More Russian boots on the ground in Syria----VK photo album.
Russian Soldiers in Syria. Photo Album. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater … pic.twitter.com/7fp7cR6JPQ
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More Russian boots on the ground in Syria----VK photo album.
Russian Soldiers in Syria. Photo Album. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater … pic.twitter.com/7fp7cR6JPQ
More Russian photos of so called "Russian camel drivers" as advisors in a number of Syrian locations----
More likely GRU Spetsnaz camel drivers.
pics are from three other locations too, some them looks like "more than security" pic.twitter.com/EtdoWy7Jh7
Russian soldiers disembarking in Syria to support Assad's regime. Via @uanews3 pic.twitter.com/qhKyVGr38Y
Russian non linear warfare is alive and well in Syria----
Putin's little green man on holidays/lost in Syria. https://twitter.com/ObichniyChell/st...78242012110848 …
tons of pics here: https://www.facebook.com/NikolayMahno/photos …
Photo of Russian troops in Syria
Read more at: http://defence-blog.com/army/photo-o...-in-syria.html … pic.twitter.com/pmpdjAAGVe
Russian troops actively involved in direct fighting inside Syria already in JULY 2015---
FB page of a #Russia|n soldier in #Syria apparently incl. pics from #Homs, July 2015. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...e=1&permPage=1 … pic.twitter.com/n8VAjiEMTR
BEGS an important question--HAS in fact Obama thrown the Ukraine under the bus for Putin's support in Iran and now in Syria---Obama says nothing about the Ukraine nor now Syria--notice the massive silence???
Appears he has in fact thrown the Ukraine under the bus--there can be no other explanation.
And after they got lost in Ukraine, Russian soldiers mistakenly stumbled into Syria:
https://www.facebook.com/NikolayMahno/photos …
THIS is just how long social media has been tracking Assad and Russian involvement in Syria--two years and counting AND the US intel is surprised--come on get real.
The case in Syria is not terrorism or refugees
The case that we wanted our lives back, but Assad regime refused and killed 300000 of us
Thorough analysis of the (increased) Russian presence in Syria: http://goo.gl/vvtb1R
via @MorbidYoung pic.twitter.com/r3qGBYhyZW
MORE IMAGES of #Russia(n) soldiers in #Syria fully armed with weapons (fighting for Assad) pic.twitter.com/c6WAu7QpPl
Russian volunteers, self-defence, little green men, polite people, tractor drivers and miners now spotted in Syria. https://twitter.com/raging545/status/640118444109754368 …
Who is killing the majority of Syrians? Nope, not ISIS. Wake up. pic.twitter.com/RIdk4SIvju
Remind me again who benefits by radicalizing Europe's far right by dumping thousands, soon millions of destitute Muslim refugees in the EU.
Of course Putin's gonna go all in for Assad...what price will Obama make Russia pay for that? Oh, right ...
Who knew outsourcing US policy in Syria to Moscow would have such consequences? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...civil-war.html …
US detects delivery of new Russian air traffic control system, prefab housing at #Syria mil airfield http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/05...html?referrer= … via @gordonnyt
Great post on Russian troops in Syria by Russian activist @RuslanLeviev (in Ru) http://ruslanleviev.livejournal.com/38293.html pic.twitter.com/vncAibkN2F
IS trolls are celebrating the entry of Russia into the fighting has further proof of “their Great war”.
Obama, his NSC and the entire US IC needs to check in with social media about Russian troops on the ground and fighting in Syria.
Syria, Latakia. New Russian APC-82A, Slavic voice
Сирия, Латакия. Новейший российский БТР-82А, славянская речь
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=23&v=n9jPNxHf3BI …
Contact with Jaish al-Islam in Damascus suburbs can further US goals says @FaysalItani http://buff.ly/1hyql57 @acmideast
Quote:
Despite the many external players involved, the Syrian war is ultimately a local conflict. In "Seizing Local Opportunities in Syria," authors Faysal Itani of the Atlantic Council's Rafik Hariri Center and Co-Founder of People Demand Change Bassam Barabandi identify three opportunities on the ground for the United States to develop partnerships with segments of the Syrian population. By taking advantage of these openings, the United States can help further its goals of facilitating a lasting political transition and weakening jihadists in Syria. These opportunities include encouraging a Sunni-Druze coalition in the south and an Arab-Kurdish one in the north, as well as deepening contact with Jaish al-Islam (JAI) in the Damascus suburbs of Eastern Ghouta.
