Syria Prepares to Demand Pullout of Russian Forces From Country’s North

Syrian authorities plan to demand that Russia withdraw from the Al-Qamishli military airfield in the north of the country.

The airfield, located near the Turkish border, has long been used by the Russian military for operations in the region, The Moscow Times reports.

However, the situation has changed sharply after government forces entered territory previously controlled by the Kurdish alliance, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

According to a source cited by the Russian newspaper Kommersant, the question of Russian troop withdrawal will be raised once Hasakah province officially comes under Damascus’ control.

“It seems to me that the Russians will be asked to leave Al-Qamishli completely. Now they have nothing to do,” the source said.

The Syrian government previously announced a mutual understanding with the SDF regarding the further integration of their institutions and security forces.

It was also agreed that Syrian troops would not enter Kurdish villages and that, under the terms of the agreement, no armed forces would be present there except for local security units formed from residents.