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Russia 'starts to withdraw Syria forces' Syria conflict: Russia 'starts to reduce forces'
(35 minutes later)
Russia starting to withdraw forces from Syria, with aircraft carrier group first to leave, says military chief Russia is starting to withdraw forces from Syria and its aircraft carrier group will be the first to leave, the Russian armed forces chief says.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. The announcement comes days after Russia and Turkey negotiated a ceasefire in Syria which is largely holding, according to the UN.
If you want to receive Breaking News alerts via email, or on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App then details on how to do so are available on this help page. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. Russian bombers have carried out heavy air strikes on anti-government rebels.
Russia's involvement is credited with turning the war in favour of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
"The Russian defence ministry is beginning to reduce its armed forces deployment in Syria," said Gen Valery Gerasimov announcing the drawdown of troops.
The Russian naval flotilla is led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.
Last March, Russia announced it was withdrawing forces but continued air strikes.