Russian military intervention and aid to Syria #9

SAA soldier recieved medal for his performance in Palmyra operations:

It's going to be hard to spot the Hobo Squad in the field now...Jokes aside, the uniforms look impressive and composed.

April 22, Israeli media reported that Russian air defense systems deployed in the area of ​​the air base "Hmeymim" at least once fired at Israeli planes operating in Syrian airspace in the area of ​​the Mediterranean coast. According to published information, the Israeli Air Force did not threaten, as an anti-aircraft missile, allegedly, was already released after the aircraft left the area and went back.

According to the newspaper "Yediot Ahronot", this particular incident has actually served as one of the main topics at the talks the head of the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu with President Vladimir Putin, on the eve of April 21.

Note that before the trip, Netanyahu to Moscow "second channel" ITV reported another similar incident - in Syria fighter F-16, the Israeli Air Force almost collided with the aircraft Su-27 FSI Russian who became close with him on a dangerous distance to identify the nationality. As noted by the press, the tragedy has been avoided in particular due to the "hot line" established by the General Staff of Israel and Russia for this purpose. The media also reported that for the same reason, about a month ago in the capital of the Russian Federation visited Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

But the president's press secretary Dmitry Peskov denied this information, calling "far from reality, Israeli media reported." Responding to a question about how it was dedicated to the topics recent meeting between Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, Peskov said that the main topics were the situation in Syria and the whole Middle East, as well as economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

However, some indirect evidence suggests that the president's press secretary at this time, the whole truth, for whatever reason, did not say. In any case, Netanyahu himself, anticipating the major part of the negotiation process with Putin, said in front of journalists that "came here with the primary objective - to strengthen coordination between our security, to prevent all sorts of mistakes, misunderstandings and incidents."

In addition, on the same day in Moscow held unscheduled talks Russian and Israeli aircraft generals. What the military said - it is unknown.


And, as stated by the "Gazete.ru" Minister for Immigration and Absorption, Minister of Jerusalem (was a member of the Israeli delegation and acted as a translator at the meeting, Netanyahu) Zeev Elkin, the main themes were the Golan Heights, whose status is disputed by Israel and Syria, as well as the supply of weapons "to Hezbollah," which Jerusalem considers a threat to its security.

In short, Putin talk with Netanyahu, it seems to have been about. For example, on this topic: the bombing by Israel of the Lebanese position "Hezbollah" in Syria for a long time causes a lot of questions. Including - in Moscow.

Firstly, there is evidence that fall under the fire and the troops of Bashar Assad, and the Iranians. So, in January of 2015 as a result of the Israeli Air Force attack in Syria he was killed General of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Aliullov DAAD.

Secondly, one thing that strikes before the aircraft Aerospace Forces SAR and our deployed air defense systems. It's quite another - after the bombing of Russian intervention in the conflict in late September 2015. After all, with the support of our aviation government forces went on the offensive, namely fighters "Hezbollah", the experts recognized that the Iranians even surpass the level of training, which in its time and created this Lebanese movement. Detachments "Hezbollah" throw in the most difficult areas - they are fighting in the north of Aleppo, were striking force during the assault of Palmyra.

According to reports from the public for the first time after the appearance of Russian troops in Syria, Israel hit "Hezbollah" and government forces in late October last year. Then, already on November 11 Syrian and Lebanese media reported that the Israeli Air Force launched a series of strikes on targets near Damascus airport. Then, presumably, the Iranian weapons have been destroyed, for the "Hezbollah".

November 23 Israelis had suffered an air attack on a mixed garrison of "Hezbollah" and the regular army of Syria near the village of Ras al-Mara.

On December 20, the Israeli Air Force air strike on one of the districts of Damascus killed one of the leaders of "Hezbollah" Samir Kantar.

A February 9, 2016 the Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out a night raid on the positions occupied by detachments of the Shiite movement in the area of ​​the Syrian village of Qatif on the road to Damascus-Homs ...

