Exclusive: Russia reinforces Qamishli airport base amid Syrian govt advances against SDF

Russian forces have reinforced their military presence at the airport of the city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria, in an area controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) amid an uneasy four-day ceasefire in northern Syria between government troops and the SDF.

Sources told The New Arab's sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Russian A-50 aircraft arrived at the airport on Thursday, transporting logistical supplies and military reinforcements aimed at securing the facility as fighting draws closer to the area following weeks of clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF.

The sources denied reports circulated by some local media claiming that Russian forces had begun evacuating Qamishli airport, describing those reports as "inaccurate".

They said the reinforcements were transferred from Hmeimim airbase, Russia’s largest military base in Syria, calling the move a "calculated redeployment rather than a withdrawal".

The reinforcement comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of Russia’s presence in northeastern Syria.

Several reports this week said Damascus would formally request the withdrawal of Russian forces from Qamishli once Hassakeh province was brought fully under government control, following the advance of Syrian troops into areas previously held by the SDF.

Under a deal signed by interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, the US-backed force is meant to integrate into Syria's ministries of defence and interior.

Syrian officials have warned that military action could resume if the agreement is not implemented, despite the ceasefire declared late on Tuesday after several earlier truces collapsed.

Russia significantly scaled back its military footprint in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, withdrawing from positions across several provinces and consolidating its forces at a limited number of strategic sites.

Moscow has since retained only three main military installations in the country - Hmeimim airbase in Latakia, the Tartous naval base, and Qamishli airport.

The Qamishli base has long served as Russia's main foothold in northeastern Syria, but shifting control on the ground and pressure from Damascus have raised questions about whether Moscow will be able to maintain a presence there as President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's government moves to reassert authority over the region.