Russian deployment in Syria


 * ''See also Talk:Russian fleet in the Mediterranean

In September 2015 Russia deployed a large contingent or air and land forces to Syria. On September 30 Russia launched airstrikes on ISIS, al-Nusra Front and other rebel groups, including ones created and supported by the US. The move came as a surprise to US officials, despite the evidence collected here and despite president Putin's speech at the US General Assembly on September 26.

As of October 2, 2015 the Russian strike force consists of over 50 aircraft, including twelve Su-24s, twelve Su-25s, four Su-30s, six Su-34s and a number of helicopters. Initial claims of the presence of six MiG-31s have not been confirmed. [[File:Russian jets on Latakia runway.jpg|thumb|600px|Russian jets parked on the runway of Latakia International Airport on September 21, 2015

- 4 x Su-30

- 12 x Su-25

- 12 x Su-24]]

Background

 * WORLD VIEW: WITH SYRIA’S ARMY NEARING COLLAPSE, IRAN PLANS MASSIVE TROOP DEPLOYMENT - JOHN J. XENAKIS, 5 Jun 2015
 * ''As we have been reporting since April, the army of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad has been increasingly showing signs of collapse, losing one major city after another either to the Islamic State (IS or ISIS or ISIL or Daesh) or to the al-Qaeda linked Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Nusra Front). The collapse has become so serious that even Russia is considering ending support for al-Assad.
 * The Russian-Iranian-Syrian mutual defense treaty the Western media forgot about - Timothy Whiteman, via The Examiner, September 13, 2015
 * 12.11.2015. IS issued a video threatening Russia.

Observations

 * From the Ukraine to Syria, Russian Orlan-10 and Eleron-3SV drones in Syria's skies - Oryx Blog, 21 July 2015
 * UPDATE: The Cargo On Russian Landing Ship Nikolay Filchenkov - Bosphorus Naval News, 22 August 2015
 * Another Southbound Passage Of Nikolay Filchenkov - Bosphorus Naval News, 13 September 2015
 * From Russia with Love, Syria's BTR-82As - Oryx Blog, 24 August 2015
 * New evidence proves Russian military directly engaging in Syrian Civil War - Oryx Blog, 29 August 2015
 * These photos suggest Russian Air Force jets and drones are already operating against ISIS in Syria - David Cenciotti, The Avionist, Sep 02 2015
 * First Photos of the Russian Marines Operating Inside Syria - LEITH FADEL, Al Masdar News , September 16, 2015
 * Sighting of R-166-0.5 signals vehicle affirms inflow of Russian military into Syria - Oryx Blog, 16 September 2015
 * 'Satellite image shows four Russian Su-30SM parked in the open air at airfield in Syria', theavionist.com, 20 September 2015.
 * Image appeared on Twitter. It is also said that images were released by Stratfor. SU-30 SM has thrust-vectoring, giving high maneuverability; this is an air superiority plane.
 * A video appear to show four interceptor/fighter planes and a refueling plane in Syria -video. Rusvesna notes that neither side confirmed or denied the report and hopes to clarify the matter later.
 * Su-25 Frogfoots And Su-24 Fencers Arrive At Russia's Burgeoning Syrian Base - Tyler Rogoway, 9/21/15
 * Russian fighter jets enter Syria with transponders off - Barbara Starr and Ross Levitt, CNN, September 25, 2015
 * Six Russian Su-34 Fullback bomber have just arrived in Syria. And this is the route they have likely flown to get there - David Cenciotti, The Avionist, September 29 2015
 * Russia's participation in the Syrian War, the Su-34 'Fullback' has arrived - Oryx Blog, 29 September 2015
 * RT EXCLUSIVE: First look at Russian airbase in Latakia, centerpiece of anti-ISIS operations (VIDEO) - RT, October 2, 2015
 * Syrian Express Study - Mikhail Voytenko, FleetMon, Nov. 3, 2015

