Russia is preparing to support an earthly counter-offensive against enemy positions. Confirmation comes directly from the Pentagon.
At least four BM-30 multiple rocket launchers and numerous pieces of heavy artillery, which arrived two weeks ago at the port of Latakia, are layers transferred in view of potential ground attacks. Heavy equipment was deployed between Homs and Idlib and west of Idlib. It is not clear whether these are the final positions.
Moscow, according to the White House, is allegedly strengthening its positions in western Syria in view of what appears to be a real counter-offensive on land (which should lead Iran). We know that the Russians do not yet have an invasion capacity in Syria, but they have numerous platforms capable of striking with extreme precision from a distance. The goal, according to the USA, would be some locations anti-regime.
We know that within the "anti-regime" verbal container, Moscow numbers all the factions that oppose Damascus, including even that "moderate opposition" funded by Washington. And also this time, the Pentagon was unable to predict Putin's strategy. The heavy artillery, in fact, was considered a fixed defensive component of the port of Latakia. A few weeks later, those same platforms were moved to the forefront in support of a counteroffensive that is now considered imminent.
Finally, the Russians also moved land vehicles equipped with electronic jammers. Too easy to identify the target of disturbing devices: US-led coalition fighters.
President Barack Obama, meanwhile, authorized the supply of Syrian Kurds and the Syrian Arab opposition as part of a strategy to put pressure on ISIS from the north and strengthen the border. Obama has confirmed that he will continue to support the Syrian opposition.
That inability to foresee Putin
In the last few hours, Vladimir Putin has recalled 150 thousand reservists, but according to the official version, the presidential decree would not be linked to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. From the Kremlin they noted that it is a standard measure that the President can adopt several times a year.
Beyond the official version, the feeling is that Putin is directing his attention towards the capital of the Islamic State in Syria, the city of Raqqa. The stronghold would be defended by at least 5.000 jihadists. The strategic importance of Raqqa is evident: those who conquer the city, control all the oil and gas fields around the Palmyra area. Moscow, which has a powerful air force in the region, could lead the next ground offensive in concert with Iran, Hezbollah and Shiites from Iraq and Afghanistan. Because beyond the ritual sentences, in Syria sooner or later a large-scale terrestrial presence will be inevitable to gain positions. It is only a matter of time before it happens.
The Russians, meanwhile, continue to forge alliances in the Region. Tunisia and Egypt, both countries are pushing for a political solution by not discrediting the Assad regime, they have begun to work with the Russians to identify the targets to hit. To date, Putin is coordinating a coalition formed by Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and China. The Iranians themselves continue to amass troops for a pair that is now clear: Russia from the sky, Iran on the ground. China still has a logistical role, waiting to be able to deploy the first bombers even if a ship with military personnel is waiting, off the Syrian coast, to know the decisions of Damascus. All ground forces are coordinated by General Qasem Soleimani (old acquaintance of the USA) commander of the Quds Force, which manages a network of delegated forces throughout the Middle East, including Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.
The Quds Force or Jerusalem Brigade, wing for the special operations of the Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, is held responsible for the death of hundreds of American soldiers in Iraq. According to the Pentagon, the Quds Force would support terrorist groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. A contingent of Hezbollah is also expected within the next few hours. Hezbollah, a Russian and Iranian ally, fought alongside President Bashar al-Assad's forces since the start of the Syrian civil war.
Mercenaries or Specnaz?
In the last hours in Syria there is the presence of irregular Russian units, the same that would have fought in Ukraine (therefore already ready for combat). We know that Moscow has officially deployed military specialists and three battalions to defend the five operational bases in Syria.
(photo: Sputnik archive)
