Russian Fighter Aircrafts Commence Air Patrols Over the Golan Heights, Syria
"To monitor the current situation, Russian Aerospace Forces units have conducted aerial patrols along the Bravo Line, which separates the Israeli and Syrian forces," he stated, as reported by the TASS news agency.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Russian Aerospace Forces have commenced the deployment of fighter aircraft to patrol the airspace along the “Bravo Line” in the Golan Heights, which serves as the separation zone between Syria and Israel.
This information was conveyed by Admiral Vadim Kulit, the Deputy Chief at the Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, an agency under the Russian Ministry of Defense.
“To monitor the current situation, Russian Aerospace Forces units have conducted aerial patrols along the Bravo Line, which separates the Israeli and Syrian forces,” he stated, as reported by the TASS news agency.
The Golan Heights is a region in the Middle East that has been a point of contention between Syria and Israel.
Israeli forces occupied a portion of the Golan Heights after seizing it from Syria in 1967.
Subsequently, Tel Aviv annexed the occupied area in the Golan Heights, an action never recognized by the international community.
During the Arab-Israeli War in 1973, Syria attempted to reclaim its territory in the Golan Heights occupied by Israel but failed, leading to the continued Israeli occupation of this strategic height despite international condemnation.
For 57 years, Israel has maintained control over the Golan Heights, which belongs to Syria, with the international community unable to take effective action of returning the land to its rightful owner.
The United Nations has hundreds of international observers along the ceasfire line separating Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.
The ceasefire line consists of two parallel lines – the Alpha Line, separating areas controlled by Israel and Syria, and the Bravo Line, located to the east of the Golan Heights.
The area between the Alpha and Bravo Lines is referred to as the “Area of Separation,” where Syrian forces are not permitted to enter.
However, at present, armed groups occupy this area.
Meanwhile, Russia became involved in the conflict in Syria in 2015 after being invited by the government of Bashar al-Assad to oppose armed groups and Daesh terrorists.
Russia operates the Hmeymim airbase on the Mediterranean coast, launching air missions to support President Bashar al-Assad.
Additionally, Russia operates a naval base in Tartus, serving as a stopover for warships and submarines.
In 2021, Arab media reports suggested that Russia assisted Syria in upgrading its air defense systems with advanced guided missiles and expertise to counter the increasing frequency of Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus.
Russia is said to have supplied the Buk-M2 and Pantsir air defense systems to aid Syria against Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military positions and pro-Iranian armed groups. — DSA
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