Geopolitical stupor: the regime of Bachar el-Assad collapsed a few days ago, marking a historic turning point in the Syrian conflict. Satellite images reveal a surprising movement:Russia is dismantling its strategic military infrastructure, signaling an imminent withdrawal of its Syrian posture.
The first observations of experts confirm this dynamic of disengagement. Cargo planes Antonov An-124among the largest in the world, were seen on the air base of Hmeimimin the province of Latakia. Their wide-open noses suggest a systematic loading of military equipment, testifying to a meticulously orchestrated logistical operation.
Satellite data also shows clear signs of repositioning. An attack helicopter Ka-52 appears to be dismantling, probably prepared for imminent transport. At the same time, Russian frigates are patrolling off the Syrian coast, near the naval base of Tartousthe last bastion of Russian influence in the region.
Michael Kofmanresearcher at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peaceanalyzes this movement as a programmed withdrawal. Russian tactical aviation still maintains a presence, but forces are now concentrating on the sites of Hmeimim et Tartoussuggesting an imminent disengagement.
This withdrawal comes in a context of popular jubilation. Thousands of Syrians demonstrated in the streets, celebrating the fall of the regime, under the leadership of the armed group Hayat Tahrir Al-Chama key player in this major political transformation. The geopolitics of Middle East is thus at a strategic crossroads, with the planned departure of Russia and the emergence of new regional dynamics.
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