Russia Begins Operations in Syria: End Game for the US Empire?

[Gawan]

Here are the three steps that Russia will take:

The S-300 is a relatively modern system capable of engaging targets at the range of up to 250 km. Syria’s current anti-aircraft systems are older models that didn’t stop Israel from attacking targets on Syrian territory.

The Russian military will also supply better control systems to Syrian Air Defense Troops, “which are only supplied to the Russian Armed Forces,” defense chief Sergey Shoigu elaborated. This will allow integration of Syrian and Russian military assets, allowing the Syrian to have better targeting information. “The most important thing is that it will ensure identification of Russian aircraft by the Syrian air defense forces.” Potentially it would also expose Israeli aircraft tracked by Russian radar stations to Syrian fire.

The third measure announced by the Russian defense ministry is a blanket of electronic countermeasures over Syrian coastline, which would “suppress satellite navigation, onboard radar systems and communications of warplanes attacking targets on Syrian territory.”

Shoigu said the measures are meant to “cool down ‘hotheads’ and prevent misjudged actions posing a risk to our service members.” He added that if such a development fails to materialize, the Russian military “would act in accordance to the situation.”

Commenting on the development later in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the Russian leadership made the decision to protect Russian aircraft in Syria from further friendly fire incidents and “is not directed against third nations.”

Russia to supply S-300 to Syria within 2 weeks after Il-20 downing during Israeli raid – MoD

Added:

That means Russia is closing the air space above Syria and with the newest weapon systems employed (rockets, radar systems and data from Russia and jamming system for electronics), no war ship from the Mediterranean Sea should be possible to attack Syria, beside other sneaky attacks from Israel.

 

[RedFox]

Just read this from eurasiafuture - do others think this is an accurate assessment? I'd like to think the airspace is going to be fully closed, but perhaps this is more realistic assessment?

Shoigu’s Statement Might Not Be The Salvation For Syria That Some Think It Will Be - Eurasia Future

Shoigu’s Statement Might Not Be The Salvation For Syria That Some Think It Will Be

The Russian Defense Minister’s announcement of his country’s countermeasures to “Israeli” recklessness in Syria shouldn’t be celebrated right away as the country’s salvation from foreign conventional aggression because the situation isn’t as clear-cut as some will expectedly simplify it as.

Russia’s “Shield” In Syria

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced his country’s comprehensive countermeasures to “Israeli” recklessness in Syria following what President Putin previously described as last Monday’s “chain of tragic circumstances”, which the military chief said will include the dispatch of the long-delayed S-300 air- and missile-defense systems, improved training of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their equipping of new systems to better identify Russian planes, and electronic jamming of foreign radars, satellite navigation equipment, and aviation communications near Syria’s borders. Prime facie, it looks like Russia is finally creating the “bubble” that its most zealous supporters fantasized about (and in some cases, falsely reported) for years now, but the reality is actually a lot more sobering.

Hypothetically speaking, the successful creation of this fabled “bubble” would be very good for Syria’s interests because it would see the country entering into a de-facto mutual defense relationship with Russia by virtue of Moscow’s military being responsible for protecting the Arab Republic from the conventional manifestation of outside aggression. This would in theory keep “Israeli” and American planes and missiles out of Syria’s skies, thus enabling the SAA to liberate the Kurdish-controlled northeast without any fear of retribution like what happened in February during the Disaster at Deir ez-Zor. So far, so good, but the fact is that Russia probably won’t commit to creating an impenetrable “bubble” because it lacks the “political will” for the World War III-style brinksmanship that this would inevitably entail.

Bursting The “Bubble”

All that Russia is doing is signaling to “Israel” (and also the US) that all of its forthcoming strikes in Syria must be coordinated with Moscow well in advance in order to prevent another tragic incident like what transpired last Monday night, and that the failure to do so will see Russia taking electronic countermeasures to make “Israeli” units more susceptible to Syria’s forthcoming improved aerial defense systems. It is not, as some will probably assume, discontinuing the “deconfliction mechanism” that was agreed to by both parties in September 2015 just prior to the commencement of Russia’s anti-terrorist intervention in Syria. Instead, Russia is simply doing what some might have thought it should have done three years ago, and that’s create a credible enforcement system for incentivizing “Israel” to “play by the rules” unlike it’s been doing over the past 18 months.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stunningly acknowledged that “Israel” only notified Russia 25 out of the more than 200 times that it bombed Syria over the past 18 months, portraying this as a breach of trust after all that Moscow had done for Tel Aviv during that time. Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov continued by saying that Russia secured the withdrawal of pro-Iranian forces from areas near the “Israeli”-occupied Golan Heights, contributed to preserving Jewish graves and sacred sites in Aleppo, and even once dispatched a special forces team to search for “Israeli” remains from previous conflicts during the midst of a heated battle between the SAA and Daesh. Monday night’s tragedy was apparently the last straw, and Russia’s “Traditionalists” were able to finally convince President Putin to “rebalance” the Russian “deep state’s” foreign policy away from the “Progressive” faction and towards their own in this instance.

Being the supreme “balancer” that it is, however, Russia isn’t by any means decisively siding with “the Resistance” against “Israel” like this decision will probably be popularly interpreted as, because there are always “loopholes” to what it’s doing. For example, the “deconfliction mechanism” is still in place, so “Israel” can still theoretically bomb Syria so long as Russia approves and is given adequate notice in advance. Even in the cases where it isn’t, there’s nothing stopping “Israel” from lobbing missiles at Syria from within its own airspace instead of sending warplanes across the border on bombing missions. These munitions could possibly be affected by Russia’s electronic jamming countermeasures, but it should be noted that Shoigu said that Russia’s response will be directed against “warplanes” and didn’t specify whether missiles will fall within its purview.

