Russia pulls out from Syria

Russia pulls out from Syria

Russia announced last day, that the Russian forces and fighter jets deployed in war-torn Syria, will start pull out's from today. The decision made up by President Putin after considering with the Syrian dictator Assad. Russia deployed its fighter jets, missile systems, and special forces into Syria to safeguard the Assad regime from the west sponsored Syrian Sunni rebels.

After five months of intensive war fighting in Syria, Russia almost saved the Syrian dictator from the country's militia man. In early September the west sponsored Syrian rebels gathered major victory against the Syrian regime and move towards major port city Latakia and the Capital Damascus. with the tactical air deployment of Russian air force and Navy helped the Syrian regime to pull back the rebels from strategic locations.

Putin said in an interview that, Withdrawing from the Syrian theater will encourage both parties to accept a truce and this leads to a mutual understanding to cooperate peace process and continue to maintain the ceasefire.

Russia is not withdrawing from Syria completely, while they slowing down the operation,  Syrian sources confirmed that air defense systems like S 400, and Pantsir along with some modern fighter jets which include Su 30 SM and Su 35, and ground support systems like BTR infantry fighting vehicle and T 90 main battle tank will remain stays in Syria.

Sanction put on Syria since the civil war erupted in 2011 that selling such long range weapon systems, missiles, and fighter jets are banned by the international organizations. Leaving those modern weapons in Syria would breach the sanctions. However, Russia and Syria won't care about them.

The peace talks after the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian rebels vs Assad forces and his allies start effectively from February 27 this year. Even during the ceasefire, heavy clashes reported by two sides, the rebels also managed to shoot down a Syrian MiG 21 fighter jet on Monday.

There is many doubts raise that, recent developments in the Syrian theater, that gulf states start arming the rebels with anti-aircraft systems, who poses serious threats to the Syrian and Russian military wings. No civil flights allowed flying over Syria and Iraq since the start of Syrian civil war in early 2011.





Putin said that he has evidence of gulf states include Qatar and KSA sending lethal anti-aircraft systems to Syrian rebels through Turkey border.  this would pose a serious threat to the military jets flown by both Russia and Syria. So far rebels have no MANPAD's. otherwise, West and America keep the MANPAD's only in safe hands. There is no spotting of American Stinger or any other west Man pads found in Syria.

Putin also said, Turkey almost masses their forces close to Syrian border, that they will start a ground offensive in coming days. However Turkey already using the artillery's to bombard Syrian regime, ISIS and PKK positions close to the Turkey border. The US forces along with NATO almost finished construction of a military base close to the Iraq-Syria-Turkey border.

In another angle, Putin's withdrawal from Syria indicates, Russia also wants a political solution in Syria, the only option to end the civil war. Putin's this move may threaten to end Assad's dictatorship in Syria. If Russia withdraws from Syria, it would be a major setback to the Syrian regime.

The Russian lost very few in this war, that's less than ten Russian military and civilian contractors. and a Su 24 who was shot downed by Turkish air force. The Russians never entered in the battle by its foot. They used cruise missiles and bombs to stop the Syrian rebels forces.

Israel preparing for a offensive in Lebanon

Israel preparing for an offensive in Lebanon

   Israel makes it clear that any violation of arms proliferation in Hezbollah would end up with war. Earlier Israeli military intelligence analyzed about the possible shipment of the advanced surface to air missile system Pantsir S1 and the P 800 Yakhnot anti-shipping missile to the Hezbollah terrorists from Syria. Russians also confirmed about the loss of one P 800 system in Syria.

Hezbollah is a banned terrorist organization who get active support in Lebanon and also from Iran. However due to the Israeli superiority in the region for past couple of years, there is no bigger terrorist attack was staged against Israel by the Hezbollah.

Earlier last year, Hezbollah used an anti-tank missile to destroy an Israeli border patrol vehicle humvee, where the attacks kill two Israeli soldiers and injuring another 15 soldiers. Israel replied the attack with heavy artillery and Apache gunships.

Israel and Hezbollah engaged in several wars earlier, Almost all wars Israel proved that they have an upper hand against them. and Hezbollah also labeled as a terrorist organization by most western nations and Americans. and weeks ago the Arab nation councils also labels Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. that's a major setback for them. Nations like Russia, Iran are among them who keeps Hezbollah with arms and economic support.

Hezbollah involved in the war against ISIS. where the Shia-Sunni battles in Iraq and Syria. Hezbollah armed by the Iran and Russia to fight against ISIS and other Sunni terrorists in the middle east. However, they fight less in the war and smuggle the supplied arms into their strongholds to keep their stockpiles fill for the next major war against Israel.

Israel closely watching the Hezbollah presence in the ISIS conflict, where they get arms training and weapon support by the Iranians and pro-Assad forces. Earlier last year, Israel attacked a Hezbollah training center in Lebanon that they were assembling an older Russian-made surface to air missiles SA 2, who can target any flying objects below 60,000 feet. A threat to the Israeli civil airliners.

During the initial days of Syrian civil war, there were many reports of Israeli airstrike inside Syria, All those air strikes are targeted the alleged Hezbollah arms transportation. Those strikes are well advanced before the terrorists managed to put them in operational.

Days ago Israel confirmed, Hezbollah successfully smuggled a modern highly mobile SA 22 QR-SAM into Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon territory. However, Israel failed to trace the SAM battery after it was reached in Lebanon. It's believed that the system somewhere close to the Israeli-Lebanon border.





There is another report also leaked, that they also managed to smuggle some of the Syrian coastal missile batteries based on the Yakhnot, It's based on the Brahmos supersonic missile. The Barak 8 with India intended to develop to counter the Yakhnot and other supersonic anti-shipping missiles. Both of these reports were confirmed by the Russians.

Once Israel identifies the location of those smuggled weapons, They will launch air strikes against those positions. If they didn't, Israel will launch a massive ground offensive in coming days. Same as how they did in early 2006.

GCC nations, get some advanced warnings from the Israeli's, about the invasion, That they asked it's citizens living in Lebanon get back to their respective nations for some security reasons. All those indicates the middle east once again in the spring.

Hezbollah is same like JeM, LeT who attacks India with the support from the Pakistani government. Hezbollah gets support from Iran and Lebanon to attack Israel. Here India always goes for defensive, where Israel always prefer offensive. Another lesson from Israel to Indian lawmakers.

