Russia is taking a more active role in propping up the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, expanding its physical footprint in the Middle East.
American officials admitted to The New York Times that Russia is now using an air corridor over Iran and Iraq to transport military equipment and personnel to Syria despite US attempts to guard this airspace. And Russian advisors have taken over the main airport near the capital, positioning tanks and directing flights. Russia is reportedly transporting marines, pre-fabricated housing for at least 1,000 people, a portable air traffic control system, and other items that could be used to create an air base for air combat operations to northwest Syria, according to CBS News.
This constitutes "the most significant new Russian military foothold in the Middle East in decades," American officials told the Times. Continued Russian military buildup in Syria could "greatly enhance [Russia's] ability to project power in Syria and neighboring states," according to the Times.
"This is the most important Russian power projection in the region in decades and it will enhance Russia’s influence throughout the Levant," Stephen Blank, a Russian military expert at the American Foreign Policy Council, told the Times.
