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Russia’s involvement in Syria is facilitating ISIS’s territorial gains, while also strengthening Assad. Russia is supporting the Syrian regime’s offensives in Latakia, the al-Ghab Plain, and northern Hama. Russia also intensified strikes on rebel-held northwestern Aleppo, likely to set conditions for an imminent Russian-Iranian-Syrian regime offensive in the area.
President Vladimir Putin seeks to project Russian military force forward into the territory of the former Soviet Union while competing with the U.S. for influence in the Middle East.
President Vladimir Putin seeks to project Russian military force forward into the territory of the former Soviet Union while competing with the U.S. for influence in the Middle East.
Key Takeaway: The Syrian regime has not gained much terrain in the first week of its large-scale ground offensive against rebel forces, despite support from intensified Russian airstrikes and hundreds of Iranian proxy reinforcements. Operations against the Syrian opposition will likely prove harder and slower than anticipated by either Russia or Iran, protracting the conflict and exacerbating extremism.
In addition to ISW's written products, our analysts are subject matter experts for the media on a constant basis. This periodic publication collects these media appearances and use of our maps in one place. You can also follow ISW on Twitter @TheStudyofWar.
In addition to ISW's written products, our analysts are subject matter experts for the media on a constant basis. This periodic publication collects these media appearances and use of our maps in one place. You can also follow ISW on Twitter @TheStudyofWar.
In addition to ISW's written products, our analysts are subject matter experts for the media on a constant basis. This periodic publication collects these media appearances and use of our maps in one place. You can also follow ISW on Twitter @TheStudyofWar.