This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/30/russia-syria-air-strikes-us-isis-live-updates
The article has changed 19 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 16 | Version 17 |
|---|---|
| Russian airstrikes in Syria: Pentagon says strategy 'doomed to failure' – as it happened | Russian airstrikes in Syria: Pentagon says strategy 'doomed to failure' – as it happened |
| (30 days later) | |
| 11.09pm BST | 11.09pm BST |
| 23:09 | 23:09 |
| 11.04pm BST | 11.04pm BST |
| 23:04 | 23:04 |
| Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and US secretary of state John Kerry have just held a press conference after meeting to discuss Syria, with the latter saying they agreed it was “imperative” to “avoid escalating [the conflict] in any way or seeing it intensified beyond anyone’s control”. | Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and US secretary of state John Kerry have just held a press conference after meeting to discuss Syria, with the latter saying they agreed it was “imperative” to “avoid escalating [the conflict] in any way or seeing it intensified beyond anyone’s control”. |
| Lavrov said that the US and Russia have military and diplomatic channels open, and described the meeting as “constructive”. | Lavrov said that the US and Russia have military and diplomatic channels open, and described the meeting as “constructive”. |
| Kerry said that he had reiterated US concerns “about the nature of the targets” of Russian strikes, adding: “it is one thing to be targeting Isis, it is [another] if that is not happening.” | Kerry said that he had reiterated US concerns “about the nature of the targets” of Russian strikes, adding: “it is one thing to be targeting Isis, it is [another] if that is not happening.” |
| He said that talks between the two militaries to avoid clashes in Syrian airspace would happen “as soon as possible”, possibly as soon as tomorrow. | He said that talks between the two militaries to avoid clashes in Syrian airspace would happen “as soon as possible”, possibly as soon as tomorrow. |
| The secretary of state also said that although Russia and the US continued to disagree – an implicit admission that Bashar al-Assad remains the central problem of talks – he and Lavrov “think we have some very specific steps” for de-escalating the conflict. Those steps, however, would have to be talked over in Washington and Moscow, respectively. | The secretary of state also said that although Russia and the US continued to disagree – an implicit admission that Bashar al-Assad remains the central problem of talks – he and Lavrov “think we have some very specific steps” for de-escalating the conflict. Those steps, however, would have to be talked over in Washington and Moscow, respectively. |
| “We need to see Syria unified, whole, secular and democratic,” he said. | “We need to see Syria unified, whole, secular and democratic,” he said. |
| 10.51pm BST | 10.51pm BST |
| 22:51 | 22:51 |
| The use of force authorization passed by Russia’s senate on Wednesday does not include either the name of a country to which it pertains or any dates of operation, Russian news outlet RBK reports. | The use of force authorization passed by Russia’s senate on Wednesday does not include either the name of a country to which it pertains or any dates of operation, Russian news outlet RBK reports. |
| And while the Ministry of Defense has said that it targeted eight Isis sites today, the Kremlin’s official announcement of the authorization to use force also does not include any specifics about the mission’s duration or locus. | And while the Ministry of Defense has said that it targeted eight Isis sites today, the Kremlin’s official announcement of the authorization to use force also does not include any specifics about the mission’s duration or locus. |
| Senator Konstantin Kosachev commented on the authorization’s omissions earlier today, suggesting the wider possibilities of the campaign. | Senator Konstantin Kosachev commented on the authorization’s omissions earlier today, suggesting the wider possibilities of the campaign. |
| @mashant @parfitt_tom @ARothWP Kosachev on tv said it could be extended to Iraq too but only if the govt asked for it at a later date | @mashant @parfitt_tom @ARothWP Kosachev on tv said it could be extended to Iraq too but only if the govt asked for it at a later date |
| 10.47pm BST | 10.47pm BST |
| 22:47 | 22:47 |
| “Despite comments to the contrary from Moscow, Russia’s ambitions may be wider than the war against Isis,” my colleague Peter Beuamont writes from Jerusalem of the growing conflict in Syria. | “Despite comments to the contrary from Moscow, Russia’s ambitions may be wider than the war against Isis,” my colleague Peter Beuamont writes from Jerusalem of the growing conflict in Syria. |
