Russian Defense Ministry to Withdraw More Su-24 Bombers, Medics From Syria

Russia is preparing to withdraw an additional flight of Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft and personnel of a special-purpose medical team from the Hmeymim airbase in Syria after a successful conclusion of their duty, Col. Gen. Andrei Kartapolov, commander of the Russian military contingent in Syria, said Tuesday.

HMEYMIM (Sputnik) — The Russian naval task force, led by air carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, and six Su-24 aircraft have already left the conflict zone in Syria.

"Russia continues to reduce its military contingent in Syria in line with the order by President Vladimir Putin. A flight of Su-24 fighter-bombers is preparing to return home. Today the pilots and personnel from a special-purpose medical team will depart to their permanent bases [in Russia]," Kartapolov told reporters.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that a planned rotation of Russian aircraft in Syria is underway.