More than 50 Russian warplanes and helicopters are currently in action in Syria – all lined up and ready at the airfield in western Syria camouflaged by their khaki livery.
Avi Asher-Schapiro, VICE News: Russia Now Has 4,000 People in Syria — And They're Not in a Rush to Fight the Islamic State
The Russian presence in Syria has grown to nearly 4,000 personnel — including military and civilian support staff — a sign that Russian President Vladamir Putin is digging in long-term to prop up the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The latest details of the Russian footprint come from US officials who have been monitoring Russia's moves in Syria since it started conducting bombing raids on behalf of Assad in late September.
Before Putin came to Assad's aide, Russia maintained a smaller force of 2,000 personnel in the country, which is a longtime Russian ally.
"Last month, they launched air operations really fast, and the logistical support was just not there at the time," explained Michael Kofman, a leading Russian expert at the Wilson Center. "So to sustain them, all these people have arrived to support their operations."
WNU Editor: They are preparing for a long term presence.
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