| Some of the aircraft identified at the base are designed for aerial interception, others are for ground support, suggesting – that despite comments to the contrary in Moscow – the ambition of the operation may be wider than the war against Isis that Russian officials have officially admitted to. | Some of the aircraft identified at the base are designed for aerial interception, others are for ground support, suggesting – that despite comments to the contrary in Moscow – the ambition of the operation may be wider than the war against Isis that Russian officials have officially admitted to. |
| In recent days officials and aviation websites have also reported the arrival of an additional four to six SU-34 Fullback attack planes which apparently accompanied a Russian transport plane that transited over the Caspian sea, Iran and Iraq before reaching their destination. | In recent days officials and aviation websites have also reported the arrival of an additional four to six SU-34 Fullback attack planes which apparently accompanied a Russian transport plane that transited over the Caspian sea, Iran and Iraq before reaching their destination. |
| While the Fullbacks – ground-attack aircraft able to hit small and highly mobile targets – would appear to be the most appropriate aircraft for targeting Isis units, other aircraft at the base seem less suitable: the SU-30 Flankers, for example, are air-to-air warplanes with no obvious role against militants who do not have an airforce. | While the Fullbacks – ground-attack aircraft able to hit small and highly mobile targets – would appear to be the most appropriate aircraft for targeting Isis units, other aircraft at the base seem less suitable: the SU-30 Flankers, for example, are air-to-air warplanes with no obvious role against militants who do not have an airforce. |
| He goes on to quote general Philip Breedlove, Nato’s supreme commander in Europe, who said last week: “these very sophisticated air defence capabilities are not about Isis.” | He goes on to quote general Philip Breedlove, Nato’s supreme commander in Europe, who said last week: “these very sophisticated air defence capabilities are not about Isis.” |
| Other material identified arriving in Syria includes around half a dozen T-90 main battle tanks, around 35 modern BTR-80 Russian armoured personnel carriers with enhanced armour protection, and artillery pieces. | Other material identified arriving in Syria includes around half a dozen T-90 main battle tanks, around 35 modern BTR-80 Russian armoured personnel carriers with enhanced armour protection, and artillery pieces. |
| Although the T-90s have so far been deployed defensively around the Latakia airbase, US officials have speculated that Latakia may eventually function as a forward operating facility for other firebases and airfields in Syria to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad. | Although the T-90s have so far been deployed defensively around the Latakia airbase, US officials have speculated that Latakia may eventually function as a forward operating facility for other firebases and airfields in Syria to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad. |
| Opportunism may also be a fundamental of the Kremlin’s strategy, some Russian analysts suggest. | Opportunism may also be a fundamental of the Kremlin’s strategy, some Russian analysts suggest. |
| Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies and a member of the defence ministry’s public council told the Washington Post earlier this week: “To quote Napoleon, engage and then we’ll see. I think there is some improvisation going on here.” | Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies and a member of the defence ministry’s public council told the Washington Post earlier this week: “To quote Napoleon, engage and then we’ll see. I think there is some improvisation going on here.” |
| That, however, may be wishful thinking at best confronted with an operation that appears thoroughly planned, not least with the deployment of a possible naval component, and contains familiar features of Russian military doctrine – including decisive action, deception and a layered and careful rollout of forces. | That, however, may be wishful thinking at best confronted with an operation that appears thoroughly planned, not least with the deployment of a possible naval component, and contains familiar features of Russian military doctrine – including decisive action, deception and a layered and careful rollout of forces. |
| Related: Russian military buildup hints at wider war in Syria | Related: Russian military buildup hints at wider war in Syria |
| 10.38pm BST | 10.38pm BST |
| 22:38 | 22:38 |
| Chechen leader cum warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, who has aggressively pursued separatists in the Caucuses at Vladimir Putin’s behest for years, has offered to lend a hand in Syria. | Chechen leader cum warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, who has aggressively pursued separatists in the Caucuses at Vladimir Putin’s behest for years, has offered to lend a hand in Syria. |