No Russian “Human Shields”, But “Tripwires” Might Not Be Triggered Regardless

“Israel” did previously say, however, that it would destroy the S-300s if they end up targeting its jets, which would naturally happen sometime after the next two weeks once they’re delivered to Syria, so it’s likely that Tel Aviv will “test” the limits of Moscow’s resolve and actively probe for as many “loopholes” to its “political will” as possible. To be clear, there is close to no chance that “Israel” will attack the S-300s if Russian servicemen are nearby, but there’s an equally improbable chance that Russia will order its soldiers to serve as de-facto “human shields” protecting these systems, so the S-300s might figuratively be “fair game”. Additionally, the S-300s could probably down small numbers of “Israeli” missiles with ease, but might have difficulty responding to overwhelming swarms of them. If these systems fail in defending Syria for whatever reason, then it would be a huge “embarrassment” for Russia and would undercut its competitive edge in the international arms market.

Even in the event that they succeed in taking them all down, it’ll be very expensive for the Arab Republic and will probably result in Damascus taking out loans from Russia or trading resource contracts with it to pay for the additional armaments that it’ll need to remain readily supplied for responding to any other forthcoming attacks. Furthermore, the unanswered question that should be on the mind of most astute analysts is whether Russia cut a deal with “Israel” to more actively “manage” Iranian activity in Syria on its behalf in order to avoid “provoking” Tel Aviv and getting it to “test” the “tripwires” of Moscow’s electronic countermeasures that could inadvertently escalate the tense situation to a crisis level. After all, Russia is already “balancing” Iran in the Mideast and it knows that the “Israeli” military will not allow Syria to turn into an “Iranian base” and “existentially threaten” the self-proclaimed “Jewish State” (as Tel Aviv sees it).

Concluding Thoughts

There are two schools of thought concerning the consequences of Russia’s response to “Israel”, with some thinking that they’ll amount to Syria’s salvation from foreign conventional aggression while others are more pessimistic about whether they’ll really change all that much.

About the first one, the hypothetical creation of an impenetrable “bubble” over Syria would shield the country from “Israeli” and American air and missile strikes, but only on the condition that Russia has the “political will” to enforce its electronic countermeasures without allowing for any “loopholes” and Syria’s S-300s are successful in taking out all incoming threats. The second school, however, questions whether Russia truly has the “political will” to engage in the World War III-style brinksmanship that this would inevitably entail, as well as whether there will indeed be no “loopholes” whatsoever and if the S-300s (which have never been tested in a conflict) will really perform was perfectly as expected.

The fact that Shoigu didn’t announce Russia’s withdrawal from either of the “deconfliction mechanisms” that it has with “Israel” and the US suggests that the “bubble” will indeed have more than its fair share of “loopholes”, though the “wild card” will of course be whether Syria goes along with this or not.

 

[Yas]

Just read this from eurasiafuture - do others think this is an accurate assessment? I'd like to think the airspace is going to be fully closed, but perhaps this is more realistic assessment?

I think that article is more realistic, although it's also hard to tell beforehand, we will have to wait and see how these two weeks develop (it will take two weeks to put those measures in place) and how these new systems react to an Israeli attack.

I think that it's a clear message and that it does make it more unlikely for Israel to attack and risk loosing their airplanes. I think that the fact that they are providing the Syrian army with the S-300 and not just deploying them themselves is an important detail. Syria is in its full right to defend itself from any Israeli aggression, they already downed an Israeli jet before, so they are much more likely to use this system with the proper justification for it, than Russia, who basically keeps the posture of just defending its own bases in the country... OSIT.

That means Russia is closing the air space above Syria and with the newest weapon systems employed (rockets, radar systems and data from Russia and jamming system for electronics), no war ship from the Mediterranean Sea should be possible to attack Syria, beside other sneaky attacks from Israel.

I also thought that this would make attacks from the Mediterranean impossible, but when discussing with other people about it, they brought to my attention the fact that this "jamming" by Russia might only be done in what is established as Syrian territory over the sea. The International ships that threat Syria do not enter this region anyway, they attack from international waters or other allied waters, with missiles. Certainly, it is still a barrier, especially for anyone flying the zone, and maybe the "jamming" would affect the missiles coming. I don't know. I still have to check on this better but it seems that it isn't a full blockade, but a very important defense upgrade, nonetheless.

 

[youlik]

Я думаю, что о сплошном "пузыре" над Сирией не может идти речи по причине больших размеров последней и вытекающей отсюда дороговизне этого мероприятия. На мой взгляд речь может идти лишь потенциальном повышении цены возможных будущих атак. Многие сейчас пишут о гипотетическом "позоре" России в случае неудачной работы с-300, однако я думаю, что реального позора здесь почти не может быть. Если раньше на 200 атак был сбит 1 самолет, а с введением в строй с-300 на те же 200 атак будет сбито хотя бы 2, то это уже будет успехом. К сожалению, то что говорит Либерман об уничтожении Израилем комплексов в случае их применения, это чистая правда. Израиль имеет эту возможность, однако опять встает ворпрос цены- сколько жизней пилотов и собственно самолетов он готов потерять при этом. При этом почти любое развитие событий так или иначе будет представляться в виде "позоров", "поражений" и пр. в западном медийном пространстве.

Translation

I think that the continuous "bubble" over Syria is out of the question because of the large size of the latter and the resulting high cost of this event. In my opinion, it can only be a potential increase in the price of possible future attacks. Many now write about the hypothetical "shame" of Russia in case of failure of the s-300, but I think that the real shame is almost impossible. If used in 200 attacks were shot down 1 plane, and with the introduction of s-300 for the same 200 attacks will be hit by at least 2, then it will be a success. Unfortunately, what Lieberman says about the destruction of complexes by Israel if they are used, it is true. Israel has this opportunity, but again there is a question of price-how many lives of pilots and the actual aircraft he is ready to lose at the same time. At the same time, almost any development of events in one way or another will be presented in the form of "shame", "defeat", etc.in the Western media space.

