US Satellites Recorded Russian Military Fighting ISIL in Syria

The Russian military has joined military operations in Syria, fighting on the side of the state army under the command of Bashar al-Assad, writes Reuters, citing unnamed sources in Lebanon who claim to be well-informed about the military and political situation in Syria, reports the Patria News Agency.

Sources say that Russia is increasingly reinforcing its forces in Syria, although the number of Russian military personnel currently involved in the operation is small. US officials state that Russia has sent two tank landing ships, as well as additional aircraft to the Syrian government in recent days. They also claim that a small contingent of naval infantry has been sent.

Moscow has admitted to sending its "experts" to Syria, but has not confirmed any details about the military presence in the country, which the media has been reporting on for days. Assad's government also denies Russia's presence in Syria. However, a Syrian official stated that the number of military experts in the area has increased since last year.

"The Russians are no longer just expert advisors. They have decided to engage in the war against terrorism."

Lebanese sources claim that Russia is organizing two new bases in Syria, one near the coast and the other inland - the latter is intended to be the main base for military operations. Russia, incidentally, has its only naval base in the Mediterranean in the city of Tartus, located in territory controlled by Assad's forces.

"The Russians are no longer just expert advisors. They have decided to engage in the war against terrorism," claims an unnamed source.

The US has been conducting airstrikes against the positions of the self-proclaimed Islamic State for some time, but the Americans do not support the regime of Bashar al-Assad, writes Index.