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Russia Starts Pulling Forces From Qamishli Base in Northeast Syria

The drawdown follows government gains over the SDF, with equipment reportedly shifted to Russia’s Khmeimim base.

Defensive barriers stand inside part of a Russian military base near Qamishli International Airport in northeastern Syria, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, as Russian forces have begun withdrawing from sections of the facility. (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad)
People walk inside part of a Russian military base near Qamishli International Airport in northeastern Syria, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, as Russian forces have begun withdrawing from sections of the facility. (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad)
An empty gym is seen inside part of a Russian military base near Qamishli International Airport in northeastern Syria, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, where Russian forces have begun withdrawing from sections of the facility. (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad)
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Overview

  • AP journalists found a base next to Qamishli airport largely emptied and now guarded by SDF fighters, who said Russian equipment began moving out in recent days.
  • An SDF fighter said the evacuation started five to six days ago and used a cargo plane, with the destination unclear between Russia and Khmeimim.
  • Syrian sources told Reuters that vehicles and heavy weaponry were transferred to Khmeimim, with part of the contingent expected to relocate there and others to return to Russia.
  • A Reuters journalist saw Russian flags still flying and two Russian-marked planes at Qamishli airport on Jan. 26, indicating a phased pullback.
  • The reported drawdown coincides with Damascus’ recent gains and a renewed 15-day ceasefire, with no comment from Russia’s defense ministry and a planned Moscow visit by Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday.