Russia packing military equipment at base in Syria, satellite images show

(Patria) - Russia appears to be packing military equipment at a military air base in Syria, according to satellite images released by Maxar after rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad last weekend, Reuters reported.

The images taken on Friday show what appears to be at least two Antonov AN-124s, one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, with their nose cones open at the Khmeimim air base in Syria's coastal Latakia province.

"Two heavy transport aircraft An-124 are at the airfield - both with raised nose cones and prepared for loading equipment/cargo," Maxar said.

"Nearby, a Ka-52 attack helicopter is being dismantled and likely prepared for transport, while elements of an S-400 air defense unit are similarly being prepared for departure from their previous deployment site at the air base."

The Russian naval base in Tartous, Russia's only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, "remains largely unchanged from our imagery of December 10 with two frigates still visible off the coast of Tartous," Maxar said.

Britain's Channel 4 News reported it had seen a convoy of more than 150 Russian military vehicles moving along a road. Channel 4 said the Russian military was moving in good order and that an agreement appeared to have been reached allowing the Russians to leave Syria in an orderly manner.

The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Moscow has supported Syria since the early days of the Cold War, recognizing its independence in 1944 when Damascus sought to throw off French colonial rule. The West has long considered Syria a Soviet satellite.

The Kremlin said its focus since Assad's fall has been to ensure the security of its military bases in Syria and its diplomatic missions.