Russia is seeking international assistance in its quest to determine the source of swarming drone attacks on two of its military bases in Syria.
The twin strikes represent the first time swarming drones have been used by terrorists against hardened targets, and judging from the excitement on the Russian side, they are clearly worried and upset. While denying that they lost any equipment in the strikes, it is hard to explain otherwise the level of alarm in Russia’s military.
The Russian General Staff held a briefing in Moscow to show off some of the home-made drones that were used to attack Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia, Syria and the important Russian naval base in Tartus.
The drones themselves are simple. They use a small commercial gasoline two stroke engine that might be found in a weed whacker or used to power a bicycle. Structurally the drones are made out of wooden spars and styrofoam “boards” that are tied into the wooden structure with glue and plastic wrap.
The drone itself is launched from some sort of simple rail platform and guided by two piece of wood on the drone with cutouts to protect the drone’s aerodynamic quality. The drones carry either eight or ten bomblets, each stuffed with the explosive PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate), a very energetic explosive that has been favored by terrorists such as the shoe bomber, Richard Reid. PETN needs to be ignited by an explosive fuse, and the bomblets all have fuses that explode on contact.
The Russians have pointed to the Ukraine as a possible source of PETN for the bombs. But there are many other sources and PETN and other explosives such as RDX are widely available on the black market. No doubt the Russians are trying to find out if the PETN in the drones has some chemical characteristic that would point to its source, but it is unlikely even the Russians will be able to identify the Ukrainians as the source.
The bomblets are released by a solenoid that opens gaps in a sliding metal bar. The bomblets contain about 1 KG of PETN plus a string of epoxied ball bearings wrapped around the PETN explosive.
It appears the mission of the swarming drones was three-fold: it was to show the Russians that their bases are vulnerable to attack even if the terrorists are far off (the attack was launched about 50 km away originating in Idlib according to reports and the Russians have now destroyed a stockpile of drones there); that the Russian aircraft and missiles were vulnerable to a drone strike; and finally that the bomblets could be used to terrorize ground crews and military personnel on the Russian bases. Most of the focus was on Hmeimim Air Base where 10 drones were used in a swarming attack; another three drones struck the Tartus Naval Base.
The Russians claim that one of the drones carried a camera and had the ability to adjust the track of the other drones if needed. The drones themselves were guided by GPS and the flight path for each one was pre-programmed.
What especially disturbs the Russian analysts – and on this point they are still unable to identify the source – is that the drones were accurately programmed not only to reach the bases, but to hit specific targets that could not be attacked using standard GPS-generated maps or rely on GPS for accurate targeting. The single camera-equipped drone was there to help adjust the final target, indicating a fairly sophisticated command and control capability, something that clearly impressed the Russian General Staff. The drones also were programmed with accurate intelligence that was harmonized with GPS maps.
The Russians captured a number of the drones which they claim they were able to gain control over and crash land (the drones are not capable of landing in the normal sense). They were able to read out the directional plots and see that the programming was very accurate to locate targets. More than likely the targeting was aimed at parked Russian aircraft, since the bomblets would do very little damage to buildings. It is less sure the targeting included Russian air defense missiles, as these are of little or no interest to terrorist who don’t have an air force.
Bottom line: the accuracy of the mapping means that the drones were supported by a well-established military organization capable of spotting the targets and adjusting GPS maps to their exact location. Putting aside the fact that the drones may, or may not have achieved their objectives (whether you believe the Russians shot down or controlled most of them and did not suffer any losses, or alternatively the terrorist-leaks to the press where some seven Russian aircraft, including at least one Su-35 are claimed to have been destroyed) the accuracy of the drones is certainly the big issue and the Russians are almost certainly right that someone was helping the terrorists.
At first the Russians blamed the Turks. Next they blamed the Americans and pointed out that a US Navy Reconnaissance plane may have been involved. More recently the Russians are accusing the Ukrainians.