 

[Windmill knight]

I don't think it will be a full closure of Syrian airspace - that would be very difficult to achieve - but they can make it much harder to get through, and the Israelis being arrogant and cowards, they wouldn't want to lose even one aircraft under those conditions. So I think it will make a difference indeed.

What I'm considering now is that the Israelis, being who they are, will hurry to cause some kind of trouble within this 2-week-or-so window of opportunity. I doubt it will be a direct attack, but rather a dirty trick, such as the false-flag chemical attack finally happening or something deceptive along those lines. Since the harder airspace conditions will also affect NATO, the response may come from them, plus we know that many in the West are in Israel's pocket, including the Trump administration. There could even be a deterioration of circumstances elsewhere, like in Ukraine, for example. We'll see.

 

[Laura]

Well, the Cs did say shortly after 9-11, that the ultimate outcome for Israel would be its destruction.

 

[Yas]

Yes, I think it's possible that they might do something within this two-weeks window. We'll see.

Another thing that I was thinking is how this is somehow putting Israel to the front, while the US and allies are more in the background in this particular situation. Maybe it's also a step towards revealing Israel as the "man behind the curtain", as the world begins to see more and more the role they are playing in preventing peace from happening and escalating conflict. Well... I know that's kind of too optimistic and it's too soon to tell. But these are interesting developments.

 

[angelburst29]

I would love to see Bibi's reaction to this. Their little stunt backfired spectacularly, didn't it!?

Sept. 24, 2018 - Putin and Netanyahu discuss S-300 Deployment in Syria by phone: Kremlin
Putin and Netanyahu discuss S-300 deployment in Syria by phone: Kremlin | Reuters


The Kremlin said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken over the phone about the deployment of the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system in Syria.

Putin told Netanyahu that Russia’s actions were aimed at protecting its military, according to the Kremlin statement.


Sept. 24, 2018 - Netanyahu tells Putin delivery of S-300 to Syria will increase Regional Danger
Netanyahu tells Putin delivery of S-300 to Syria will increase regional danger | Reuters


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday that supplying advanced weapon systems to "irresponsible players" would increase dangers in the region, Netanyahu's office said.

In a telephone call held shortly after Russia announced it would supply an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria within two weeks, Netanyahu also said he told Putin that Israel would continue to protect its security and interests.

The Israeli leader also agreed with Putin on continued coordination between the two countries’ armed forces.

Russia’s announcement on the missile system came a week after Moscow blamed Israel for indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military plane in Syria. Israel said Syria was responsible.

Israel has long lobbied Moscow not to provide the S-300 to Syria, fearing this would hinder its aerial capability to strike buildups of Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Syria.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Moscow had in the past obliged Israel by refraining from supplying Syria with the system. But last week’s crash, which killed 15 Russian service members, had forced Moscow to take “adequate retaliatory measures” to keep its troops safe.


Sept. 24, 2018 - Russia to give Syria S-300 Air Defense after accusations against Israel
Russia to give Syria S-300 air defense after accusations against Israel | Reuters


Russia said on Monday it would supply an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria in two weeks despite strong Israeli objections, a week after Moscow accused Israel of indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military jet in Syria.

[...]
Originally developed by the Soviet military, the S-300 has since been modernized and made available in several versions with different capabilities. It fires missiles from trucks and is designed to shoot down military aircraft and short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.

Alexander Khramchikhin of the Moscow-based Institute of Military and Political Analysis said the S-300 could “seriously affect Israel’s ability to carry out its strikes in Syria”. Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center and a former colonel in the Russian army, said the S-300 would make Israel “more careful in the vicinity of Russian assets”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the decision to supply the weapons was not directed at any third country.

“Russia needs to increase safety of its military and it should be clear for everyone,” he said. But he also repeated Moscow’s accusations that Israel was to blame for the plane’s downing. “No doubt that according to our military experts, deliberate action by Israeli pilots was the reason for the tragedy and this cannot but harm our (Russia-Israeli) ties.”


Sept. 24, 2018 - Russia Missile Sale to Syria is 'significant escalation': U.S. Bolton
Russia missile sale to Syria is 'significant escalation': U.S.' Bolton | Reuters

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Monday that Russian plans to supply Syria with an S-300 missile system would be a “significant escalation” by Moscow and that he hopes it will reconsider.

“We think introducing the S-300s to the Syrian government would be a significant escalation by the Russians ... and something that we hope, if these press reports are accurate, they would reconsider,” Bolton told reporters.

“There shouldn’t be any misunderstanding here ... The party responsible for the attacks in Syria and Lebanon and really the party responsible for the shooting down of the Russian plane is Iran,” he said.

Russia is fighting in Syria in support of the government.

Bolton warned that if the Syrian government used chemical weapons again, the U.S. response would be significant.

“If in fact they make the mistake of using chemical weapons again, the retaliation would be much stronger than before and would have the intended effect of creating structures of deterrence that they never do it again,” he said.

Bolton said the United States was doing everything it could to ensure Syria did not use chemical weapons and had pressed Russia about the issue as well.

Bolton said a political process was needed but said Russia’s plans on the missile system made that difficult. He said U.S. troops would stay active in Syria as long as Iran was involved.

“We’re not going to leave as long as Iranian troops are outside Iranian borders, and that includes Iranian proxies and militias,” he said.


Sept. 24, 2018 - Pompeo to meet Russia's Lavrov amid U.S. concern on Missile Sale to Syria
Pompeo to meet Russia's Lavrov amid U.S. concern on missile sale to Syria | Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in New York as Washington expressed concern at Moscow’s plans to supply the S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria.

“I’m sure Sergei and I will have our time together,” Pompeo said of plans to meet Lavrov on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.

“We are trying to find every place we can where there is common ground, where we can work with the Russians,” adding that there were many areas where Moscow was working against the United States and “we will hold them accountable.”

 

[Laura]

All that big talk on the US/Israel side is SOOO transparently bogus!

