Russian movements raising suspicions at Qamishli Airport.

The website "Erem News" reported, citing special sources, intense Russian movements in the Qamishli area in northeastern Syria, which is under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Russian activities have focused around the Qamishli military airport as part of Moscow's efforts to establish communication with former Syrian regime officers who fled to SDF-controlled areas after the fall of the Assad regime.

According to sources, the Russian side is relying on civilian intermediaries who previously worked with Russian forces at the airport to communicate with former officers (not soldiers) who refused to reconcile with the new Syrian government or are skeptical about Damascus accepting their settlement due to their involvement in violations against civilians.

The sources clarified that this communication is not direct, and its nature or ultimate goal has not yet been revealed, whether it aims to employ these officers as guards for the military base or to use them in roles beyond the airport's geographical scope.

In a related context, sources reported that Russia transferred military reinforcements to the Qamishli airport in March, including military equipment and soldiers who arrived by air from the Hmeimim base, in addition to enhancing security and surveillance measures around the airport, a step not seen in the region since the fall of the Syrian regime.

Russian military cargo planes continue to arrive at Hmeimim, with the latest being an Ilyushin 76 aircraft, amidst strict secrecy about their cargo contents and whether some are destined for Qamishli.

Sources suggest that these steps may be part of a Russian plan to strengthen its presence at the airport, either to bolster its negotiating position with the interim Syrian government or to prepare for broader scenarios, possibly involving a more permanent Russian presence.

Russian presence at the Qamishli airport has not received sufficient attention compared to its presence in Hmeimim and Tartus, despite its strategic importance, as the airport is located near areas under the influence of the international coalition forces, away from the control of the interim Syrian government.

Sources raise concerns that the Russian role may shift from being a mediator between the SDF and the Syrian regime to a party coordinating with dissatisfied factions within the SDF regarding the March agreement between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi.

European countries such as Britain, France, and Germany express concern over the Russian military presence in Syria, considering it a destabilizing factor and a tool of pressure on the new government to achieve political gains and maintain Moscow's military influence.

At a time when European capitals demand Damascus to end the Russian presence, especially at the Hmeimim and Tartus bases, the Qamishli airport seems to be becoming a significant card in the hidden conflict over influence in post-Assad Syria.