Another group of Russian jets leave Syria: Moscow
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This image taken on March 15, 2016 shows Russian Su-34 bombers and a Tupolev Tu-154 transport plane flying above an unknown location on their way from the Hmeimim airbase in Syria to their permanent bases in Russia. © AFP
Russia’s Defense Ministry says another group of Russian jets have left Syria and flown back to their home bases in line with Moscow’s partial withdrawal from the war-hit county.
According to Press TV, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that Su-25 jets and an Il-76 transport plane took off from Hmeimim airbase near Syria’s southeastern city of Latakia.
On Tuesday, the first group of Russian aircraft, military equipment as well as soldiers left the Arab country. The planes included Ilyushin-76 transport aircraft and Su-34 fighter jets.
The planes were welcomed at a base near the Russian city of Voronezh.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the bulk of Syria-based Russian military forces to withdraw from the Arab country.
Putin hailed Russia’s almost six-month-aerial campaign in Syria as a positive step, saying the withdrawal could serve as a stimulus for the ongoing peace talks aimed at resolving the five-year deadly crisis gripping Syria.
The Russian president, however, said Hmeimim base and the Russian naval facility in the western Syrian port of Tartus will remain operational.
ME