| Kadyrov says "unfortunate" only air ops in Syria, promises Chechens will "lead the attack" if there are ground ops http://t.co/DJMT5W2w8Z | Kadyrov says "unfortunate" only air ops in Syria, promises Chechens will "lead the attack" if there are ground ops http://t.co/DJMT5W2w8Z |
| Kadyrov would face off with many of his countrymen in Syria should he ever get his wish: hundreds if not thousands of Chechens have joined fighters in Syria, including for Isis. | Kadyrov would face off with many of his countrymen in Syria should he ever get his wish: hundreds if not thousands of Chechens have joined fighters in Syria, including for Isis. |
| 10.16pm BST | 10.16pm BST |
| 22:16 | 22:16 |
| Barack Obama has reached a crossroads in the Middle East thanks to Russia’s aggressive strikes in Syria, the Guardian’s national security editor Spencer Ackerman writes. | Barack Obama has reached a crossroads in the Middle East thanks to Russia’s aggressive strikes in Syria, the Guardian’s national security editor Spencer Ackerman writes. |
| Russia’s military resurgence in the Middle East comes as the White House’s own military contribution to the Syrian civil war is collapsing, something even Obama’s former aides are acknowledging. The question now facing Obama is whether he will cut his losses in Syria, an intervention he has never wanted, and leave Vladimir Putin holding the bag. | Russia’s military resurgence in the Middle East comes as the White House’s own military contribution to the Syrian civil war is collapsing, something even Obama’s former aides are acknowledging. The question now facing Obama is whether he will cut his losses in Syria, an intervention he has never wanted, and leave Vladimir Putin holding the bag. |
| Putin’s military gambit in Syria is the inverse of Obama’s. It has been rapid where Obama’s is belated, decisive where Obama’s is tentative, and focused where Obama’s is diffuse. What similarities exist concern the two countries’ euphemistic description of their involvement: Russia is claiming an operation against the Islamic State while actually attacking enemies of client Bashar al-Assad, whereas the US is bombing Isis in Syria while treating the country as peripheral to a central conflict in neighboring Iraq. | Putin’s military gambit in Syria is the inverse of Obama’s. It has been rapid where Obama’s is belated, decisive where Obama’s is tentative, and focused where Obama’s is diffuse. What similarities exist concern the two countries’ euphemistic description of their involvement: Russia is claiming an operation against the Islamic State while actually attacking enemies of client Bashar al-Assad, whereas the US is bombing Isis in Syria while treating the country as peripheral to a central conflict in neighboring Iraq. |
| “Wearing down the US-backed Syrian militants appears easy,” he continues. “Gone are the Pentagon’s 2014 assurances that it would field a 5,000-strong ground force of Syrian ‘moderate’ rebels by now; such comments were replaced with a dramatic admission earlier this month that it has yielded only a handful.” | “Wearing down the US-backed Syrian militants appears easy,” he continues. “Gone are the Pentagon’s 2014 assurances that it would field a 5,000-strong ground force of Syrian ‘moderate’ rebels by now; such comments were replaced with a dramatic admission earlier this month that it has yielded only a handful.” |
| Speculation is rife that Obama will pivot to such a diplomatic settlement. His speech to the United Nations on Monday included a line about a “managed transition” in Syria to an “inclusive” post-Assad government. It followed a provocative argument from a former White House Syria aide endorsing a “messy compromise” that can accept deferring Assad’s ultimate fate. | Speculation is rife that Obama will pivot to such a diplomatic settlement. His speech to the United Nations on Monday included a line about a “managed transition” in Syria to an “inclusive” post-Assad government. It followed a provocative argument from a former White House Syria aide endorsing a “messy compromise” that can accept deferring Assad’s ultimate fate. |
| Russia’s bombing may aim to strengthen Assad’s hand ahead of any such negotiation and, as a fallback, preserve Russian influence in a post-Assad Syria. Russia may indeed seek an end to the conflict – just one that occurs on Assad and Moscow’s terms. | Russia’s bombing may aim to strengthen Assad’s hand ahead of any such negotiation and, as a fallback, preserve Russian influence in a post-Assad Syria. Russia may indeed seek an end to the conflict – just one that occurs on Assad and Moscow’s terms. |
