Syria Conflict: Russia ‘Starts to Reduce Forces’
Russia is starting to withdraw forces from Syria and its aircraft carrier group will be the first to leave, the Russian armed forces chief says.
The announcement comes days after Russia and Turkey negotiated a ceasefire in Syria which is largely holding, according to the UN.
Russian bombers have carried out heavy air strikes on anti-government rebels.
Russia’s involvement is credited with turning the war in favour of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“The Russian defence ministry is beginning to reduce its armed forces deployment in Syria,” said Gen Valery Gerasimov announcing the drawdown of troops.
The Russian naval flotilla is led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.