Saudi Planning for a ground invasion in Syria

Saudi Planning for a ground invasion in Syria

     After eight years of civil war in Syria, both Sunni's and Shia's trying to capture the Syrian chair with the help of Russia and America respectively. Saudi is on the other side making some good decision like they lead the gulf contingent into Yemen to stop the Shia militants advancing towards Capital. The issue in Yemen is the Saudi's treat Yemen like how India treating Nepal and Bhutan. However the Iranian backed Shia militants tried to sabotage the Yemeni- Saudi relationship.

    Saudi spending more than $80 billions per year for defense. The amount is 20% higher than Indian defense budget. The Saudi's also be part of the global war against terrorism who conducting air strikes against ISIS in Iraq. and leading the GCC contingent in Yemen.

   The Syrian ISIS positions are pounded by US, French, German and England Air force fighter jets. While special forces from US,UK, Turkey and Netherlands also conducting special operations inside Syria. Meanwhile the Russian Air strike and ground troops targets only the Syrian rebels, who's main objective is topple the Assad family's dictation in Syria. Nearly 20% of Russian Turkish air force are attacking ISIS positions in Syria.

   Iran is the first country who deployed ground forces into Syria and Iraq to crush the ISIS. Iran who is a main rivalry of  USA, acted together with US air force during many offensive operations inside Iraq and Syria. Russia on the other side joining with the Syrian army to conduct offensive operations against rebel controlled lands inside Syria.

    The Saudi's announcement comes after a failed Geneva talks between Syrian Rebels and Syrian government members last week. The Rebels asked the Russians and Syrian troops to stop bombing in Aleppo. The city who hosts more than millions of Syrian lives. Due to the Russian strikes many Syrians massing up near the Turkish border and asking asylum.

    Madaya is another city hosting half a million Syrians who came from all over Syria. The city was besieged by Russian Iranian backed terrorists Hezbullah. after heavy pressure from International community the Hezbullah terrorists allowed the UN led Red cross and other NGO's truck carrying medicine and food for the starving Syrian civilians.

    There is a master plan currently in construction between Turkey, USA, France and KSA include some other GCC nations, they planning for a controlled ground offensive in Syria from two sides.  The KSA led GCC troops plans to enter Syria by South side. meanwhile the US, France and some other EU nations comes via Iraq Syria borders. and the Turkish led forces comes from top side.

    The initial plan is to annihilate the ISIS, however analysts confirms the Force may also focus the Syrian capital Damascus and port city Latakia. However this will not happens in just a year. The offensive against ISIS alone takes more than two years. So Assad gets another two years to rule Syria.

    The International community once tried to mark a safe zone in Syria to safe guard Syrian Civilians with UN led Medical and food supplies. The possible No fly zone or the safe zone agenda was Veto-ed by Russia in UN. which makes more than hundred thousands of civilians lives in the past couple of years.

   Bahrain also ready to send their ground troops and air assets into Syria to fight against ISIS. Bahrain also said they were ready to be a part of the multi national ground operations against ISIS. It's also reported as many as GCC nations too join the multi national alliance against ISIS.

China set to deploy 5000 Elite Troops in Syria

China set to deploy 5000 Elite Troops in Syria

     The Chinese government agreed the Russian proposal of sending ground troops in Syria to help Assad by fighting against Syrian Rebels and ISIS. The Chinese parliament passed a bill in last Sunday that would allow the Chinese troops to carryout anti terror missions abroad. After passing the bill, China announced that they will ready to deploy some 5000 elite special forces into Syria to carryout ground operation.

    China is known as five super power nation with huge military and ground forces. However China is known for least experienced ground forces in the world when comes to counter terrorism missions. Actually China too faced some terrorists activities in Chinese Islamic populated city Uighur, with the powerful ground forces China managed to eradicate the terrorist activities. China also deployed some ground forces in many African nations to secure their interests.

    Nigeria is known as better Chinese influence in Africa, Where most of the Business carried out by Chinese Tycoons. they were protected by the Chinese intelligence and Chinese forces. The China also earlier carried out drone tests in Nigeria. However the test failed. China always relies on their troop numbers. They easily outnumber enemy troops by deploying more troops in a matter of time. The Blue water Navy from China also kept ready near the coasts for emergency assistance.

    One of the Chinese special forces under PLA known as "Siberian Tiger" The elite ground forces known as conducting special operation missions in any situations. They were trained in Air and Water too. China plans to deploy some 2000 plus elite Siberian Tigers into Syria to assists Syrian Iranian Hezbollah terrorist led ground offensive against FSA and ISIS in Syria.

    Night Tiger is another Chinese special forces who specially trained in counter terrorism operations. The Special forces known as one of the first Chinese active Counter terrorism group which was established in early 2000. China plans to send some 3000 Night Tigers into Syria. They too work with the Siberian Tigers and their missions.

    It's a good chance to China to show their capabilities to the world, While most of the western military analysts founds flaws in each and every military hardware's. from their QBZ reverse engineered assault rifle to their modern Military Tanks too.

    There is some reports also circulated in the internet and media that Chinese Navy already dispatched the Liaoning carrier strike group to Mediterranean for possible air support to the Chinese troops deployed in Syria. The source is yet to be confirmed, From early October same kind of news appearing in the media and Internet. However still there is no clear information's about the carrier deployment.

    China remains one of the good ally to Syria, and committed to provide more than $30 billion for post war reconstruction in Syria. China is believed behind the Russian air campaign who provide economic assist to Russia.

Aftermath of Turkey shot down Russian Su 24 M

Aftermath of Turkey shot down Russian Su 24 M

    After the recent spur in Syria when Turkey shot downed a Russian Su 24. It's almost changed many things against FSA Rebels, Kurd Rebels and the ISIS. All three have  sponsors and have their own agenda which different from each other, which makes the Situation difficult to understand and solve through diplomatic routes. Kurds needs a separate country in Syria, Iraqi and Turkish Border, Islamic state need entire Middle east, and the FSA needs Freedom in Syria by toppling the dictator who gassed and killed nearly half a million innocent Syrians.

    Here each gets revenues from respective partners or sponsor. More than thirty five million Kurd peoples lives in the Iraqi, Iranian, Turkish and Syrian Borders. Their major goal is independent Kurdistan representing their own peoples. Majority of Kurds are Sunni Islamist's as well as some Shia minority living in Iranian borders. Another half a million Yazedi's living very closely to Iraqi borders. As said above they fighting against everyone, Like against Turkish, Free Syrian Army and the ISIS.

