More Indications That Russia Is Now Directly Involved In The Syrian Civil War (Updated)

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right), Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem (back to camera) attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 29. Russia’s involvement in Syria is growing very fast, the author writes, and Putin appears to be doubling down on his support for the Assad regime. ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/RIA NOVOSTI/KREMLIN/REUTERS

Washington Post: Russia’s involvement in Syria might be ramping up

Recent open source reports and unverified images of Russian equipment in Syria indicate that the Kremlin may slowly be ramping up its presence in the war-torn country in support of the beleaguered regime of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad.

On Tuesday a Twitter account associated with the Syrian al-Qaeda spin-off group Jabhat Al-Nusra tweeted four images of what appears to be multiple Russian attack aircraft, including possible a SU-34 fighter jet and a Russian drone. Though the images are unverifiable, the account stated that the aircraft were seen over Idlib province—an area that has seen heavy fighting and steady advances by Syrian opposition fighters.

WNU Editor: A few weeks ago I discounted this analysis on why U.S. Patriot missiles were removed from Turkey a few weeks ago .... Why Did the United States Remove Patriots from Turkey? (Nick Ottens, Atlantic Sentinel) .... hmmmm .... I now have to wonder if there is some truth to it. More here .... 'Russian-Iran-Assad Nexus' Appeased by Removing Missiles (Newsmax).

More News On Russian Involvement In Syria's Civil War

Russia sends men and arms to prop up dying Assad regime in Syria -- The Australian/The Times
Russian jets 'spotted above Syria' after ISIS bomb attack on military base -- Daily Star
Russians filmed fighting alongside President Assad's forces -- The Independent
Russian troops 'fighting alongside Assad's army against Syrian rebels' -- The Telegraph
Russian Boots on the Ground in Syria? -- Arutz Sheva
Russia reinvigorates role in war-torn Syria -- Rudaw
"Russia has begun intervention in Syria," says Israeli site -- B92
Will Russia’s stance on Syria ever change? -- Maria Dubovikova, Al Arabiya
Everyone’s missing the really major development of the Syrian conflict -- Jeremy Bender, Business Insider
Why Is Putin Sending Troops to Syria? -- Elliot Abrams, Newsweek
Syria conflict: How far is Russia prepared to bolster Assad? -- Jonathan Marcus, BBC