Stratfor releases satellite images of Russian military in Syria

On By AdminIn Russia, STRATFOR

Russian expansion in Syria is taking place quickly.

Satellite images taken by Stratfor and published by Reuters show a build up of tanks, helicopters and other heavy weapons. It is estimated now that there is already 500 troops on the revamped air base.

Sources including Debkafile show that Russian troops are also actively fighting in Syria.

Turkey is becoming a logistical pain for Putin:

The increasing Russian military presence in Syria is not considered to be an invasion but once Russian casualties begin to mount its hard not to imagine Putin getting sucked into the vortex of the Middle East.

What is particularly obvious is that Russia is setting up infrastructure for quick access into the middle east through the development of a Syrian airbase.

However while the airbase is expanding its troop numbers via cargo flights, Russia is not allowed to fly through Turkey or Greece and therefore must take a very uneconomical route through Iran & Iraq.

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Interesting to note that Turkey is a logistical thorn in Putins side at the moment as Russia continues to expand in Syria. Pro US Turkey and Greece won’t allow Russia to use their airspace – wonder how long this will last for. Source: Business Insider.

Furthermore all Russian naval cargo is coming through the Bosphorus which is a channel controlled by Turkey. It was recently reported that Turkey threatened to blockade the Bosporus to Russian ships. Imagine if they tried to do that anytime soon!

New Satellite Images of Russias Forward Air Base in Syria

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Latakia airfield in Syria has been built up to accommodate Russian Forces. Satellite images show a build up over the past two weeks. Source: Reuters / Stratfor
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Russia fortifies the Syrian airfield. Source: Reuters / Stratfor
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A battalion-sized Russian contingent now appears to be located at the base, along with advanced T-90 Tanks, artillery and attack helicopter support. Source: Reuters / Stratfor

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