There is a number of other series of questions. Are incidents reported by the media, the Israeli prime minister was forced to put an unscheduled visit to Moscow? After all, it is relatively recently (in September) came to Russia in the company of his chief of staff, military intelligence commander and head of the National Security Council to discuss the coordination of actions in the Syrian sky. And what are the possible agreement between Putin and Netanyahu on the Golan Heights and the bombing of "Hezbollah"?

For comments, revision addressed to the former head of one of the Israeli secret service, known military expert Yakov Kedmi. Here is what he said:

- First, that the concerns of the two episodes, read about the Israeli media. According to my information, in the first case, our (Israel's) aircraft flew along the coast of the Syrian Arab Republic, but outside its airspace. Russian fighter approached him, circled, then left in the direction of its base.

In the second case, probably a Russian air defense system radars have identified our aircraft C-400 as a possible target. And when irradiated air defense radar aircraft the pilot is the exposure is fixed. Another thing that can be such exposure, when it carried out the missile guidance - in this case, the pilot also receives relevant information from the devices. But I think it was not. Neither of which the rocket launch and the question.

The fact that Israeli planes define a goal, there is nothing surprising S-400 and S-300 analog of ship-based cruiser "Varyag". Locators C-400 is irradiated at all our aircraft as they take off from airfields only. This happens automatically - so arranged locators. After air strikes last minute, so the system reacts instantly.

Since Netanyahu acknowledged that several dozen times we bombed weapons caches "Hezbollah" in Syria, the weapons which were intended for deployment to Lebanon, it is quite clear that our planes in the Syrian airspace find often. But given the speed of the aircraft and the saturation of air defense systems, it is natural that the leadership of both countries are trying to find ways to prevent any tragic incidents. That there were no attempts to threaten the Russian Federation and that videoconferencing from our attacks, "Hezbollah" accidentally injured Russian soldiers. This is necessary since there are errors each army.

- To this day the media reported that the Israeli Air Force bombed the positions of "Hezbollah" only from their territory, are not included in the Syrian airspace. Just deal with long range precision strikes guided missiles.

- This is not true. To ensure destruction of objects "Hezbollah" our planes fly into Syrian airspace. And, quite calmly. Just do it and Israeli drones.

- If Israel and Russia can agree, then where is the guarantee that this will not be the Israeli Air Force attacked the Syrian air defenses, and then do not write off the incident at the Russian military? After all, Assad, to our knowledge, there are no guarantees to Tel Aviv did not give and can not give them. If only because of the problem of the Golan Heights.

- All Syrian system are well known. And with the same SAM "Buk" we can handle. But the fact that the Syrians do not even try to resist our Air Force, because they know that in this case, as soon as all the pilots cycled against air defense battery would be destroyed. Moreover, Russia is trying to deter the Syrians, although they are actually other concerns. But we're not trying to attack the positions of the troops Assad - we are interested in only the "Hezbollah". And those kinds of weapons, which it is trying to smuggle into Lebanon via Syria.

The former head of air defense troops of the Russian Air Force, Lieutenant General reserve Alexander Gorkov convinced that if the fire exposure by Israeli planes in Syria was indeed, for any direction of the target movement - forward air defenses or to remove - this aircraft would be either shot down, or have been damaged.

- If the aircraft is identified as the enemy, and he is in the zone of influence, the missile launch could take place. However, the launch of an anti-aircraft missiles happens anyhow - Automatic calculates the trajectory of air targets for its assured destruction. So I can hardly believe that the launch of missiles at an Israeli aircraft was actually carried out.

As for the episode dangerous approach of the Israeli F-16 and a pair of Russian Su-27SM3, I fully admit that this really could be. But it testifies to the problems in the interaction as defense issues must be honed and there should be no doubt - who owns a particular plane - Israel or, for example, the Jordanian Air Force?