   Americans supporting the Kurdish close to Iraq and Syria to fight against ISIS. After Iraq, Kurd peoples in Iraq attacked most by ISIS. So here Kurd gets funded by Americans and the West to defend them from those brutal terrorists groups. On the other hand FSA gets funds from Middle east and west. and the So called ISIS gets fund from their own oils, which was smuggled through Kurd tribal area's via Turkey.

    Russians openly said, only after the shot down, It's the Turkey who buying ISIS oils. While Turkey blames Syrian Assad who gets cheaper oil from ISIS. Analysts confirms the ISIS extracted oil come to the Kurd Borders. and the bidding involved by Oil companies and some Nations as Russians told Turkey's Government, Who bids higher gets the oil, which was moved via Turkey or Syria to the ports.  Russians and Americans targeting those oil Trucks, However most of the Trucks are unable to  be traced.

    After the shot down, Russians deployed S 400 long range air defense batteries, That can track targets upto some 400 kilometers meantime it will engage airborne targets upto some 400 kilometer. The range can be covered entire Cyprus, Israeli Jerusalem and major Turkish cities which include NATO base Incrilik too. Makes each and every aircraft flying in the zone can be monitored and  targeted.

   This makes every foreign aircraft flying in Syria comes under the S 400 umbrella. Makes some NATO missions inside Syria also in troubles. Currently Some US, French Aircraft's conducting strikes inside Syria. Last four days there were very less airstrikes conducted by Collation aircraft inside Syria. Anyhow the S 400 in Syria won't make any real changes, However this makes sense of Russian plan to protect the Syrian airspace from rival aircraft's from NATO.

    Russia also warned Turkey to do not enter Syrian Air space, If Turkey do so Russians will strike the Turkish Air crafts. Actually Turkish Fighters comes inside Syrian Air space to attack Kurd Rebels. It's very rare. However this will happens occasionally. Last four days there were very less or zero Activities reported. While American F 15 C and Turkish F 16 D conducting Combat Air patrol in Turkish Border normally. Turkey also warns Russia to do not enter Turkish air space otherwise they will do the same.

   Russia almost broken all kind of military and economic cooperation's with Turkey.  This worsen Russian economic only. Since Russians export to Turkey is about some $25 billions every year. while Turkish export to Russia just $6 Billions. Which means economically worsen Russians sanctioning themselves. Russia almost lost it economic relation with west since the illegal annexation of Crimea and waging war in Eastern Ukraine.

    Anyway the situations will worsen only if Turkey and Russia clash each others in Black Sea or in Syrian border. unless there will be no more escalations in the Su 24 shot down. 

Russian Su 24 vs Turkish F 16

Russian Su 24 vs Turkish F 16

    The Syrian Civil war once again heat up with latest show down of Russian Su 24 shoot downed by a Turkish F 16 D. Tuesday Morning a Russian Su 24 M2 on a surveillance and reconnaissance mission over rebel held area in Northern Syria close to Turkey. Surveillance mission where conducted prior to bombing raids. The Northern Syria was under controlled by FSA, ISIS and Kurd Forces, all of them fighting against each other to capture grounds.

    Reports suggested a pair of Su 24 M2 fly very close to the Turkish air space. The Turkish Quick reaction forces launched two F 16 D fighters from nearby air force base to investigate the threat. Turkey said they warned atleast five times before shooting down the Russian Su 24. Many suggests the Su 24 M2 strayed the Turkish air space less than 17 seconds. A so called Wikileaks diplomat cable published a letter saying about the air space violation occurred only 17 seconds.

Letter posted by Wikileaks

     Analysts confirm that the Turkish F 16 fired a AIM 120 C from long Range, allows the fighter jet staying well inside Turkey before launching the missile, The TuAF fighter jets waited for the Su 24 M2 to enter Turkish air space and fired the AIM 120 C Missile.

    The AIM 120 C is a long range BVR missile with semi Active radar guidance. The Range of AIM 120 is more than some 100 kilometers. The missile can be guided by the F 16's Radar. and can use onboard sensor once the missile visually identify the target for high interception probability. Most of the CAP mission uses the Radar guided missile to ensure the safety of the launch aircraft. This allows little room for the enemy aircraft to out maneuver the missile and brake the missile lock.

     The Fighter jets can easily evade such long range missiles by many ways. By using ECM,Jamming,  chaff's and aircraft maneuvers. The Russians once claimed the Su 24M2 blind the USS Donald Cook's high power AN/SPY 1 AESA Radar outside Black Sea. The poor propaganda was spread by most pro Russians to cheer the Russian break through in jammers. However Military analyzers debunked the Russian claim by saying no one can defeat the Physics.

The Turkish claim of Su 24 M2 Shoot down

   The Su 24 M2's Radar warning receives and Missile approach warning receivers may alert the Crew about the incoming missile. And the onboard Jamming system will try to jam the missile's radar seeker using the high power radio frequency. But failed, Next they will try to out maneuver the  missile by maneuvering the jets to broke the lock, But again failed. At last they must launch the countermeasures to confuse the Missile. However the Su 24M2 failed to deploy countermeasures too.

Flames after Su 24 M2 hit by AIM 120C

  This proves the Russian fighters are poorly equipped to fight in modern battles. while the Americans improved much in missile seeker and ECCM techniques. The Russian state media and official Ministry of defense claimed their fighters performing very well in Syria. However this incident shown there is no notable achievements in Russian Fighter Aircraft technology.

    The Su 24 M2 is not a air superiority or multi role fighter jets, It's a Ground attack and Nuclear strike bomber. The Su 24 M2 don't have a onborad radar for scanning the airspace, Air Force analysts Avitionist.com once published photos of Russian Su 24 using America GPS Navigation, However it uses the Electro optronics to fire Infrared guided close combat missiles like R 73 and R 60 both are fire and forget short range missiles used for dog fighting.     

   The Russians need to send Su 30 SM to conduct mission close to Hostile presence area. that can perform such aerial combat missions. Otherwise they need a multi role fighter aircraft like the western Rafale or EFT, Which is suited best for conducting reconnaissances as well as combat air missions. Anyhow this a small lesson to Russian origin Aircraft operators about the capabilities of Russian fighter jets in real battlefield.