 

[seek10]

Yes, I think it's possible that they might do something within this two-weeks window. We'll see.

Another thing that I was thinking is how this is somehow putting Israel to the front, while the US and allies are more in the background in this particular situation. Maybe it's also a step towards revealing Israel as the "man behind the curtain", as the world begins to see more and more the role they are playing in preventing peace from happening and escalating conflict. Well... I know that's kind of too optimistic and it's too soon to tell. But these are interesting developments.

Israel is a small country compared with Russia and its military capability, but it has significant influence in Western deep state and Russian fifth columns. So, it is not about Russia vs Israel, it is Israel backers vs Russia. Putin doesn't want to go there, so Israel can use it as an advantage to doing the things they were doing for the last 2 years. Their desperation in killing Palestinians is already exposing them badly. If the West decides to not supporting Israel at one point ( for whatever reason though it is unthinkable at this juncture), Israel will be in a very bad situation.

 

[angelburst29]

September 24, 2018 - Russia Provides Syria with S-300 Air Defense System … New Israeli Strategic Loss
Russia Provides Syria with S-300 Air Defense System … New Israeli Strategic Loss

September 24, 2018 S-300 Missile Defense System

Al-Manar Website Editor
As the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced providing Syria with S-300 air defense systems in two weeks, military sources told Al-Manar that the anti-air missiles will target the Israeli war jets over Syria.

The sources added that the new military development will be accompanied by installing electromagnetic jamming systems near the Russian military bases in Syria, adding this requires qualified and professional personnel to operate the entire systems which will cover a huge area in Syria.

Russia’s decision comes after the Syrian air defense systems downed by mistake a Russian warplane, killing 15 soldiers onboard, while targeting Israeli military jets which were raiding Latakia province.

The incident turned the Israeli-Russian ties to be tense, pushing Russia to support the Syrian air defense systems in order to confront the Israeli aerial assaults, which is considered as a new Israeli strategic loss.


2018-09-24 - Russia may have already delivered S-300 system to Syria – report
Russia may have already delivered S-300 system to Syria - report

The Russian military may have already delivered a the S-300 missile defense system to the Syrian government, early reports indicate.

According to these early reports, at least two Russian cargo planes were spotted flying from the Mozdok Ossetia Airbase to the Hmeimim Airport in southwest Latakia.


Yörük Işık ✔ @YorukIsik
https://twitter.com/YorukIsik/status/1044052666538766338
LIVE

Russian Air Force 223rd Flight Unit Ilyushin Il-76MD plane is flying from Russian Air Force base in Mozdok Ossetia to Humaymim Russian AFB in #Latakia #Syria through Turkish airspace.
10:35 PM - Sep 23, 2018

As reported by Yoruk Isik of the Bosphorus Observer, two Ilyushin IL76MD multi-purpose four-engine airlifters made their way through Turkey until they reached the Hmeimim Airport.

These two cargo planes arrived at the Hmeimim Airport just hours before the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that they were going to supply Syria with the S-300 systems.

Following the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin called his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al-Assad to discuss a number of topics, including the downing of the IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft last Monday.


September 23, 2018 - Blame for Russian Aircraft Crash Fully Rests with Tel Aviv: Moscow
Blame for Russian Aircraft Crash Fully Rests with Tel Aviv: Moscow

September 23, 2018 Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov

Moscow said on Sunday that the Israeli Air Force misled the Russian side by providing wrong information about the area of the planned air strikes in Syria, blaming Tel Aviv for the downing of Russian Il-20 military aircraft in Latakia on September 17.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov provided more details on the downing of Russian aircraft, stressing that Tel Aviv violated agreement with Moscow on Syria.

“Today, we share detailed information about the crash of the Ilyushin IL-20 airplane of the Russian Aerospace Forces near the Syrian coast on September 17. We will present a minute-by-minute account of this tragic incident that was made based on the objective radar readings including those from the Plotto air information display system,” he said.

According to Konashenkov, the Israeli Air Force provided Russia with misleading information
on the area of its airstrikes on targets in Syria, which stopped the commander of the Il-20 plane from relocating to the safe zone and led to its destruction.

“During the negotiations via the deconfliction channel, the representative of the Israeli Air Force Command reported that the targets assigned to the Israeli aircraft are located in Northern Syria … As you can see on the map, the Israeli jets delivered strikes in Latakia which is a western province of the country — and not in the north of the Syrian Arab Republic. The city of Latakia is located on the western coast. The misleading information provided by the Israeli officer about the area of strikes did not allow the Russian Il-20 airplane to move timely to a safe area,” Konashenkov said.

‘Israel’ Notified Russia Too Late

Konashenkov told the briefing that the Israeli Air Force notified Russia of its planned attacks on Syrian targets simultaneously with the beginning of the strikes instead of doing it in advance, thereby violating the 2015 bilateral agreements to prevent such incidents in Syrian airspace.

“Israel did not inform the Russian force about its operation in advance — but rather they issued a warning simultaneously with the beginning of the strikes, which constitutes a breach of the agreements. These actions constitute a clear violation of the 2015 Russian-Israeli agreements aiming to prevent clashes between our armed forces, in and over Syria, that were reached by the joint working group,” Konashenkov said.

He further added that the IAF has on multiple occasions created potentially dangerous situations for the Russian forces located in Syria, emphasizing that Moscow warned Tel Aviv about its air force operations in the war-ravaged country 12 times more often.

Audio Recording of Warning

Konashenkov emphasized that the Ministry possessed an audio recording proving that the IAF had warned the Russian side in the Russian language about the envisaged airstrike on targets in Syria when Russia’s IL-20 was downed.

The talk was conducted in Russian. The Russian Defense Ministry has a record of the conversation,” he stressed.
‘Israel’ Either Allowed Criminal Negligence or Lacked Professionalism

According to the fresh released information, the Il-20 crew began emergency descending after it was hit by a missile, with pilots of Israeli F-16 fighter jets using the Russian aircraft as a “shield” against Syrian air defenses, according to the Russian general as quoted by Sputnik.