Again, with good coordination difficulties in the identification can not be, because the parties inform each other about the corridor in which the altitude and in what period of time will act whether the four planes or a single fighter.

Senior analyst at the Center for the study of the crisis of society, the expert INF and the Middle East Institute Sergey Balmasov believes it is unlikely that the Israeli prime minister would constantly traveled to Russia, if minor incidents discussed in the SAR sky or even the situation in the Golan. Perhaps there are still topics that the media prefer is not to say, including economic.

- In fact, this is not the prime minister level. At the first meeting the emphasis could be placed, however, all these issues can be easily solved and secret channels of communication security services. Judge for yourself.

Nothing serious happens around the Golan Heights. Yes, Bashar al-Assad regime in fact is with Israel in a state of war. Therefore, the Syrians are constantly trying to translate jihadist activity against Israel. Hence the constant declarations of the Syrian authorities - the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs - that we will certainly return the Golan Heights, etc. But the militants to it are not conducted...

With regard to the incidents in the air, if it really worked on the aircraft Russian S-400, then most likely, the rocket would have caught up with the target and on Israeli territory. And that means our defense is irradiated and accompany Israeli aircraft - this is a common practice. It is clear that the Israeli air defense system doing the same thing with our machines.

Yes, there is the fact of activity of Israeli air that strikes the traffic of weapons, "Hezbollah" in Lebanon. But, in fact, that the regional problems, infighting players that Russia should not touch.

- Yes, but Lebanese troops the bet in the planning of various operations in different parts of the Syrian front. A striking at "Hezbollah," Israel, in fact, prevents to conduct operations against the opposition.

- Yes, Israel most beneficial to their opponents - the Sunnis and Shiites - at war with each other. Watching this action, we can, so to speak, to enjoy the spectacle, occasionally podbavlyaya lights - enhance one or the other side. For example, if the Sunnis from "Al-Nusra" * the problem, you can treat them in hospitals on its territory ...

Another thing is that with the beginning of the Syrian conflict has increased the amount of supplies from Iran, carried out by air transport. And not only supplied weapons for the army CAP, but also missiles "ground-ground" short-range arsenal that the "Hezbollah" has increased by five times compared to 2006. Iranians being moved rockets and longer-range under the guise of assistance to the Syrians. And from Israel would be foolish to just watch as their sworn enemy arms.

Solncepek wrote:April 22, Israeli media reported that Russian air defense systems deployed in the area of ​​the air base "Hmeymim" at least once fired at Israeli planes operating in Syrian airspace in the area of ​​the Mediterranean coast. According to published information, the Israeli Air Force did not threaten, as an anti-aircraft missile, allegedly, was already released after the aircraft left the area and went back.

According to the newspaper "Yediot Ahronot", this particular incident has actually served as one of the main topics at the talks the head of the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu with President Vladimir Putin, on the eve of April 21.

......................................................................

Another thing is that with the beginning of the Syrian conflict has increased the amount of supplies from Iran, carried out by air transport. And not only supplied weapons for the army CAP, but also missiles "ground-ground" short-range arsenal that the "Hezbollah" has increased by five times compared to 2006. Iranians being moved rockets and longer-range under the guise of assistance to the Syrians. And from Israel would be foolish to just watch as their sworn enemy arms.

Link so we know the possible spin?

Apart from the strategic bomber escort duty back in November, I didn't think there were any Su-27SM3 in Syria. So a fairly basic error in the article like that must cast doubt on the rest.

yes... funny thing about the Russians trying to get a ceasefire agreement in place is that if they don't honour it then no one will.

Do you understand?

Only a fuckwit would try to get all the parties together for a cease fire and then continue to bomb and fight during that ceasefire.

And from Israel would be foolish to just watch as their sworn enemy arms.

Well they would be foolish if they think they can solve their problems with the natives with air power or bombing... but lets not let common sense get in the way of genocide.

