Russia encounters difficulties in evacuating its soldiers from Syria (Intelligence of Ukraine)
Hundreds of Russian soldiers can't be evacuated from Syria. They fear being hit by roadside fire from the various factions operating in the country.
According to Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Syria-based Russian Colonel, Dmitry Motrenko, is negotiating with representatives of other countries' military contingents in Syria to secure immunity guarantees for Russian soldiers.
Mercenaries from Russian private military companies have appeared in Syria. Their mission is to protect Russian units moving from the depths of Syria to bases on the coast.
Also according to Kiev's intelligence services, on December 13, a thousand Russian soldiers left the area near Damascus in a convoy in order to return to their bases in Tartous.
For the ongoing operation to evacuate the Russian military contingent from Syria, Russia plans to involve at least 25 military transport aircraft to move troops, weapons and equipment.
As the analysis of satellite images indicate, Russia has probably begun withdrawing some of its troops from Syria.
(MH with AmBar/Source: RBC Ukraine/Photo: DPA/Anadolu/Huseyin Nasir)