Russia plans 300 Syrian sorties a day

[MikeWB]

Paywalled here: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Middle_East/article1620732.ece

Another Russia warplane is taking off from Latakia airport, in northern Syria — proof of the growing involvement by President Vladimir Putin in what he calls a "war on terrorism" and his critics denounce as merely an attempt to prop up his ally, President Bashar al-Assad, by attacking pro-western insurgents rather than the fanatics of Islamic State.

After a military build-up dating back several weeks, Russia now has about 50 aircraft in Syria. Yet an unexpected calm hangs over the airport, which was recently closed to international civilian flights to make room for the Russian forces.

On one side, military planes are lined up in small groups of twos, threes and fours. Russian technicians and maintenance workers and trucks can be seen moving along the tarmac.

The Kremlin says it is flying an average of about 50 missions a day in Syria, although the number, co-ordinated with Assad's ground forces, varies from day to day.

Sources close to the operation say the aim is eventually to raise this to 200-300 a day, marking a considerable escalation. As part of preparations, a new airstrip is reported to be under construction nearby.

Russia, using the conflict to showcase its military prowess, has deployed Su-24M and Su-34 bombers, low-flying ground attack Su-25CM jets and multi-role Su-30CM fighters. They are backed by Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters and multi-role Mi-8 helicopters.

Military analysts said the first airstrikes, which began on September 30, were aimed at probing rebel forces, establishing their positions and the extent of their firepower.

By attacking simultaneously on several fronts, Assad and his allies hope to deprive insurgents of the ability to move forces in the defence of a particular front, keeping them bogged down and overstretched.

A source close to the operation said the targets were chosen by the Syrians. They were then passed on for verification by Russian drones — one of which Turkey claims to have shot down last week.