Pro-Russian sources

 * Russia prepares army for Syrian deployment - Clara Weiss, WSWS, 12 June 2012
 * The Russian army is beginning to engage in Syria - Thierry Meyssan, Voltaire Network, 24 August 2015
 * Russia and Syria: The Die Is Cast - Israel Shamir, UNZ.COM, September 3, 2015
 * ''Now we can confirm that to the best of our knowledge, despite denials Russia has cast its lot and made a very important decision to enter the Syrian war. This decision may yet save Syria from total collapse and incidentally save Europe, too, from being swept by refugee waves. The Russian air force will ostensibly fight Da’esh, but probably (as Michael Weiss guessed) they will also bomb not just Da’esh but the US-allied opposition of al-Nusra (formerly al-Qaeda) and other non-Da’esh Islamic extremists for the simple reason that they can’t be distinguished from Da’esh.
 * Is Russia Preparing Military Intervention to Back Assad in Syria - LaRouchePAK, September 3, 2015
 * The preparation for Russian military deployment in Syria continues - Thierry Meyssan, 14 September 2015
 * Russia is constructing a military base in Syria - Politikus.ru via Saker, September 21, 2015
 * The CSTO arrives in Iraq and Syria, Thierry Meyssan, September 21, 2015
 * Russian Army starts destroying Islamic State in Syria - Pravda, 22.09.2015 (translated from Politonline.ru)
 * ''"The Russian military have deployed a layered defense system and continue fulfilling contracts for the delivery of modern weapons to Syria. That's all I can say officially. I have no right to either deny and confirm whether the Russian aviation is involved in the military actions," a high-ranking source in the General Staff of the Russian Federation told Politonline.ru. He added that Russian troops have already repulsed terrorists' attacks before, quite successfully.
 * Russia supplies Assad with MiG fighters - Middle East Monitor, 22 September 2015 10:27
 * ''Russia will supply the Syrian regime of Bashar Al-Assad with 12 MiG-29-M/M2 fighter jets by 2017, media reports have claimed. According to Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, the government in Moscow will ensure that nine of the aircraft are ready by 2016. Unnamed sources said that some Yak fighters are ready for delivery.
 * Russia goes to war with ISIS: Why and how? - RT, September 30, 2015
 * Putin press conference -TASS, full text (Russian) (English) . Among unexpected answers,-- not sure that a Russian base in Syria is a must, 'if we need to get somebody, we can do it anyway' (see an answer to Sergei Brilyov in the full transcript for  details).  Protecting a long established Russian warm waters navy base in Syria is in general believed to be one of the reasons of Russian involvement, this casts some doubt on that wisdom.

Doubtful comments

 * A Russian military intervention in Syria? I very much doubt it - The Saker, September 01, 2015
 * Russia rejects report of aircraft, troops deployment to Syria - PressTV, Sep 1, 2015
 * Russia Rejects Report of Aircraft, Troops Deployment to Syria - PressTV via ANNA News, 2015-09-02
 * Syria Civil War: The Russians Are Coming to President Assad’s Aid…Or Are They? - Patrick Cockburn, The Independent, 11 September 2015
 * Fox News 'Discovers' Russian Helos in Syria, Despite Pentagon Denials - Sputnik, September 17, 2015
 * We help the Guardian fix some of its reporting on Syria - OffGuardian, September 17, 2015
 * The Big Lie About Russian Forces in Syria - Stephen Lendman, Global Research, September 20, 2015

Western claims

 * Russia Puts Boots on the Ground in Syria - Michael Weiss, The Daily Beast September 1, 2015
 * Russian Moves in Syria Pose Concerns for U.S. - The New Times, September 4, 2015
 * Exposing Russia’s Secret Army in Syria - Michael Weiss, The Daily Beast September 5, 2015
 * This Satellite Image Leaves No Doubt That Russia Is Throwing Troops and Aircraft Into Syria- Jeffrey Lewis. FP, September 14, 2015
 * Russia shipping tanks into Syria, in ‘first clear sign of offensive weapons’ - Lucas Tomlinson, Fox News, September 14, 2015
 * Russia positioning tanks at Syria airfield: U.S. officials ̣- PHIL STEWART- Reuters, September 14, 2015
 * From Donetsk to Damascus - Dmitriy Rodionov, Svobodnaya Pressa, 17.09.2015
 * Putin is turning the Syrian coast into another Crimea - Amir Taheri. New York Post, September 19, 2015
 * Russia deploys 28 combat planes in Syria: US officials - AFP, September 22, 2014
 * ''According to the officials, Russia has sent 12 SU-24 attack aircraft, 12 SU-25 ground attack aircraft and four Flanker fighter jets.
 * At the climate change summit, Obama and Putin have met. "The US president once again expressed his stance on the position of Syrian President Bashar Assad, saying that the Syrian leader must leave power as part of a political transition, Reuters reported, citing a White House official."