Konashenkov elaborated that an Israeli plane maneuvered toward approaching Il-20 — which was considered as another attack by Syrian air defense systems.

He further debunked claims by the Israeli military that their jets had already been within ‘Israeli airspace’ when the Syrian Army launched the missiles that hit the Russian plane, saying that F-16s left the area only 10 minutes after receiving the information on the downing.

“Israeli military either allowed criminal negligence or lacked professionalism, which resulted in the downing of Il-20,” Konashenkov said, adding that the blame for the crash fully rests with Tel Aviv.

The ministry spokesman further said that Israeli jets may have posed a threat to passenger planes when the Il-20 was shot down, and stressed that Russia has never violated the agreement on flights in Syria with ‘Israel’.


2018-09-24 - Russian MoD shows how Israeli F-16 hid behind IL-20 (video)
Russian MoD shows how Israeli F-16 hid behind IL-20 (video)

The Russian Defence Ministry blamed the Israeli Air Force for using a Russia Il-20 plane as cover, spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said at a briefing in Moscow on Monday.

Data captured by Russia’s S-400 system in Syria proves Israeli jets were responsible for the downing the Russian plane, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the Syrian missile changed its course shortly before hitting the Il-20.

Data gleaned from the S-400 air defense system deployed at the Russian Khmeimim air base in Syria’s Latakia province has revealed that the Syrian anti-air missile was, in fact, targeting an Israeli F-16 jet before it abruptly altered its course and eventually hit the Russian aircraft.

This, and the position of all the aircraft at the moment of the September 17 incident, proves that an Israeli jet was de facto using the larger Il-20 as a cover, the Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov told journalists at Monday’s news briefing.

The radar images revealed at the briefing “clearly showed the direction of the flight of the S-200 missile launched by the Syrian air defense system, as well as the locations of the Russian and Israeli aircraft,” Konashenkov said, adding that “it is quite clear that the missile was targeting the Israeli jet.”

However, the missile then suddenly changed its course and “locked on a target with a larger radar cross-section and slower speed,” which was the Russian reconnaissance plane coming in for landing.

The Israeli jet, which effectively used the Il-20 as a cover from the attack, then also abruptly changed its altitude and the flight direction, Konashenkov said.


2018-09-24 - Breaking: Russia establishes no-fly zone over Latakia province – diplomat
Breaking: Russia establishes no-fly zone over Latakia province - diplomat

The Russian military has established a no-fly zone over the Latakia province of western Syria, Russian Senator and former Air Force commander Viktor Bondarev stated on Monday.

“The establishment of a no-fly zone over the Russian military base in Latakia will prevent a repeat of the IL-20 aircraft tragedy,” Bondarev told the Russian Federation’s Council this evening.

“After creating a no-fly zone in Latakia, it is necessary to announce that any unauthorized objects in the sky over Hmeimim Airport will definitely be eliminated,” he added.

The Russian senator would add that the S-300 will not only be deployed at the Hmeimim Airbase, but also, in several parts of the country.

Earlier this evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone to discuss the current situation in Syria.

Reports from Moscow indicated that Putin informed Netanyahu that Russia does not accept Israel’s version of the events that took place on the night of the September 17th.

Russia expects its relations with Israel to remain the same, despite the upcoming delivery of the S-300 air defense system to Syria.


September 23, 2018 - Putin: Russia Ready for ‘Uncompromising’ Joint Combat against Terrorism
Putin: Russia Ready for ‘Uncompromising’ Joint Combat against Terrorism

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his “deepest condolences” to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after a terrorist attack on an army parade in southwestern Iran left multiple people killed and wounded.

In a message sent to his Iranian counterpart on Saturday, Putin denounced the “bloody crime” and called for an “uncompromising” joint combat against terrorism in all of its forms and “manifestations.”

The Russian leader’s message was few hours after four gunmen, disguised in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and Basij uniforms, opened fire on people from behind a viewing stand at Quds Boulevard in the city of Ahvaz during the parade held to mark the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran in the 1980s.

“Please accept the deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the raid by terrorists in Ahvaz. We are appalled by this bloody crime,” said Putin in his message, a copy of which was posted on the Kremlin website.

“We expect that everyone involved will face a deserved punishment. This event once again reminds us about the necessity of an uncompromising battle against terrorism in all of its manifestations. I would like to confirm our readiness to continue building cooperation with Iranian partners in resisting this evil,” the Russian leader added.

Putin also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved and wished speedy recovery to the wounded.

The Saudi-backed al-Ahvaziya terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.(Comment: No doubt - with Netanyahu's approval?)


2018-09-24 - Russia to use Iranian airbase for Syria operations
Russia to use Iranian airbase for Syria operations

Russia has reportedly asked Tehran to be provided with access to Noyeh airbase in northwestern Iran to be used as an interim airfield for its fighters while conducting missions in Syria.

According to ANNA News Agency which reported the story, Russia had earlier used the same airbase when its long-range bombers were refueled at Noyeh before resuming its flight to bomb the Islamic State in eastern Syria.

The Russian and Iranian defense agencies have neither confirmed nor denied the report.


2018-09-24 - Russian Su-35 allegedly intercepts US F-22 Raptor over Syria
Russian Su-35 allegedly intercepts US F-22 Raptor over Syria

A Russian Su-35S fighter jet reportedly intercepted a U.S. F-22 Raptor combat aircraft over Syria, the Defence-Blog.com reported today.

The Defense Blog’s report cited an Instagram photo from an unofficial Russian pilot, today; it showed the moment the F-22 Raptor was allegedly intercepted by the Russian Su-35S.

“Photographs, made by the infrared search and track fire control system of the Russian Su-35S, shows in (SIC) infrared spectrum an F-22 Raptor fighter jet flying over Syria,” the Defence Blog reported.

