Chief of General Staff of Russian Army: Russia may reduce the number of troops in Syria
There could be a substantial reduction in the number of Russian troops in Syria by the end of the year, as stated by the head of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, TASS reports.
The news agency quotes Gerasimov as saying, “It seems that yes, after the completion of the military objectives, there will be only a few of them, of course, the decision will be made by the commander-in-chief and the troops will be reduced.” According to the head of the General Staff, the reconciliation center, two military bases and a “number of necessary structures to maintain this position which has now developed” will remain in Syria.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced the completion of the military operation in Syria. At the end of October, reports in the media stated that Russia would withdraw troops from Syria. It was then reported that only a contingent would remain, which is necessary to protect sites in Khmeimim and Tartus bases, as well as military police units and advisers.