Russia “may be creating air base in Syria”

U.S. officials say Russia’s latest movements at an airfield in Syria suggest that Moscow plans to establish a “forward air operating base”
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LATAKIA AIR BASE: Satellite image taken Sep 4 shows possible construction of Russian base at Bassel al Assad International Airport in Latakia

Helicopter pads under construction

Earthworks along entire length of runway suggest improvements taking place to allow for heavier transport aircraft

Construction underway

200m 650ft
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Mobile housing units New asphalt New tower

New asphalt Construction underway

Russian assets in Latakia: Seven T-90 tanks, 15 howitzers, 35 armoured
personnel carriers, 200 marines, plus housing for up to 1,500 personnel 

T-90 tank
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Assad regime Alawite heartland

TURKEY 

SYRIA Aleppo Idlib Hama Homs Latakia Latakia air base Tartus: Russian naval base Damascus Dera’a

LEBANON

ISRAEL

JORDAN

50km 30 miles

Russian soldiers and marines from 810th Marine Brigade and 336th Guards Marine Brigade spotted in provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Homs and Damascus 
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Sources: Stratfor, wire agencies

Pictures: Stratfor, Getty Images

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