   Warnings were issued to foreign aircraft's when they fly very close to sovereign air space, Early in 2012 Indian Su 30 MKI Fighter jets fly close to Chinese border in Arunachal pradesh in a special mission, Within a second Chinese radar picked up Indian Air force activity's close to the border, So they too dispatched a pair of Su 27 to confront Indian jets. However Indian fighter jets fly 30 km off from International Border and never tried to breach the Chinese air space. Later both of them turn back and continue their mission without violating others air space.  

    The Russians on other side flying very close to Baltic Nations Air space, Even nuclear armed Russian bombers flown very close to European countries, However they never entered their Air space. The EU and other Baltic Nations scrambles their fighters to intercept the Russian Jets and Bombers before they violating Sovereign air space. More than hundreds of such scrambles happens in last few months. However there were no shoot down or dangerous maneuvers reported.

   Back in 2012, A Turkish RF 4 E Phantom Reconnaissance plane fly very close to Syrian Air space. Without any warnings the Syrian SAM Batteries fired and shoot down the F 4 killing the two pilots. The Turkish plane violated the Syrian air space by entering their territorial waters. However no warnings or anything issued.

Russian Bombers Tu 160, Tu 95 Combat debut in Syria

Russian Bombers Tu 160, Tu 95 Combat debut in Syria

Tu 160 Black Jack Closely escorted by two Su 27 Flankers

    The Russian air force unleashed the Syrian air space by flying long range strategic bombers and long range cruise missiles from Bombers and Submarines. This is the third segment of Russian cruise missile strike since the tactical Russian air force deployed in Syria. This time it's a huge number of cruise missiles varying from Kh 555, Kaliber and Kh 101. Many of those cruise missiles and Bombers credited with combat debut.

    The Russian Defense ministry confirmed there were total of five Tu 160 Black Jack Strategic Bombers, six Tu 95 MS Bears and another fourteen Tu 22 M3 Bombers closely escorted by eight Su 34 Fullback and four Su 30 SM Flankers. All the fighter jets comes directly from Russian mainland by flying more than 6,500 kilometers. Bomber like Tu 160 and Tu 95 MS bear saw their first operational combat since their deployment in Russian fleet. Even the Tu 95 MS deployed in 1965 saw his first combat debut after fifty years.

    This time not only bombers, Submarine from unknown location in Mediterranean sea also fired salvo of four long range Kaliber class cruise missile, Kaliber is a variant of Klub class cruise missile with increased range of some 1500 km, which is primarily used by the Russian Navy. The Missile can fly at the speed of Supersonic in mid course. The Kaliber Missile can be guided by nearby ground forces or UAV in terminal phase for high precision.

    The Kaliber used for third time in a row, at first Russian Navy's Caspian flotilla fired salvo of Cruise missiles over Rebel controlled position in Syrian Aleppo Homs and Idlib provenance, In second time Russian fleet in Mediterranean sea fired the Kaliber cruise missiles over rebel controlled positions. The third time they fired the same missile from an submarine hits targets in Aleppo and Idlib suburbs.

    The Syrian battleground is a perfect place for Russians to test fire their newest missiles, The recent Strike involves a very low observable cruise missile dubbed by  Kh 101 which is a variant of Kh 55 missile, The Kh 101 is very long range low visible missile, Primarily used for nuclear strike from the Black Jack Bombers. Sources close to Russian intelligence expects the new Kh 101 has range of upto some 3000 kilo meters while Kh 102 is Nuclear armed cruise missile. Both are intended to replace the older Kh 55 from Russian Bombers fleet.

   The Kh 101 can fly at the height of upto 45,000 feet at the speed of some 0.7 mach, During the terminal phase the missile can descend 90 to 200 feet before striking the target. The Kh 101 can carry 450 kilograms of conventional warhead, while the Kh 102 can carry 250 kilo tons of Nuclear warhead. The missile use the Russian GLONASS navigation with terrain matching for guidance. In the Terminal phase missile can use the IR seeker for target lock. It's clearly looking that Russia evaluating his combat readiness along with the new missiles.

    The Syrian Air space is well protected and safe for Russian air operation. The Cruise missiles are effective in contested air space only. Russia can strike anywhere in Syria with his fighter jets with guided and dumb bombs ranging from 250 kg to 1000 kg, That can make damage to enemies more than the air launched cruise missiles. Most reports along with Russian defense ministry reports confirmed that targets are pointed at Aleppo and Homs, where a three side fight is ongoing between ISIS vs SAA vs FSA.

Tu 95 MS seen with 8x Kh 101 cruise missile

  

  On the other side Russia used the Tu 22 M3 for carpet bombing. The Tu 22 M3 dropped metal storm over unknown location in Syria. This could be more effective way of bombing, The dumb bombs carried by Tu 23 M varies from some 250 Kg to 2 Tons. Which means the fleet of 14 Tu 22 may drop more than 100 tons of ammunition's over the Syrian land in one day.

    The Strategic Russian Bomber fleets are actually a cruise missile carriers, which can carry long range cruise missiles from Stand off Ranges, Primarily designed to strike US Navy Aircraft's, US Airbases and American mainland outside from the US Air defense umbrella. The Russians almost tested all kind of Strategic cruise missiles in Syria. However Russian Defense ministry confirms that they were informed the Coalition Air groups before conducting the strike.

   Photos appeared in Social media confirmed the wreckage's of missiles inside Syria, There is a confirmed report of one or two cruise missiles malfunctioned and crashed in Syria. One of the crashed cruise missile identified as Kh 555 possibly launched from Russian Tu 95 bears. The pop up engine is recovered from Syrian deserts confirms it.

   The Russian Ministry also confirmed that The temporary deployment of additional eight Su 34 and four Su 30 SM in Russian Tactical air operation base in Syria. The Russians said the punishment to the ISIS is because of the Russian airliner downed in Sinai weeks ago.

Kh 555 Cruise Missile

Tu 22 M3 seen with FAB dumb Bombs

Who is leading in Syria even after the Russian Bombing

Who is leading in Syria even after the Russian Bombing

The known SAA - Cheering a small victory

    It's more than a month since Russian forces deployed it's forces inside Syria and launched air combat, Intelligence support and small special operations. However the Syrian Regime didn't get any good results even after the bigger campaign. The Syrian forces gets good support from Iran Russia and Hezbollah terrorists, where they can starts a major offensive near to Aleppo, a three front battle between ISIS vs FSA vs SAA. The battle starts more than 20 days ago still the ISIS hold it's grounds near Aleppo.

