Russia’s military conducted major naval and air force drills in the eastern Mediterranean, off Syria’s coast. This comes as Aleppo falls to Al-Qaeda linked jihadist insurgents and the central Syrian city of Hama is under threat. Russia confirmed that it has “increased” its troop numbers stationed in the region as a result of the exercises. The drills involved firing hypersonic missiles during naval and Air Force exercises in the eastern Mediterranean. The Russian Navy and Air Force launched precision sea-based missiles, including hypersonic Zirkon missiles and a Kalibr cruise missile. Over 1,000 personnel manned ten naval vessels and two dozen aircraft for the exercises. Despite the muscle-flexing, Russia has avoided direct engagement with Israeli fighter jets in Syria. The exercises are seen as a warning to the United States and its proxies in Syria, signaling Russia’s ability to demonstrate a strong force posture in the Middle East.
Add A Comment