(CNN) Russia began withdrawing its forces from Syria on Tuesday in a move that will leave the Syrian government to fend for itself to a much greater extent -- but with a greatly strengthened hand in negotiations over the country's future. The first group of Russian planes left Hmeymim air base in Syria on Tuesday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Russia's surprise announcement Monday that it would begin withdrawing its forces from the conflict came as suddenly as its devastating airstrike campaign that started in September. But Syria's government was not caught unawares by the move, a senior official told CNN.Assad adviser: "The decision was made in coordination and consultation with us"Syria's main opposition group welcomes Russian military withdrawalRussian jets begin leaving air base in Syria, Russia's Defense Ministry says
They point to the bombings of civilian areas as evidence that Russia has been more interested in helping _ eliminate his opposition. Analysts estimate Syria has spent billions of dollars on _-made defense equipment.