US Officials Discuss Potential Russian Withdrawal from Syria
Recent reports indicate that Russia may be preparing to withdraw its military presence from Syria, as evidenced by the movement of Russian ships from the port of Tartous. This development comes amid a significant escalation of control by Syrian armed opposition forces across various regions of the country. According to American National Radio, officials have noted that the situation is evolving rapidly, with the Syrian opposition making substantial territorial gains.
The American news outlet Bloomberg cited a Kremlin source confirming that Russia does not intend to intervene to save Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This statement follows a warning from the Russian embassy in Damascus, which advised Russian citizens to leave Syria due to the deteriorating conditions, although the embassy will continue its operations as usual. This shift in Russian policy could signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as the Syrian opposition seeks to capitalize on the perceived weakening of Assad's regime.
Syrian Opposition Gains Ground Amidst Russian Uncertainty
Since late November, clashes between Syrian opposition forces and the Assad regime have intensified. Notably, the opposition has successfully entered the city of Aleppo and expanded its control over Idlib province. By December 5, they had also taken Hama and several strategic locations in central and southern Syria, including Rastan, Talbiseh, Sweida, and Daraa. These developments have raised concerns among American officials, who expressed surprise at the rapid progress made by the opposition, particularly in regions previously thought to be firmly under Assad's control.
The ongoing trilateral talks involving Turkey, Russia, and Iran regarding Syria's future have further complicated the situation. While Turkey supports the opposition, Russia and Iran remain aligned with Assad, creating a complex geopolitical landscape. As the Syrian opposition continues to gain ground, the potential for a shift in the balance of power in Syria appears increasingly likely.
