Damascus Dec 11 (IANS) Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria.
The Russian leader made the announcement at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria s coastal province of Latakia reports the Independent. Accompanied by Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu Putin said Russian and Syrian Armies had destroyed "one of the most capable groups of international terrorists" in just over two years. The visit marks Putin s first trip to Syria and comes as President Bashar Assad s regime s forces have retaken control over most of Syria under Russian air cover. --IANS ksk/bg
