ROSTOV-ON-DON, August 20./TASS/. A 200-strong unit of military police from the Southern Military District has returned to the base in Chechnya after successfully carrying out special tasks in Syria, military district’s spokesman Vadim Astafyev reported on Monday.

"Ilyushin Il-76 military-transport planes airlifted 200 military policemen to Mozdok airfield in North Ossetia from Hmeymim airfield in Syria," Astavyev said.

In a ceremony in Chechnya, they were welcomed by local military leadership, local authorities, representatives from veteran and public organizations, workmates and next-of-kin. The deputy chief of the Defense Ministry’s Main Police Department, Colonel Vladimir Kovalyov, thanked the officers, emphasizing that their missions had been often carried out with hazard to life.

The Defense Ministry expressed gratitude to the commanders and military personnel for courage and high professionalism displayed when they protected civilian facilities, escorted humanitarian cargoes and ensured the safety of humanitarian corridors. The officers, who had distinguished themselves, received state and departmental awards.

Russian aircraft and pilots continue returning home from Syria. Earlier, 35 planes and helicopters, flight officers, a medical unit of special purpose and military police officers have already returned to their home bases.