Russian strongman Vladimir Putin declared victory against “terrorists” in Syria on Monday during a surprise visit to a Russian military base in the war-torn county.

Putin also announced a partial pullout of troops during his first trip to Syria, where Russia launched an air campaign in 2015 that allowed dictator Bashar al-Assad’s forces to gain the upper hand against ISIS as well as Syrian rebels.

Putin’s brief stop at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria’s coastal Latakia province while en route to Egypt came days after the Russian president said he would run for re-election on March 18, and helped to show off Moscow’s global clout to the national audience.

In a televised speech to the Russian troops at the base, Putin hailed their “excellent” performance in Syria, where the Russian military declared victory against ISIS last week.

“You have shown the best qualities of a Russian soldier — courage, valor, team spirit, decisiveness and excellent skills,” he said. “The Motherland is proud of you.”

Russia launched its air campaign in Syria at the end of September 2015, when Assad’s government was teetering on the brink of collapse, and quickly changed the course of the conflict.

Russian officials say the troops were sent to Syria mainly to fight “terrorists,” including ISIS and al Qaeda, but they also battled mainstream rebels opposed to the Assad family’s four-decade rule.

Putin has hosted Assad twice in the past six years, including a surprise Nov. 21 visit that Assad undertook to the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Russian television stations showed Putin walking off the plane at the air base, embracing and shaking hands with Assad. The two then visited a military operations room.

The Hemeimeem base, located in the heartland of Assad’s Alawite minority, has served as the main foothold for the Russian military campaign in Syria.

“Here in Syria, far away from our borders, you helped the Syrian people to preserve their state and fend off attacks by terrorists,” Putin said, facing the troops lined up on the tarmac.

“You have dealt a devastating blow to those who blatantly threatened our country. We will never forget about the victims who fell in the fight against terror both here and in Russia.”

Putin also said he had ordered the military to withdraw a “significant part” of the Russian contingent in Syria.

“Friends, the Motherland is waiting for you,” Putin said. “You are coming back home with victory!”

With AP