Russia preparing for ground offensive in Syria, claims US

Informed sources in the Pentagon claim that Russia is preparing for a ground offensive against Western-trained Syrian opposition fighters in the cities of Homs and Idlib.

CNN reported on Monday that two US department of defence officials said that the latest assessment of Moscow’s activity in western Syria indicates that Russia has moved several ground combat units into the area ready to back-up Syrian forces planning to attack anti-regime groups. The US views the move as Russia “stepping up its ground activity in Syria to attack those forces, rather than ISIS elements,” said one official.

Artillery as well as multiple-launch rocket systems are being put in place by the Russians; all are considered to be highly accurate weapons. One source said that the US spotted Russia moving about half-a-dozen artillery pieces into the port of Latakia several weeks ago. America originally thought that the military hardware was intended to defend the port, but the latest move is an indication of potential ground attacks in the coming days.

The weapons in question have been spotted between Homs and Idlib and to the west of Idlib. It is not clear if they’re now in final position for possible artillery strikes. The Pentagon also believes that Russia has moved electronic jamming equipment into Syria.