Russia says it has begun to draw down its military forces in Syria as a nationwide ceasefire between the government and opposition groups largely holds in the Arab country.
“In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, (President) Vladimir Putin, the Russian Defense Ministry is beginning to reduce its armed forces deployment in Syria,” TASS news agency quoted Valery Gerasimov as saying.
This file photo by AP shows the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.
Gerasimov further said the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier and accompanying ships deployed to waters off Syria would be the first equipment to be pulled out.
Since September 2015, Moscow has been engaged in a military campaign in support of the Syrian army in its fight against Takfiri terror groups.
The drawdown was ordered by Putin on December 29, 2016, in a measure aimed at reinforcing the all-Syria ceasefire between Damascus and opposition groups.
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