Russia has beefed up its naval presence in the Mediterranean amid claims by Moscow that the United States is poised to launch a strike at Syrian forces preparing for a major offensive in Idlib.
Up to 11 Russian warships have crossed the Bosphorus as tensions between the US and Syria continue to rise.
“It included at least 10 vessels and two submarines – with more on the way,” the Russian daily newspaper Izvestia stated, adding that most of the flotilla is carrying Kalibr cruise missiles.
If the reports are correct, this would be the biggest task force sent by President Vladimir Putin’s government since Russia’s intervention in the Syrian conflict in 2015.
Moscow’s ally
It also comes at a time when Moscow’s ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is believed to be on the brink of launching an assault on the last big rebel-held enclave of Idlib in the north of the country.
Russia has already accused the Washington administration of President Donald Trump of building up its own forces in the Middle East in preparation for a possible strike on Syrian government forces if they use chemical weapons.
On Aug. 25, the USS Ross entered the Mediterranean, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The guided-missile destroyer is armed with 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting any target in Syria.
“This suggests the US is about to launch military action in support of rebels fighting against Assad’s regime,” Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the Russian MoD, said on Monday.
The deployment of the Russian fleet coincides with Trump’s threat to strike Assad’s army ahead of the Idlib offensive.
Last week, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said it would be disastrous to seek a military solution in the region as it has become a refuge for civilians and rebels displaced from other areas of Syria, as well as for powerful jihadist forces.
Air strikes
During the past month, Idlib has been hit by a wave of air strikes and shelling in what many observers believe is the prelude to a full-scale government assault on the city.
As the military build-up continues, Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have held telephone talks about the humanitarian situation, their offices confirmed on Monday.
“Both leaders called for international action to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Idlib Province,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.
“Russia is called upon to act in a moderating manner on the Syrian government and prevent a further escalation,” Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert, stressed in a statement.
Syrian sovereign integrity will be restored and US forces will have to withdraw. Mostly thanks to Russia.
According to Russian Military intelligence the British has trained local terrorist to use Chemical weapons against people in Idlib and then blame it on President Assad to create public outcry and demands for a NATO strike against Syria. Basically, the same as previous US/NATO false flags.
The US has trained terrorists in Northern Afghanistan for Idlib operations, so soon there will a battle for Idlib. A tragic waste of human life. Anyway, Syria seems to have the upper hand and hopefully win against the US supported terrorists.
If Syria wins and Imran Kahn in Pakistan has the courage to close the US supply lines through Pakistan, then the Americans must move out from Afghanistan. With the US out there will be more stability and less terrorism.
There are reports Bahrain and Saudi Arabia might get into struggle with the opposition to the Monarchies. Then we could have an Asia with nearly no US military presence. I know this is wishful thinking, but sometimes dreams come true.
Will HAVE to withdraw? Because Russia will make them?
Christopher Laird – No. The Syrians will do it. Just like the Vietnamese did in Vietnam…
You’re so right…Let’s hope this dream does come true.
Christopher Laird news flash!……..The Russians along with the Syrians and the Iranians already have!…..lol
After Idlib falls, Trump will be found clutching at straws to stay afloat in Syria. lol
Christopher Laird. Yes
THE U S IS ANGERED AS THEIR FALSE FLAG GAS ATTACK HAS BEEN FOILED AS IT WAS BEFORE WHEN OBAMA WAS POTUS BUT TRUMP HAS TWICE USED A FALSE FLAG GAS ATTACK TO BOMB SYRIAN BASES AND OTHER SITES. THEY WILL AGAIN BOMB SYRIAN ARAB ARNY AND IRANIAN/HEZZBULLAH POSITIONS ALL FOR THE ISRAELI NETANYAHU AGENDA.
There is no reason for IK to take any such action. Pakistan’s own interests should reign supreme and we should not take ‘practical side’ in Syrian conflict.
Nuno Cardoso da Silva that’s true
Mr.Abed,
All the Arab countries surrounding Israel told the same thing 65 years ago.what happened.you poor no important Banga going to destroy it.take care of your daily roti first
Russia should supply Asad with S-400 Air Defence system.
Russia.. always a late comers..as always.It will lose it’s ass to Israel.
Propaganda won’t take you to anywhere ….. come again
There’s nothing like Palestine, they are all Jordanians.