Syria conflict: Russia's Putin orders 'main part' of forces out

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to start withdrawing from what is called the of its forces in Syria. 

In a surprising move, Mr. Putin said the Russian intervention has largely achieved its objectives.  

The comments come amid fresh peace talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the five-year Syrian conflict. 

Russia is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose office said in a statement that he had agreed to the move saying that, the pullout is in accordance with the situation on the ground.  

Russia began its campaign of air strikes in Syria last September, tipping the balance in favour of the Syrian government and allowing it to recapture its territory from rebels. 


BBC