Itani and Barabandi present actionable insights and concrete recommendations that align fully with the US objectives of defeating violent extremists and facilitating an inclusive political transition that preserves as much governance capability as possible.
The authors explain how the United States can facilitate a rebel-Druze alliance in the south by providing the Druze security guarantees and linking the level of US material support to the insurgents to their respecting Druze territorial red lines. This would help Druze and other minorities recognize they need not choose between the Assad regime and jihadists, thereby narrowing the regime's support base and broadening participation in a political transition.
In the north, the authors recommend helping to strengthen the relationship between the Arabs and the Kurds by increasing the US partnership with the Arabs, while also supporting local governance in areas under Arab-Kurdish control. This would enable greater territorial gains on the frontlines with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS or ISIL) and create a balance of power more palatable to the Arabs and Turkey resulting in a more durable Arab-Kurd partnership.
In Eastern Ghouta, the authors acknowledge JAI as a strong but problematic actor, and encourage engagement to curb its worst excesses and to increase pressure on the regime. They contend that an isolated yet still powerful JAI would pose a greater problem than one with which the United States had substantive relations.
Through each of these local opportunities, Itani and Barabandi demonstrate how the United States can apply pressure on the regime and its patrons by broadening the support base against both the regime and jihadists. Their recommended steps could thereby hasten an end to the civil war while helping to bring about a more inclusive and enduring political settlement.
Julian Rpcke @JulianRoepcke
Just to let you know.
Rebels recaptured all of #Marea from ISIS.
Terrorists remain just outside the town.
Putin with Iran will create panic in the Middle East to prop-up oil prices. (VIDEO)
http://www.foxbusiness.com/business-...e-east-ablaze/ pic.twitter.com/f8N2E9BHZ6
Interactive map shows the Syrian #refugeecrisis by the numbers http://mashable.com/2015/09/05/syria...U2OHNoMHBkcSJ9 via @mashable
Supposedly the Tsezar Kunikov...added 2 September...caption: "Again to Syria" pic.twitter.com/5g8CIpr9w9
http://gcssi.org/wp2/?p=5150
Russian troops began a rapid advance in Syria.
The attached video is visible Russian military equipment, but the soldiers maybe are Russian Muslims. While it may be specially fabricated for the West misinformation./ – GCSSI.
Today, 14:11 – 04/09/2015
Quote:
A successful joint operation of Russian and Syrian troops near the city of Latakia allowed them to move up to 20 kilometers.
After arriving in Syria limited Russian military contingent has supported the government forces of the country, which will significantly increase the Damascus-controlled territory.
As the portal “Military informant” with reference to its sources, the Russian artillery provided assistance to the Syrian army in the offensive on rebel positions in the area of the port city of Latakia. After successful neutralization of pockets of rebel groups in the northern part of the city, the combined troops advanced 20 kilometers. At this point in the region of Latakia are active Russian Air Force. Watch the video
Recall that on August 12 Russian soldiers have been seen in the village Slanfeh (Slanfeh), near Latakia, where they take part in the creation of defensive positions to protect against the advancing Islamists who threaten the nearby Alawite settlements.
Damascus has given permission for the construction of the Russian military base in the second Jableh. This small town is located 25 kilometers to the south of Latakia, which is the largest port of Syria and the administrative center of the Syrian province, mainly populated by Muslims, Alawites. They are in favor of the ruling Syrian Baath Party, headed by President Bashar al-Assad, and therefore are targeted by Islamic militants.
Move troops in Syria earlier confirmed the Pentagon and Turkey. The latter announced a substantial increase in Russian courts in the direction of Syria.
In the Western media claimed that foreign intelligence established the fact of transfer Moscow to Syria multirole fighters and attack helicopters, along with reconnaissance drones.
Assad has killed more Syrians than ISIS. Russia, Iran keeping Assad in power. http://wpo.st/GgWZ0 @RutheniaRus
Humor--pointed---
Sending Russians soldiers to fight for Assad is really going to make the Saudis help with the oil price.
Hybrid war humour:
Russian soldier's mama: 'Son, you be careful in Donetsk'
Son: 'Don't worry, mama. I'm already in Damascus'
@MarkGaleotti
Putin again is lying to the West ----Russian troops fighting in Homs Syria already in April 2015.
Homs geotagged photo was uploaded June 9th. It's not the original, here's same from April. https://vk.com/wall-75950793?offset=...-75950793_5614 … pic.twitter.com/Ob7VRyoqYW
Really good open source analysis on a video which has come out of Syria--was done originally in Russian--now in English.
