Assad’s Army May Be Losing the Support of Russia

Approximately 100 Russian advisers have left Syria, according to a report on Sunday by the Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat. These Russian advisers included senior officials and military strategists.

The report said Moscow has no plan to replace these officials, and suggests that their withdrawal means Russia may discontinue its backing of Assad. Russia’s refusal to repair Syrian fighter jets also prompted Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jasim al-Freij to visit Iran last month in an attempt to place diplomatic pressure on Moscow, the report said.

Russia has been one of the top financial and military backers of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime since the start of Syria’s civil war in early 2011. Moscow has given Assad’s regime weapons, consultation and vital protection from rulings by the United Nations.

However, it should be noted that the report comes from a publication linked to Saudi Arabia’s ruling family. The Saudis have taken a firm anti-Assad stance since the start of the Syrian war. Therefore, the accuracy of the report remains questionable.

If the story proves true, it could mark a turning point for the Assad regime.