open-source monitor Clash Report on January 26, footage from the area shows Russian military personnel loading equipment onto an Il-76MD transport aircraft at the Qamishli airfield, which is located near the Turkish border.

The report suggests the withdrawal involves both vehicles and aviation assets being relocated to other Russian positions in Syria.

Additional footage reviewed by Clash Report shows Russian fighter jets, helicopters, and ground equipment being loaded onto transport aircraft, indicating a broader military pullback from the base.

Clash Report notes that this development follows earlier reporting from Kurdistan 24, which stated that Syrian authorities were considering formally requesting Russia to vacate the airbase.

The Qamishli airfield has been strategically important for Russian operations in northeastern Syria. It provided a foothold near territory once controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition.

However, the balance of control in the region shifted after pro-Assad government forces entered several former SDF-controlled areas.

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World

Why Russia Was in Syria in the First Place

Dec 09, 2024 21:46

On January 18, 2026, the Syrian government and the SDF reached a ceasefire agreement following intense clashes in northeastern Syria.

The deal included the SDF’s withdrawal east of the Euphrates and the transfer of key areas—such as Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa—back under Syrian government control. As part of the agreement, SDF fighters and civilian institutions are expected to be gradually integrated into the Syrian state structure.

On January 21, Kurdistan 24 reported that Syrian government officials were discussing a proposal to push Russian troops out of Qamishli. While no formal statement has been issued by Damascus or Moscow, the ongoing redeployment activity may signal a change in Russia’s posture in the region.

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