Russia withdraws troops from northern Syria, US contacts HTS group leader

According to the Telegraph, satellite footage captured on December 13 showed two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes at Khmeimim airbase, Syria, with their noses open, seemingly preparing to load cargo.

At least one cargo plane took off on December 14 bound for Libya, a Syrian security official stationed outside the base said. According to Syrian military and security sources, Moscow is withdrawing troops and some heavy equipment with the aim of regrouping and redeploying.

Russia is negotiating with the new Syrian government on maintaining the previous presence and status quo of Russian military bases in Tartus and Latakia, Tass news agency reported.

Russia maintains two military bases in Syria, a naval logistics center in the port city of Tartus and the Khmeimim air base near Jebla in Latakia province. The Soviet base in Tartus was established in 1971 under a bilateral agreement.

US in direct contact with Syria's new leaders

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said US officials have had direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - the Syrian military group leading the effort to overthrow President Bashar Assad's regime.

Speaking at a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan, the US Secretary of State said: "Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and other stakeholders. Our message to the Syrian people is: 'We want them to succeed and we are ready to help them do so.'"

Mr. Blinken is the first US official to publicly confirm contacts between President Joe Biden's administration and the new government in Damascus, but did not provide details about how the contacts took place.

The US Secretary of State is in Jordan for a meeting with Arab states and Türkiye on Syria’s future. They issued a joint statement outlining the principles they want Syria to adhere to in its political transition, including inclusiveness and respect for minorities.