Russian special forces in Syria



"Polite people" with "kot a ne kit" patch now in Arabic

According to Iranian Mashreghnews, Russia has delivered FARA-1 ground radar to the Syrian army. The article is in Farsi, but quick Google translate should do the trick.

Moscow continued cooperation of the military with Damascus that five years ago, involved in the fight against terrorist groups تكفیری in this country. system, radar پركاربرد in infantry units delivered that, so far only at the disposal of the units of the Russian army.
To report something. the Russian newspaper 'Russkaya' wrote: system, radar "FARA-1" be installed on the arms forces of infantry, in any weather conditions, positions, and forces the enemy to track, and they forces without that risk their fire against the target. operation identification and شلیك with consumer confidence very high.

This system of radars to be identified كیلومتری human and four كیلومتری armored like tanks, so far only at the disposal of the Russian army.

Russia in the framework of the implementation of the conventions in the military with Syria in addition to operations, bombing and موشكباران units force Aerospace in this country that cause the ground engaging terrorist groups, particularly isil. shipments of arms at the disposal of militants, the Syrian laid.

The FARA-1 is all-weather automatic surveillance radar to detect moving targets (personnel and vehicles) against background of earth and water surfaces.
It is intended to:
monitor terrain areas and detect moving objects at a range of up to 4 km, acquire polar coordinates of the detected objects, lay the NNP-23 Night Vision Optical Device, as well as various automatic weapons (7.62 mm PKMSN Machine Gun, 12.7 mm NSVS Machine Gun and AGS-17 Grenade Launcher, etc.) on the target in poor optical visibility;
guard territories in automatic mode and generate light and sound warning signals upon detecting an intruder. The warning signal can be transmitted to the Control Post via radio channel.
The radar provides acquisition, tracking of the selected target, its type identification by the operator using head-phones. Operational modes and algorithms can be customized in accordance with the real situation.
Low weight of the FARA-1 Radar makes it particularly attractive for ground forces, rapid deployment and law enforcement units. The radar can be installed on a tripod, a tree, a building roof, a watch towers, or it can be carried on a strap. It can also be mounted on ground vehicles.

^^ confirmed here:

http://pikabu.ru/story/armiya_sirii_poluchila_vsevidyashchie_rossiyskie_quotfaryiquot_4152869

PapaDragon wrote:Ratnik kit and Adidas sneakers, these SAA guys are really taking this whole Russia thing to heart. Only thing that is missing is track suit...

the Gopnik starter kit - Adida's track suite, and adida's sneakers

Solncepek wrote:April 22, Israeli media reported that Russian air defense systems deployed in the area of ​​the air base "Hmeymim" at least once fired at Israeli planes operating in Syrian airspace in the area of ​​the Mediterranean coast. According to published information, the Israeli Air Force did not threaten, as an anti-aircraft missile, allegedly, was already released after the aircraft left the area and went back.

According to the newspaper "Yediot Ahronot", this particular incident has actually served as one of the main topics at the talks the head of the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu with President Vladimir Putin, on the eve of April 21.

Note that before the trip, Netanyahu to Moscow "second channel" ITV reported another similar incident - in Syria fighter F-16, the Israeli Air Force almost collided with the aircraft Su-27 FSI Russian who became close with him on a dangerous distance to identify the nationality. As noted by the press, the tragedy has been avoided in particular due to the "hot line" established by the General Staff of Israel and Russia for this purpose. The media also reported that for the same reason, about a month ago in the capital of the Russian Federation visited Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

But the president's press secretary Dmitry Peskov denied this information, calling "far from reality, Israeli media reported." Responding to a question about how it was dedicated to the topics recent meeting between Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, Peskov said that the main topics were the situation in Syria and the whole Middle East, as well as economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

However, some indirect evidence suggests that the president's press secretary at this time, the whole truth, for whatever reason, did not say. In any case, Netanyahu himself, anticipating the major part of the negotiation process with Putin, said in front of journalists that "came here with the primary objective - to strengthen coordination between our security, to prevent all sorts of mistakes, misunderstandings and incidents."

