While Obama dithers with a drone strike here and a drone strike there.
Russian air operations over Syria are continuing at a somewhat reduced pace even as the Kremlin says it is withdrawing its main forces from the region.
The Russian air force conducted forty-one sorties in support of the Syrian army’s offensive to retake Palmyra between March 20 and March 23. According to Moscow-based TASS—which cites the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria—Russian aircraft struck 146 targets during the battle. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s forces entered the city on Thursday to recapture it from the Islamic State terrorist group.
“Six command points, more than 320 terrorists, five tanks, six pieces of artillery, two ammunition depots and 15 vehicles were destroyed,” reads a statement from the Center according to TASS. “No strikes were made on opposition armed groups who announced cessation of hostilities and provided information about their positions to the Russian or American reconciliation centers.”
Russia is drawing down some of its forces—Moscow’s potent Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback bombers and Su-25 Frogfoot close air support aircraft have returned home. But Russia still has advanced Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S multirole fighters and older Su-24 Fencer bombers at its base in Latakia. It also has a host of Mil Mi-24 and Mi-35 gunships at its Syrian base. Moreover, in some cases, Russia is increasing its footprint as advanced Kamov Ka-52 and Mil-28N gunships arrive in theatre.