Syria Moves Planes to Russian-Heavy Bases, Safeguards Them from US Strikes
Like a young bully racing to seek protection behind a big brother when faced with resistance, Syria has reportedly removed much of what remains of its air force to the major military base in Latakia province that is used by the Russian armed forces.
According to Fox News, virtually all of Syria’s operational fighter and bomber jets and helicopters have been moved to the Russian airbase at Bassel Al-Assad international airport.
The movement reportedly began shortly after the April 6 Tomahawk cruise missile strike on Shayrat airbase — an attack that destroyed roughly two dozen Syrian aircraft — in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack on civilians that killed upwards of 70 innocent people.
The shifting of Syrian aircraft to the heavily fortified and well-defended Russian base, which is ringed by highly advanced anti-aircraft missile batteries, was undoubtedly intended to protect them from U.S. air or missile strikes in the future, as attacks on that Russian-dominated base would likely be considered far too risky to undertake.
Just In: Syria moving military planes to shield from U.S. attack: @rabrowne75 has the report
“The Syrian air force is not in good shape. It’s been worn down by years of combat plus some … significant maintenance problems,” Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon, according to CNN. “The Syrian regime should think long and hard before it again acts so recklessly in violation of international law against the use of chemical weapons.”
Alluding to the possibility of future strikes against Syria if it crosses the line again, Mattis added, “If they use chemical weapons, they are going to pay a very, very stiff price.”
The shifting of the remainder of its air force to the Russian base seems to be an obvious counter to that threat.
One can only hope the move was made purely out of self-preservation, and not in advance of additional chemical weapons attacks that would compel a response from the U.S.
H/T The Right Scoop
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