    Before the offensive, It's the Rebel forces who controlled the Aleppo suburbs and city center. The Rebel forces captured cities around Aleppo and they move towards Idlib and captured then they advances into Latakia Port. However the Syrian and Russian forces has only hope of using the port as a Military resupply pump. Once the Rebels tries to advances close to the Latakia port. The Russian fighter jets and special forces driven out the Rebels and pushed back from Latakia a successful operation lead by Russian Infantry.

    The Syrians main objective is to capture the Western Syria from the rebel forces, then only they can drive out the Rebels to engage the ISIS in eastern side cities like Palmyra and Al Raqqa. The Russians tried as much as possible to provide air cover to the Syrian regime forces, however they didn't perform much better. Since the Rebels has good equipment's supplied by Saudi's and West.

    The Rebel forces shown their best to defeat the Syrian regime and the ISIS. The Syrian rebels also have good strategy of special operation missions. Team of Rebel anti tank crew destroyed more than hundred Syrian armor, which include BMP personnel carrier and T 72 main battle tanks. Usage of the anti tank missile increased from less than fifty to more than one fifty within a month. The Rebel forces also enraging a assassination mission by killing key military commanders in the conflict zone.

    The Saudi's are the major arms supplier to the Syrian Rebel forces, KSA Supplied most of the US made TOW anti tank missiles to the Syrian Rebels. The Saudi's para dropping those weapons close to the Syrian border near Turkey, later it was transported through ground vehicles before reach to the Rebels hands. The Syrian rebels using US made Tow missile, Russian made Konkrus and Fagot missiles and the French milan's. Those are all second generation missiles need a crew keep guiding the missile till it hits the Target.

    Meanwhile The US forces contentiously dominating the Iraqi forces and brings number of good victories along with the Iranian, Kurdistan and Iraqi forces support. The Americans and west clearly co ordinate the ground forces and gives good air support, which liberated most of the ISIS stronghold in Iraq. However major cities like Fallujah and Mosul still under the ISIS control.

Pakistani produced HJ 8 Anti tank missile

   Weeks ago, US Army's Delta Special forces along with Kurdistan special forces launched a surprise attack deep inside the ISIS heart center of Sinjar mountain valley. The special operation ends by killing more than fifty ISIS terrorists and rescuing more than seventy Kurdish, Yazedi and Iraqi civilians. During the battle  US Army's delta force special operator Master Sgt. Joshua killed during the daring rescue operation. Joshua is the first US Soldier who killed by the ISIS.

    Within next two to three days ISIS surprised the US and Iraqi forces by airing a new video killing civilians close to the earlier targeted building. This forced the Americans Kurdistan and Iraqi forces to fix the next target as Sinjar. 24 hours ago Kurdistan and Iraqi soldiers lead by US special forces and US Air force start a major offensive operation to driven out the ISIS from Sinjar. The Biggest battle is currently ongoing in Sinjar which is same like the Tikrit offensive lead US collation Forces

    Days ago, President of the United States announced deploying special forces inside Syria close to Kurdistan and Iraq, to carry out Special mission deep inside ISIS stronghold to give continuous shock. This allows the US forces to gather more intells about the ISIS advance moves by hitting their nerve center. The US Special forces also support the Kurdistan forces to carryout counter assault mission against ISIS. Reports also reveals that US may support Syrian rebels too. However sources clearly mentioned they will assist the Kurd forces only.

Israeli F 16 Fighters

 

 The Middle east surprise man Israel also carried out a air strike just outside from Syrian capital Damascus. The Strike carried out by Israeli air force by destroying Hezbollah bound SCUD missiles. The missiles are in convoy's transported by the Hezbullah terrorists. As Israel earlier stated that "we won't involve any mess inside Syria or Iraq, If any one who threatens Israel, will be neutralized" . The Hezbollah's main objective is attack Israel and killing Jews, Since the start of Syrian civil war Israeli's bombed many times inside Syria by stopping advanced weaponry in hands of Hezbullah.

     These all shows a good lesson that Syria is free for every one, that any one can attack their enemies, The Shia controlled Syrian regime have only hope of Russians and Iranian forces for their survival. While the battle will continue for long time.  

One month of Russian aerial delivery to ISIS and Syrian Rebels

One month of Russian aerial delivery to ISIS and Syrian Rebels

UAV Screen grab

    It's almost a month since Russian Air force started bombing against the Syrian Rebel forces and ISIS positions, along with small victories near Aleppo provenance. So far nearly 700 plus sorties flown by the Russian Fighter jets like Su 30 SM, Su 24M , Su 25SM and Su 34. Which makes more than 50 sorties per day flown by the Russian Air force jets. Those sorties also include the deployed Helicopter gunships like Mi 24 P and electronic intelligent plane like  IL 20 Coot. The list gives a good light about all the Russian aircraft availability rate and combat performance.

   All the Russian fighter aircraft's and helicopters uses the Latakia based air force base for combat operations, and performs missions within the range of some 200 kilometers. Those Syrian Rebels are way too closer to the Russian Naval outpost, that's why the Russians suddenly deploys ground troops and fighter air crafts to prevent them to over run the Bases. Those airborne platforms are used for offensive operations and ground troops used to safe guard Russian assets in Syria. Rarely some times the long range strike aircraft Su 34 used for striking targets well beyond some 300 kilometers where the ISIS is operating.

    Most or some 60 % of Russian Air strike pounded just some 75 kilometers off from the Latakia base, which is situated in between Latakia and Idlib provenance. Those area's are currently under control of Syrian rebels, and some  25% of Russian Air strikes pounded over Aleppo city, the same place where a trilateral conflict between ISIS vs FSA vs The Syrian Army.  This is where Syrian Army gets more ground support to start the offensive in past weeks.

    Currently the Syrian Army Engaging the Syrian Rebels over three sides, Idlib, Aleppo and Homs. In Aleppo the Syrian Army needs to fight against the ISIS too. Initially the Syrian Army planning the offensive over the west of Syria to bush back the Rebels over east side, where most of the ISIS activities reported. The Syrian Army gets multiple supports from the Nations like Russia and Iran, The Syrian ground forces supported by the Iranian Elite ground forces known as the Quds Forces, Air strikes from the Russian Air forces, Milita support from Hezbullah Terrorists and Intelligence and other supports from Cuban's.

