Russia air base south of Latakia is surrounded by fields, structures, and urban areas, making its defense somewhat complex. Google Earth
The Warzone/The Drive: Russia's Air Base In Syria Seems To Be Under Regular Attack Now
The attacks could be troublesome for Moscow's narrative and are likely an indication of how the conflict in Syria will morph in the coming months.
Following a deadly attack on Russia's Khmeimim Air Base in Syria on December 31st, which killed at least two servicemen and damaged or destroyed aircraft based there, it now seems as if the base is coming under attack on a fairly regular basis according to reports.
Days before the deadly New Years Eve attack that we still know little about, on December 27th, another onslaught of artillery occurred. Two of the rockets were supposedly shot down by Pantsir-S1 point air defense systems while at least one other impacted outside the base.
Just hours ago, on January 6th, 2017, reports of another attack on the base began emerging, this one supposedly coming from weaponized drones.
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WNU Editor: One has to wonder why it took this long for the rebels in Syria to finally target this airbase.
7 comments:
"One has to wonder why it took this long for the rebels in Syria to finally target this airbase."
May be they didn't have the good equipment for doing so, or they just didn't have the green light. In any case it means there is a change on a "previous agreement". We have to see what the answer will be.
Wait, where are the guys stating "russia is biggest most badass super power on earth"? :) can't even properly defend a base lol
Probably because US ended its relationship with the anti-Assad forces. Now they are free to do what they want.
It will be good if Putin asks for help.
We can say that we agreed with your request to cut our support. Tough.
rookie mistake. look where they placed their base. that's just begging for it to be attacked...easy target. Russia has much to learn when it comes to fighting insurgencies
Anon,
"rookie mistake... "
Have you seen Al Taqaddum?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Taqaddum_Air_Base
They would get mortared too. It is next to built up area too.
This is in the Old World not that the new one is much better nowadays. That means it is crowded. If you were to build a new runways it would take a long time and you might not find any clear space far enough from a village anyway.
The Russian staff for whatever Russian military unit did their staff work, looked at all the alternatives, and picked the best one.
Rookie mistake to assume the Russians are idiots.
Looking at google maps, I do not see what the Russians could have done differently. It is all built up or they would have to level mountains or hills.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Taqaddum_Air_Base
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmeimim_(air_base)
As no area is out of weapons range or infiltration, easier logistics and lowered cost of building the bases would make sense.
Anon,
I'm not aware of anyone saying Russia is definitely the greatest power on earth. What I have always said is you cannot "know" the ultimate outcome in a war before it actually happens.
While perhaps not the greatest power on earth, they are very tough and not something one would want to tussle with unless absolute neccessary. As retired Col. Ralph Peters admitted the Russians have demonstrated abilities that are beyond the capabilities of the US. Unfortunately the US government has gone out of its way to tussle with these people and for no good reason.
I would also add that once the Russians got heavily involved in Syria and Iranian backed militias likely assisted by their close Russian ally stepped up operations in Iraq ISIS began to rapidly lose territory. I think they are positively correlated. In other words, the Russians and their allies deserve the lions share of the credit for the current demise of Al Qaeda.
Admittedly there may be other factors at work and the analysis may be in error. I would also add that while the Russians have demonstrated superior capabilities to the US in areas such as the Georgian War perhaps the US is superior in other areas. Clearly I believe there is much we can learn from studying Russian military strategy and tactics.
JB,
Very respectfully Putin does not need our help. We probably should be asking him for help. The rebels are going to get crushed. I've pointed this out from the beginning. To "help" the "rebels" is to help ISIS/Al Qaeda. If we've FINALLY withdrawn that help, good it never should have been extended in the first place!!
Aizino,
Agreed. The Russians, like them or not, are not stupid. Finally, NOTHING I've posted here is meant to suggest Putin or Russia are good guys.
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