Vladimir Putin's Surprise Visit to Hmeymim Airbase Amid Victory Over Daesh
Vladimir Putin's Surprise Visit to Hmeymim Airbase Amid Victory Over Daesh
Sputnik International
On Monday morning, the Russian president arrived at the Hmeymim base in Latakia province for the first time since 2015, when the anti-terrorist operation was... 12.12.2017, Sputnik International
On Monday morning, the Russian president arrived at the Hmeymim base in Latakia province for the first time since 2015, when the anti-terrorist operation was launched in the Arab Republic. Take a look at the highlights of the official event in Sputnik’s photo gallery.
During his first visit to the Hmeymim base in more than two years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria and held a separate meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad at the base.
At the base, Putin was met by Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the commander of the Russian group of forces in Syria, Col. Gen. Sergei Surovikin (right).
"I instruct the Defense Minister, the head of the General Staff to begin the withdrawal of the Russian troop contingents back to the places of their permanent location," Putin said.
Speaking to servicemen, Putin praised their work, saying that they have demonstrated "courage, heroism, coordination, determination, brilliant training and high professionalism."
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar Assad and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu are photographed with Russian servicemen during a visit to the Hmeymim Airbase in Syria on December 11, 2017.
During the meeting, Assad thanked Putin for the effective assistance in the country's fight against terrorism. "The achievements that have taken place are very significant, very important for us. The victories that have been achieved have affected not only our state, but also neighboring countries," the Syrian president said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar Assad (left) and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Hmeymim Airbase in Syria on December 11, 2017.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is photographed with Russian servicemen during a visit to the Hmeymim Airbase in Syria on December 11, 2017.
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