| Russian intentions and results are two different things. The country may not be able to broker an accord at all; it may also fail at suppressing Isis in Syria, a necessary objective for the viability of any Russian-backed Syrian government, with or without Assad. The perils of both objectives – a bloody quagmire – are the sources of Obama’s hesitation in Syria. | Russian intentions and results are two different things. The country may not be able to broker an accord at all; it may also fail at suppressing Isis in Syria, a necessary objective for the viability of any Russian-backed Syrian government, with or without Assad. The perils of both objectives – a bloody quagmire – are the sources of Obama’s hesitation in Syria. |
| Related: Russia's intervention in Syria brings Obama's dilemma to the fore | Related: Russia's intervention in Syria brings Obama's dilemma to the fore |
| 10.01pm BST | 10.01pm BST |
| 22:01 | 22:01 |
| Kurdish fighters are claiming a victory against Isis in northern Iraq, the Associated Press reports, with peshmerga backed by US air strikes battling jihadi militants near Kirkuk. | Kurdish fighters are claiming a victory against Isis in northern Iraq, the Associated Press reports, with peshmerga backed by US air strikes battling jihadi militants near Kirkuk. |
| The Kurdish peshmerga pushed the militants beyond Ghara Heights and Mount Batiwa, south of Kirkuk, and secured a stretch of a highway which connects Kirkuk to the central city of Samarra, a statement from the Kurdistan Region Security Council said. | The Kurdish peshmerga pushed the militants beyond Ghara Heights and Mount Batiwa, south of Kirkuk, and secured a stretch of a highway which connects Kirkuk to the central city of Samarra, a statement from the Kurdistan Region Security Council said. |
| The villages of Meziriya, Gubebe, Seda, Mohammed Khalil, Qows Kurd, Tal Ward, Khalef and Mansouria all south of Kirkuk were purged of militants, the statement said. | The villages of Meziriya, Gubebe, Seda, Mohammed Khalil, Qows Kurd, Tal Ward, Khalef and Mansouria all south of Kirkuk were purged of militants, the statement said. |
| At least 10 peshmerga fighters died in the operation and another 16 were wounded, according to a senior security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief journalists. The Kurdish government said some militants were seen fleeing toward the contested town of Hawijah. | At least 10 peshmerga fighters died in the operation and another 16 were wounded, according to a senior security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief journalists. The Kurdish government said some militants were seen fleeing toward the contested town of Hawijah. |
| Isis have fallen back against Kurdish forces in recent months, but the combatants have reached an impasse near the Iraqi and Syrian border despite coalition air strikes to support the peshmerga and repeated jihadi attempts to capture Kirkuk’s oil depots. | Isis have fallen back against Kurdish forces in recent months, but the combatants have reached an impasse near the Iraqi and Syrian border despite coalition air strikes to support the peshmerga and repeated jihadi attempts to capture Kirkuk’s oil depots. |
| The US-led coalition released a statement noting three air strikes near Kirkuk on Tuesday, while Isis vowed it would execute any fighters it captured. | The US-led coalition released a statement noting three air strikes near Kirkuk on Tuesday, while Isis vowed it would execute any fighters it captured. |
| 9.42pm BST | 9.42pm BST |
| 21:42 | 21:42 |
| “If Russian air strikes come as part of a deal with the US, we could expect an end to the Syrian war within six months,” a Syrian university student has told my colleague Mona Mahmood (@monamood) in a phone interview. | “If Russian air strikes come as part of a deal with the US, we could expect an end to the Syrian war within six months,” a Syrian university student has told my colleague Mona Mahmood (@monamood) in a phone interview. |
| “Otherwise the outcome would be disastrous,” said Rami Ali, 23. | “Otherwise the outcome would be disastrous,” said Rami Ali, 23. |
| If the airstrike is not approved by of the Americans, in return, the Americans would support the Syrian countless opposition factions and the fight would be even tougher in a time,we count hours to regain some peace in our country. | If the airstrike is not approved by of the Americans, in return, the Americans would support the Syrian countless opposition factions and the fight would be even tougher in a time,we count hours to regain some peace in our country. |
| The Russian intervention comes at a crucial time – the Syrian army is exhausted by five years of war, and the morale of the soldiers is waning remarkably. Most of the Syrian graduates are reluctant to join the army now after losing one or two members of their family to the war. | The Russian intervention comes at a crucial time – the Syrian army is exhausted by five years of war, and the morale of the soldiers is waning remarkably. Most of the Syrian graduates are reluctant to join the army now after losing one or two members of their family to the war. |