Israeli

 * Russian jets in Syrian skies - Alex Fishman, Ynet News, 08.31.2015
 * Russian Military Forces Arrive In Syria, Set Forward Operating Base Near Damascus - ZeroHedge, September 1, 2015
 * Russia Deploying Air Force Contingent to Syria - Abraham Rabinovich, Free Beacon, September 1, 2015
 * 'Russia eludes US ban on NATO airspace by roundabout route to Syria via Iraq and Iran', Debka file, September 9, 2015
 * Putin’s offer to shield & develop Israel’s gas fields predated Russia’s military buildup in Syria - DEBKAfile, September 13, 2015
 * Israel adds voice to concerns over Russia's role in Syria - Peter Beaumont. The Guardian, 10 September 2015
 * Russian marines join Hizballah in first Syrian battle – a danger signal for US, Israel - DEBKAfile. September 24, 2015

Disinformation

 * Russia sends world’s largest submarine, with 200 nukes, to Syria - via DEBKAfile, September 7, 2015
 * A Chinese aircraft carrier docks at Tartus to support Russian-Iranian military buildup - DEBKAfile, September 26, 2015
 * Putin to Dispatch 150,000 Troops in Syria to Eliminate ISIS - al Alam, November 28, 2015

Al-Shayrat Airbase

 * Over 100 Russian jet fighters and a new Brigade are expected in Syria once Sha’ayrat airport is in service - Elijah J. Magnier, Al-Rai, November 30, 2015 (translated from Arabic)
 * Russia plans new Syria airbase: report - NOW, November 30, 2015
 * ''Russia plans to expand its military force in Syria and deploy jets to a second airbase near Homs, according to a Kuwaiti daily with close access to Moscow’s military intervention in Syria.
 * ''Al-Rai reported Monday morning that a Russian intelligence brigade would deploy near the Al-Shayrat Airbase located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Homs.
 * ''“The Al-Shayrat airbase houses around 45 airplane hangars, each of which is fortified in a way that prevents any damage if it is shelled or targeted,” sources in the Damascus joint operations room of the “4+1” military coalition of Russia, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Hezbollah told the newspaper’s chief international correspondent, Elijah J. Magnier.
 * СМИ сообщили о подготовке второй российской базы в Сирии - Lenta.ru, December 1, 2015
 * Russia adding 2nd airbase in Syria, pursuing 'expansion' in military campaign - Lucas Tomlinson, Fox News, December 1, 2015
 * ''Russia has expanded its military operations in Syria to include a second airbase as well as other posts, according to a U.S. official briefed on the latest intelligence from the region.
 * Russia deploying advisors near Palmyra: rebel media - NOW, January 7, 2016

AEW&C

 * Russia operates 'Mainstay' AEW&Cs over Syria - Tim Ripley, IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, January 10, 2016
 * ''Russia has begun operating Beriev A-50 'Mainstay' airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft over Syria in support of the air group it has deployed to the country.

Russian involvement in military operations

 * Russian marines join Hizballah in first Syrian battle – a danger signal for US, Israel - DEBKAfile, September 24, 2015
 * ''Before dawn on Thursday, Sept. 24, Russian marines went into battle for the first time since their deployment to Syria. Russian Marine Brigade 810 fought with Syrian army and Hizballah special forces in an attack on ISIS forces at the Kweiris airbase, east of Aleppo.
 * Russian Jets Strike ISIS in East Aleppo to Propel the Syrian Army’s Advance on Kuweires Airbase - Leith Fadel, September 25, 2015
 * Russian Military Takes Command of East Aleppo Operations - Leith Fadel, September 27, 2015
 * ''In addition to their airstrikes, the Russian military advisors that oversee the Syrian Armed Forces’ operations in northern Syria have now taken complete command of the east Aleppo offensive to lift the siege of the Kuweires Military Airport.
 * Russia's First Reported Air Strikes in Syria Assist Regime with Targeting Broader Opposition - Genevieve Casagrande, ISW, September 30, 2015
 * ''Notably, the airstrike did not hit ISIS militants and rather resulted in the a large number of civilian casualties.

