Russian ground troops and MIGs in Syria.

[T.Lex]

So, more claims of Russia targeting the wrong bad guys in Syria.
Syria conflict: Dozens killed in suspected Russian strikes - BBC News

At least 43 people have been killed in a series of air strikes believed to have been carried out by Russian planes in the Syrian city of Idlib, according to activists and residents.

But then, there is also this, that I'm putting in this thread because I'm not sure where else to put it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/world/middleeast/samir-kuntar-hezbollah-syria-israel.html

A Hezbollah commander whom Israel reluctantly released in 2008 — nearly 30 years after he took part in a notorious terrorist attack — was killed in an airstrike in Syria, Hezbollah and his family said on Sunday.
...
Mr. Kuntar, in his early 50s, died when missiles slammed into a residential building in a crowded neighborhood of Damascus called Jaramana on Saturday night. A man who said he had seen the aftermath of the attack reported that a five-story building had been completely destroyed.

So... no tears for the loss of the dude. But 2 important things of note: the strike was in Damascus and it destroyed the entire building. Both of those things mean (to me) that the US didn't do it. So who did?

The Russians - unlikely. Damascus is the seat of power of their puppet.

The NYT suggests Israel:

Over the course of the Syrian conflict, Israeli warplanes have hit targets inside Syria several times, with most of those strikes said to be against weapons deliveries meant for Hezbollah.
...
They also asked why Russia’s warplanes and antiaircraft guns, deployed in Syria, failed to shoot down the Israeli jets. But Saturday’s attack, according to military analysts, was probably a so-called standoff strike, with four or five rockets fired by Israeli warplanes that did not cross into Syrian airspace.

A stand-off strike would require some long-range GPS munition or laser guided with an assist from someone on the ground lasing the target.

Either way, an Israeli aircraft strike on Damascus would be HUGE. And it would make the airspace even more crowded and deconfliction that much harder. And I find it implausible that it could be done without the Russia's knowledge.

RT is reporting the suggestion of Israeli involvement, but also suggesting "terrorist" mortar attack.
https://www.rt.com/news/326564-damascus-explosion-jaramana-reports/

There are conflicting reports regarding the course of events. Some say that there was an Israeli airstrike on the residential area, while other describe the incident as terrorist mortar shelling.

 

[mrjarrell]

Looks like Israel should prepare themselves. Actions have consequences. Hezbollah has said they will retaliate for the killing. Doesn't help matters in that regional conflict at all.

Hezbollah chief vows to retaliate for Kantar killing

 

[T.Lex]

I'm not convinced it was Israel. At least, I don't see how Israel could've accomplished it without Russia turning a blind eye.

Of course, Hezbollah would blame Israel for the phases of the moon, if it served to inspire people to hatred.

 

[T.Lex]

Syria conflict: Government 'cuts Aleppo rebel supply route' - BBC News

Syrian government forces are reported to have broken a siege of two villages north-west of Aleppo, severing a key rebel supply route into the city.
State TV said troops and allied militiamen, backed by Russian air strikes, had reached Nubul and Zahraa

Looks like Putin continues to gain the upper hand.

 

[T.Lex]

Syria conflict: Nationwide power cut - state media - BBC News

All of Syria is in a "mysterious" blackout - no electricity.

 

[BugI02]

And they prove they learned nothing from Afghanistan and assorted other 'stans' as we prove we didn't learn much in Afghanistan either. Taking the territory is the easy part. Holding the territory is where the bleeding begins in earnest

 

[mrjarrell]

Reports out of Iran saying that the Syrian forces, aided by the Russians, are driving IS out of Palmyra. Nice, if true.

http://en.alalam.ir/news/1796741

 

[mrjarrell]

Putin withdrawing most forces from Syria. Says they have accomplished what they came for. Not sure what they came then. IS is still there in a big way and they don't look to be going anywhere anytime soon. Guess they managed to degrade the rebel forces fighting against Assad quite a bit, though. Putin must not want to get bogged down in a ME war, is my guess.

https://news.vice.com/article/untitled-article-1457978352

 

[T.Lex]

Russia demanding cooperation from US to attack those groups violating Syrian truce.
Syria conflict: Russia warns US over truce violations - BBC News

"In the absence of US reaction to these proposals the Russian Federation will begin unilateral application of the rules provided under the agreement on 22 March," he warned.

 

[2ADMNLOVER]

Putin withdrawing most forces from Syria. Says they have accomplished what they came for. Not sure what they came then. IS is still there in a big way and they don't look to be going anywhere anytime soon. Guess they managed to degrade the rebel forces fighting against Assad quite a bit, though. Putin must not want to get bogged down in a ME war, is my guess.

https://news.vice.com/article/untitled-article-1457978352

He pulls out and the price of a gallon of gas goes up but I'm sure that's just a coincidence .

 

[bbucking]

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend". I agree, Russia is not our biggest problem. Obama hasn't helped relations by restrictions trade with his executive orders. I would like to see mosins and sks coming from Russia again soon. Maybe the next president will rip up that executive order

 

[ArcadiaGP]

North Korean troops in Syria?

Syrian Opposition: North Korean troops in Syria | REAL BTL NEWS

 

[mrjarrell]

Syrian troops, aided by the Russian AF and militias have driven the IS from Palmyra. They're making progress, unlike the American sponsored coalition, who seems to be bogged down.

Syrian army 'recaptures city of Palmyra from ISIL'

 

[T.Lex]

They're making progress, unlike the American sponsored coalition, who seems to be bogged down.

Just riffing on this.

Tangle deepens in Syrian war as U.S.-backed factions clash with each other | U.S. Military | pilotonline.com

In mid-February, a CIA-armed militia called Fursan al Haq, or Knights of Righteousness, was run out of the town of Marea, about 20 miles north of Aleppo, by Pentagon-backed Syrian Democratic Forces moving in from Kurdish-controlled areas to the east.

 

[T.Lex]

Looks like Daesh hit some Russian helos at a base in Syria.

Syria conflict: IS 'destroyed helicopters' at T4 base - BBC News

"An entire combat helicopter unit was wiped out - four helicopters in total - as well as some damage to some of the Syrian planes on the airport, and also very notably a logistic depot, likely one that was being used to supply those specific combat helicopters."
Mr Tack described Amaq's account as "very accurate", and suggested the helicopters and depot were destroyed by IS attacks.

Asymmetric warfare's a сука.

 

[T.Lex]

"Rebels" in Northern Syria shot down a Russian helo.

Syria war: Russian helicopter shot down, killing five on board - BBC News

Not clear which faction(s) will claim responsibility.

 

[T.Lex]

So, same state where the helo was shot down, Idlib, was hit by a chlorine gas attack.

Syrian conflict: Saraqeb 'attacked with chlorine gas' - BBC News

Totally a coincidence, I'm sure.

 

[2ADMNLOVER]

So, same state where the helo was shot down, Idlib, was hit by a chlorine gas attack.

Syrian conflict: Saraqeb 'attacked with chlorine gas' - BBC News

Totally a coincidence, I'm sure.

I wonder what effect this will have on the big eared bastard's calculus?

 

[2ADMNLOVER]

So, same state where the helo was shot down, Idlib, was hit by a chlorine gas attack.

Syrian conflict: Saraqeb 'attacked with chlorine gas' - BBC News

Totally a coincidence, I'm sure.

I wonder what effect this will have on the big eared bastard's calculus?

 

[T.Lex]

I wonder what effect this will have on the big eared bastard's calculus?

I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific for me to know who you're talking about.

(Both times.)