What the Russians have not done is to blame the Iranians, ostensibly their ally in Syria. But the Iranians know the Russians are under pressure for a settlement of the Syrian mess (maybe linked to some deal on Ukraine), and perhaps the biggest demand (from Saudi Arabia, the United States and Israel) is for the Iranians and Hezbollah to leave Syria. Kicking the Russians hard may be the Iranian way of sending a strong message to Putin that they are not leaving and that Putin needs “them” to protect vital Russian bases.
Whatever one thinks, the Russians are deeply troubled and afraid these kinds of attacks will migrate to Russian territory in the hands of local terrorists (who also have been operating with ISIS in Syria). That’s why even the Russian Defense Ministry and General Staff are looking for international help to prevent swarm drone attacks.
What an idiot!! Thus was US/Israeli operation. The mapping and navigation was through satellites and it was a CIA job. These were sophisticated drones comflogged to look like a cheap drone. Your Zionist masters were all behind this operation and payback will come shortly.
" It is less sure the targeting included Russian air defense missiles, as these are of little or no interest to terrorist who don’t have an air force."
Yes they have an air force: USAF/NATO and Israel’s
A textbook desinformation article which tries to underline Russia’s vulnerability and US innocence on what concerns this attack. If the author ecognizes that "someone was helping the terrorists", then the possible culprits could only be the US or Israel, and no one else.
From the news, you can tell that it was the US or Israel that the Russians are pointing to for responsiblity for the attacks. The Iranians do not have access to high tech surveillance equipment capable of high resolution imaging to point and locate the actual targets. Anyway, the worm is out of the can and everybody can copy this tactic, terrorist or their supporters alike.
Stranmge but this is not what I have been reading which is that Russia not only knows who was behind it, but where they were aquired how much was paid for them and by whom,it went on to say that those who were involved along with it base were destroyed by Russian forces,they of course were funded by the C.I.A. and U.S. government which makes this artical nothing more that propaganda to confuse the public..
It was reported yesterday on the reputable (not FAKE NEWS) zerohedge.com that the Russians know who is behind the attack and spoke to Edrogen about it. I just ask one question ———who should us readers believe??——zerohedge.com are the so so smart Mr Stephrn Bryen!!!!
Quite why Asia Times continue to entertain this Zionist apologist is beyond me. Stephen Bryen is mouthing all the wicked fake news that might as well come from straight from the evil CIA.
Man Lee, he is so evil that he might even spread fake news from the Vatican, stating that Galileo is a Russian agent…
I watched Putin answer a question about this incident and he said they know who is behind it, and it isn’t Turkey. Perhaps we only need to know who has trained, funded and armed the mercenary murderers all along to know who is behind this. That really narrows the field, doesn’t it?
Russia needs to TAKE THE GLOVES OFF and ERADICATE ALL USA LED/SUPPORTED/CREATED terrorists in SYRIA.. ALL OF THEM.. US Military INCLUDED!
claro que foram a Mossad e a CIA
Consider the ownership of Asia Times. If one can call for a genocide openly on the pages of this portal, what on earth do you expects, some actual reporting and analysis?
This was a fun article to read. How deluded one has to be to write such a funny mix and match ideology. Is Russia seeking international assistance to help with the drone incident, or with IDENTIFYING CULPRITS behind such a silly propaganda stunt? This will be the easiest bet ever, betting that Russia already knows everything. Who built it, who adapted it, who provided the GPS military grade, to identify accurately the targets. Now, let us review the musings of the author.
Poor Russians, worried and upset. If no harm is done, why such a level of alarm?
And why all the concern over some home made drones, made of styrofoam, and held by together by glueing some sticks and rubber bands. So, why is Russia so "upset"?
