Russian Source: Moscow to Retain Air Force, Naval Base in Syria
Sun Jan 15, 2017
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951026001269

TEHRAN (FNA)- Moscow plans to keep its airbase in Hmeymim and modernized
naval base in Tartus despite reports about reduction of forces in Syria,
informed sources disclosed on Sunday.

"Russia is planning to develop its Hmeymim airbase by repairing the second
runway in spring," an informed Russian source said.

The Russian source also noted that S-400 air defense system and Pantsir
missile systems will continue to provide air support for aircraft at Hmeymim
airbase.

He pointed to Russia's naval base in Tartus, and said, "The Russian navy is
planning to build two piers in Tartus naval base, keep its S-300 missile
systems and bastion complexes there to fortify its naval base."

The source also said that residential units will also be built for Russian
Aerospace personnel in Hmeymim airbase.

In a relevant development on Wednesday, Russian and Arab media disclosed
that satellite images display that Moscow is strengthening its military
presence in Syria despite earlier allegations that it is retreating a part
of its troops from the country.

Russia's Interbirtermag magazine has been quoted by a number of Arab media
as disclosing that Moscow has not decreased its military forces in Syrian,
and rather increased them.

Hadath news, Islam message daily and a host of other Arabic-language media
quoted the Russian outlet as reporting that satellite images show Russia has
reinvigorated its military presence in Syria and has intensified its
operations against terrorists regardless of Moscow' declared plan to
withdraw its naval fleet led by Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier from
Syrian waters.

New images released on January 5 showed several Russian cargo ships carrying
military vehicles heading towards Syria, according to the reports.

The new images also showed deployment of Russia's Alexander Ballistic
Missiles that are also capable of carrying atomic warheads, the Arab media
reports said.

The magazine underlined that most of the Russian fighter jets (involved in
war in terrorism in Syria) take off and land in Hmeymim airbase and not from
Admiral Kuznetsov, adding that withdrawal of the aircraft carrier will have
a minor impact on Russia's mission in Syria.

The magazine wrote that Admiral Kuznetsov's operation was not cost-effective
and meantime, its withdrawal will decrease West's pressure on Russia and
will also show off Moscow's intention of taking its military forces out of
Syria.

Russian General Vyacheslav Bobov underlined on Tuesday that the Russian
fleet of warships, including Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, which were
about to leave the Eastern waters of the Mediterranean Sea in coming weeks
would be fully ready to return to Syria in case needed.

The Russian General warned that in case any incident arises to halt the
diplomatic settlement of the Syrian crisis, Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft
carrier, the fighter jets on board and other accompanying warships will
return to Syrian waters immediately.

Yet, he said Syria's current situation allowed the Russian fleet to return
to its base back at home.

Bobov underscored that there was no plan for a complete withdrawal of the
Russian military from Syrian, although the Russian military capability would
be reduced after some main objectives were achieved in the war on terrorism.

Chief of the Russian Army General Staff Valery Gerasimov announced that
Moscow has launched withdrawal operation of a part of its military forces
and equipment from war-hit Syria.

"In accordance with the decision of Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed
Forces (President) Vladimir Putin, the Russian defense ministry is beginning
the reduction of the armed deployment to Syria," Gerasimov, said.

Gerasimov added that reduction of military forces in Syria will start with
the withdrawal of the North Naval Group led by Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft
carrier.

Interfax reported that Russian decided to withdraw a number of its military
planes, Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great)
battle cruiser and logistic cruisers from Syria's coasts.