Руслан Левиев @RuslanLeviev
Are there Russian troops in Syria and are they involved in fighting there? Our investigation: http://ruslanleviev.livejournal.com/38649.html pic.twitter.com/mNyBMoyAQK
Specifically, pro-Assad sites saying Russian Sukhoi's targeted "Army of Conquest" in Idlib.
Mark Galeotti @MarkGaleotti
#Russian marines guarding bases, flying drones + driving APCs in #Syria: 1st rate investig by @RuslanLeviev & co
http://ruslanleviev.livejournal.com/38649.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/article...source=twitter
NOW YOU SEE THEM
09.05.151:27 PM ET
Exposing Russia’s Secret Army in Syria
Quote:
Some wear uniforms, some don’t, but from highway checkpoints to jet fighters, Russians are being spotted all over the Assad dictatorship’s heartland.
Russian military officers are now in Damascus and meeting regularly with Iranian and Syrian counterparts, according to a source with close contacts in the Bashar al-Assad regime. “They’re out in restaurants and cafes with other high officials in the Syrian Army,” the source told The Daily Beast, “mainly concentrated in Yaafour and Sabboura, areas that are close to each other, and in west Mezze,” referring to a district in the capital where Assad’s praetorian Fourth Armored Division keeps an important airbase. “The Russians aren’t in uniform, but they’re constantly hanging out with officers from the Syrian Army’s central command.”
Other Syrians claim to have seen Russians in uniform.
One family recently traveled from Aleppo to Damascus by taxi before emigrating by plane to Turkey and says it saw a small contingent of Russian troops embedded with Syrians at a military checkpoint in the capital. “We were near the Shaghour district when we noticed two soldiers who were not Syrian,” a family representative said. “They were tall, blonde and blue-eyed and wore different fatigues from the Syrians and carried weapons. I’m telling you, they were Russian.”
The opposition-linked website All4Syria seems to corroborate such eyewitness accounts. Many residents of Damascus, it claimed, have “observed in the first three days of September a noticeable deployment of Iranian and Russian elements in the neighborhoods of Baramkeh, al-Bahsa, and Tanzim Kfarsouseh.” The Venezia Hotel in al-Bahsa “has been turned into a military barracks for the Iranians.”
Such news comes amid a flurry of reports that Russia has made plans for a direct military intervention in Syria’s four-year civil war and may actually have started one already. The New York Times reported Saturday that Russia has sent prefabricated housing units, capable of sheltering as many as 1,000 military personnel, and a portable air traffic control station to another Syrian airbase in Latakia. That coastal province, the Assad family’s ancestral home, has already seen Russian troops caught on video operating BTR-82 infantry fighting vehicles against anti-Assad rebels, atop rumors that Moscow may be deploying an “expeditionary force,” including Russian air pilots who would fly combat missions.
They may already be doing so. A social media account affiliated with the al-Qaeda franchise Jabhat al-Nusra posted images of what appeared to be Russian Air Force jets and drones flying in the skies of Syria’s northwest Idlib province. They were, specifically, the Mig-29 Fulcrum, the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, the Su-34 Fullback and the Pchela-1T drone. These images were analyzed as credible by the specialist website The Aviationist, which also noted that “during the past days, Flightradar24.com has exposed several flights of a Russian Air Force… Il-76 airlifter (caught by means of its Mode-S transponder) flying to and from Damascus using radio call sign ‘Manny 6,’ most probably supporting the deployment of a Russian expeditionary force.”
“The Russians are clearly setting themselves on the ground in regime areas. … This, ironically, reinforces the Obama administration’s position.”
ISIS isn't in Idlib; the terror army that calls itself the Islamic State was driven out of the province completely. As one U.S. intelligence official put it to The Daily Beast, "The question is, what are Russia's underlying motivations? Are they really there to fight [ISIS], or just to prop up Assad?"
The concern is that Russia could use military strikes against ISIS as a kind of cover or feint for attacking rebel forces as well, including non-Islamist groups. The U.S. sees these forces as a potential bulwark against ISIS. But they also have as one of their primary goals overthrowing Assad—an effort that Washington has been unwilling to support.
The White House has fallen back on its customary posture of wait-and-see as proof mounts that the Russians are coming. Spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters this week: ”We are aware of reports that Russia may have deployed military personnel and aircraft to Syria, and we are monitoring those reports quite closely. Any military support to the Assad regime for any purpose, whether it's in the form of military personnel, aircraft supplies, weapons, or funding, is both destabilizing and counterproductive.” Another unnamed U.S. official told Britain’s Daily Telegraph, ”Russia has asked for clearances for military flights to Syria, [but] we don't know what their goals are.”