No further details were released. Neither the U.S. Coalition nor the Russian Ministry of Defense have reported of any such event taking place over the skies of Syria.


2018-09-24 - US Secretary of State blasts Russia over plans to arm Syria with S-300 system (video)
US Secretary of State blasts Russia over plans to arm Syria with S-300 system (video)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took issue with Russia’s plans to supply Syria with the S-300 missile system at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday.

 

[angelburst29]

Syrian government forces will regain control over the whole of the country's territory, including the Idlib de-escalation zone, through peaceful means or war, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said on Tuesday.

25.09.2018 - 'With War or With Peace': Damascus Vows to Regain Control of Whole Syria
'With War or With Peace': Damascus Vows to Regain Control of Whole Syria

"The same way we won back every piece of land in Syria we will secure victory in Idlib. Our message is clear to all concerned in the matter — we will go to Idlib whether with war or with peace. But, we prefer to go the Syrians in Idlib with peace. Those who count on Americans should understand very clearly that the Syrian army will go to all Syrian territories and will establish there control and authority of the Syrian state," Mekdad said, as quoted by the newspaper al-Watan.


2018-09-25 - Leaked photos show Russian military likely delivered S-300 to Syria already
Leaked photos show Russian military likely delivered S-300 to Syria already

A number of leaked photos were posted online, today, showing that the S-300 missile defense system may have been delivered to Syria already.

At least three photos were posted by Uralinform.Ru, today, showing the arrival of the Krasukha 4 electronic suppression of navigation and communication systems last night in Syria.

According to the author of the publication, the Russian military has already delivered the S-300 hardware to Syria via a Russian-made aircraft from the Mozdok Airport.

As shown below, the Krasukha 4 systems are being unloaded at the Hmeymim Military Airport near the Syrian coastal city of Jableh in the Latakia province.

Photo credit: "Подкрепление" долетело сирийским ПРО раньше слов Шойгу

Photo credit: "Подкрепление" долетело сирийским ПРО раньше слов Шойгу

Photo credit: "Подкрепление" долетело сирийским ПРО раньше слов Шойгу


25 September، 2018 - Russian Electronic Warfare Equipment arrive in Hmeimim Airbase
Russian electronic warfare equipment arrive in Hmeimim airbase – Syrian Arab News Agency

Russian electronic warfare systems arrived at Hmeimim airbase in Lattakia.

According to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, the electronic warfare equipment arrived at Hmeimim airbase near Lattakia on Monday, aboard an Il-76 transport aircraft.

The newspaper said that the systems were intended to disrupt airborne radar, aircraft communication and controls and satellite navigation systems used in attack jets, drones and guided munitions.

“The operators will be able to project a protective radio-electronic dome over hundreds of kilometers over Syria and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea,” the newspaper added.


25.09.2018 - 'Are We in For a Nightmare?' - Israeli Media on S-300 Deliveries to Syria
'Are We in For a Nightmare?' – Israeli Media on S-300 Deliveries to Syria

A number of Israeli media outlets have expressed concerns over Moscow’s decision to supply Syria with S-300 air defense systems and admitted that such steps may have grave repercussions for the Israeli Air Force.

Reacting to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s announcement, Channel 9 wondered if Israel was “in for a nightmare” once the S-300 missile systems were delivered, while The Jerusalem Post emphasized that the advanced systems would become a major boost to the Syrian air defenses and would pose a threat to Israeli aircraft as the long-range anti-missile system has the capability of tracking jets and ballistic missiles over a range of 300 kilometers.

The Jerusalem Post further suggested that currently, Syrian air defenses are largely outdated Soviet-era systems as well as more sophisticated tactical systems. The author of the article, however, stressed that Moscow has already provided Damascus with a short range air defense system, Pantsir S-1.

Addressing Shoigu’s statement, Haaretz published an analysis, headlined “With Russia’s S-300 in Syria, Israel Will Have to Think Twice About the Next Strike,” in which the author hypothesized that the new missile system would not constitute a “total barrier to airstrikes,” but would definitely curb Israeli jets’ freedom.

“…Jerusalem is bound to face a dilemma: Should it attack once again near the Russians and risk further exacerbating the crisis and even the downing of an Israeli plane?” the author wrote.

The daily newspaper Ynetnews appeared to share Haaretz’s stance, having stressed that the delivery of the S-300s was “bad news for Israel” as it would limit the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of action throughout Syria and “apparently in Lebanon.”

The publication came to the conclusion that the deployment of the system would require “more effort, more planning and more caution in the use of force in the skies of Syria and Lebanon” on the part of the IAF, as the upgrade of the Syrian air defenses, including an automatic control system that would ensure the identification of Russian aircraft, would improve the speed of Syrian missile batteries.

In a televised speech on September 24, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced measures to beef up the security of Russian servicemen in Syria after the IAF used the Russian Il-20 plane as a shield while attacking targets in the Syrian Arab Republic, which ultimately led to the downing of the Russian aircraft by Syrian air defenses last week.

Shoigu announced that Moscow would provide Damascus with the S-300 air defense systems within two weeks as an “adequate” response to Tel Aviv’s role in the Il-20 crash and the death of 15 servicemen on board.

"Russia will jam the satellite navigation, on-board radars and communication systems of combat aircraft which attack targets inside Syrian territory, as well as in the regions over the waters of the Mediterranean Sea bordering Syria. […] We are convinced that the implementation of these measures will cool hotheads and prevent ill-considered actions from threatening our servicemen. Otherwise we will have to respond in line with the current situation," Shoigu stated.

The minister further emphasized that back in 2013 Russia had suspended the delivery of the S-300s to Syria at Israel’s request, but the situation surrounding the provision of the system has changed “through no fault of Russia.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russian President Vladimir Putin that providing “irresponsible players” with the weapons systems would increase security risks in the Middle East.


