Russia may be forced to give up its base in northern Syria. What does that mean for Moscow?
Russia’s military presence in Syria may be facing another drawdown. Days after bringing Kurdish-held territory under government control, Damascus is reportedly preparing to ask Russian forces to withdraw from the Qamishli airfield there. To understand what role the Qamishli airfield has played in Russia’s Syria policy — and why that role may now be exhausted — we spoke with an expert from Meduza’s Razbor (“Explainers”) team.
Russia may be forced to give up its base in northern Syria. What does that mean for Moscow? The Syrian government is reportedly preparing to ask Russian forces to withdraw from the Qamishli airfield, a significant step in Russia’s potential military drawdown in Syria. This development comes after the Syrian government gained control of Kurdish-held territories in the Hasakah governorate. The Qamishli airfield’s strategic importance for monitoring northeastern Syria and shielding the Kurdish region has diminished, making its continued use by Russia questionable.
- Syrian government may ask Russian forces to withdraw from the Qamishli airfield.
- This potential withdrawal follows Damascus taking control of Kurdish-held territory in Hasakah governorate.
- The Qamishli airfield was used by Russia to monitor northeastern Syria and protect Kurdish areas from pro-Turkish forces.
- Its role has diminished with the Syrian government’s increased control and reduced interest from Moscow and Washington in protecting Kurdish self-rule.
- Russia maintains vital assets in Syria, including the Tartus naval base and Khmeimim air base.
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