Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Russia Withdraws Troops from Syria Airport
Russia is pulling its troops out of an airport in northeastern Syria.
This area is where the Syrian government is trying to take control from the Kurdish forces.
The Syrian government has been taking over parts of northern and eastern Syria from the Kurds.
Russia has had troops at this airport since 2019, but now they are leaving.
Some troops will go to another base in western Syria, and some will return to Russia.
There is a temporary truce between the Syrian government and the Kurds, which has been extended for 15 more days.
The Syrian government has promised to honor past deals with Russia, so Russia's main military bases in Syria are expected to stay.
It's not clear what will happen next, but the situation is changing quickly.
Russia begins gradual withdrawal of forces from Qamishli airport in northeastern Syria.
Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to assert control over the region from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Ceasefire between Syrian government and Kurdish forces extended for 15 days on January 26, 2026.
Russian troops expected to move to Hmeimim air base in western Syria or return to Russia.
Syrian government pledges to honor past deals with Russia, ensuring the safety of Russia's main military bases in Syria.
- Who
- Russian forces, Syrian government, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
- What
- Withdrawal of Russian troops from Qamishli airport, ceasefire extension, Syrian government asserting control over northeastern Syria
- When
- Gradual withdrawal began last week, ceasefire extended on January 26, 2026
- Where
- Qamishli airport, northeastern Syria
- Why
- Syrian government aims to assert control over the region, Russia's presence may no longer be necessary
- Location
- Qamishli airport, northeastern Syria
- Withdrawal Timing
- Gradual withdrawal began last week
- Ceasefire Extension
- Extended for 15 days on January 26, 2026
- Russian Bases in Syria
- Hmeimim air base and a naval facility on the Mediterranean coast
- Syrian Government
- President Ahmed al-Sharaa
- Kurdish Forces
- Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
- Russian Comment
- No immediate comment from Russia’s defence ministry
- Russian Flags
- Still flying at Qamishli airport as of January 26, 2026