In addition, on the same day in Moscow held unscheduled talks Russian and Israeli aircraft generals. What the military said - it is unknown.


And, as stated by the "Gazete.ru" Minister for Immigration and Absorption, Minister of Jerusalem (was a member of the Israeli delegation and acted as a translator at the meeting, Netanyahu) Zeev Elkin, the main themes were the Golan Heights, whose status is disputed by Israel and Syria, as well as the supply of weapons "to Hezbollah," which Jerusalem considers a threat to its security.

In short, Putin talk with Netanyahu, it seems to have been about. For example, on this topic: the bombing by Israel of the Lebanese position "Hezbollah" in Syria for a long time causes a lot of questions. Including - in Moscow.

Firstly, there is evidence that fall under the fire and the troops of Bashar Assad, and the Iranians. So, in January of 2015 as a result of the Israeli Air Force attack in Syria he was killed General of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Aliullov DAAD.

Secondly, one thing that strikes before the aircraft Aerospace Forces SAR and our deployed air defense systems. It's quite another - after the bombing of Russian intervention in the conflict in late September 2015. After all, with the support of our aviation government forces went on the offensive, namely fighters "Hezbollah", the experts recognized that the Iranians even surpass the level of training, which in its time and created this Lebanese movement. Detachments "Hezbollah" throw in the most difficult areas - they are fighting in the north of Aleppo, were striking force during the assault of Palmyra.

According to reports from the public for the first time after the appearance of Russian troops in Syria, Israel hit "Hezbollah" and government forces in late October last year. Then, already on November 11 Syrian and Lebanese media reported that the Israeli Air Force launched a series of strikes on targets near Damascus airport. Then, presumably, the Iranian weapons have been destroyed, for the "Hezbollah".

November 23 Israelis had suffered an air attack on a mixed garrison of "Hezbollah" and the regular army of Syria near the village of Ras al-Mara.

On December 20, the Israeli Air Force air strike on one of the districts of Damascus killed one of the leaders of "Hezbollah" Samir Kantar.

A February 9, 2016 the Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out a night raid on the positions occupied by detachments of the Shiite movement in the area of ​​the Syrian village of Qatif on the road to Damascus-Homs ...

There is a number of other series of questions. Are incidents reported by the media, the Israeli prime minister was forced to put an unscheduled visit to Moscow? After all, it is relatively recently (in September) came to Russia in the company of his chief of staff, military intelligence commander and head of the National Security Council to discuss the coordination of actions in the Syrian sky. And what are the possible agreement between Putin and Netanyahu on the Golan Heights and the bombing of "Hezbollah"?

For comments, revision addressed to the former head of one of the Israeli secret service, known military expert Yakov Kedmi. Here is what he said:

- First, that the concerns of the two episodes, read about the Israeli media. According to my information, in the first case, our (Israel's) aircraft flew along the coast of the Syrian Arab Republic, but outside its airspace. Russian fighter approached him, circled, then left in the direction of its base.

In the second case, probably a Russian air defense system radars have identified our aircraft C-400 as a possible target. And when irradiated air defense radar aircraft the pilot is the exposure is fixed. Another thing that can be such exposure, when it carried out the missile guidance - in this case, the pilot also receives relevant information from the devices. But I think it was not. Neither of which the rocket launch and the question.

The fact that Israeli planes define a goal, there is nothing surprising S-400 and S-300 analog of ship-based cruiser "Varyag". Locators C-400 is irradiated at all our aircraft as they take off from airfields only. This happens automatically - so arranged locators. After air strikes last minute, so the system reacts instantly.