September 25, 2018 - Russia Making ‘Major Mistake’ by Giving Syria S-300 Systems: Bolton
Russia Making ‘Major Mistake’ by Giving Syria S-300 Systems: Bolton



Russia’s decision to provide Syria with advanced S-300 air defense systems is a “major mistake,” US National Security Advisor John Bolton has warned, advising Russia against escalating the already high tensions in the Middle East region.

“We think introducing the S-300s to the Syrian government would be a significant escalation by the Russians and something that we hope, if these press reports are accurate, they would reconsider,” Bolton said Monday, according to a report by the Associated Press.


2018-09-25 - Military will continue to strike Iranian targets in Syria despite S-300 – Netanyahu (Video)
Military will continue to strike Iranian targets in Syria despite S-300 - Netanyahu



BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:00 P.M.) – The Israeli military will continue to strike Iranian targets in Syria despite Russia’s plans to upgrade Syrian air defences with a new S-300 anti-missile system, declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

“We will continue to operate to prevent Iran from establishing military presence in Syria,” said Netanyahu.

“Israel has been a very successful in preventing Iran to establish military presence in Syria and attempts to transfer lethal weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon,” he added.

Netanyahu also revealed that he had spoken twice with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after an Ilyushin Il-20 was mistakenly shot down by Syrian air defenses leading to the loss of 15 military personnel. Russia blames Israel for the incident saying it used the transport plane as cover for fighter jets.

The Israeli prime minister made the comments as he boarded a plane headed to New York, where he will address the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.


2018-09-25 - US forces to remain in Syria to train locals after defeat of ISIS: Mattis
US forces to remain in Syria to train locals after defeat of ISIS: Mattis

The U.S. forces will be remaining in Syria to train locals after the Islamic State (ISIS), U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said on Monday.

“Once we get those patrols going along the line of contact and we take out the rest of the caliphate, our goal would be to set up local security elements that prevent the return of [Daesh] while at the same time diplomatically supporting… the Geneva process,” Mattis said on Monday.

Mattis’ comments came just hours after the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that they will be supplying Syria with the S-300 missile defense system.

The Secretary of Defense has also stated on several occasions in the past that the U.S. will remain in Syria after the defeat of the Islamic State.

However, Mattis’ reasons for remaining in Syria after the defeat of the Islamic State were to curb the Iranian presence inside the country.

 

[angelburst29]

Gives new meaning to the declaration, "Out of Russia - will come Peace to the World!"

Xi Jinping was elected President of China in 2013 and has since formed a close bond with Putin and Russia.

In regards to Putin and Xi insisting on reforming the United Nations, consider the background and present position of Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov.

The Russian foreign minister said UN Security Council and General Assembly must retain their key role in peacekeeping issues.

Sept. 26, 2018 - Changes in UN peacekeeping system are overdue — Lavrov
Changes in UN peacekeeping system are overdue — Lavrov

UN, September 26, 2018 - Changes in the peacekeeping system of the United Nations are overdue, but the basic principles must remain unchanged, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a high-level UN meeting on Tuesday.

"Russia supports the secretary general’s determination to improve the organization’s peacekeeping activities. Certain changes are objectively overdue, but, at the same time, basic principles of peacekeeping must certainly remain inviolable," Lavrov said during a high-level meeting, headlined "Action for peacekeeping" and held on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly.

At the same time, the minister warned against "too much enthusiasm" in mandates that authorize the use of force, adding that "this is not a panacea."

According to the Russian top diplomat, peacekeeping mandates must be clear and realistic.

"It is important to take into account opinions of both the accepting nation and the contributing nations, and engage in polite dialogue with them," Lavrov added.

The Russian foreign minister said UN Security Council and General Assembly must retain their key role in peacekeeping issues.

He said the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) was ready to develop its cooperation with the United Nations in the peacekeeping sphere.

"We are ready to develop contacts in the sphere of peacekeeping between the UN and the Collective Security Treaty Organization," he said during a high level meeting headlined "Action for peacekeeping" and held on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly.

The Collective Security Treaty was signed on May 15, 1992 in Tashkent, and the agreement on the establishment of the Collective Security Treaty Organization was inked on October 7, 2002. As of now, the organization includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.

The CSTO collective rapid reaction forces have 22,000 personnel, and another 3,500 are part of the peacekeeping forces.

 

[goyacobol]

I don't want to be overly optimistic but I have thought that it almost looks like Putin, Lavov and Russia as a country are trying to make the UN what it actually should have been in it's conception, to actually create a "United" forum of nations based on mutual respect.

"It is important to take into account opinions of both the accepting nation and the contributing nations, and engage in polite dialogue with them," Lavrov added.

 

[angelburst29]

What's going on with Paul Craig Roberts? He use to publish some really decent articles. In the past few months, he sounds like he's on total melt-down and coming apart at the seems?!? In this latest article, He systematically tears Putin apart, rips his foreign policy and his "civilian advisers" including Nikolay Surkov, a senior researcher at the Moscow-based International Institute for World Economy and International Relations ... to shreds! Blames Putin ... for not standing up to Washington or Israel ... and ... AND Putin "should have" done this - done that ... when he first entered Syria? ( I sense, Robert's needs to stand in front of Lavrov - for a few minutes - to get his facts and figures straight?!! ) I don't think - a nice warm Calgon soak with "Lavender moisture beads" will improve his mood? Total wipe-out!

September 25, 2018 - Is Russia Being Betrayed By Its Own Intelligensia?
https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2018/09/25/is-russia-being-betrayed-by-its-own-intelligensia/

2018-09-26 - Russia to honor 15 servicemen killed in IL-20 crash off coast of Syria
Russia to honor 15 servicemen killed in IL-20 crash off coast of Syria

“Fifteen Russian servicemen who were killed on September 17 in the crash of the Il-20 of the Russian Aerospace Force will be posthumously awarded Orders of Courage by the command for their devotion, courage and bravery evinced while performing combat tasks in the Syrian Arab Republic,” the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday.

