Russian Forces in Southern Syria

In response to US terror-bombing Syrian and allied forces last Thursday near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders, along with reports of a possible US-orchestrated southern invasion,  Russian paratroopers and special forces were deployed to Dara’a and Sweida provinces.

They’ll aid government and allied troops defend against possible southern Syria aggression – fortifying border areas with Jordan and Iraq, perhaps engaging enemy forces if necessary.

Their presence sends a message to Washington, showing added Moscow resolve to combat terrorism, along with respecting Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Unverified reports suggested Russia plans a military base near Jordan’s border. US warplanes attacked Syrian and allied forces last week to prevent their securing control over southern border areas.

Involvement of Russian forces helps achieve this objective. Protected by air cover, US warplanes aren’t likely to risk direct confrontation, though anything ahead is possible, given Washington’s rage to destroy Syrian sovereignty and oust Assad.

US strategy involves dividing northern and southern areas from Damascus. It’s also about severing Syrian transportation routes to Iraq and Iran.

Russian conflict resolution efforts so far achieved no breakthroughs. Washington wants war, not peace. On the phony pretext of combating terrorism, larger numbers of US forces may be deployed to the region.

Separately, former CIA officer Philip Giraldi warned that America and its rogue allies may be heading for war on Iran, saying it may happen “before too long as it is clear Trump and his advisers are already completely in the Israeli and Saudi pockets on this issue.”

Putting Iran on notice along with hostile rhetoric from Trump and other administration officials are ominous signs of what may be coming.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net