Let us go over the autors revew of potential culprits. Says Russia blamed Turkey first — an absolute lie, and Putin himself made sure that such fabrications are clearly rejected, citing the friendship and loyalty bonds between nations. Naturally, the producers of such propaganda ALWAYS go with what once worked. Remember when in 2015, on the day Davatoglu was sworn in as a Prime Minister, and Erdogan position hanging by a thread, Russian plane was shot down by Turkey. But Davatoglu government lasted only from November 2015 till May 2016, when it lost confidence and Erdogan wing of the party took over. In the matter of days, Turkey appologized to Russia, and relationships on all fronts — including Turkey, were changed within weeks. Of course, a desparate attempt of a coup/assasination of Erdogan — failed in July 2016. Does anyone actually believes that Erdogan did not have some friends that furnished him with the intelligence, and made sure he misteriously disappears from his seaside resort, where the assasins discovered he was missing. And how did he turn up on a commercial flignt to Istambul, where from the airport he communicated to the nation that the coup is not supported by the Army, and that the Government in
Ankara was in charge, protected by the military. Seriosly, lets understand the position of Turkey since, as all forms of foreign control over the government, media, military and civilian institutions became exposed. And then, think about the silly notion that Turkey will go against Russia, Iran and China — the silent partner in Syria? It is Turkey’s entiere economic development that is riding on the crest of Eurasian economic development, the physical and electronic infrastructure that is the backbone, and Turkey as the key hub of both energy, transit and IT networks?
Who does the author think he is talking to? His types of silly, giggly adolescents?
Ukraine may be the home of the rickety drones, but they have been addapted by a more formidable able entity. And here is where US comes in. Israel is, of course, the key entity trying desparately to keep US in Syria, and is grasping at straws. A much as both Russia and Damascus have ignored its occassional bombing and Israel’s hissy fits. But I do not think one can ignore the frantic calls in US for the continuation of Syrian meddling, for finding exuses to stay — as irrational as they are. With both Trump and Trump’s base very much averse to nation building, this help to Kurds cannot last forever either. Kurds are not in danger of Damascus, but if they insist on pushing US to gift them a state on Syrian territory — they will discover that Turkey means business, and that US cannot intimidate Turkey when it comes to coddling secessionism and armed "political" struggle waged by Kurds.
However, Israel’s provocations — the ones they committed openly — are rather good indicator of how far Israel may be inclined to go, in order to get US whipped into obedience. So, the silly story of Iran being unhappy with Russian potential dealing with US — does not hold water.
Russia knows that Ukraine has long way to go in order to discover its confused identity, as well as start owning up to its own decision making, be that in economy, energy, finances and military might. This country lived of Russia and Soviet Union, never having to face the consequences of its decisions. Now that Russia is no longer there for them, debts are accumulating, and economy at the bottom. US and the collective West have no problems seeing the country go hungry. But the notion that somehow Syria is a bargaining chip to trade for Ukraine — is a silly one. In Syria, principles are being defended beyond getting rid of US/Saudi/Israeli supported terrorists. As those people have no other benefactors in the world.
So, now we know that the drones are fitted up by a WELL ESTABLISHED MILITARY. Iran? Wishfull thinking anyone? Russia will not settle "Syria mess" at the expense of its allies. Russia was several times in history brought to the level of biological extinction. This is why it has no fear. But it may just flush out the dangerous juveniles playing with fire.
This pretty much defines the article.
When it comes to Al-Qaeda, aka Al-Nusra, Tahrir Al-Sham, and their assorted friends, its is UK that did most of the propaganda. It is UK that created the White Helmets mirage, pays for the Syrian Observatory for the Human Rights, a one man show out of a Coventry apartment. Who led the tearful circus when Al-Nusra was ousted out of Aleppo? And after people were liberated, nobody bothered to come to ask them how was it under the White Helmet humanitarian Al-Nusra? There are many fingers in this pie. But I am of the opinion that Saudi Arabia will be tighening its purse. Playing poor — it will curtail its activities in creating the armies of poor people, being led by Saudi cults, and serving as cannon fodder. I think Saudi Arabia will be changing — speed of glacier, but change nonetheless. For one, their real customers are now in Asia, while the country with the next highest production of oil, Russia, is the only one that can save the Kingdom finances, by joining the cut in production. The price is rising, and Saudi Arabia does not want to irritate Russia. It already paid a handsome tribute (such an elegant name for donations to Russian oil industry in the form of a special fund. Between Russia and China, Saudi Arabia has nowhere to go. All other customers, like US have reduced purchases, and Europe is too letargic economically to need more energy.
