The Tartous naval base is its only Mediterranean repair and resupply hub, and Hmeimim is a major staging post for military and mercenary activity in Africa.

Russia is pulling back its military from northern Syria and posts in the Alawite Mountains but is not leaving its two main bases, four Syrian officials told Reuters.

Russia is withdrawing troops from the front line in northern Syria and from outposts in the Jabal an-Nusayriyya mountains, but it is not leaving its two main bases, Reuters reports. After the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad,

In recent days, technology companies and war bloggers have been closely monitoring the movements of Russian troops stationed in Syria. According to numerous reports, Russia is withdrawing generals and heavy equipment from the country,

Russia is withdrawing troops from the frontline in northern Syria and from outposts in the Jabal an-Nusayriyya mountains, but it is not abandoning its two main bases, reports Reuters. Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad,

Russia is pulling back from northern Syria's front lines but not moving its two main bases after Assad's fall, officials said. Footage from Tartous showed camouflaged equipment and ongoing troop activity at the naval base.

Increased activity has been observed at the Russia's air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia on Saturday (December 14) amid reports Russia is pulling back its military presence. Rachel Graham has more.