Russia Says Its Syria Bases Beat Back an Attack by 13 Drones

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, in a surprise visit to that air base on Dec. 11, declared that combat operations were winding down and that the Russian military would stage a "significant withdrawal." It was at least the second time he had made such an announcement since March 2016. Mr. Putin faces a presidential election this March, and although he is expected to win easily, polls indicate that Russians are increasingly disgruntled about the country's military presence in Syria. Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to.