Since Netanyahu acknowledged that several dozen times we bombed weapons caches "Hezbollah" in Syria, the weapons which were intended for deployment to Lebanon, it is quite clear that our planes in the Syrian airspace find often. But given the speed of the aircraft and the saturation of air defense systems, it is natural that the leadership of both countries are trying to find ways to prevent any tragic incidents. That there were no attempts to threaten the Russian Federation and that videoconferencing from our attacks, "Hezbollah" accidentally injured Russian soldiers. This is necessary since there are errors each army.

- To this day the media reported that the Israeli Air Force bombed the positions of "Hezbollah" only from their territory, are not included in the Syrian airspace. Just deal with long range precision strikes guided missiles.

- This is not true. To ensure destruction of objects "Hezbollah" our planes fly into Syrian airspace. And, quite calmly. Just do it and Israeli drones.

- If Israel and Russia can agree, then where is the guarantee that this will not be the Israeli Air Force attacked the Syrian air defenses, and then do not write off the incident at the Russian military? After all, Assad, to our knowledge, there are no guarantees to Tel Aviv did not give and can not give them. If only because of the problem of the Golan Heights.

- All Syrian system are well known. And with the same SAM "Buk" we can handle. But the fact that the Syrians do not even try to resist our Air Force, because they know that in this case, as soon as all the pilots cycled against air defense battery would be destroyed. Moreover, Russia is trying to deter the Syrians, although they are actually other concerns. But we're not trying to attack the positions of the troops Assad - we are interested in only the "Hezbollah". And those kinds of weapons, which it is trying to smuggle into Lebanon via Syria.

The former head of air defense troops of the Russian Air Force, Lieutenant General reserve Alexander Gorkov convinced that if the fire exposure by Israeli planes in Syria was indeed, for any direction of the target movement - forward air defenses or to remove - this aircraft would be either shot down, or have been damaged.

- If the aircraft is identified as the enemy, and he is in the zone of influence, the missile launch could take place. However, the launch of an anti-aircraft missiles happens anyhow - Automatic calculates the trajectory of air targets for its assured destruction. So I can hardly believe that the launch of missiles at an Israeli aircraft was actually carried out.

As for the episode dangerous approach of the Israeli F-16 and a pair of Russian Su-27SM3, I fully admit that this really could be. But it testifies to the problems in the interaction as defense issues must be honed and there should be no doubt - who owns a particular plane - Israel or, for example, the Jordanian Air Force?

Again, with good coordination difficulties in the identification can not be, because the parties inform each other about the corridor in which the altitude and in what period of time will act whether the four planes or a single fighter.

Senior analyst at the Center for the study of the crisis of society, the expert INF and the Middle East Institute Sergey Balmasov believes it is unlikely that the Israeli prime minister would constantly traveled to Russia, if minor incidents discussed in the SAR sky or even the situation in the Golan. Perhaps there are still topics that the media prefer is not to say, including economic.

- In fact, this is not the prime minister level. At the first meeting the emphasis could be placed, however, all these issues can be easily solved and secret channels of communication security services. Judge for yourself.

Nothing serious happens around the Golan Heights. Yes, Bashar al-Assad regime in fact is with Israel in a state of war. Therefore, the Syrians are constantly trying to translate jihadist activity against Israel. Hence the constant declarations of the Syrian authorities - the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs - that we will certainly return the Golan Heights, etc. But the militants to it are not conducted...

With regard to the incidents in the air, if it really worked on the aircraft Russian S-400, then most likely, the rocket would have caught up with the target and on Israeli territory. And that means our defense is irradiated and accompany Israeli aircraft - this is a common practice. It is clear that the Israeli air defense system doing the same thing with our machines.

Yes, there is the fact of activity of Israeli air that strikes the traffic of weapons, "Hezbollah" in Lebanon. But, in fact, that the regional problems, infighting players that Russia should not touch.

- Yes, but Lebanese troops the bet in the planning of various operations in different parts of the Syrian front. A striking at "Hezbollah," Israel, in fact, prevents to conduct operations against the opposition.

