Putin leaves behind huge military infrastructure to restart war against ISIS ‘at any time’
VLADIMIR Putin may be withdrawing the “main part” of Russia’s forces from Syria – but much of its vast military infrastructure in the region will remain, defence experts have warned.
By TOM BATCHELOR
Express.co.uk
Tue, Mar 15, 2016
The first Russian warplanes arrived home today after Moscow’s shock announcement that its jets would begin departing after a five-and-a-half-month bombing campaign.
The Russian president claimed it was “mission accomplished” and time to draw down forces in a war that has tipped the balance of power in favour of President Bashar al-Assad.
But despite the eye-catching footage released by the Kremlin of Russian war planes returning to jubilant crowds, analysts believe much of Moscow’s involvement in the conflict has been about imposing its military might on the Middle East.
Even after the bulk of Russia’s jets land on home soil, Mr Putin will have achieved his aim by acquiring an air base at Latakia, in the east of the country, which he has promised to retain.
An expanded naval base at Tartus also means the Kremlin can legitimately claim a military “victory” – even if peace in war-torn Syria does not hold.
Russia has also said it will keep its most advanced air defence system, the S-400, in Syria.
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