Putin orders withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the defence ministry to begin the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria.

"I believe that the task put before the defence ministry and Russian armed forces has, on the whole, been fulfilled," Mr Putin said.

The withdrawal will start tomorrow, he added.

Russia began its bombing campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in September, a move that helped shore up the Syrian regime's crumbling forces and go on the offensive.

Mr Putin called Mr Assad to inform Russia's long-standing ally of the surprise move that appears to end the main part of its intervention in Syria's conflict.

The two leaders, however, also agreed that Russia would maintain an airforce facility in the country to help monitor the progress of a ceasefire...
Source: AFP/Reuters/rte.ie