Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered the defense ministry to start the pullout of Russian troops from Syria.
Putin arrived in Syria on Monday on an unannounced visit and met top Russian military officials and his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad.
At Syria’s Hmemymim military base, president Putin ordered Russian defense ministry to start the pullout of the Russian military from the war-hit country.
"I order the Defense Ministry and the chief of the General Staff to begin the pullout of the Russian military group to permanent locations," Russia’s Tass news agency reported.
Putin said that Russian and Syrian military forces have ended the regrouping of international terrorists in the country.
"Over slightly more than two years, the Russian Armed Forces have, together with the Syrian army, routed the most combat-capable grouping of international terrorists," Putin said.
"You are coming home with a victory to your relatives, parents, wives, children and friends. Your Motherland is waiting for you, my friends. Have a safe trip home and thank you for your service," Putin said.
Back in November, Assad also visited Russia where the two leaders announced the end of Daesh in the country.