Syria Poised to Request Russian Withdrawal from Qamishli Airfield

Syrian Government Considers Russian Troop Withdrawal

The Syrian transitional government is reportedly preparing to formally request the withdrawal of Russian Federation forces from the Qamishli airfield in northern Syria. This development, reported by various media outlets, suggests a potential drawdown of Russia's military presence in the country.

Discussions regarding the status of the Qamishli airbase are expected to commence once the northeastern province of Hasakah, where the airfield is located, comes under the full control of Damascus. The Syrian government reportedly issued a four-day ultimatum to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on January 20 to integrate Hasakah into state institutions.

Diminished Strategic Importance and Shifting Dynamics

Sources suggest that the military relevance of the Qamishli airfield for Russia has significantly diminished, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. A Syrian source indicated that 'There is no longer any reason for them to stay,' referring to the Russian forces. The new Syrian leadership is reportedly seeking to assert full control over the country's territory, leading to a reevaluation of foreign military presences.

Russia began utilizing the Qamishli airfield in 2019, though some reports indicate a presence since 2016. Historically, the base served several purposes:

• Monitoring northeastern Syria.
• Shielding the Kurdish autonomous region from pro-Turkish forces.
• Acting as a coordination point for joint patrols with the U.S. military.

However, these roles are now considered to have evaporated. The United States has also scaled back its military mission and support for the SDF in northeastern Syria, further altering the regional power balance.

Fluctuating Presence and Future Implications

Russian activity at the Qamishli airfield has seen fluctuations. While Syria TV reported a partial withdrawal of Russian equipment from the site in January of the current year, other reports from summer 2025 suggested Russia was reinforcing its presence with additional troops and fortifications. This indicates a dynamic and evolving situation regarding Russia's footprint at the base.

Beyond Qamishli, Russia maintains a military presence in Syria at the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia province and a naval logistics facility in Tartus. The potential withdrawal from Qamishli could signify a broader reassessment of Russia's strategic interests and military deployments in the post-Assad Syrian landscape.