Friendship Square Opens at Hmeymim Airbase Amid Russian Pullout From Syria

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov opened a square dedicated to Russian-Syrian friendship at Hmeimim airbase in Syria Tuesday.

HMEIMIM (Sputnik) — The opening of the square was one of the festive events to mark the completion of the Russian aerial campaign in Syria.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of the main part of the country's air forces in Syria, starting from Tuesday, as the objectives of its over five-month operation against terrorist groups in the country had broadly been reached.

"Today we are opening a square of Russian-Syrian friendship — a symbol of the unity of the Russian and Syrian people… Allow me to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the military groups, our Syrian comrades, all participants in the operation to combat international terrorism on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic," Pankov said.

Some Russian personnel will remain at the Hmeymim air base as well as the naval base at Tartus to observe the implementation of the ceasefire deal in Syria. The deal was brokered by Russia and the United States and came into force on February 27.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups, such as Islamic State, which is banned in several countries, including Russia.