Putin orders withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria

President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria.

He made the statement during a surprise visit to Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia Province, Syria, where he held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and addressed Russian military servicemen.

"I order the Defense Ministry and the chief of the General Staff to begin the pullout of the Russian military group to permanent locations," Putin said.

After his visit to Syria, the Russian president is headed for Cairo, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

(CGTN)