By George Stephens • Published: 16 Nov 2019 • 9:58
Credit Twitter
The Russian Defence Ministry’s Zvezda TV channel said on Friday that Russia landed attack helicopters and troops at an air base in northern Syria which was vacated by US forces.
The tactical move comes after US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of US troops from parts of Syria last month.
The Russian TV station claimed the facility will be used as a centre to distribute humanitarian aid for local residents and the military aerodrome is now controlled by Syrian government forces allied with Moscow.
Also the TV station aired footage of U.S. equipment such as medical supplies to treat sunburn that had been left behind as well as a gym and sleeping facilities.
Russia now has three permanent military facilities in Syria – an air base in Latakia province used for air strikes against forces opposing President Bashar al-Assad as well as a naval facility at Tartus on the Mediterranean.
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