Russian Moves In Syria

Here is an update on Syria. So far the Russians have been scoring some 'attrition points' against the ISIS as well as the Free Syrian Army coalition :
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Intercepted ISIS comms show 'growing panic' after Russian airstrikes - combat report

Published time: 11 Oct, 2015 10:12Edited time: 11 Oct, 2015 18:10
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© Russian Defence Ministry / RIA Novosti 
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Russian Air Forces have extended the range of their airstrikes on Islamic State positions in Syria to four provinces, focusing primarily on demolishing fortified installations and eliminating supply bases and the terrorists' infrastructure. 

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Over the last 24 hours Russian aircraft have attacked terrorist positions in the Hama, Idlib, Latakia and Raqqa provinces of Syria. In total, 64 sorties targeted 63 Islamic State installations, among them 53 fortified zones, 7 arms depots, 4 training camps and a command post.
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The airstrikes were carried out by Sukhoi Su24M and Su-34 bombers and Su-25SM assault aircraft, with Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets ensuring air escort for the assault groups.
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“Having accomplished combat assignments, all aircraft of the task force operating in Syria successfully returned to the Khmeimim airbase,” said the spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry, Igor Konashenkov.
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Radio intercept data has revealed “growing panic” among Islamic State militants, according to Konashenkov. He added that IS field commanders have urged senior staff toexpedite supply armament and military equipment, as well as to redeploy reinforcements from Raqqa province as a result of Russia’s air bombardment.
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In the vicinity of the city of Saraqib in northwest Syria, an artillery position known for inflicting strikes on the nearby residential areas has been exposed and eliminated.
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A group of Sukhoi Su-24M bombers attacked a terrorist field headquarters near the village of Salma in northwest Syria. This command post has been coordinating operations of the militants in whole of the Latakia province.
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“A direct hit of a guided KAB-500 air bomb completely destroyed a building with militant commanders inside," the Defense Ministry’s spokesperson reported. “The airstrike also eliminated five SUVs with ZU-23 double-barreled 23mm anti-aircraft guns mounted on them that were parked nearby.”
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A Sukhoi Su-24M bomber attacked a thoroughly concealed position of SUVs with mortar launchers mounted on them near the village of Kafer-Delba. As a result of the attack, amobile sub-artillery battery consisting of four vehicles was eliminated.
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Aerial reconnaissance discovered a stronghold of terrorists near the village of Achan. A pinpoint airstrike carried out by Su-24M aircraft eliminated the installation, along with an ammunition and logistics depot.

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My comments : A couple of things to note here.  Saudi Arabia, the US and the Europeans escalated this civil war in Syria. But after four years it is not going anywhere, especially not  in their favour. 

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The Saudis, US and the Europeans have created a myth called the Free Syrian Army, indicating that there was a united, opposition against Bashar Assad. On the ground there is no such thing.

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A united opposition against Bashar Assad is quite a myth. It has never existed. The Al Qaeda terrorists, the myriad Sunni terror groups, cannibal maniacs who have been videotaped cutting and eating the liver of a dead foe, the insane ISIS are very far from being a united opposition front. There is no united leadership or centralised organisation. 

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More importantly these incoherent opposition groups have no legitimacy in Syria. They operate within their own areas of influence. Bashar Assad is still the legitimate president of Syria and head of the government which still provides services to the people. 

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The western powers were exaggerating the military prowess of ISIS to justify their actions in Syria. On the ground the ISIS in Syria have been defeated even by female Kurdish soldiers.  They are not a serious military force.

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Russian bombing attacks were initially (and still are) focussed at taking out the Western backed rebel groups which are supplied with more powerful weaponry (including TOW anti tank missiles).  They were a bigger threat to Assad than ISIS.

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The Russians left it to the US, France and other coalition countries to bomb the ISIS.

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This led to much complaining by the West that the Russians were NOT bombing ISIS - the stated reason for their intervention. 

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Hence more intensive air attacks by the Russians against the ISIS.

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The Russians appear to have a more coherent strategy in Syria. Other than the more obvious reasons like their long relationship with the Assad regime they are focussed on ending the fighting and bringing back peace to Syria - through their military intervention.  Something the West has not been able to do for the past four years.

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They have given themselves three to four months to achieve this. Iran, Iraq, the Syrian government and Israel are working with the Russians towards this objective.  

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After an air offensive, there must be boots on the ground to retake territory. This is also underway. I hope peace is retored to Syria. It will stop the flow of 1 million refugees from Syria.