Editor’s Note: Russia has announced its withdrawal from Syria. Yes, you read that correctly–Russia is pulling out of Syria. A very, very curious turn of events, wouldn’t you say? According to the Russian government, its goal has been achieved and Daesh has been stopped. I’m not sure what metrics they are basing that assessment on, but it will be fascinating to see what happens in the coming days and weeks. There are a lot of questions to be answered, so bet on us following this very closely as it unfolds.

Russia decided to withdraw its airgroup from Syria, as the Daesh militant group operating in the war-torn country has been stopped, lawmaker from the French party The Republicans, Thierry Mariani, told Sputnik.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to start withdrawing the Russian air group from Syria on Tuesday, as the task assigned to it has been completed.

“I think it is a clever decision because if they [aerospace forces] stay longer, it could potentially lead to an additional tension between the sides to the conflict and that could be dangerous. The job is done because the Daesh has been stopped,” Mariani said.

Russia Begins Withdrawal From Syria
The Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback” fighter-bomber, like this one pictured here, has been a mainstay in Russian air operations in Syria since September of last year.  (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

The withdrawal of the Russian military contingent from Syria will also reduce tensions between participants of the Geneva talks, and in the region in general, the French lawmaker added.

“I do not know what would happen next, but this is happening in a right time as the Russian mission has reached its goals.”

The full story in its entirety on Sputnik News can be seen right here.

(Featured photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)