Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war

Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war
Conflict	Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war
Partof	the Syrian civil war and the International military intervention against the Islamic State
Date	30 September 2015 – present
Place	Syria
Result	Ongoing
Combatant1	Supported by:, Syrian Arab Republic, Iran, Hezbollah
Combatant2	Opposed by:, Syrian opposition, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Tahrir al-Sham
Commander1	Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu, Valery Gerasimov, Bashar al-Assad
Commander2	Various opposition and jihadist leaders

Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war began on 30 September 2015, after a formal request by the Government of Syria for military aid against opposition forces and jihadist groups. The intervention, authorized by President Vladimir Putin, marked a decisive turning point in the conflict, bolstering the Syrian Armed Forces and ensuring the survival of the Assad regime. Russia's campaign involved extensive airstrikes, deployment of special forces, and the establishment of a permanent military presence at facilities like the Khmeimim Air Base and the Tartus naval facility.

Background and rationale

The intervention followed years of escalating conflict since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, which saw the Syrian opposition challenge the Assad government. Russia, a long-time ally of Damascus with historic ties dating to the Cold War, sought to protect its strategic interests in the Mediterranean and prevent regime change akin to the Libyan intervention. Key motivations included supporting an ally, combating the perceived threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other jihadist groups, and reasserting Russia's status as a global power on the international stage, particularly vis-à-vis the United States.

Military operations

Initial operations focused on intense airstrikes against targets held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Tahrir al-Sham, and various Syrian opposition factions. Major campaigns included the pivotal Siege of Aleppo (2012–2016), the Palmyra offensive (2016), and support for the Syrian Armed Forces in the Eastern Ghouta and Daraa campaigns. Operations were coordinated with the Syrian Arab Army, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Hezbollah militia. The Russian Aerospace Forces utilized aircraft such as the Su-24 and Su-34, while Russian Navy vessels in the Mediterranean Sea launched Kalibr cruise missiles.

Forces and capabilities deployed

The intervention core was the Russian Aerospace Forces, operating from Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia. The Russian Naval Infantry and Spetsnaz special forces provided ground support and advisory roles. Advanced weapon systems were deployed, including the Su-35S fighter, Su-57 stealth fighter (for testing), and the S-400 missile system for air defense. The Russian Armed Forces also established the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria in Latakia and maintained a significant naval logistics hub at the Tartus facility, which was later expanded under a agreement with the Government of Syria.

Impact and consequences

The intervention dramatically altered the war's trajectory, enabling the Syrian Armed Forces to recapture key territories like Aleppo, Palmyra, and Deir ez-Zor. It solidified the rule of Bashar al-Assad and diminished prospects for the Syrian opposition. The campaign caused significant civilian casualties and destruction, drawing condemnation from groups like Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Human Rights Council. It also allowed Russia to project power in the Middle East, strengthen its partnership with Iran, and test new military equipment in combat conditions.

International reactions

Reactions were sharply divided. The Government of Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah praised the support. Conversely, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey condemned the strikes, accusing Russia of targeting moderate opposition and civilians rather than solely the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Gulf Cooperation Council members, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, were vocal critics. Regional powers like Israel conducted their own operations, such as Operation Chess, to counter Iranian entrenchment, occasionally clashing with Russian forces.

Legal and diplomatic aspects

Russia justified its actions under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, citing an invitation from the sovereign Government of Syria. This stance was contested by Western nations and some international lawyers. Diplomatic efforts, including the Astana peace process (co-sponsored with Iran and Turkey) and involvement in the Geneva peace talks, were used to shape the political settlement. The intervention complicated relations with NATO, leading to incidents like the downing of a Russian Air Force Su-24 by Turkish Air Force F-16s in 2015 near the Syria–Turkey border.

Category:Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war Category:2015 in Syria Category:Russia–Syria relations