22.01.2026 22:20
A first occurred since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in December 2024. A Russian plane landed at Qamishli Airport, one of the main bases of Russian forces. While the purpose of the Russian plane's arrival is unknown, the question arose: "Will Russian forces be evacuated from Syria?"
After a ceasefire was established between the government and the terrorist organization YPG in Syria, a notable development occurred. A Russian plane landed in Qamishli.
RUSSIAN PLANE LANDED IN QAMISHLI
According to Rudaw's report, this is the first time a Russian plane has landed at Qamishli Airport since the Assad regime was overthrown in December 2024. Prior to the plane's landing in Qamishli, which was one of Russia's main military bases in Syria during the Assad era, two helicopters conducted security flights around the airport and its vicinity.
WILL RUSSIAN FORCES BE EVACUATED FROM SYRIA?
No explanation was provided regarding the purpose of the Russian plane's arrival. This raised the question, "Will Russian forces be evacuated from Syria?"
QAMISHLI AIRPORT
Located in northeastern Syria, very close to the Turkish border, Qamishli Airport continues to be one of the most strategically important military outposts for Russia in the region. The facility, which was rented from the Assad regime in 2019 and converted into a military helicopter base, currently hosts approximately 200 Russian military personnel along with advanced air defense systems like Pantsir-S1, radar units, and Mi-8 and Mi-35 type attack helicopters.
Although control of the areas surrounding the airport has largely passed to the SDF following the regime change at the end of 2024, it has been observed that Russia has not evacuated this isolated base and continues to receive logistical support through the air bridge established with Hmeymim Air Base, thereby maintaining its diplomatic and military bargaining power in the region.