Russian forces boost numbers after Turkey threatens operation in Syria

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen Net
4 Jul 2022 20:32
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Al Mayadeen reports on Russian forces increasing the number of deployed troops and bringing in two warplanes and 6 combat helicopters to the Qamishli base.

Russian cargo planes (Yuchen) arrived on Sunday at Qamishli Airport

Since the beginning of the Russian special operation in Ukraine and the Turkish threat to launch a new military offensive in Syria, Russia has increased the number of its deployed forces in Northern Syria by about a third, as confirmed by Al Mayadeen sources.

The sources indicated that "two Russian cargo planes (Yuchen) arrived on Sunday at Qamishli Airport,” adding that these measures are part of Russia’s military measures in the region. According to Mehr, the planes were carrying more than 500 soldiers from the Russian paratroopers unit.

Furthermore, the sources revealed that Qamishli’s geographical location plays a significant role in its proximity to the “illegal bases of the American occupation in the province of Hasaka, and the fact that it is in contact with the Turkish border, which is, at the same time, a border for NATO."

The same sources pointed out that the current increase in the number of ground forces has been accompanied by an increase in its air force fleet about a month ago where “two warplanes and 6 combat helicopters arrived at the area and were added to the air forces previously stationed at the airport."

Given that information, and according to Al Mayadeen sources, "Al-Qamishli base became the second most important Russian base, after the Hmeimim base, in terms of armament and number of personnel, which gives an indication that the region may witness new developments.”

In the previous weeks, there have been indications that “Turkey will launch an imminent military attack after bringing in large military reinforcements, and conducting Ground maneuvers between the Turkish army and factions known as the "National Army"."

On May 23, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that "the Turkish army intends to carry out anti-terror military operations at the Turkish state borders," noting that "the decision on these operations will be taken soon."

Commenting on this, the Russian envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, said the possible Turkish military operation in northern Syria would create "new security threats" to Turkey, as "the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the SDF will not disappear under this scenario."

Lavrentiev added that "Russia will try to convince Turkey of the futility of the possible military operation in northern Syria," stressing that his country "will not fight the Turkish forces and the “National Army" affiliated with Ankara."

Earlier on Monday, July 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that Turkey believes Russia would not interfere with the operation of Turkish offensive forces in northern Syria, although tensions persist.