Russian military set to leave Syria after fall of Assad government, Putin may build new base in…

Russia's relations with Gaddafi were very strong, but after his assassination, the situation changed drastically. Check the new update here.

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Russia began withdrawing its troops and military equipment from the war-torn country. Simultaneously, there are signs that that Russia is looking at an African country as a new hub in the region. If reports are to be believed, Russian military units are now increasing their presence in another African country called Libya.

Libya is an African country that was earlier ruled by Muammar Gaddafi. Russia’s relations with Gaddafi were very strong, but after his assassination, the situation changed drastically. However, despite this, Russia maintained its military base in Libya for a very long time and now, it’s suspected that Russia might build it as it as its regional headquarters for the Middle East and North African region.

“Libya could become an alternative hub for the Russian military providing access to the Mediterranean Sea and as a transshipment point for other Russian interests in Africa”, Military expert Thomas Newdick was quoted saying in a report by the Navbharat Times.

Is Russia pulling out of its naval base in Syria too?

It seems like Russia is musing over the idea of making Libya a newfound hub of influence within the region. Russia is pulling back its military from the front lines in northern Syria but is not leaving its two main bases in the country after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, four Syrian officials told Reuters. Reuters footage from Tartous on Saturday (December 14) showed several camouflaged equipment while troop activity continued at the naval base.

Syrian military and security sources in contact with the Russians told Reuters that Moscow was pulling back its forces from the front lines and withdrawing some heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers.

But the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Russia was not pulling out of its two main bases and currently had no intention of doing so.

Joy in Libya’s streets as Syrians to celebrate…

Streets in Misrata and Tripoli were alive with celebration as Syrians in Libya rejoiced over the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Sunday (December 8). Waving Syrian rebel flags and chanting slogans like “The Syrian people are one”, crowds gathered to mark the end of Assad’s rule after rebels seized Damascus.

Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday after a lightning advance that sent President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia after a 13-year civil war and six decades of his family’s autocratic rule.

(With inputs from agencies)