Russia launches more attacks on Syria rebels Russia has unleashed a new aerial bombardment of Syrian rebels,helping President Bashar al-Assad’s government to regain lost territory ----------------------------------------------------------------- Territorial control (Oct 5) Pro-government Russian airbase Rebels Islamic State Kurdish (YPG) Main highway TURKEY Kobane Qamishli Main location of Russian airstrikes since Sep 30 SYRIA Palmyra SYRIAN DESERT Damascus Suwayda Dera’a Homs Hama Tartus Latakia Idlib Jisr al- Shughourb Aleppo Raqqa Deir al-Zawr River Euphrates Abu Kamal Hasaka IRAQ JORDAN ISRAEL LEBANON Golan Heights 100km 60 mile Mediterranean Sea --------------------------------------------------------------- Oct 11, Hama, Latakia, Idlib and Raqqa provinces: Russian aircraftcarry out 64 sorties, according todefence ministry, destroying 53 positions used by “terrorists”, as well as a command post, four training camps and seven ammunition depots Oct 7-11, Hama, Latakia and Idlib provinces: Pro-government forces backed by airstrikes make significant advances against rebels Oct 4, Kafr Halab: Advanced typeof Russian-made cluster bomb used in airstrike for first time, according to Human Rights Watch, raising fears that Russia is dropping them or supplying them to Syrian military Sep-Oct, Eastern Mediterranean Several Russian warships holding exercises. Presence of Chinese ships fuelling speculation that Beijing may send military personnel to Syria ---------------------------------------------------------------- Source: New York Times, wire agencies words 201