Russian Aerospace Forces to Be Withdrawn From Syria According to Schedule

Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Col.-Gen. Viktor Bondarev said that the return of main part of the aviation group from Syria will be fulfilled according to the schedule.

VORONEZH (Sputnik) – The main part of the Russian Aerospace Forces will be withdrawn from Syria according to schedule, Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Col.-Gen. Viktor Bondarev said Tuesday.

“Today, we met the pilots on our native land. The [return of] main part of the aviation group is the decision of the commander-in-chief and we will fulfill the decision according to the set schedule,” Bondarev said. 

Earlier in the day, two air groups involved in the 5.5-month counterterrorist mission in Syria left Hmeymim on Putin's late Monday orders to begin the withdrawal of major portions of the country's forces after completing their objectives.

Putin said the remaining groupings in Hmeimim and the naval base in the port of Tartus would play a key role in monitoring the cessation of hostilities between Syrian government and rebel forces effective since February 27.

Shoigu said late on Monday the Aerospace Forces' mission was successful in disrupting terrorist arms and ammunition supplies, cutting off smuggled oil channels and force back terrorist groups in a number of Syrian provinces.