A Russian cargo plane took off for Libya from a Russian air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia on Saturday, a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility was quoted as saying by "Reuters".
The official told "Reuters" that additional Russian departures from the Khmeimim air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia were expected in the coming days.
There was increased activity at the air base throughout the day. In addition to the departing cargo plane, an Ilyushin II-76 aircraft and an Alligator helicopter were seen landing at the base.
Helicopters were also seen flying at the base, and an SU-34 aircraft landed for refueling. An airship circled overhead and two trucks carrying Russian flags were seen traveling into the base.
On Friday, satellite images showed Russia moving military equipment into the Khmeimim air base, with two Antonov An-124 cargo planes visible.
Russia, a longtime ally of Assad, granted asylum to the ousted Syrian leader last weekend after helping him flee his country as rebels closed in on Damascus.
Moscow has said it hopes to keep its two bases in Syria - the Khmeimim air base in Latakia and a naval base in Tartus - to continue efforts against what it called international terrorism.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Thursday that contacts with the political committee of the Syrian Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham "continue in a constructive manner".
Moscow has supported Syria since the beginning of the Cold War, recognizing its independence in 1944, when Damascus was trying to throw off French colonial rule.
The West has long considered Syria a Soviet satellite.
The Kremlin has said that since Assad's fall, it has focused on ensuring the security of its military bases in Syria and its diplomatic missions.
Russian involvement in the Libyan crisis has always been part of Moscow's strategic efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East and North Africa, taking advantage of the country's rich oil resources and strategic importance. Russia supports General Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army, which controls eastern Libya, providing military and political assistance, including weapons, consultants, and mercenaries from the private military company "Wagner".
The "Wagner" group, although formally dissolved, plays a key role in the Kremlin's Libyan strategy, providing influence without direct involvement of the Russian state. In addition to military support, Russia seeks to protect its economic interests in Libya, where the energy sector offers great opportunities. Moscow is working to restore contracts signed during the Gaddafi regime and is actively seeking participation in Libyan oil and gas projects.
At the political level, Russia is balancing its relations with various actors in the Libyan conflict, including the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, in order to maintain maximum control over the situation. It is using the crisis to strengthen its influence in the Mediterranean and cooperate with key regional powers such as Egypt and the UAE