Reported Deaths

 * Around October 20 (apparently) Reuters reports, 3 Russian volunteers (not sent by Moscow) killed in Latakia, near Salma, fighting with the SAA.
 * VDC records one Russian fatality so far, Baran Dimitri Shalkov, also killed in Latakia, back on September 12. --Caustic Logic (talk) 17:26, 25 November 2015 (UTC)
 * That would be fairly impossible name for a Russian speaker; may be other Slav (e.g. Bulgarian, Serb-unsure what exactly)--Resup (talk) 20:22, 25 November 2015 (UTC)

Those are deaths reported as combat. There's also the young soldier Vadim Kostenko, also in Latakia, but a technician in more formal service at the Hmeymim air base. Moscow says he committed suicide over a broken relationship. Some doubt this, but there's no known rebel presence nearby. --Caustic Logic (talk) 17:34, 25 November 2015 (UTC)


 * 24.11.2015 Su-24 captain Oleg Peshkov (lieutenant colonel) was killed after bailing out from his plane shot down by Turkey. Marine Alexander Pozynich was killed during search and rescue operation. As announced by Putin, Oleg Peshkov was awarded the title of Hero of Russia (posthumously);   Alexander Pozynich was awarded Order of Courage (posthumously) -interfax.
 * Magomet Khasiev (adopted name;name at birth: Evgenii Yudin). Execution shown on IS video. Lifenews determined identity; adoptive mother interview; Kadyrov: he is a Russian-- a Chechen... (does not believe he worked for services; according to Lifenews, he was on a wanted list in Russia for joining IS. --Resup (talk) 00:13, 4 December 2015 (UTC)

Video

 * إستهداف أحد المقرات (Targeting a headquarters) - تجمع العزة, Sep 30, 2015
 * Russian Su-24 bombers hit the 1st Coastal Division (Forqat al-Awwal As-Sahli), a US sponsored "moderate rebel" group. The target is an underground bunker with ventilation shafts. See video @1:24 -- Also note cave entrance at 0:30.
 * Location: northern Hama

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 * 17.11.2015 24  cruise missiles launched from long-range bombers


 * 20.11.2015 18 Calibr cruise missiles launched from Caspian sea ships

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 * 8.12.2015 Calibr cruise missiles launched from "Rostov-on-Don" submarine in the Mediterranean

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Official Russian statements

 * Russia will not send forces to Syria to fight ISIL: Official - PressTV, Aug 5, 2015
 * Putin confirms Russian military involvement in Syria's civil war - The Telegraph, Sep. 5, 2015
 * Putin: Russian Support of Syrian Gov't Averts Deterioration of Situation- Sputnik, 15.09.2015
 * Putin Explains Russia's Syrian Policy - Alexander Mercouris, September 16, 2015
 * Deputy General Staff chief doesn't rule out creation of Russian Air Force base in Syria - TASS, September 16, 2015
 * On September 21, Vladimir Putin will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, kremlin.ru.
 * All eyes on Putin Interview with Charlie Rose, CBS 60 Minutes, September 27, 2015 (part 2)
 * Full video: Russia: Putin talks Assad, Ukraine & ISIS with US TV host Charlie Rose - Ruptly TV, September 27, 2015
 * Critical commentary via Fort Russ: Putin's interview on American "60 Minutes": Russia will not participate in any troop operations on the territory of Syria
 * Fort Russ: What CBS edited out of Putin's interview: "US is preparing opposition forces to fight Assad, who then flee to ISIS with American weapons"
 * Russian parliament unanimously approves use of troops in Syria - RT, September 30, 2015
 * 13.11.2015 Russian MoD denied that S-400 was deployed in Syria. (Photo on Cassad, titled S-400), and by Daily Mail, showed a radar, possibly 96L6, or another version, which may be optional for S -300 and standard for S-400.
 * S-400 and Fort/S-300 were deployed after Russian SU-24 plane was downed by Turkish F-16 on 24 Nov, 2015.


 * Russia launched 'Calibr' cruise missile  from a submarine in the Mediterranean  to strike IS targets. TASS (report and Shoigu audio statement), Dec. 8, 2015
 * Russia sends to Syria missile cruiser "Varyag", TASS, Dec 8, 2015.

