Russian cargo plane leaves Syria for Libya, more flights expected, official says
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A Russian military aircraft approaching Hmeimim airbase in Syria's coastal Latakia province on Dec 14.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LATAKIA, Syria - A Russian cargo plane departed from Russia’s airbase in the Syrian port city of Latakia for Libya on Dec 14, a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility said, following rebels’ overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last weekend.
The official told Reuters that additional Russian departures from the Hmeimim airbase in Syria’s coastal Latakia province were expected in the coming days.
Increased activity has been observed at the airbase throughout the day. In addition to the departing cargo plane, an Ilyushin II-76 cargo plane and an Alligator helicopter were seen landing at the base.
Helicopters were also seen flying within the base, and a SU-34 jet landed for refuelling. A Zeppelin hovered overhead, and two trucks carrying Russian flags were seen traveling within the base.
On Dec 13, satellite images showed Russia moving military equipment at Hmeimim airbase, with two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes visible.
Russia, a longstanding ally of Mr Assad, granted the ousted Syrian leader asylum last weekend after helping him to flee his country as the rebels approached Damascus.
Moscow has said it hopes to maintain its two bases in Syria – the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and a naval base in Tartous – in order to keep up efforts against what it called international terrorism.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Dec 12 that contacts with the political committee of Syria’s Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham were “proceeding in constructive fashion”. REUTERS
A satellite image showing an An-124 heavy transport aircraft with its nose cone lifted at the Hmeimim Air Base in Syria’s coastal Latakia province.
PHOTO: REUTERS
