Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses troops at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria on Dec. 11, 2017. (Mikhail Klimentyev / Associated Press )
http://beta.latimes.com/world/europe...211-story.html
In his speech at the base on Monday, Putin said Moscow would begin bringing home a "significant part" of its troops, but left room for Russian troops to strike once more if Islamic State tried to return.
"If terrorists raise their heads again, we will strike at them with such blows as they have never seen," he said.
Assad was effusive in his praise of Russia's support.
Assad added that Russian pilots have been "in the air all the time," according to the Russian state news agency Tass."Future generations that will read of this war will not differentiate between the Syrian martyr and the Russian martyr," Assad said. "And the sacrifices of the heroes from both sides was a manifestation of the noblest battle in the confrontation of terrorism."
"Thanks a million," he added.
Putin announces Russian troop withdrawal from Syria during visit
Russia has begun withdrawing some of its troops from Syria, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the partial withdrawal during an unannounced visit to Syria on Monday.
Russian support has been crucial in turning the tide of Syria's civil war in favour of government forces, led by president Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Putin made a similar withdrawal announcement last year, but Russian military operations continued.
When asked how long it would take for Russia to withdraw its military contingent, Mr Shoigu said that this would "depend on the situation" in Syria.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42307365
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