On August 3rd, Syrian special forces carried out their first joint night operation with the Russian air force, targeting extremist enclaves in the western Hama governorate. This activity is seen as a sign of increasing cooperation between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Russia, as tensions rise with US occupation troops and Turkish-backed armed groups.
Key Points:
- This is the first time that the Syrian special forces and Russian air and space forces have conducted joint night maneuvers, involving Su-24 and Su-35 fighter jets, Navy Ka-52 helicopters, and Syrian artillery formations.
- The drills included the deployment of Syrian paratroopers from an altitude of 1,500 to 3,000 meters from Russian Mi-8 helicopters.
- In recent months, the Kremlin has increased joint operations with the SAA in an escalating confrontation with US and Turkish-backed armed groups. The US currently controls about a third of Syria with the assistance of various proxy militias.
- There are concerns among US planners about a possible plan between Russia, Syria, and Iran to force US troops out of Syria, leading to the Pentagon reinforcing its presence in the region.
- Vadim Kulit, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, announced recent airspace violations by US-led coalition fighter jets and drones, while Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has called for the withdrawal of US troops from Syria.