Western reactions

 * ''See also US involvement in Syria

US

 * U.S. voices concern to Russia over latest military moves in Syria - Reuters, Sep 5, 2015
 * Potential Russian troop deployment in Syria draws U.S. concerns - Vladimir Isachenkov, AP, Sep 07 2015
 * Obama Warns Russia: Backing Syria Against ISIS ‘Doomed to Failure’ - Jason Ditz, September 11, 2015
 * Why Russia's Actions in Syria Are No Shocker - Rajan Menon, September 15, 2015
 * Syria: What to do About the Russian Challenge - FREDERIC C. HOF, The Atlantic Council, September 15, 2015
 * ''President Obama has committed the United States to a war aimed at degrading and destroying the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL). Russia—with the consent of Iran—has moved to block that effort.
 * Are the U.S. and Russia Now on the Same Page About Syria? - Aaron David Miller, WSJ, Sep 18, 2015
 * US never expected Russian deployment in Syria: Analyst - PressTV, September 21, 2015
 * Russian jets in Syria are there to protect own base: Kerry - Daily Star, September 22, 2015
 * John Kerry said the US is ready to discuss the Syrian crisis - Sputnik, September 22, 2015
 * David Petraeus urges Obama to credibly threaten Assad’s air force in Syria - Spencer Ackerman. The Guardian, September 22, 2015
 * ''In a return to the foreign policy stage, former CIA director tells Senate panel that US must offer protection to Syrian fighters in order to team up against Isis
 * Pentagon to open ‘lines of communication’ with Russia over strikes in Syria - RT, September 29, 2015

Turkey

 * Turkish PM rings the alarm, as Russia increases military presence in Syria - Sevil Erkuş, Hurriyet Daily News, September/22/2015

Israel

 * In Moscow, presence of IDF generals sends a message of military urgency - JUDAH ARI GROSS, Times of Israel, September 21, 2015
 * ''In rare move, Netanyahu brings both IDF chief and intelligence head to Russia to drive home concerns on Hezbollah, Syria

Saudi Arabia
Visit of Saudi Arabia’s king to Russia before year end possible — Kremlin TASS

Media

 * Russian troops in Syria could end up helping Isis, report claims - Julian Borger, The Guardian, 25 September 2015
 * ''Analysts say involvement ‘underlines contradictions of Kremlin’ as troops are in areas where they are likely to fight groups opposed to Isis

Chinese forces?

 * Chinese Military Personnel Expected to Arrive in Syria - Leith Fadel, September 23, 2015
 * Chinese Navy sets off for Syria - Pravda.Ru, 25.09.2015
 * ''Igor Morozov, member of the Russian Federation Committee on International Affairs claimed about the beginning of the military operation by China against the IS terrorists. "It is known, that China has joined our military operation in Syria, the Chinese cruiser has already entered the Mediterranean, aircraft carrier follows it," Morozov said.
 * Chinese troops to join Russian marines in Syria soon, says report - Johnlee Varghese, International Business Times, September 27, 2015
 * China’s military advisers ‘heading to Syria to help fight ISIS’ – report - RT, September 28, 2015
 * Both RT and International Business Times are just quoting DEBKAfile and Leith Abou Fadel without any new information or confirmation to add.
 * Debunk: No, I'm Pretty Sure China's Only Aircraft Carrier is Not in Tartus - Middle East Institute, September 28, 2015
 * Expert Shatters Rumors About Chinese Aircraft Carrier in Syria - Sputnik, September 28, 2015
 * US On The Ropes: China To Join Russian Military In Syria While Iraq Strikes Intel Deal With Moscow, Tehran - ZeroHedge, September 27, 2015
 * Chinese naval expert denies PLA joining fight against ISIS - WantChinaTimes, September 30, 2015
 * Putin's boost in battle against ISIS: China preparing to 'team up with Russia in Syria' - ROB VIRTUE, Daily Express, Oct 8, 2015

Naval deployment

 * Russia sends world’s largest submarine, with 200 nukes, to Syria - via Debka File, September 7, 2015. (Also, a related article from the same source: 'Russia eludes US ban on NATO airspace by roundabout route to Syria via Iraq and Iran', Debka file, 9.9.15).
 * AN 124 landed in Syria-report, photos, video. The purpose is presented as humanitarian, bringing supplies to set up a refugee camp for up to 2000 people. (Separate reports confirmed military supplies, on a long-term, normal basis). The mission is presented as involving Iran ("Russian and Iranian military will jointly guard and protect refugee camp" -Rusvesna, and 'in the future, the operation may involve China', following a request made by Syrian government. --Resup (talk) 21:07, 12 September 2015 (UTC)


