MOSCOW. Jan 16 (Interfax) - Russia is reducing its Armed Forces group in Syria to a level necessary to ensure fighting capability, an informed source told Interfax.
"Two fairly serious military assets will remain in Syria after reduction of the Russian military grouping in this country: the Russian aviation group at Hmeimim airfield and a significantly expanded and modernized supply and maintenance base in the city of Tartus," the source said.
Hmeimim acts as a fully-fledged airbase complete with staff needed to execute combat missions and provide vital services autonomously, he said.
A new truce has been in place in Syria since December 30, 2016.
Russian military leaders announced a reduction of its grouping in Syria.
The Russian carrier strike group is leaving the Mediterranean Sea.
The first six Sukhoi Su-24 bombers were redeployed, more aircraft are scheduled to be removed, according to the Defense Ministry.