Vladimir Putin declares victory in Syria, orders troops home - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria on Monday, declared victory and announced the pullout of his troops. Accompanied by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin spoke to Russian troops at the Khmeimim air base, which has been the headquarters of Russia's military mission in Syria since its military fighter planes first arrived there in 2015. [...] Syria's six-year civil war has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than 6 million civilians. Russia and Iran have sided with Assad in the conflict, which has run concurrently with efforts to defeat the Islamic State terror group in the north African nation."
Vladimir Putin asks lawmakers to expand Russian navy in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday sent a draft treaty to
lawmakers that could expand Moscow's navy presence in Syria until 2092. [...] If ratified, the agreement would extend the Russian navy's
lease by 49 years, followed by automatic 25-year extensions if both
parties agree. The naval base in Tartus is the only installation that
gives Russian forces direct access to the Mediterranean Sea -- unlike
its base in Crimea, which can be hindered by Turkish troops."
Comment: It's interesting that Putin made his whirlwind tour of the Middle East, checking in with his Egyptian, Turkish and Syrian allies less than a week after Trump's Jerusalem decision. How quick other powers are to step in which they perceive the U.S. to be pulling back. Even as this report suggests that some Russian troops may be departing Syria there is no indication that Iranian militias will also be departing. I'm sure that is something Israel is playing close attention to.
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