MOSCOW, March 16: A second group of Russian warplanes flew out of Syria Wednesday in line with Moscow’s decision to withdraw most of its forces, as US Secretary of State John Kerry prepared a rare trip to Moscow to discuss the conflict.
SU-25 combat aircraft and IL-76 transport planes pulled out of Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria, the defence ministry said in a statement.
The departure follows that of a first group of aircraft which arrived back in Russia on Tuesday to a hero’s welcome.Washington said Tuesday that “the earliest indications are that the Russians are following through” on the surprise withdrawal.The pullout has spurred hopes for peace talks in Geneva aimed at ending Syria’s brutal five-year conflict, which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions.UN envoy Staffan de Mistura described the withdrawal as a “significant development” for the talks, after the regime and rebel delegations submitted roadmaps for a political solution.”We hope (this) will have a positive impact on the progress of the negotiations,” he said.Kerry said Tuesday he would hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to “try to take advantage of this moment,” which he described as the best opportunity in years to end the bloodshed.- AFP
More Russian warplanes leave Syria as Kerry plans Moscow visit
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