Suspicions are growing on Russia’s new base in Deir Ezzor. The Al-Tebni facility is equipped with state-of-the-art anti-aircraft defense systems. The Islamic State in Syria, however, does not have such capabilities

Russia’s new military base in Al-Tebni, northwest of Deir Ezzor, has been equipped with state-of-the-art anti-aircraft defense systems. Local sources report it. This new element further fuels suspicions about the real purpose of establishing the structure in the Syrian province, formally created to provide support to the Syrian army (SAA) against the Islamic State in the Badia desert. Indeed, there appears to be a plan to surround the IS pockets in the quadrant. This, using the river and another structure, just set up by pro-Iran militias at the Sawana (Homs) phosphate mines, as barriers. The Federation base would therefore be a launch pad for operations. The SAA, however, already has several posts in the area suitable for the purpose and closer to the hot zone. Furthermore, the jihadists have no aerial capabilities other than small drones, which certainly do not justify the use of advanced systems.