Wednesday, August 17, 2016

U.S. And Israel Were Given Advance Knowledge That Russian Bombers Were Being Deployed To An Iranian Airbase

Russian planes will fly out of Hamedan air base, in Iran.

Jerusalem Post: Israel, US had advance knowledge of Russian bombers on Iranian soil

Russia not only has no intention of ending its involvement in Syria, but it actually has a larger strategy: to increase its presence in the Middle East.

Although Israeli and American intelligence communities knew in advance that Iran agreed to host Russian bombers on its soil, the two countries are puzzled by the development but understand its strategic importance – not only to the Middle East, but globally.

The presence of Russia’s strategic bombers and strike fighters on an air base in western Iran is the result of secret cooperation by two countries aimed at boosting their military cooperation. This marks the first time the Russian air force has attacked targets inside Syria from a third country since it deployed its forces in Syria in support of Bashar Assad’s regime.

Read more ....

Update: Russia Gave US Short Notice of Syria Bombing Run from Iran (Military.com)

WNU Editor: I am sure that both the U.S. and Israel are watching very closely what the Russians are doing in the Middle East .... so this deployment and Russian need to keep everyone in the loop on what is happening was not a surprise. On top of that .... the U.S. coalition and the Iraqis had to be informed because these bombers need to cross Iraqi airspace in order to get to Syria .... US Coalition Clears Russian Warplanes' Path Through Iraq (VOA) .... so the Russian request is not a surprise. I am just curious to know what would have happened if the U.S. had said no and/or made some conditional demands, and what objections did the Israelis raise (which I am sure they did) .... and how were they mollified.

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