Publications

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30 - October 3, 2015

October 4, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande
Russian airstrikes continue to primarily target Syrian opposition groups in areas far from ISIS's core terrain. These strikes are concentrated in northwestern Syria, particularly in rebel-held areas of Idlib Province and the northern countryside of Hama Province. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) claimed only three airstrikes targeting positions in known ISIS-held terrain between October 1 and October 3. However, local reporting only confirmed two of these strikes.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30, 2015 - October 1, 2015

October 2, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

Russia conducted a second round of airstrikes in Syria on October 1, targeting rebel-held positions in the provinces of Homs, Idlib, and Aleppo. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has repeatedly claimed that the airstrikes are targeting ISIS positions in these rebel-held areas. These airstrikes are the first Russian strikes confirmed by the Russian MoD that have targeted positions in ISIS-held terrain.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30, 2015

September 30, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

An alleged Russian airstrike hit the rebel-held town of Talbisah north of Homs City. Talbisah is home to Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, hardline Islamist Ahrar al-Sham, and a number of other local rebel groups, all of which are active in local governance efforts in the area. If confirmed, the airstrike would signal Russian intent to assist in the Syrian regime's war effort at large, rather than securing the regime's coastal heartland of Latakia and Tartous.

Al-Assad Airport Latakia 19 SEPT 2015 SU-30 close-up

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

A close-up view of 4x SU-30 (Flanker) Russian aircraft at al-Assad Airport on September 19, 2015.

Al-Assad Airport Latakia 20 SEPT 2015

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

Satellie image of al-Assad Airport September 20, 2015 showing 4x SU-30s (Flanker), 12x SU-25s (Frogfoot), as well as a possible fuel depot being established and a new logistics/vehicle park.

Al-Assad Airport, Latakia, 15 SEPT 2015

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

Multiple Russian transport aircraft, as well as helicopters, tanks, trucks, and armored personnel carriers arrived at al-Assad Airport between September 4-15, 2015 

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