East Euphrates Region | Uncertainty surrounds withdrawal of tens of Russian military vehicles to Aleppo

SOHR activists have reported seeing a large Russian military column of nearly 85 vehicles leaving east Euphrates region this afternoon, heading to Aleppo city. However, no further details have been reported whether this movement is a part of the Russians’ withdrawal from the area or just a change of shifts.

On April 14, SOHR activists in north Aleppo countryside reported that Russian forces returned again to the bases of “Kashta’ar” and “Tel Rifaat” in the area, after withdrawing from them in the previous day. According to SOHR sources, a Russian military column arrived in al-Shahba area and repositioned at the military bases, “Kashta’ar” and “Tel Rifaat”.

A day earlier, SOHR sources reported that a military column of pro-Iranian militias entered al-Shahba area north of Aleppo. The column included heavy and medium weapons and military and logistical supplies. According to sources, these militias entered the area to secure a line of protection for the towns of Nubl and Zahraa, which are inhabited by people of Shiite community. The Iranian entry came hours after the Russians withdrawal from posts in al-Shahba area.

While on April 13, SOHR activists reported seeing several columns of Russian forces leaving Tel Rifaat and Ashtar bases in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, heading to Aleppo city. According to SOHR sources, the Russian forces withdrew all supplies, equipment and military vehicles from the two bases, along with the withdrawal of several Russian armoured vehicles from Al-Shahbaa area. However, the Russian forces did not release any statements regarding these developments.