Eight Years Of Russia’s Military Presence In Syria

Causes, consequences and lessons learned

On September 30, 2015, Russia began special missions in Syria, in response to a request from that country’s government to aid in the fight against terrorism. In fact, it was (and is) a full-fledged military operation involving aviation, armored vehicles, ships, and special forces.

The reason for the Russian military presence in Syria was a new type of terrorist groups, which, in fact, acted as full-fledged armies, having not only small arms and explosives, but even tanks, armored vehicles and artillery. However, the Arab Spring, which began in late 2010 in Tunisia and quickly spread across North Africa and West Asia, was the catalyst for this process. It is significant that where there were regimes supported by the US and Washington had its own interests (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia), protests were brutally suppressed and the West looked the other way. Where undesirable US figures were in power, protests were not only encouraged but directly supported, including with weapons. Libya was virtually destroyed, in Egypt the process was reversed and President Morsi, who took office on a wave of protests, received a life sentence. Syria, despite the outbreak of a full-fledged war, has managed to hold on, largely not without the help of Russia, but also Iran and Lebanon’s Hizbullah.

But with far-reaching geopolitical, diplomatic and military implications, it was a crucial test for Russia.

Unlike some countries where pro-Western politicians came to power after color revolutions, Syria has maintained continuity dating back to the days of the Soviet Union. Thus, thanks in large part to the decision to provide military assistance to Syria, we have been able to maintain a friendly government with which we continue to cooperate.

Initially, Syria was isolated from many of its neighbors.

Over time, however, a number of Gulf states, as well as Turkey, have abandoned a tough line against Damascus, despite this anti-Syrian stance. And there is also credit for Moscow’s progressive defence of Syria’s interests, including the establishment of the Reconciliation Centre and various venues for negotiations. Multiple rounds, including the Astana format, were not easy. There have also been repeated attempts by some Arab countries to extract concessions from Moscow on Syria. These have not been forthcoming. And this consistent approach has won the respect of the countries in the region.

Syria has recently rejoined the Arab League and restored diplomatic relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Damascus is returning to full international relations.

At the same time, Moscow has come to be valued not only as a mediator but also as a reliable partner that can be counted on, unlike Western countries that can suddenly forget their clients (as happened with Mubarak’s loyal US satellite in Egypt).

As Syria has become a veritable testing ground for new systems and the modernization of old ones, the interest in cooperation with Moscow has also been sparked by the “live demonstration” of various weapons. Kalibr missiles were launched from ships and submarines far from the state borders, Kh-101 missiles from Tu-160 strategic missile carriers, fourth-generation Su-34 aircraft, Orlan-10 and Eleron-3SV drones, combat robots, 1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system (TOS) and many others were also used.

In addition, Russian specialists have gained invaluable experience in mine clearance. After all, we can justifiably say that Russia has the best sappers in the world, because the highest level of skill is required when it comes to the use of handmade mines and explosives.

The constant rotation allowed Russian Army commanders to gain first-hand combat experience. The system of command and troop management has been optimized, to the direct credit of General Surovikin, the commander of the grouping in Syria in 2017.

Russia also gained experience in coordinating operations against terrorists with partners from the military wing of the Lebanese Hizbullah party, Iranian military formations and, directly, Syrian troops. The coordination center involving Russia, Iraq, Iran and Syria has also been set up (although it is formally based in Baghdad). This has created a strategic axis in West Asia, with Russian participation, that will continue to bear fruit.

The experience of the paramilitary structure known as the Wagner Group is also important. After all, its fighting path actually began in Syria and then spread to other countries, including Ukraine.

From a military point of view, of course, it is also relevant to recall the very tasks for which Russia sent troops – the defeat of terrorist organizations, the most powerful of which was ISIS. Despite isolated terrorist attacks on Russian territory and in other countries against Russian citizens, the growth and strengthening of this structure has been prevented. Experience in the detection and identification of terrorist cells, including inter-agency co-ordination, will also be an asset in the future.

As the West and its agents have constantly used tricks to demonize the government of Bashar al-Assad and Russia, the aspects of information warfare cannot be forgotten. The White Helmets project, in which they skillfully created the illusion of chemical poisoning and spread rumors through the Western media, is enough to remind us of this. But they were exposed, as was the propaganda of other groups. Russia has gained additional experience in information and analytical work in this area, which has certainly become useful in connection with the special military operation in Ukraine. After all, most fakes are made from the same templates prepared in the West.

As for the geopolitical aspects, Russia has received two military bases on Syrian territory under the agreement with the Syrian side. These are the Russian Navy’s 720th logistics point in the city of Tartus and the Khmeimim Air Base, where the Russian Air Force’s air group is deployed. They serve not only for current tasks, but are also Russia’s strategic strongholds in the Mediterranean Sea.

Of course, there are still some challenges inside Syria. In particular, part of its territory in the north is actually occupied by the Turkish side. In another part, in the Kurdish area, American troops are present. Some of Syria’s oil is illegally exported out of the country. There are inter-ethnic clashes. From time to time, remnants of terrorist groups try to raise their heads.

It is against this background that we can see the uselessness and inadequacy of the UN, on whose platform the collective West tried to put pressure on both Syria and Russia. Many other international organizations, such as Médecins Sans Frontières, have also confirmed their status as biased agents serving the interests of their clients rather than fulfilling the mission stated in their charters. In a sense, then, the war in Syria was a precursor to changing the West’s ‘rules-based order’, a continuation of which we see in other Russian efforts.

But on the whole, Syria has stood its ground and is now taking part in the construction of a multi-polar world. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited China at the end of September this year. It was the first visit since the outbreak of the Arab Spring and the war in the Syrian Arab Republic. And it was quite fruitful. In his meeting with Assad, Xi Jinping said that “in the face of an unstable and uncertain international environment, China is willing to continue to work with Syria for friendly cooperation and international justice… China supports Syria in countering foreign interference and unilateral intimidation… and will support Syria’s reconstruction.” Of course, rebuilding is going to be done with Russia involved. It is another factor that reflects our interests and cooperation.

Source: https://orientalreview.su