Russia has reportedly begun pulling out of positions in north-eastern Syria, moving to end its military presence in an area that is still under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. SDF fighters at one base next to the Qamishli airport told journalists on Tuesday that the Russians had begun moving their equipment out in recent days. There has been no official statement from Russia about the withdrawal of its forces from Qamishli. Russia is expected to retain a presence at its air and naval bases on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. The Syrian interim president is due to meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Wednesday.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 28, 2026 06:51 UTC