    The Syrians started the ground offensive 15 days ago, ten days after the Russians started Bombing. However the cooperation between the Russians and Syrians are way too limited. Since both are not good enough to use the modern technologies for calling a close Air support mission. The Russian low flying helicopter pilots visually identifies the Enemy positions before attacking, where the UAV gives clear picture to the Fighter jets to carry out attacks. This is something called very old statics since the ground soldiers are highly mobile and they won't use much armors.

     The Syrian Rebels using the US made Saudi supplied TOW missiles to take out Syrian Tanks and armored carriers. Also many witnessed that the Chinese HJ 8 and French Milan anti tank missiles too used by the Syrian Rebels. Anyhow all these missiles are second generation systems, thus need someone to guide the missiles to hit the target. Unlike third generation Anti tank missile systems like Javelin and Spike uses IIR and laser guidance for target acquisition and self guidance, makes the missiles fire and forget. The US refused to provide such missiles to the Rebels.

TOW 2nd Generation Anti Tank Missile

    Those Second generation missiles would be operated by a group of two experienced persons. Where Most of the Syrian Rebel members are defected soldiers of Syrian Arab Army. Even the FSA leader Noeimi is an Ex Syrian Military officer who  defected from the Syrian Army during the early days of Civil war. The FSA scored many armor kills during this series of defensive operations.Videos from YouTube and multiple reports from Conflict news confirms more than 70 Syrian armors were destroyed by the FSA in last 15 days using those anti tank missiles.

    Even though the Syrian Army slowly moving towards the Rebels strongholds like Aleppo and Idlib. The Syrians and Russian cheering with small victories. However there is major secret operation is ongoing headed by unknowns, to assassinate top military commanders in battlefronts. Recently one of the Iran's top military officer general  Hossein killed in the battlefield near Aleppo. There is some other high ranking  military officials also killed in front lines. Even more the Syrian rebels managed to fire a RPG over an Russian consulate near latakia.

MAP of current Situation in Syria Courtesy ISW

   The Russians also pounding some Targets by using their long range cruise missiles, at first they fired some long range modified Klub cruise missiles off from Caspian sea, Week later they fired some missiles into latakia from the Russian Naval ships positioned near Mediterranean sea. Those are just some live missile tests it seems, where it doesn't makes good results when engaging threats like moving ground forces.

    Anyway there is a good days are coming in the conflict,  as The Syrian offensive almost started in full swing and they bound to enter the Rebel stronghold's. From Rebel side they just received modern weapons from the US para drop. makes the inventory having MANPAD's too which is yet to be confirmed makes them a good threat to low flying Russian Fighter jets.     

Missiles, Bombs and Tanks, Russia punishing Syrian Rebel groups

Missiles, Bombs and Tanks, Russia punishing Syrian Rebel groups

    After the tactical air deployment, Russia now moves to intensify the attack on Syrian rebels and ISIS terrorists. as last week Russia started firing the Long range cruise missile from Caspian sea, which is close to Russian mainland. the long range cruise missiles hits the rebel positions very closely making severe damages to the rebels defensive positions. and the strike allows the Syrian regime forces advance towards the Rebels positions in northern Aleppo, a Syrian rebels stronghold.

    The Russians provided tactical air support, missile strikes and close air support to the Syrian Regime to recapture the ground, the Russians never sends it's ground troops or special forces to support the Syrian army. however they covers the regime forces from the air, by using Mi 24 P attack helicopters armed with cannons and unguided Rockets. more than four Mi 24 P fly very low and provided close air support to the Syrian Regime forces.

    The Offensive is not a success till now, even with the Russian Air support. Syrian Rebels ambushing the Regime Tank columns in every positions. the Rebels has Saudi supplied US made second generation TOW anti armor missiles, and Russian made Konkrus missiles. they used those missiles and ambushed the Syrian armors. as first day of offensive, Syrian ground troops lost more than twenty armored vehicles. which include BMP and T 72 Main battle tanks. the Rebels too suffered causalities, only because of the Russian gunships. the Saudi and West denied to supply MANPAD's to the Syrian Rebels, if they have MANPAD's they surely destroy all flying close air support helicopters.

    The Offensive continued the next day too, the Russians dropped cluster munitions and laser guided munitions. the coordinated attack forced the Rebels to withdraw from the northern Aleppo stronghold. however both Syrian army and Syrian rebels suffered very much, and the ISIS used the chance, they suddenly comes from the northern side and capture the battle zone, and now ISIS gains the northern Aleppo grounds. and Russian, Syrian, Iranian forces striking the same Aleppo as third day.

     The Aleppo offensive comes with a coordinated strike, Russian Air support, Iranian Tactical support and Syrian ground support, yet they loose the captured ground to ISIS. during the offensive the Rebels scored high value hit. they killed the Iranian Revolutionary guard commander Brig Gen Hossein. he is the one who commanded all the Iranian activities inside Syria, more than 2000 Iranian light infantry Soldier operating under his command, killing the general is a big victory to the Rebel side. however it's still unknown who killed the Iranian General whether the ISIS or the Syrian rebels.

    The Russians using what Americans doing inside Iraq, the known good offensive is the coordinated attack over ISIS grounds in Tikrit, the Tikrit battle is one of the Biggest battle in the 2015, led by the US Air force, US Military advisers, Iranian Ground troops headed by Gen Qasem, and the Iraqi soldiers, the offensive spearheaded by the US. the US and British air strikes who supported the Ground troops push towards the ISIS stronghold, makes a wonderful victory, 

    however the same is not working with the Russian air support, even the FSA don't have any anti sir capabilities, also it's clear the US spearheaded operation held by two phases and lasted more than a month, so we have to wait for a month to conclude how much the Russian air strike proving.

   Russia not only attacking the Syrian Rebel positions in Aleppo, their Fighter aircraft dropping Satellite guided bombs over ISIS positions too, Raqqa is the ISIS's stronghold in Syria, which is way longer from the Syrian capital, and no sight of coordinated strikes over ISIS positions in  Raqqa, Syria and Russia planned for retake the western side first before entering towards ISIS positions, the Russian air strikes will continue in coming days as Russian Military leaders said, and it could be major war against ISIS, and Syrian Rebels.

One week of Russian intensive Bombing inside Syria

One week of Russian intensive Bombing inside Syria

    Russia almost take full control of Syrian air space, since the beginning of tactical air deployment, Russia gets full support from the Syrian officials about the target locations, and feed those target co ordinates into the Fighters mission computers, with the use of satellite guided bomb, they striking the target with very good precision. however striking co ordinates seems they just only started bombing ISIS Positions, as first they strike targets close to the Latakia port, which was besieged by radical Islamist force called as Free Syrian army, the Rebels who armed by west and America to fight against Assad's forces.