“The Russian Defense Ministry is providing all the necessary support and help to the bereaved families,” they added.


2018-09-26 - Israeli cabinet calls on IDF to continue strikes inside Syria
Israeli cabinet calls on IDF to continue strikes inside Syria

The cabinet of Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to continue their strikes inside of Syria,d despite Russia’s upcoming delivery of the S-300 air defense system.

“The cabinet instructs the IDF to continue to act against Iran’s military entrenchment efforts in Syria while continuing security coordination with Russia,” the security cabinet said in a statement. The ministers share the pain of the Russian people over the death of the Russian plane’s [Il -20 – TASS] crew as a result of the actions of the Syrian army, the document says.

Netanyahu would later confirm this report by commenting on the recent meeting between his cabinet members.

“This morning I convened the cabinet. The ministers were updated on the recent events. The ministers also express their condolences to the Russian families and to the Russian nation. We give our 100 percent back up to the IDF. We will continue to operate to prevent Iran from establishing military presence in Syria and we will continue co-ordinating our operations with Russia. I concluded with president Putin that teams from both armies will meet again soon,” Netanyahu said.

“We will do whatever it takes in order to ensure Israel’s security,” he added.


2018-09-26 - ‘Let the Israelis try and we will defend ourselves’ – Syrian official
'Let the Israelis try and we will defend ourselves' - Syrian official

In a new interview with China’s Xinxua News Agency, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said that the new delivery of the S-300 air defense system to Syria will help deter Israeli attacks against his country.

“Israel which got used to carrying out many attacks under different pretexts would have to recalculate and reconsider before attacking again,” Mekdad told the Xinhua news agency on Tuesday.

When asked what would his government do if Israel tried to attack attack Syria again, Mikdad responded: ”Let the Israelis try and we will defend ourselves as we have done before.”


2018-09-26 - Russia sends stern warning to Western nations preparing to strike Syria
Breaking: Russia sends stern warning to Western nations preparing to strike Syria

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent a stern warning on Wednesday to the Western states that are planning to strike Syria under far-fetched pretexts.

There’s an alarming situation regarding the issue of chemical disarmament. First of all, this is in connection with the actions of a number of Western states accusing the Syrian authorities with more and more unsubstantiated allegations of using banned chemical agents. We warn [the West] against new strikes on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic under another staged pretext,” Lavrov said at a UN Security Council meeting, as quoted by the Sputnik News Agency.

Lavrov’s comments come just 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to strike Syria if the Syrian government forces use chemical weapons.

“The ongoing tragedy in Syria is heartbreaking. Our shared goals must be the de-esclatation of military conflict along with a political solution that honours the will of the Syrian people,” he said.

“In this vein, we urge UN peace process be re-invigorated but rest assured the United States will respond if chemical weapons are deployed by the Assad regime,” Trump told the United Nations.


2018-09-27 - Erdogan sees no future for Assad in Syria
Erdogan sees no future for Assad in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Tuesday that he sees no future for his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al-Assad in Syria.

Erdogan, who has called for Assad to step down since 2012, has repeatedly stated that he believes the Syrian government is solely responsible for the destruction of the country and the death of its civilians.

“How could we embrace a future with the president of Syria who killed close to 1 million of his citizens? Once again, I clearly want to say [Assad] is a terrorist who leads state terror. There is no peace in Syria now and won’t be with Assad,” Erdogan said during his visit to Tunisia on December 1st.

In response to Erdogan’s comments, Assad has called the latter a Muslim Brotherhood sympathizer and terrorist.

Currently, Turkey and Syria do not have any diplomatic relations; all of their communications are handled by Iran and Russia.


2018-09-26 - Trump says learned about Syria's Idlib from supporter at recent rally
Trump says learned about Syria's Idlib from supporter at recent rally | Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday he had never heard of the rebel-held Syrian region of Idlib under threat from Syrian government and Russian forces until a supporter brought it up at a recent rally about a month ago.

The United Nations says close to 3 million people live in the area, which also has thousands of Islamist fighters, and warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in the event of an offensive by government-backed forces that has been in the pipeline for several months.

A Russian-Turkish agreement last week staved off a threatened government attack by agreeing on the creation of a demilitarized zone between insurgent and government forces in the northwest.

Speaking at a news conference in New York, Trump took credit for convincing Russia, Iran and Syria to hold off on the attack after he warned them in a Sept. 4 Twitter post that they would be making a “grave humanitarian mistake to take part in this potential human tragedy.”

“Syria’s a mess and I was responsible (for stopping the offensive) and I hope it stays that way,” he said. “When I put out on social media a few weeks ago about Idlib province, I said, ‘Don’t do it’.”

Trump went on to explain that he had just learned about the situation in Idlib after a woman in the crowd at a rally brought it up.

“I was at a meeting with lots of supporters and a woman stood up and she said there is a province in Syria with 3 million people right now. The Iranians, Russians and Syrians are surrounding that province and they are going to kill my sister and kill millions of people in order to get rid of 25,000 or 30,000 terrorists.

“I said that’s not going to happen. I didn’t hear of Idlib province. I came back and picked up the Failing New York Times and opened it up ... not the front page, but there was a very big story and I said wow that’s the same story the woman told me and I found hard to believe and I said how, why would anyone do that?”

Trump said the story had indicated the offensive could start the next day and so he wrote his Twitter post and gave orders to his team, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House national security adviser John Bolton, to “not let it happen.”

“That doesn’t mean they can’t be selective, but don’t kill millions of people, and it stopped. Nobody is going to give me credit but that’s OK because the people know, but I’ve had more Syrians thank me for that. ... This was about four weeks ago I put that out,” Trump said.

Other Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have also claimed that the coordinated public rhetoric calling on Syria and its allies to stop the offensive played a role in convincing them to back down.