Vladimir Putin

Turkey cautious on Russia's withdrawal from Syria

Ankara remains cautious about Russia's partial withdrawal from Syria after conducting more than five months of air strikes in the country. 

Turkish sources speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia's withdrawal was not so much an act of goodwill but a "political maneuver" with the intention of pressuring Western countries as United Nations-backed peace talks continue in Geneva. 

Russia starts withdrawing air force deployed in Syria

The first of Moscow's warplanes landed back in Russia from Syria on March 15 at the start of a surprise withdrawal that Western governments hope could boost United Nations-brokered peace talks ongoing in Geneva by pressuring the Syrian government.

U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura described the pullout as a "significant development" for peace negotiations.

Russia withdrawing military from Syria, after Putin orders

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu to start the withdrawal of forces from Syria, Tuesday. The country will, however, keep a military presence in the port of Tartus and at the Khneimim airbase to observe the ceasefire. The Russian President said he considered the objectives set by the Russian military as accomplished.

World condemns Ankara attack

Several countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and Russia, have condemned the suicide bomb attack in the Turkish capital of Ankara, which claimed at least 34 lives. 

U.S. State Department Spokesman John Kirby on March 13 conveyed condolences to the families of those killed Sunday and wished a quick recovery for the wounded.

Saving Antalya

Antalya is Turkey's top holiday resort town, known for its sunny beaches, golf courses and all-inclusive hotels. However, the city faces an uncertain future after Turkey downed a Russian plane last year and Russian President Vladimir Putin promised revenge.

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