This may be the reason Israel is so hyperactive in trying to keep the Syria’s conflicts going. But they are having problems at home, with Netanyahu in deep trouble for corruption scandals, and Palestinian issue just heating up. Israel may turn its sights on Lebanon — again — as it may need a little war to deflect attention from growing domestic problems.
Consider the ownership, the editorial control…
Jordan DeRoulet The problem is, Russia is dealing with giddy juveniles, with those so used to being superior, that they cannot fathom being in danger. One has to be carefull with juveniles, as they are easily rattled and can react irrationally. I think that Russia is playing it just right, patiently. And building alliances along the way. Who is now more influential in Iraq, Russia or US? Iraq stopped following US generals’ advice on how to tackle ISIS ever since that advice brought about catastrophic losses to the army and loss of territory. Once the joint intelligence body was founded in Baghdad, comprising of Iraq, Iran and Russia, things changed on the ground. As in Syria, US did not liberate one village. Using Kurds in Iraq resulted in a calamity for Kurds. Syrian Kurds need to learn the lesson.
I believe in patience. As it turns out, now even Jordan has intelligence exchange with Russia. Lebanon is openly in a TV interiew of the president, counting on Russia to defend them from Israel. And Saudi Arabia is counting its reals. Without Russian help, the production cut would not have worked. In an real irony, Saudi Arabia held production high in order to bankrupt Russia and Iran. Now, it needs Russia to get itself out of the financial mess. Who do you think has more influence in Egypt, US or Russia? Who has now more influence in Pakistan, US or Russia? Turkey may be NATO member but only technically. It is closer to Russia at this point in time, while Iran is a tigh ally. Patience is everything. Sooner or later, the Hubris of arrogance, generates its own Nemesis.
And why is US so invested in Netanyahu, in spite of his malodorous corruption that comes with hanging on to power too long? It is becase they do not want to see the power to shift to anyone with strong ties to Russian immigrants in Israel. As many of them have returned to Russia already, there is clearly no good will there towards the current power structure in Israel.
Soon, we will see changes in Saudi Arabia. The new ruler is not CIA darling, Mohammed bin Nayaf, former Crown Prince. These days are over.
Branka Alhamdy – Well said.
Luca Taramelli I would not worry about zig-zag Erdogan. He knows exactly which side he is on. But being unpredicatable is the skill that saved him many a time in his tumultuous political history. He will go down in history as a person who transformed Turkey from Western colony to an independent country. This is not really even questionable.
His key role is in dealing with Kurds and US. This is a question of playing good cop, bad cop. While Damascus and Russia get out of their way to keep Kurds loyal to Syria, Turkey is the the other side of the coin. Should Kurds not like what Damascus and Russians have to offer, they will have to face Turkey. This has played out already number of times, that it makes me laugh how many times it is necessary for people to catch on.
No, I do not think that any Rojava under the patronage of US is a good idea. Turkey acrually already stopped an attempt at US backed Democratic Forces, aka Kurdish YPG, trying to connect Kurds from Kobane region with Afrin Kurds, along Turkish border. Keep in mind, that at that time Syrian Army was under serious pressure to withdraw from the outlying regions, to defend towns closer to Damascus. What was clear as a day that US was litteraly allowing ISIS to capture small towns and villages along Turkish border, with Kurds on the other side. There was a whole string of such ISIS occupied places. While in Turkey, Erdogan was figting for his political life, as his party was divided between pro-Western Davutoglu and the pro-East Erdogan wing. He did not get an upper hand until May 2016, and then almost lost it all in the rather desparate coup in July following the fall of Davutoglu’s government. What was happening then — was the full fledged black market of oil between ISIS and Turkish Kurds, but all the Western media blamed Erdogan and his family. Typical demonization strategies.