Actually, their goals aren't terribly hard to discern, nor do they necessarily contradict implicit White House policy, whatever Josh Earnest says.
Photographs circulated on social media showing what appeared to be Russian soldiers in Zabadani, a city 45 kilometers north of Damascus, which has changed hands several times during the civil war. For months rebels have been fending off a scorched-earth assault by the Syrian army, Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which the U.N. assesses to have led to “unprecedented levels of destruction.” So the injection of Russian legionnaires into a multinational cocktail of combatants duking it out in Zabadani would make perfect sense. The city is considered the sine qua non of Iran’s “strategic corridor” in Syria, which runs from the capital to Lebanon and up along the Mediterranean coastline. The formidable Islamist rebel brigade Ahrar al-Sham knows who’s in charge here—it has even negotiated an ultimately unsuccessful
ceasefire directly with the Islamic Republic rather than with Assad.
“The Russians are clearly setting themselves on the ground in regime areas, planting the flag in ‘Alawistan,’ as it were,” says Tony Badran, a Syria expert at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, referring to the Alawites, the schismatic Shia sect to which the Assad clan and the more powerful Syrian regime elites belong. “This, ironically, reinforces the Obama administration’s position, which has drawn a clear line around the regime enclave. The opposition is not to enter Damascus and the coastal cities. So the Russian deployment actually fits well with the administration’s approach.”
Right on cue, then, came Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement Friday that Syria would soon hold new parliamentary elections and inaugurate a power-sharing government with what he deemed a “healthy” opposition. He did not specify what he considered the diseased opposition, although this would almost certainly include Free Syrian Army fighters the CIA and Pentagon has been recruiting as U.S. proxies.
While Putin dismissed the existence of any Russian combat forces in Syria as “premature,” he did allow that he was “looking at various options” for militarily involving himself in the war. Coming from someone who only admits to Russian invasions after the fact, such a signposting of motive should not be ignored.
Moscow’s close coordination with Tehran, both in Damascus and internationally, is also no coincidence. Iran is now busy shopping a new international “peace plan” for Syria, one that goes beyond the parameters of the previously inked Geneva II protocol.
Intriguingly, just weeks after Iran agreed to a deal to control its nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the commander of its own expeditionary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force, flew to Moscow for talks with Russian officials, violating the international travel ban related to his terrorist activity. No doubt solidifying Russian backing for whatever he has planned for Syria was high up on Soleimani’s agenda.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time since the Syrian war broke out that there’s been chatter about Russian troops in Damascus.
In May 2013, sources close to the Kremlin suggested that Putin had dispatched the Zaslon special forces detachment to the Syrian capital. Formed in 1998, and conceived as a clandestine unit combining the purviews of America’s Delta Force and Secret Service, Zaslon consists of a mere 280 highly-trained operatives. It answers to Russia’s foreign intelligence service, the SVR, and is tasked with protecting high-value Russian officials in uncertain conditions and sometimes even conducting assassinations. It was rumored to have killed Iraqi insurgents in 2006 after the latter had captured and executed Russian diplomats.
As Mark Galeotti, a New York University-based specialist on Russia’s military and security forces, observed two years ago: “According to one Russian report, two Zaslon elements were also deployed to Baghdad in the dying days of the [Saddam] Hussein regime. Their mission was to seize or destroy documents which Moscow would have found embarrassing had they ended up in U.S. hands. Given the scale and depth of Russian support for Assad, it could similarly be that they are also in Syria to cover Moscow’s tracks or else ensure that sensitive military technology — including new surface-to-air systems — does not end up in foreign hands.”
Under the present circumstances, it is now likely that any Russian soldiers in Damascus are there to fortify and ring-fence another spent Baathist regime, if not to join in a war that is fought increasingly by “foreign hands.”
The standard US response since Crimea--always talk, talk and more talking--never any formal action.
REMEMBER Obama stated in 2014 "we will judge Putin by his actions not his words"--YET all they do is listen to the words.
Expressions of concern and more discussion... Kerry tells Lavrov of U.S. concern over Russian moves in Syria http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0R50QV20150905 …
Putin's response was --we are not thinking yet about troops in Syria BUT as in the Ukraine--he is lying again.
NOW instead of truck drivers and coal miners we have camel drivers and fishermen.
Maybe a good day to remind about the earlier reports of downed new Russian drones in Syria. https://twitter.com/vpkivimaki/statu...93730278416384 …