Putin visits Syria and announces another Russian troop withdrawal, following claims that ISIS has been defeated

Vladimir Putin made his first visit to Syria on Monday, December 11, stopping at the Russian Khmeimim airbase to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, and the commander of Russia’s military forces in Syria, Colonel General Sergey Surovikin.

Putin ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops, following last week’s announcement that ISIS has been defeated in Syria. A significant part of Russia’s fighting contingent will reportedly return home, though the president didn’t offer any concrete numbers.

“If the terrorists rear their heads again, we will deliver such strikes that they have yet to witness.” Putin warned.

Moscow has repeatedly declared that it is withdrawing troops from Syria. In December 2016, Putin said Moscow would draw down its military presence in the country. In March 2016, the president made a similar announcement.

The Russian Defense Ministry declared the defeat of ISIS in Syria on December 6, claiming that the terrorist group has been expelled from every populated settlement in the country.

Russia’s military intervention in Syria, which has included warplanes, warships, and ground troops, began in September 2015. According to official data, more than 40 Russian soldiers have died in the fighting. More Russian mercenaries are also believed to have fallen in combat.

According to the Kremlin’s website, the only other time a Russian president has traveled to Syria was in May 2010, when President Dmitry Medvedev flew to Damascus on an official visit.