But let us remember how it all went down. US supported Kurds captured a strategic town of Manbij, buy basically allowing ISIS to move to Raqqa. The bombing that US conducted over Manbij served Kurdish interests well, as that was a majority Arab and Turkmen town. As refugees fled the city, Kurds assumed control. Turkey realized what was happening. Next on the menu for Kurds would have been Al-Bab, again, non Kurdish town, after which, the string of ISIS places would have fallen to Kurds, without any chance for Turkey or Syria to prevent unification of two parts of Kurdish areas. Turkey threatened action, and Biden went to sooth them, by pronouncing pompously that Kurds must leave Manbij. Yea, surely. They are still there.
But Turkey entered Syria, taking Jarabulus from ISIS, and then clearing a corridor towards Al-Bab, moved to insure Kurds do not get there first and do another deal with ISIS. Since Kurds and US were not prepared to go into direct confrontation with Turkey, they did everything to keep ISIS well supplied with US reconnoisance, insuring that ISIS on several occasions outflanked Turkish forces at Al-Bab for serious losses. This is when Russian airforce got involved — this was the first time that Turkish Air Force and Russian Airforce were flying in the same formation, targeting ISIS areas. When ISIS was defeated, the corridor was secured that prevented any means of Kobane Kurds move to join Afrin. But there was one more great hope for US/Kurdish plans. Syrian Army was approaching Al-Bab, and getting closer to the Turkish controlled rebels. There was this belief in US that Damascus was not on board with Turkish incursion. Damascus still keeps ambvivalent, in order to not give Kurds reason to hate Damascus. But in the end, the corridor stopped US/Kurdish forces to move along Turkish border, and link up with Afrin, as well as with PKK Kurds. If US suceeded with the plan, Turkey would have been cut off from the entire Middle East. When Damascus forces got close to Turkish/Free Syrian Army, there was no clash. The corridor is until today maintained by Turkey, its "rebels" and the Syrian Army. On occassions, US proded Afrin Kurds to try to challenge Turkey. But Turkey made it clear that it will attack Afrin.
Situation in Idlib is complicated. Afrin is between Turkey and Idlib groups. Turkey does not want to make itself an enemy of non-Al-Qaeda groups, as it needs them in potentially fighting Kurds. Kurds may take advantage of trapped terrorists, to push towards the Turkish controlled corridor, and break out to Al-Bab. But fearning that Turkey may just take over Afrin, Kurds must cooperate with Damascus. If they in any way shape and form come up with a deal with Al-Qaeda, Damascus would give Turkey green light. US does not want to have Turkey too mad, but the only thing Turkey wants is not to have a Kurdish state on its borders. This works for Damascus, but cannot advertise it.
Wars are won and lost with money, or the lack of it.
Russia is bleeding America of money, money that the US has to borrow, US debt has risen by $1 trillion in the last year, whilst Russia continues to build its war chest of gold.
Hopefully Russia will defeat the US without resorting to open conflict.
I thought they might be pointing at the british.
If i were an american soldier in afghanistan i would be worried
The culprints are only Israel and USA …+ USA has been and still training terrorist groups in Syria …and stationed + ocupied some bases !!!
Branka Alhamdy … I don’t think Israel is capable of attacking Lebanon alone. Hezbollah is a very capable military force , much more capable then it was when it ejected Israel previously . Israel would suffer very heavy losses, and with all the divisions in Israel at the moment, would find it very difficult to find replacements.
So the terrorists observed, learned, and improved on what the Russians did in the Ukraine .. and are Russians are crying for help? Talk about a glass jaw.
Nuke Mecca, Medina, Qom, and Teheran now! Make sure the imams and sheikhs know we are considering the next round of targets. Coordinate with Russia for simultaneous strikes on Chechnya. Deport all koranimals and close all mosques. Islam delenda est! Sink the invader’s boats and machine gun the survivors. Bulldoze Al Aqsa and rebuild the Temple of Solomon.
They used drones to attack ammo dumps in Ukraine. Now they are on the receiving end. MERESEH!
There appears to be a serious mental confusion on your side. The relative effectiveness of the strike must have thrown you into this state. Propaganda does not help, it only makes one shy away from the truth and reality. Learn to acknowledge this twins.