Taken at face value, most of Russia’s troops and aircraft were supposed to be out of Syria by now, but that’s not the case, as Russia has kept more than two dozen of its military aircraft in Syria and continues to send military equipment to that country, U.S. officials said.
The moves raise questions about what Russia may be planning for a longer-term presence in Syria.
At its peak, there were 42 Russian fighters and bombers based at the airbase outside of Latakia in western Syria, according to U.S. military officials. And it was estimated that Russian troops had grown to as many as 5,000 to support the air mission and to help Assad forces with helicopters, tanks and artillery to support Assad ground offensives.
Russian Defense Ministry video released shortly after the withdrawal announcement two weeks ago showed a mix of fighter, bomber and transport aircraft returning to bases in Russia from Syria. Officials at U.S. Central Command indicated at the time that it appeared the Russians were on track to keep their commitment of reducing their air force in Syria.
But visuals can be deceiving as two U.S. officials tell ABC News there have been no military aircraft departures since then. Possibly as many as 28 Russian aircraft continue operating from the base, meaning two-thirds of Russia’s military aircraft have remained in Syria. And the officials say there appear to be no preparations for their departure any time soon.
Another indicator of the growing Russian role, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed the death last week of a Russian special forces “Spetsnaz” commander calling in airstrikes in the battle for Palmyra.
Meanwhile, over the past two weeks, Russian Navy ships continued sending more military equipment to Syria than has been taken out during that timeframe. One U.S. official confirmed an analysis by the Reuters news agency that looked at Russian Navy ship movements to and from Syria.
The official told ABC News it remains unclear if Russia is moving in heavy materials to sustain a long-term presence in Syria or if new equipment is being sent to augment Russian forces.
