The Russian strategy in Syria is now clear. As provided by Online Defense since last week, Moscow continues to increase its military presence in support of the Damascus government. The Russians have deployed six third-generation T-90 tanks and 15 artillery pieces for what was considered by the Pentagon to be the "first clear sign of offensive weapons in Syria".
The Pentagon has monitored a total of 15 cargo flights in Syria: this confirms the constant flow of military equipment. In the next few hours two more ships with additional military materials should arrive in the port of Tartus.
Until a few hours ago - commented by the US Department of Defense - the weapons that arrived in Syria could also be seen as defensive in nature. Heavy tanks can no longer be considered elements of a defensive asset.
The Russian condors - continue from the White House - they carry all kinds of military supplies, at the rate of two flights a day.
The Antonov-124 reach Bassel Al-Assad International Airport through Iran and Iraq. This - specify from the Pentagon - is the largest deployment of Russian forces outside the former Soviet Union after the collapse of the USSR.
The Pentagon, through spokesman Jeff Davis, has confirmed our theses in recent days: "the Russians are creating a powerful operational outpost".
At the 15 in September, Moscow redeployed six third-generation T-90, 35 BTR-82A, SA-22 missile systems (to protect the Syrian city of Latakia, neither the rebels nor the Islamic state own an aviation, these posts are a warning against coalition fighters) and five warships off the coast. The US Defense also confirms the possibility that the Russians may, in the coming hours, deploy up to 1500 soldiers, in addition to those already present on Syrian territory.
The next step? Simple. For days we have been monitoring the "Syrian question", trying to predict Russian moves. Well, Moscow is moving according to protocol, following the reference doctrine to the letter. After the fortification of the two infrastructures (airport and naval base), Moscow will send assault helicopters (which will complete the already deployed air force formed by fighter-bombers and drones). Helicopters are the last piece before the start of raids by Russian forces against the enemies of Damascus.
We could also expect (this is another of our forecasts, mysterious military successes in the next few hours or important eliminations: a clear example of the entry into action of the specnaz). Although the United States and Russia agree that the Islamic State poses a threat, the new controversy shows that they remain distant about the best way to fight the militant group and the political future of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Obama administration continues to argue that Assad's brutal repression against his opponents has fueled sectarian passions that have strengthened the Islamic state. The Russians, on the other hand, see the Syrian president as a bulwark against extremists.
Putin from Vladivostok has called for the creation of a coalition against the Islamic State, but the only potential members who have married the cause so far are Iran and the Syrian government.
(photo: MoD Russian Federation)