 * UKRAINE AND THE UNITED STATES AFRAID OF RUSSIAN SHIPS IN THE BLACK SEA
 * Russia is serious: Positions Navy off coast of Syria's Lattakia for possible cruise attack on militants - Fars News Agency, October 3, 2015
 * Russia May Use Navy to Blockade Syrian Coast - Sputnik, October 5, 2015
 * ''Russia's Black Sea Fleet may be used in Syria to blockade the Syrian coastline and deliver armaments, as well as possibly deliver artillery strikes, the head of Russian State Duma's defense committee and former Black Sea Fleet commander Vladimir Komoyedov said.

Analysis

 * Putin’s Line in the Sand: No Regime Change in Syria - Mike Whitney, Counterpunch, September 17, 2015
 * Putin Wants to Keep ISIS From Power While US Paves Its Way - Patrick J. Buchanan, September 17, 2015
 * Putin’s calculations in Syria - Martin Sieff, The Arab Weekly, September 18, 2015
 * Russia's Options in Syria - Igor Korotchenko, September 20, 2015
 * Russian build-up in Syria puts Israel on the back foot - M.K. Bhadrakumar, Asia Times, September 22, 2015
 * 2,000 Russian Troops Head To Syria For "First Phase" Of Mission To Support Assad - ZeroHedge, September 22, 2015
 * Assadland, a Russian protectorate - Marc Pierini, Hurriyet Daily News, September 22, 2015 (mirror)
 * Syria confirms receipt of Russian jets to target Isis - Ian Black, Alec Luhn. The Guardian, 22 September 2015
 * '' Air force takes delivery of fighter planes and reconnaissance aircraft, and US officials say Moscow plans to send 2,000 personnel to airbase near Latakia
 * Why will Russia save Syria, but not Ukraine? - Russky Malchik, September 23, 2015 (original)
 * Putin’s Plan: What Will Russia Bomb in Syria? - Aron Lund
 * Moscow's Moves in Syria: 5 Messages Russia Is Sending to the World - National Interest
 * U.S. Stonewalls Putin’s ‘Anti-Terror’ Push at the United Nations - Foreign Policy
 * Live from New York, it’s ‘Putin the Great’ - Pepe Escobar, RT, September 24, 2015
 * US Cannot Escape ‘Syrian Trap’ Without Russia – Polish Media - Sputnik, September 24, 2015
 * Russia preparing air strikes on Isil if US does not back deal to keep Assad - Peter Dominiczak, Roland Oliphant, The Telegraph, September 24, 2015
 * CrossTalk: Saving Syria - RT, September 25, 2015
 * Russia Returns to the Middle East - Israel Shamir, September 25, 2015
 * US to undermine Russia's efforts to stabilize Syria: Analyst - PressTV, September 26, 2015
 * Robert Fisk: I think I know what Putin is up to in Syria, and it involves Palmyra - The Independent, September 27?, 2015 (mirror)
 * Slipping Syria? What the US is Losing and Russia is Gaining in Damascus - Sputnik, September 28, 2015
 * Interview with Metro World News Concerning Russian Position on Conflict in Syria - Ivan Katchanovski, September 28, 2015 (in Spanish)
 * Putin's Chess Game on Ukraine and Syria - Petri Krohn, September 28, 2015
 * Russia’s Impact on the War on Syria - Eric Draitser, September 29, 2015
 * Russian Military Intervention in Syria - Gordon M. Hahn, September 30, 2015
 * Putin’s Blitz Leaves Washington Rankled and Confused - Mike Whitney, Counterpunch, October 1, 2015
 * Russia's Air War in Syria: Its Organisation and Purpose - Daniel Fielding, Russia Insider, October 2, 2015
 * Russia ‘Reshuffles’ US Cards in Syrian Conflict - Sputnik, October 3, 2015
 * Assad in Moscow and More Secure Than Ever Since Start of War - Alexander Mercouris, Russia Insider, October 22, 2015