Syria uprising: Russian fighters flee the combat zone, reports Ukraine's military intelligence.

The Russian military contingent is fleeing from the combat zone in Syria.

This is reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense.

Opposition forces in Syria continue their advance towards the southern part of the country. In the cities of Hama, Homs, and Suweida, the first urban battles with the government troops have taken place. However, Russian military personnel are escaping from Hama to the "Khmeimim" base despite claims of support for Bashar Assad's government in the fight against the rebels.

When armed unrest began in the Syrian capital, Damascus, Russians started to evacuate from the city, including diplomats. Additionally, Russian fighters abandoned the military base in Khan Shaykhun, leaving behind an arsenal and equipment.

Subsequently, Russian aircraft struck areas around Khan Shaykhun. Intelligence suggests that the aggressor country aimed to destroy military equipment that could fall into the hands of opposition forces. As a result of joint Syrian-Russian airstrikes across the country, at least 25 people were killed.

At the same time, the head of the coordination staff for the Russians in Khmeimim acknowledged that the situation has spiraled out of President's control.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that Russia dismissed the commander in Syria due to significant losses. Some Russian units are encircled, and hundreds of Russians are listed as missing.