| I myself am thinking about leaving Syria for Sweden as soon as I finish my studies. Syria will need another 20 years to rebuild all the destruction, let alone the destruction of the Syrian people, morally, which might take five or six decades to reform. | I myself am thinking about leaving Syria for Sweden as soon as I finish my studies. Syria will need another 20 years to rebuild all the destruction, let alone the destruction of the Syrian people, morally, which might take five or six decades to reform. |
| The student in Latakia province, where the Russian military has built up the airbase from which its campaign is orchestrated, said he and others struggle with the idea of joining the fight: “It is a useless war.” | The student in Latakia province, where the Russian military has built up the airbase from which its campaign is orchestrated, said he and others struggle with the idea of joining the fight: “It is a useless war.” |
| We hesitate to join the fight out of our frustration and despair. What’s the use of liberating some areas just because of a deal between states like Turkey and Iran? The area would be retaken by the opposition, and my peers and I would be killed. It is a useless war. I would be grateful to the Americans if they can at least stop the flowing of the weapons from Turkey to the terrorists in Syria. | We hesitate to join the fight out of our frustration and despair. What’s the use of liberating some areas just because of a deal between states like Turkey and Iran? The area would be retaken by the opposition, and my peers and I would be killed. It is a useless war. I would be grateful to the Americans if they can at least stop the flowing of the weapons from Turkey to the terrorists in Syria. |
| I hope the Russian air strikes can help secure vital areas, like the Damascus countryside, Homs, the Syrian coast and the road between Latakia and Damascus. After that they can help the Syrian army to liberate other areas taken by the armed factions. We need to find a solution, the situation is unbearable. Life has become so expensive that it’s unaffordable for a lot of people, even with of the killing and violence. There’s no law either – any man with some influence can do whatever he wants without punishment. The war has weakened law and order in Syria. | I hope the Russian air strikes can help secure vital areas, like the Damascus countryside, Homs, the Syrian coast and the road between Latakia and Damascus. After that they can help the Syrian army to liberate other areas taken by the armed factions. We need to find a solution, the situation is unbearable. Life has become so expensive that it’s unaffordable for a lot of people, even with of the killing and violence. There’s no law either – any man with some influence can do whatever he wants without punishment. The war has weakened law and order in Syria. |
| Ali said he has not personally seen any Russians in his town, and nor does Syrian TV mention their presence. “All the states fighting in Syria are doing it for their own interests.” | Ali said he has not personally seen any Russians in his town, and nor does Syrian TV mention their presence. “All the states fighting in Syria are doing it for their own interests.” |
| I’m pretty sure the Russian are not helping us for nothing but for their share in gas and oil. Syria has become more for foreigners more than for its people. The Russian air strike will complicate the situation, and lots of innocent people might be killed too since many terrorists are hiding among residential areas. | I’m pretty sure the Russian are not helping us for nothing but for their share in gas and oil. Syria has become more for foreigners more than for its people. The Russian air strike will complicate the situation, and lots of innocent people might be killed too since many terrorists are hiding among residential areas. |
| 9.29pm BST | 9.29pm BST |
| 21:29 | 21:29 |
| Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg is “concerned” by Russia’s actions, Reuters reports, saying the alliance commander is particularly worried about the crowded airspace over Syria, where nearly a dozen countries are now flying missions. | Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg is “concerned” by Russia’s actions, Reuters reports, saying the alliance commander is particularly worried about the crowded airspace over Syria, where nearly a dozen countries are now flying missions. |
| “I’m concerned about the reports saying that the Russian air strikes were not targeted against ISIL,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a visit to the United States. | “I’m concerned about the reports saying that the Russian air strikes were not targeted against ISIL,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a visit to the United States. |