- Yes, Israel most beneficial to their opponents - the Sunnis and Shiites - at war with each other. Watching this action, we can, so to speak, to enjoy the spectacle, occasionally podbavlyaya lights - enhance one or the other side. For example, if the Sunnis from "Al-Nusra" * the problem, you can treat them in hospitals on its territory ...

Another thing is that with the beginning of the Syrian conflict has increased the amount of supplies from Iran, carried out by air transport. And not only supplied weapons for the army CAP, but also missiles "ground-ground" short-range arsenal that the "Hezbollah" has increased by five times compared to 2006. Iranians being moved rockets and longer-range under the guise of assistance to the Syrians. And from Israel would be foolish to just watch as their sworn enemy arms.

Both Netanyahu and Russian gov denies the claims.

Russian, Syrian air forces intensify airstrikes near Turkish border

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-syrian-air-forces-step-assault-northern-latakia/

The Syrian and Russian air forces are launching a barrage of airstrikes over the Latakia Governorate this morning that are targeting the extremist rebels of Jabhat Al-Nusra (Syrian Al-Qaeda group) and Jaysh Al-Turkmen near the Turkish border-crossing into the Hatay Province. According to a military source in rural Latakia, the Syrian and Russian air forces have already carried out more than 40 airstrikes over Jabal Al-Turkmen and Jabal Al-Akrad, killing several combatants from Jabhat Al-Nusra and Jaysh Al-Turkmen in the process of the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) ground advance. The primary target for the Syrian and Russian air forces was the stretch of land in Jabal Al-Turkmen that borders Turkey to the south. This stretch of land has been used by the Jihadist rebels to form several military installations that are disguised as “refugee camps”; these sites have proven to be opposition camps that are used to train and house fighters. In addition to their airstrikes over Jabal Al-Turkmen, the Syrian and Russian air forces also carried out a number of attacks at the town of Kabani in order to help the Syrian Arab Army’s infantry units that are attempting to capture the area.

Great pictures of the Syrian Express stalwart 150 Saratov southbound fully loaded with trucks 10 days ago. These don't look like trucks we have seen much of in Syria so far. Bear in mind that what we can see is only the upper deck, given she is low in the water there is probably some heavier gear down below. When Minsk went south a couple of days later she was really heavily loaded.

Visc wrote:According to Iranian Mashreghnews, Russia has delivered FARA-1 ground radar to the Syrian army. The article is in Farsi, but quick Google translate should do the trick.

Moscow continued cooperation of the military with Damascus that five years ago, involved in the fight against terrorist groups تكفیری in this country. system, radar پركاربرد in infantry units delivered that, so far only at the disposal of the units of the Russian army.
To report something. the Russian newspaper 'Russkaya' wrote: system, radar "FARA-1" be installed on the arms forces of infantry, in any weather conditions, positions, and forces the enemy to track, and they forces without that risk their fire against the target. operation identification and شلیك with consumer confidence very high.

This system of radars to be identified كیلومتری human and four كیلومتری armored like tanks, so far only at the disposal of the Russian army.

Russia in the framework of the implementation of the conventions in the military with Syria in addition to operations, bombing and موشكباران units force Aerospace in this country that cause the ground engaging terrorist groups, particularly isil. shipments of arms at the disposal of militants, the Syrian laid.

The FARA-1 is all-weather automatic surveillance radar to detect moving targets (personnel and vehicles) against background of earth and water surfaces.
It is intended to:
monitor terrain areas and detect moving objects at a range of up to 4 km, acquire polar coordinates of the detected objects, lay the NNP-23 Night Vision Optical Device, as well as various automatic weapons (7.62 mm PKMSN Machine Gun, 12.7 mm NSVS Machine Gun and AGS-17 Grenade Launcher, etc.) on the target in poor optical visibility;
guard territories in automatic mode and generate light and sound warning signals upon detecting an intruder. The warning signal can be transmitted to the Control Post via radio channel.
The radar provides acquisition, tracking of the selected target, its type identification by the operator using head-phones. Operational modes and algorithms can be customized in accordance with the real situation.
Low weight of the FARA-1 Radar makes it particularly attractive for ground forces, rapid deployment and law enforcement units. The radar can be installed on a tripod, a tree, a building roof, a watch towers, or it can be carried on a strap. It can also be mounted on ground vehicles.

