Russia dismantles S-400 system in Syria in preparation for its transfer

US and Western officials familiar with intelligence reports said Russia has begun withdrawing a significant amount of military equipment and troops from Syria.

Officials described the Russian withdrawal as large-scale and significant, noting that it began last week, however, it’s not yet clear whether it will be permanent.

US and Western intelligence have indicated that Russian officials are considering a negotiated settlement with Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, the main faction currently controlling Syria.

This potential settlement would allow Russia to retain some of its key bases in Syria.

In a related context, satellite images published by the American company Maxar showed that Russian forces at the Hmeimim base in Latakia Governorate were dismantling parts of the S-400 air defense system, in a move indicating that they are preparing to transfer that system.

The images also show two AN-124 military cargo planes at the Hmeimim base, with the noses of the planes open, indicating that Russian forces are preparing to load the cargo in conjunction with the dismantling of the S-400 system.

It’s noteworthy that Russian movements at the Hmeimim base have continued since the fall of the Baath Party regime in Syria on December 8.

The Russian army has begun to withdraw from some areas where it was stationed in various parts of Syria.

In this context, Russian fighters were seen taking off from the airbase and carrying out sorties over the airspace of Hama and Idlib governorates without carrying out attacks.

Russian helicopters were also seen flying over Idlib, Aleppo and Hama simultaneously with sorties by US-led international coalition aircraft.

The Russian presidency announced on Monday that no final decision had yet been made on the future of Russian military bases in Syria.