| “I’m especially concerned because there has been no real effort by the Russian side to deconflict the Russian air strikes in Syria with the ongoing US-led coalition fighting ISIL,” he said, using an acronym for Islamic State. | “I’m especially concerned because there has been no real effort by the Russian side to deconflict the Russian air strikes in Syria with the ongoing US-led coalition fighting ISIL,” he said, using an acronym for Islamic State. |
| To “deconflict”, in military parlance, is to ensure that, in this case, Russian aircraft do not accidentally clash in any way with Western warplanes. | To “deconflict”, in military parlance, is to ensure that, in this case, Russian aircraft do not accidentally clash in any way with Western warplanes. |
| Stoltenberg said Russia had informed the Western alliance that Moscow was providing military assistance to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But he called on Russia to seek a diplomatic end to the Syrian civil war. | Stoltenberg said Russia had informed the Western alliance that Moscow was providing military assistance to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But he called on Russia to seek a diplomatic end to the Syrian civil war. |
| “I urge Russia to play a constructive and cooperative role in the fight against ISIL and to strive for a negotiated political solution to the conflict. To support Assad will not help,” Stoltenberg said. | “I urge Russia to play a constructive and cooperative role in the fight against ISIL and to strive for a negotiated political solution to the conflict. To support Assad will not help,” Stoltenberg said. |
| 9.23pm BST | 9.23pm BST |
| 21:23 | 21:23 |
| Russian forces in two Syrian bases, Tartus and Latakia. | Russian forces in two Syrian bases, Tartus and Latakia. |
| 9.05pm BST | 9.05pm BST |
| 21:05 | 21:05 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.12pm BST | at 9.12pm BST |
| 8.51pm BST | 8.51pm BST |
| 20:51 | 20:51 |
| Syrian opposition chief: strikes killed 36 civilians | Syrian opposition chief: strikes killed 36 civilians |
| Russian air strikes have killed 36 civilians, including five children, the head of the Syrian opposition has told AFP. | Russian air strikes have killed 36 civilians, including five children, the head of the Syrian opposition has told AFP. |
| “The Russians struck northern Homs today and killed 36 innocent people,” said Khoja, head of the Syrian National Coalition. | “The Russians struck northern Homs today and killed 36 innocent people,” said Khoja, head of the Syrian National Coalition. |
| The opposition had received the names of all 36 victims, including five children from the central Syrian province of Homs, and were waiting detailed reports from elsewhere, Khoja said. | The opposition had received the names of all 36 victims, including five children from the central Syrian province of Homs, and were waiting detailed reports from elsewhere, Khoja said. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.07pm BST | at 10.07pm BST |
| 8.41pm BST | 8.41pm BST |
| 20:41 | 20:41 |
| Russian deputy prime minister Dmitri Rogozin has posted a video to his Facebook page that shows bombs and missiles falling from aircraft.* | Russian deputy prime minister Dmitri Rogozin has posted a video to his Facebook page that shows bombs and missiles falling from aircraft.* |
| A hawkish politician, Rogozin captioned the video: “Wishing our guys luck and success!” | A hawkish politician, Rogozin captioned the video: “Wishing our guys luck and success!” |
| *Update: An earlier version of this post said that the video “appears to show bombing over Syria”; Rogozin later tweeted a link to a YouTube video source which identifies the site as Orenburg, Russia, where the Russian military frequently holds training exercises. | *Update: An earlier version of this post said that the video “appears to show bombing over Syria”; Rogozin later tweeted a link to a YouTube video source which identifies the site as Orenburg, Russia, where the Russian military frequently holds training exercises. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.56am BST | at 1.56am BST |
| 8.28pm BST | 8.28pm BST |
| 20:28 | 20:28 |
| Russian air strikes in Syria. | Russian air strikes in Syria. |
| 8.21pm BST | 8.21pm BST |
| 20:21 | 20:21 |
| 8.04pm BST | 8.04pm BST |
| 20:04 | 20:04 |
| “My happiness about the Russian air strike today is indescribable,” a Syrian businessman and support of Assad has told my colleague Mona Mahmood (@monamood) in a phone interview. | “My happiness about the Russian air strike today is indescribable,” a Syrian businessman and support of Assad has told my colleague Mona Mahmood (@monamood) in a phone interview. |