FARA-1 would foil terrorist offensives.

This one is for KoTeMoRe to dissect:

Plum 74 chopped up with a FabDefense (I think) stock, A Tac Vector dust cover (Chine copy of Texas device) and JGBM M8 optic (chinese)...

Edit: It's probably not a Mako group/Fab defense stock but possibly any other MOE copy with a Rifle Dynamics adaptor on it. There's no bulge on the Fab defense.

From Peto, with map from 3 weeks ago compared to now. EDIT : Post amended

Start of April



Now

Fair article in BI Aus. More at link. My highlight

The spokesman for the US military operation against the Islamic State made a comment in a Wednesday press briefing in Baghdad that helps justify Russia’s continued attacks on Syria’s largest city in the midst of a truce.

US Army Col. Steve Warren, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, was asked whether Russian airstrikes on Aleppo, the current epicentre of the war, meant that Moscow was preparing to end the cessation of hostilities (CoH) agreement between government forces and the opposition signed on February 29. Warren responded that it was “complicated” because Nusra “holds Aleppo” and is not party to the agreement. “I’m not going to predict what their intentions are,” Warren said of Russia. “What I do know is that we have seen, you know, regime forces with some Russian support as well begin to mass and concentrate combat power around Aleppo. … That said, it’s primarily al-Nusra who holds Aleppo, and of course, al-Nusra is not part of the cessation of hostilities. So it’s complicated.”

As Middle East analyst Kyle Orton noted on Twitter, Warren came “pretty close” to saying the coalition supports Russia’s airstrikes in the city. Those strikes, however, are aimed at degrading any and all opposition to Bashar al-Assad — the embattled president of Syria who the Obama administration has repeatedly insisted “has to go.”

Warren, moreover, was effectively echoing Russia’s own military spokesman, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi. He said earlier this month that 8,000 Nusra militants were amassing around Aleppo and preparing to cut off the city’s main road to Syria’s capital, Damascus.

Emile Hokayem, an expert on Syria and Middle East analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, seemed surprise by Warren’s comments. “Does the US military really believe that Nusra ‘holds Aleppo’?” Hokayem tweeted on Friday. “Did Warren misspeak?”

While Nusra has indeed been building up its presence in Aleppo since February, the city is also occupied by civilians and armed opposition groups associated with the US-backed Free Syrian Army that agreed to abide by the fragile agreement.

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/defense-department-nusra-aleppo-putin-assad-2016-4

Its getting back to normal @ Khmeimim airbase, hope for good times ahead...  

Ivan Sidorenko ‏@IvanSidorenko1  32 minutes ago
#Syria #Aleppo #WesternAleppo Humeymim airbase activity was like Pre Truce #RuAF #Russian AirForce This Morning.
https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/724296698537848833

Good chart of the Yauza's journey towards home at the link. The crew will be very very happy soon.

The current status of known transport vessels ferrying between Russia and Syria:

"Dvinitsa-50" -- operational
"Kazan-60" -- non-operational; to undergo repairs - possibly until this fall - following a machinery room fire in late March
"Kyzyl-60" -- non-operational
"Vologda-50" -- operational
"Aleksandr Tkachenko" -- non-operational; after conducting roundtrip missions in February and March, vessel pulled into Feodosiya in mid-March where it probably remains today
"Yauza" -- returning to Murmansk

http://7fbtk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/follow-up-2-drafting-commercial-ships.html

pretty impressive but not sure which bombs caused the explosions but i am sure some hit fuel tankers/fuel depots.

The war in Syria Mega Blasts & Biggest Explosions compilation