Syria: The (Russian Air) Cavalry Is Coming
▻http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/09/syria-the-russian-air-cavalry-is-coming-.html
The main support for Syria by Russian air assets will come by keeping away those foreign air forces forces that threaten the Syrian government under disguise of “fighting terror”. With Russian fighters in Syrian skies #Israel will no longer be able to use its air force in support of #Jabhat_al-Nusra (and for its oil stealing endeavors in the Syrian Golan heights).
The U.S., Britain, #France and others announced to enter Syrian skies to “fight the terror” of the Islamic State. Russia will use just the same claim to justify its presence and its air operations flying from Latakia. Simply by being there it will make sure that others will not be able to use their capabilities for more nefarious means. Additional intelligence from Russian air assets will also be helpful for Syrian ground operations.
The Russian air capabilities will be supplemented with air defense cover from Russian naval assets on the Syrian coast. Russia announced several air defense drills with live missile launches off the Syrian coast near Tartus. New land based air defense assets are said to be on their way. I would not be surprised to see, over time, some Chinese naval assets joining the Russian presence.
Secretary of State Kerry whined to Russia that its intervention in Syria might intervene with the U.S. intervention in Syria. Well, yes sir, that is the sole purpose:
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