Security

Russian Forces retreat to Hmeimim Base as Syria's power structure shifts

Hmeimim Air Base is a strategic air base, which has served as Russia's main military installation in Syria since the start of civil war in 2011.

This satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC and dated Dec. 3, 2024, shows the Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's Latakia governorate. (Photo: AFP)
This satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC and dated Dec. 3, 2024, shows the Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's Latakia governorate. (Photo: AFP)
Syria Post-Assad Syria Russian Forces in Syria Political Transition Hmeimim Air Base

Dec. 13, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Friday, the Russian military forces in Syria started retreating to the Hmeimim Air Base near Latakia, as shown in two video recordings of military convoy movements.

Hmeimim Air Base is a strategic air base, which has served as Russia's main military installation in Syria since the start of civil war in 2011.

However, the base appears to become a consolidation point for Russian forces following dramatic changes in Syria's political structure.

This retreat comes five days after opposition forces took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, 2024. 

The spectacular shift in power dynamics in the Syrian capital was followed by former President Bashar al-Assad's departure to Russia at 4:50 AM that same day.

The Hmeimim Air Base, which has been a symbol of Russian military presence in Syria for over a decade, is situated on the Mediterranean coast near Latakia and had been vital to Russia's military operations in support of the Assad regime.