| Ibraheim Al-Khal, 50, said the news “is just fantastic, and means a lot to me and all the Syrian people who support their army and president Bashar al-Assad. However, I feel it’s too late, that Russian planes should’ve been in Syrian since the first day of the war. It could have changed all the balance of power. | Ibraheim Al-Khal, 50, said the news “is just fantastic, and means a lot to me and all the Syrian people who support their army and president Bashar al-Assad. However, I feel it’s too late, that Russian planes should’ve been in Syrian since the first day of the war. It could have changed all the balance of power. |
| I have lost my nephew who was a soldier in the Syrian army, all our sons are at the war fronts fighting. We need to see an end for this useless war and declare the victory of the Syrian army. | I have lost my nephew who was a soldier in the Syrian army, all our sons are at the war fronts fighting. We need to see an end for this useless war and declare the victory of the Syrian army. |
| We have been fighting terror in Syria for more than five years now but the attack against our country has highly increased lately. We need the Russians’ help and support. It is not an interference, as the opposition call it. We asked the Russians to come so help our army, who is badly in need of air cover, can advance in areas occupied by the terrorists. The Russian military planes are very modern and can’t be spotted by IS or Jabahat-al-Nusra fighters, not like the Syrian planes that fly at limited altitude and are always under fire. | We have been fighting terror in Syria for more than five years now but the attack against our country has highly increased lately. We need the Russians’ help and support. It is not an interference, as the opposition call it. We asked the Russians to come so help our army, who is badly in need of air cover, can advance in areas occupied by the terrorists. The Russian military planes are very modern and can’t be spotted by IS or Jabahat-al-Nusra fighters, not like the Syrian planes that fly at limited altitude and are always under fire. |
| The businessman from near Damascus said that although he knows “lots of innocent civilians might be targeted by these air strikes aimed at terrorists, I believe it is a problem of the locals who provided havens.” | The businessman from near Damascus said that although he knows “lots of innocent civilians might be targeted by these air strikes aimed at terrorists, I believe it is a problem of the locals who provided havens.” |
| In my district, Al-Nabak, we have kicked out all the so called opposition factions out and fought with the Syrian army to liberate our district and now, we have peace. We have formed local protection units to guard our district and lift up the burden of the Syrian army who need to liberate other areas in Syria. | In my district, Al-Nabak, we have kicked out all the so called opposition factions out and fought with the Syrian army to liberate our district and now, we have peace. We have formed local protection units to guard our district and lift up the burden of the Syrian army who need to liberate other areas in Syria. |
| The United States tried its best to help the moderate opposition but they could not find any for more than five years now. All these groups of opposition are hardline fighters. They take the US money to arm themselves and kill the Syrian people. Only now, the US has recognized its mistake. I call it US stupidity. The US donated more than $50 million to the Free Syrian Army groups, and the result is still appalling. The Russian air strikes renewed our hopes in getting back our peace. | The United States tried its best to help the moderate opposition but they could not find any for more than five years now. All these groups of opposition are hardline fighters. They take the US money to arm themselves and kill the Syrian people. Only now, the US has recognized its mistake. I call it US stupidity. The US donated more than $50 million to the Free Syrian Army groups, and the result is still appalling. The Russian air strikes renewed our hopes in getting back our peace. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.05pm BST | at 8.05pm BST |
| 7.54pm BST | 7.54pm BST |
| 19:54 | 19:54 |
| Even Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov seems unclear about whom Russian warplanes are targeting, per the Times of London’s Tom Parfitt and ABC’s Alexander Marquardt. | Even Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov seems unclear about whom Russian warplanes are targeting, per the Times of London’s Tom Parfitt and ABC’s Alexander Marquardt. |
| Asked if Russian planes will bomb the Free Syrian Army, Putin's spox says: “Does it exist? Haven’t the majority of them joined Isil?" | Asked if Russian planes will bomb the Free Syrian Army, Putin's spox says: “Does it exist? Haven’t the majority of them joined Isil?" |
| Putin spox Peskov: "Those [groups] that are not terrorists, that have not gone over to the side of ISIS...Russia is not targeting." | Putin spox Peskov: "Those [groups] that are not terrorists, that have not gone over to the side of ISIS...Russia is not targeting." |