Russian jets arrive back home

RT, while 120% better than western corporate propaganda is still,it has to be understood, is still state propaganda. This has to be understood. 

There is a lot more behind this, I'm sure, as shown by the other items.

Second batch of Russian jets leaves Syria airbase

The second group of Russian warplanes left the Khmeimim airbase in Syria’s Latakia province on Wednesday morning, the Russian Ministry of Defense has announced.

"Another group of Russian aircraft took off from the airbase in Khmeimim heading to places of permanent deployment on the territory of the Russian Federation," the military statement said.

READ MORE: Russian warplanes start leaving Syria on Putin's orders

The ministry added that the new batch of planes comprising Su-25 fighter jets is led by a strategic airlifter, the Il-76. All planes returning to home bases in Russia are flying in “flocks” headed by a “leader” aircraft – either Tu-154 or Il-76 transport aircraft – that carries the technical engineering crew, along with other cargo.

Once the group reaches the Russian border, each individual plane separates from the squadron and heads to its original place of deployment.

The first Russian forces planes and pilots left Syria on Tuesday, following the withdrawal order from President Vladimir Putin. They received a hero’s welcome at home. On Monday, the Kremlin ordered the disengagement of the Russian Air Force from Syria because they had fulfilled the bulk of their original objectives.

Russia to continue strikes on terrorist targets in Syria — defense official

The ceasefire that came into effect in Syria on February 27 is not applied to the Islamic State and Jabhat an-Nusra "or other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council"

TASS,

15 March, 2015

Russia’s aviation group in Syria will continue delivering strikes on facilities of terrorists, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolay Pankov said on Tuesday.

"Certain positive results have been reached. A real chance has emerged to bring an end to the long-time conflict and violence. However, it is early to speak about the victory over terrorism now," Pankov said.

"Russia’s aviation group has the task to continue delivering strikes on the facilities of terrorists," he told an event marking the accomplishment of tasks in Syria by Russian forces.

At the ceremony, also attended by Chief of Syria’s General Staff Ali Abdullah Ayyoub, the military personnel received state awards of Russia and Syria.

"The combat operations by Russia’s air and space group and support units in Syria have earned high appreciation of the supreme commander-in-chief, President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu," Pankov said at a special ceremony ending the special mission in Syria.

First group of Russian warplanes leaves Syria for Russia — defense ministry

Syrian army commanders praise role of Russian forces in fight against terrorism

"Our military and our Syrian colleagues displayed resolution, competence, boldness, courage and heroism," Pankov said.

Pankov reminded that the ceasefire, which came into effect in Syria on February 27, is not applied to the Islamic State and Jabhat an-Nusra "or other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council."

The official noted that Russia’s operation dealt a heavy blow to terrorists thus helping to "step up offensive of government forces of the Syrian Arab Republic and liberate more than 200 settlements."

President Putin ordered on Monday to start withdrawing the main part of Russia’s forces from Syria as of March 15. He said the tasks assigned to the military were generally fulfilled. Russia has been carrying out an anti-terror operation in Syria since September 30, 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

RUSSIA TO KEEP S-400 AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM IN SYRIA, CONTINUE RAIDING TERRORISTS

News Front,

15 March, 2016

Russia will keep its most advanced air defense system in Syria despite a planned withdrawal of the bulk of Russian forces from there, Sergei Ivanov, the Kremlin’s chief-of-staff, was quoted as saying Tuesday.

“In order to efficiently ensure security, including from the air, the most advanced air defense systems are needed,” the RIA news agency quoted Ivanov as telling reporters when asked if Russia would keep the S-400 surface-to-air missile system.

With a range of up to 400 kilometers (248.55 miles) the anti-aircraft system means Russia can control large swaths of the skies above Syria.

In a related context, Russia will continue striking terrorist targets, a deputy defense minister said at Moscow’s airbase in Syria Tuesday.

“It is still too early to speak of victory over terrorism. The Russian air group has a task of continuing to strike terrorist targets,” deputy defense minister Nikolai Pankov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies at the Hmeimim airbase where Moscow’s warplanes are based.