Russian Airstrike Hits HQ of Syrian Islamist Group Close to Turkey; 80 Killed

Russian message that it is displeased with Turkey de-stabilizing the Caucusus?

The structure bombed is far from the front-line, and there is a ceasefire that Turkey is in a technical breach of, but that is mainly nonetheless upheld. Clearly, the parading Islamists had assumed they were protected by the Russian-Turkish deal from March.

— Rebel-held Idlib is al-Qaeda dominated, but instead of hitting the latter, the Russians specifically hit the largest of the groups close to Turkey.*

They did not leave it to Syrians to deliver the strike but carried it out themselves.

Minor strikes close to the front line when there are cease-fire violations are not unheard of, but something like this is not at all business as usual (has not been since March).

This points to it being a message to Turkey from the Russian military. Moscow doesn’t hold much love for the current Armenian PM, but at the same time it can not be happy that Turkish backing and encouragement for Azerbaijan was pivotal in starting the ongoing Armenian-Azeri war.

Moscow wants decent relations and a measure of influence with Armenia and Azerbaijan both — if for no other reason then so that they’re not applying for NATO in the manner of neighboring Georgia — but a war between the two complicates that goal.

The Russian message is clear: if Turkey insists on fueling the Armenian-Azeri war in the Caucasus, Russia can in turn re-open the Idlib front and back another Syrian government push to retake it from the rebels grouped around al-Qaeda.

 

*Faylaq al-Sham is a Muslim Brotherhood outfit once bankrolled by Qatar, and now the central member of the “National Front for Liberation” umbrella group of rebel outfits in Idlib formed and financed by Turkey.

16 Comments
  1. mick says

    Russia, showing the US how to win wars since 1945.

  2. ALTERNATE HISTORY says

    Russian hit on the Turkish-controlled opposition is another illustration of ‘asymmetrical response’.

  3. Le Ruse says

    The Virgins, waiting for all those 80 killed …….

    https://i.imgflip.com/u58b4.jpg

    1. didactic1 says

      Do the virgins get pregnant?

      1. Saint Jimmy (Russian American) says

        Only if you’re sent to Hell. Those in Hell get pregnant.

        1. didactic1 says

          Illuminating!😝

          1. Saint Jimmy (Russian American) says

            Satan is a crafty dude.

      2. Le Ruse says

        Good question. to investigate IMO ??

  4. didactic1 says

    Toasted Turk Terrorists and their baby packed female breeders. Good work Russia.😃

  5. itchyvet says

    Awesome move. Go Russia.

  6. Saint Jimmy (Russian American) says
  7. Hist 83 says

    80 Turkish savages wiped out in one strike, good work Russian Air Force, next time 90 or hundred.

  8. Bob says

    Russia is carrying out military operations in Syria legally – unlike Turkey. Turkey is an invader.

    1. Canosin says

      Turks are descendants from those expelled cowards and whores from the Golden Horde……nobody likes them…..same as the Khazarians…..the scourge of mankind

      1. Bob says

        Correct. Erdogan is playing both sides. A despicable character. Crypto.

  9. cechas vodobenikov says

    Erdogan is a slow learner; his adventures in Armenia, Libya, Syria, Sudan, etc has nearly destroyed the turk economy. the 5$ annual Russian tourist industry has been dramatically reduced. many neighbors are now hostile to turkey–Greece, Bulgaria, Syria and others: France, Egypt, UAE and to a lesser extent, Iran, Russia. They only r allied w Qatar, Azeris, Uighers

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