Sputnik looks at the key results and highlights of Russia’s 5.5-month counterterrorist mission in Syria.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the air campaign prevented terrorist plans to expand into Russia and other countries, as well as undermined their administrative system and economic potential.

Earlier on March 15, two air groups involved in the Syrian mission left Hmeimim on Putin’s late Monday orders to begin the withdrawal of major portions of the country’s forces after completing their objectives.

Syria: Mission Accomplished	Russia Leaves Syria…When Do We?	Russia announces plans to withdraw military in Syria – why now?