Leaked information reveals extent of Russian military activity in Syria

The growing Russian military presence in Syria recently raised many questions as new factors emerged showing that Moscow is sparing no effort to support the Syrian regime in the face of field developments and increasing external pressure on the regime.        

Russian media outlets showed details of Chief of Intelligence Mikhail Fradkov handing over satellite imagery to the Syrians that reveals the location of Free Syrian Army troops.    

Meanwhile, leaked information revealed that a large number of advisors and special units were sent to Syria and Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov acknowledged that Russian experts are deployed across several military facilities in Syria, adding that there is intense technical and military cooperation between Moscow and Damascus.          

Victor Litovkin, one of the most prominent military advisors, said that he cannot reveal the nature of the special units’ missions, adding that 150 Russian soldiers are permanently present at Tartous naval base.       

“We are implementing contracts signed with Damascus and nothing can stop Moscow from fulfilling its objectives. Syria holds an $8 billion debt to the Russian military, we will lose this money if the regime falls. If Assad falls, Islamists will come to power and Western nations will lose as well”, Litovkin was quoted as saying.           

The Russian military institution had reiterated its determination to continue providing Damascus with weapons, announcing that it had begun implementing military contracts that had been postponed for years, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and missile systems.           

Moscow also sent tons of ammunition weeks ago on board a Russian military vessel, which, according to experts, has not been the only Russian vessel to enter Syrian ports during the protracted crisis.          

In addition to the increasing military activity, the media mentioned discussion between the two countries to renovate a Soviet-era observation post located on Kassioun Mountain, revealing that Syria is offering to build a similar post for Moscow near the Syrian-Turkish border. Some assert that it would be used to observe NATO movements across the border, especially the placement and operation of anti-missile radar sites.