Aircraft
Russian Air Power Prevails over Syria
Moscow has enabled Damascus to advance against rebels.
Russian troops on parade at Khmeimeem airbase in Latakia, with an Su-25 in the foreground, and a Mi-8 plus multiple Su-24s and Su-27s in the background. (Photo: Russian MoD)
Russian troops on parade at Khmeimeem airbase in Latakia, with an Su-25 in the foreground, and a Mi-8 plus multiple Su-24s and Su-27s in the background. (Photo: Russian MoD)

Russia has now flown more combat air sorties over Syria than the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) has flown over Syria and Iraq combined. The weight of Russian airpower has enabled the Assad regime to regain significant territory from Syrian opposition forces, including the second city of Aleppo. But the situation on the ground remains complicated, with Damascus opposing a Turkish-led offensive against Islamic State (ISIS or Daesh) that is being quietly supported by Russia.