Russia’s Latakia Base “Under Siege”, Putin Sends Forces for Quick Pullout of Troops and Equipment

Ukrainian military intelligence claim Russia has begun a large-scale pullout from Syria, evacuating its ground forces, as one of its bases comes under siege. While one of the bases, where Russian troops are stationed, is under siege, the Tartus port has been secured by special forces.This comes a day after reports citing satellite imagery said that Russia’s warships are missing from its base in Syria.According to Kyiv’s Intelligence agency HUR, Russian troops in Syria are frustrated with their commanders over the disorganised withdrawal. The reported Russian withdrawal comes as Syrian rebels take control of the country after the fall of Kremlin-ally Bashar al-Assad.The collapse of the Assad regime follows a rapid rebel offensive in late November. The regime change raised questions about the future of Russia’s Tartus naval facility and Khmeimim airbase, both in the Latakia governorate. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION2:00 RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT, SHIPS ‘LIFTING TROOPS & EQUIPMENT’ FROM SYRIA5:02 WHAT IS RUSSIA DOING IN SYRIA?7:24 MOSCOW SHIFTING STANCE ON SYRIAN REBELS?