Russia 'Beefs-Up' Its MIlitary Presence In Syria

Russian ground staff members load a Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet with weapons at the Hmeymim air base near Latakia, Syria, in this handout photograph released by Russia's Defence Ministry October 22, 2015. Reuters/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation/Handout via Reuters

Reuters: Russia's Syria force grows to 4,000, U.S. officials say

Moscow's military force in Syria has grown to about 4,000 personnel, but this and more than a month of Russian air strikes have not led to pro-government forces making significant territorial gains, U.S. security officials and independent experts said.

Moscow, which has maintained a military presence in Syria for decades as an ally of the ruling Assad family, had an estimated 2,000 personnel in the country when it began air strikes on Sept. 30. The Russian force has since roughly doubled and the number of bases it is using has grown, U.S. security officials said.

The Russians have suffered combat casualties, including deaths, said three U.S. security officials familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting, adding that they did not know the exact numbers.

More News On Russia's Military Campaign In Syria

Russia: Working With US, Rebels in Syria Air Campaign -- AFP
Moscow claims it has won allies among Syria rebels -- Financial Times
Who is Syria’s legitimate opposition? Russia demands clarity ahead of next crisis talks -- Euronews
Moscow calls for agreement on Syria opposition groups -- DW
Jets believed to be Russian bomb areas under local ceasefire: Syrian monitor -- Reuters
U.S. Says Russia Deploys Heavy Artillery In Syrian Battles -- Radio Free Europe
At least 120,000 displaced in Syria since Russia strikes began: US -- AFP
US accuses Moscow of 'dangerously' worsening Syria war -- AFP
85-90 percent of Russian strikes hit moderate Syria rebels: U.S. -- Reuters
Top US diplomats say most Russian strikes hit Syrian rebels, civilians -- AP
Russia says Lavrov, Kerry hold phone call on Syria crisis -- Reuters