     While many western analysts confirms the  initial stages of Air strike conducted over Rebel held area's not the ISIS held area's like Palmyra and Rakka, after some pressure from international community, Russia initiated first air strike over Palmyra which is under controlled by ISIS, those smart bombs from Su 34 targets directly towards the ISIS positions, which almost destroyed each and every ISIS positions in Palmyra, so far Syrian air forces used dumb bombs, which lacks precision kill, without having real time battlefield information about actual target positions, they use ground forces radio communication to strike enemy targets in real time, when ISIS hear about the Fighter jets, they moves from the position, So most of the Airstrikes causes no real damages,

    The Russians comes with complete preparation, they deployed one or two Il 20 coot electronic intelligence plane,which is used to collect ground intelligence, intercepting communications and capture real time SAR imaginary, the same data can be transferred to other Russian aircraft's operating within the zone, Russia uses the Su 34 for Precision bombing for surgical strikes, and uses Su 24 Fencer and Su 25 Frog foot for heavy bombing, these two were armed with unguided bombs.

      All of the Russian planes fly above some 20,000 feet to evade from ISIS manpad threat, during the ISIS Rising days, bunch of pictures released which shows ISIS using MANPAD's, even recently ISIS shot down Iraqi reconnaissance light attack helicopter, and recently Russia announced there is no threat from ISIS manpad's inside Syria, while they still fly above some 20,000 feet, where MANPAD can't have the capability to reach that altitude, meanwhile the west and American sponsored terrorists doesn't have any manpad's, that's why Russian Helicopters and Syrian Helicopters enjoys full air superiority over entire Syrian air space.

     Cities like Idlib and Aleppo is contentiously targeted by the Russians, which is under controlled by the Syrian rebels, The Su 34 armed with 500 kg GLONASS guided bombs heavily used in that places to push back the Rebels. which is the Russians major challenge and that's why they deployed the forces very quickly, Russia still have no plans to deploy combat soldiers inside Syrian battlefield, however some 2000 Russian infantry soldiers still inside Syria, to safe guard Russian interests like protecting the air base and the Naval outpost, which was vulnerable to Syrian rebels.

     As Russian Military planners stepped into anti ISIS Strikes, they initially planning to cut the military supply, the known Russian tactics since decades, Russia forced to conduct parallel bombing over Syrian Rebels and ISIS. Russia almost managed to collect information about the ISIS Resupply, So in coming days they plan to conduct more fire bombs over ISIS positions, It's hard to comes for an conclusions within a week, what Russian forces did, so far a year US and allied forces conducted nearly some 10,000 of sir strikes killing some thousands of ISIS Terrorists and equipment's, ISIS doesn't "expanded" after International Coalition attacks heads by the USA, actually they lost 25% of the territory,

    Unlike American air strikes, Once Russian forces conduct air strike Friendly forces suddenly deployed and hold the positions,  not only the Assad Regime, Iran already deployed some two thousand Combat soldiers inside Syria to assist the Assad's shia regime, Iran plans to deploy more troops in Syria coming days, another Syrian ally is the Hezbullah Terrorists, who is a Shia terrorists, who supports Assad from the beginning of the Civil war, the Hezbullah supported by Syria and Iran, now Russia too transferred some odd older T 72 Battle Tanks, where Hezbullah's main target always Israel, Israel bombed Hezbullah positions many times, they attacked Hezbullah position's inside Lebanon, and Syria earlier.

    There is some reports earlier mentioned that Israel too joined with the Russians to pound the ISIS positions, however Israeli ministry denies the same, Israel fighting enemies since decades, yet they never publicly acknowledges their actions, also some reports mentions that Russian ministry ordered to all allied and American fighter jets leave from the Syrian air space, however America and France says they will keep striking ISIS positions inside and outside Iraq and Syria.

     

    Anyway, It's clear Russia could intensify his attack in coming days, that we can see more ISIS targets, and some Russian American confrontation too.  

Russia Starts bombing ISIS positions in Syria

Russia Starts bombing ISIS positions in Syria

   As already expected, the Russians started bombing ISIS positions inside Syria, with the multinational bombing missions, this is the first time ISIS shows some heavy casualties since it's raise, Russia also planning to start special operations inside ISIS position with close air support, as recently satellite pictures shows Russia slowly massing their Air force fighters near Syrian Latakia port, the Port also host Russian naval outpost, before the Russian build up, ISIS and FSA almost comes close to Russian bases, when the emerging threat identified by the Russians, they first sent some special forces supported by infantry assault vehicles such as BMP 3 and BTR's, which is the first appearance of  Russian ground forces assaulting the Free Syrian army,

    As first the satellite pictures shows, four modern Su 30 SM fighters, which was delivered recently to the Russian Navy, as three of them configured as pure air interceptor and one is armed with variety of Electronic jamming payloads, which is reported by Italian think tank David, by analyzing the Airbus satellite pictures, the next day the fighters numbers increased with additional deployment of 12 new Su 25, the dedicated ground attack platform used by the Russian air force, the Su 25 is designed to counter American A 10 thunderbolt, the Su 25 comes with much number of hard points, which can drop bombs and unguided 60 mm High Explosive Rockets, which can destroy small hardened positions and temporary light bunkers,

    And the next day, the satellites found another set of 12 Su 24 Fencer long range Interceptor attackers, as earlier some Syrians managed to take photographs of one IL 78 Tanker air craft closely escorted by four Su 24, however the Syrians too using the same aircraft's, after seeing the satellite images western Analysts confirms those are the new Su 24 which is directly comes from Russia, thus makes the Syrian Arab Air force is much powerful air force that can capable to show maximum restrain against his enemies, the count brings 28 new fixed wing aircraft's.

