Russia/Syria.

This is coolbert:

From the latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter those items concentrating on further and massive Russian involvement in the Syrian Civil War. At least from my perspective events building to a crescendo.

1. "Cyprus alerted to divert passing aircraft for Russian exercise off Syria"

12 September.

"Russia has issued an alert for Cyprus to divert aircraft from normal flight paths for the military exercises, to be conducted off the Syrian coast next week. Moscow has also sent NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) to the US Federal Aviation Administration about the exercise, including 'rocket firings' between the Syrian port of Tartus and Cyprus."

2. "Five Russian ships equipped with guided missiles arrive off Syria"

 12 September.

"Russia called on Friday for military-to-military cooperation with the United States to avert 'unintended incidents' during its navy exercises off the coast of Syria. A squadron of five Russian ships equipped with guided missiles is taking part in the exercises which continue up until Oct. 7, and include 'the testing of artillery and short-range air defense systems.'" 

3. "US sources: Russia deploys tanks at Latakia airfield"

14 September.

"Russia has posted at least seven heavy T-90 tanks and an artillery unit around the Syrian airbase near Latakia, which is home to incoming Russian forces, say US sources. DEBKAfile earlier named the airbase as Jablah and reported landings by giant Antonov-124 transport planes (Condors) loaded with military supplies."  

4. "Russian troops already engaged in battles against ISIS around Homs"

17 September.

"Contrary to the impression conveyed by Moscow that Russian troops in Syria are not engaged in combat and that none of the sophisticated arms deliveries were destined to the Syrian army, new developments belie both these claims. Russia has sent the Syrian army advanced MIL MI-28 (Havoc) assault helicopters - belying one of two Moscow’s denials about its intentions in Syria, and, contrary to another denial, sophisticated Russian 'mobile war rooms' and troop carriers transporting Russian marines were, according to DEBKAfile, sighted on the Homs-Aleppo Highway 4. They were heading for battle to save beleaguered Aleppo from falling to the Islamic State."

Russian participation in the Syrian Civil War now a done deal as they say. NO going back now?

coolbert.