Russian Warplanes to Syria

Local Editor

Russia delivered new arms including warplanes to Syria as the Syrian army escalated its operations against the terrorists, officials said Tuesday, in a sign that Moscow's growing support for its Damascus is having an effect.

A senior Syrian military official confirmed that Damascus had received a fresh batch of arms, including at least five fighter planes, while a monitoring group said there had been a marked increase in the army's attacks on "ISIL".

The deliveries came amid a rapid Russian military build-up in Syria, with US officials saying Moscow had deployed 28 new combat planes and begun drone flights in the country.

The Syrian military official stated that the new fighter planes had arrived on Friday along with reconnaissance aircraft at a military base in Lattakia province.

The army had also received "sophisticated military equipment to fight ISIL" including targeting equipment and precision-guided missiles, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The new weapons had already been deployed against "ISIL" in the cities of Deir Ezzor and Raqa.

"Russian weapons are starting to have an effect in Syria," the official said.

Another military source in Latakia confirmed that the army had received spy planes and other equipment "that will allow Syrian ground and air forces to accurately identify targets."

On Monday, US officials said Moscow had deployed 28 fighter and bomber aircraft at the airfield, including 12 SU-24 attack aircraft, 12 SU-25 ground attack aircraft and four Flanker fighter jets.

The officials said there were also about 20 Russian combat and transport helicopters at the base and that Moscow was operating drone flights, but did not give additional details.

Experts said it was unlikely the aircraft were only for defensive purposes.

"They are not going to sit around and defend the airfield or maybe even the province of Latakia," said Jeffrey White of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

"This kind of aircraft suggests that the Russians intend to exert their combat power outside of Latakia in an offensive role."

Source: News Agenceis, Edited by website team