  Not only with the Fixed wings, Russia also shipped more than dozens of Attack and Transport Helicopters, the Transport helicopters include Mi 17 and Mi 8, which can used to carry Russian troops close to the battlefield, and the arrival of new Mi 35 attack helicopters can provide low lever air cover to the ground forces,  those new Helicopters comes with defensive suites like ECM and Jamming capability with the addition of  DIRCM. which can spoof IR and radar guided missiles in close ranges,

   The above all Flying units, transported using the An 124 and IL 76 Cargo aircraft's, ADS-B based trackers like Flight Radar 24 and Plane finder websites, shows numerous air traffic activity from Russia to Syria via Iran, they also saw the Israeli Surveillance aircraft's activity, when new Russian Planes off loading the Cargo, The Israeli Spy planes well inside the Israeli air space but the side mounted L band radar in it's G 550 can give clear images of Russian activity,

    Before the tactical air force deployment, many defense watchers spotted Russian Landing ships activity near Syrian port Latakia, as per some open forces which was verified by the Russians, there were some 2000 Russian Marine troops supported by newer T 90 Tanks, BMP 3 and BTR infantry fighting Vehicles, along with long range Towed Artillery, those armors are already placed in defensive positions in Syrian Al assad Air base near latakia, as earlier Rebel forces comes close to the Base, Not only the Al assad air base, satellite images shows Russia speeding up construction of new Airbase near Latakia, which can be controlled by the Russians only, satellite pictures show the work already started and it could be finished with in ten or less days,

    When the Deployment starts, the Israeli PM due a visit to Russia to meet Russian President about the air assets deployment in Syria, as earlier Israel always gets a freedom of attack capability to  strike Syrian positions, earlier the Israeli forces struck and destroyed large cache of Russian delivered P 800 Oniks anti shipping missiles near to the Latakia Air base, the Syrian sounded anti Israeli slogans, where Russia keeps silence, not only that time, Israel attacked Syrian positions many times, most of the targets are Russian delivered weapons only, more over Israel will attack those weapon cache if they were bound to transfer Hezbullah Terror groups,

    with round of Talks, both Israeli PM and Russian President agreed to co ordinate the strike in Syria, also established a deputy military leaders hot line which can slow down close encounters with Russian and Israeli air crafts, the Israeli PM accompanied by the Israeli military chief too, they explained about the disputed Golan Heights and possible encounters with Syrian forces earlier, Israel also plans to assist Russian forces by giving target information and ground Intelligence to ease the Russian job in Syria.

    And after the deal reached, Russian Air force combined with Syrian Air force pounded ISIS stronghold in Syrian Palmyra, an ancient city recently captured by the ISIS, and they already destroyed the relics in Palmyra, and build defensive positions to hold the city under their control, the attacks were carried out by the Syrian bombers, however the tactical information provided by the Russians, spotters found numerous activity of Su 30 SM fighter before and after the offensive, and the reported death toll raised some 100 kills with many injured, and It's expected the Russian-Israeli-Syrian team will coordinate more attacks inside Syria to eliminate the ISIS, as a Surprise Americans closely watching the online social media about the ISIS activities and strike selected  targets, last day minutes after a ISIS leader posts something in Social media brings a F 18 armed with 250 kg High Explosive gift, resulted sudden dispatch,

Russia Deployed it's troop in Syria to oust ISIS

Russia Deployed it's troop in Syria to oust ISIS

  Some sources reported that Russia starts deploying it's armed forces into Syria to help Assad from Sunni based Al Nusara and the ISIS, as of now the Syrian government forces loosing it's grounds to  Rebel forces or the ISIS, most or half of the Syrian territory is under control of ISIS, as they not only capturing grounds, they kills peoples and destroys historical buildings, most of the ISIS held place earlier under Syrian Rebel forces aka the FSA, when the ISIS comes in huge numbers they eventually withdrew from the captured grounds.

    From the beginning of civil war Russia and Iran always gives their hands to Syria and Assad to continue the offensive till now, It's clear the Russians are in Syrian Military bases who giving instructions to the Syrian Forces to fight against the FSA, not only advising, they assist in maintaining those Russian made military tanks and other support systems, which include the old Russian made Combat Jets like Su 24 fencer and the Mig 21, which was used to drop chemical bombs over Syrian civilians and Free Syrian Army Militia's.

   Last week many Reports suggests that Russia delivers four MiG 31 Interceptors to Syria, Russians denied such delivery, however it's believed that they are already arrived into Syria and may be operational, Those MiG 31 used for nothing but helps the Syrian forces to fight against the Israeli's, who performing special combat missions inside Syria, to cut the Syrian military Supply's to Hezbullah Terrorists, Hezbullah is a Shia Terrorism, who supports the Shia Government in Syria the Assad Regime, however they attacks Israel from Syrian Controlled Golan heights, months ago, Hezbullah attacked and Kills two Israeli solders with anti tank missiles,

    The Reports about Russian activity in Syria reported near Latakia port, that's the major port under control by the Syrian forces, also the Russian resupply also comes through the port, Russians also setup-ed a small Military base there commonly known as Listening post, where they can observe and providing security to the major Port,

   The Free Syrian Army Reportedly nearby to the Port, they were just some tens of miles away from the port, where Syrian forces and Rebels engaged in heavy fighting since week, a video footage from that conflict shown to Syrian state media SANA news agency, which showing some soldiers speaking in Russian, It's the first time since the Civil war Russian troops directly involved in the combat, this would be some reasons, at first the Syrian army slowly losing it's grounds to FSA and ISIS, also in Aleppo they facing two enemies, where also heavy fighting reported,

    So it might be the Russians who trying to safe guard their port falling to Rebel forces, which would be a major setback to Assad as well as Russia too, also some Ship spotters takes photographs of some unknown cargo filled in a Russian Landing ship which was entered Latakia just a days before, It's should be a second phase delivery of Russian BTR 82 A, the modern BTR used along with the Russian Forces in Syria, as photos appeared in Social media's days ago,

   As many military analysts thinks, the Russian deployment in Syria would be good If they were Fight against the ISIS, if they were fight against the early American sponsored FSA, then it should be a game changing, which US and it's allies may step into the Syrian Civil war, although some other reports mentioning, because of large number of refugees coming towards Turkey, so far nearly 2 million Syrian civilians gets asylum inside Turkey, and Turkey asking US and NATO allies to impose no fly zone in Syria, to stop feeling.

    The FSA also reported that, they saw Some Russian Combat Jets probably newly delivered MiG 31, along with many new surveillance drones, if NATO and US imposed no fly zone, and it would be the end of Civil war, because the Syrian Regime living with the help of it's air force and chemical bombs, as a small child from Syria found dead in Turkey beach which outrages all over the world, because of the Syrian Assad, more than five million of Syrian civilians gets asylum in nearby countries and another five million reportedly displaced, and some three lakhs of Civilian casualties,

So it would be very good if Russians starts fighting against the ISIS not against the Rebel forces.