This latest from bellingcat was enough to get me back here for a brief spell! Sighting of R-166-0.5 signals vehicle affirms inflow of Russian military into SyriaOryx is the author this time. I'll highlight the bits that cause me consternation and explain whyBear in mind by using specific words, one can create a specific image in the mind of the reader.. Spelling------ words manage your perceptionI am removing all external links contained in the article, save for one, because I'm not a fan of the concept of 'dazzling with bullshit'-
The past few days have seen a steep increase of evidence revealing the true extent of direct military involvement by the Russian military on the ground in Syria. The sighting of recently delivered Russian UAVs and Russian BTR-82A infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in addition to sound fragments confirming Russian military personnel directly participated in one of regime’s offensives in the Lattakia Governorate all proved Russia was deeper involved in the Syrian Civil War than many previously thought.
A steep increase of evidence does not equal a steep increase in direct military involvement. It may or may not reveal the "true extent" "All proved Russia was deeper involved"- Really? Very subjective.
The true extent of Russia’s commitment in aiding the regime was further revealed by the frequent transits of a large number of Russian landing ships bound for Syria through the strait of Bosphorus along with at least fifteen flights made by Russian Air Force An-124s strategic airlifters to Lattakia. These ships and aircraft brought large numbers of vehicles, equipment and personnel to Syria. In order to house the Russian contingent, Hmeemeem/Bassel al-Assad IAP has been turned into a Russian military base and is currently being reconstructed to allow the deployment of land and air assets.
-Lavrov did acknowledge that Russia was doing naval exercises- so there should be more transiting ships-Large numbers of vehicles? Subjective and unverified. I did see 7 tanks mentioned other places.Is that a 'large number'? Does anyone recall the Russian response when Georgia invaded Ossetia?That response was closer to being large.
Newly published images showing a Russian R-166-0.5 (ultra) high-frequency signals (HF/VHF) vehicle driving through Syria’s coastal region now leaves little to no doubt on Russia’s intentions in Syria. The R-166-0.5 provides jam-resistant voice and data communications over a long range, enabling Russian troops to communicate with their bases in the coastal strongholds of Tartus and Lattakia while operating far inland.
Lavrov did say that, as always, Russia was supplying Syria with equipment and training the Syrian military to use said equipment- Does this indicate a steep increase? 1 signals vehicle?"enabling Russian troops to communicate" Just Russian troops? Couldn't Syrian troops use this also, once properly trained to do so?
The vehicle can be seen escorted by Syrian military personnel, likely belonging to the National Defence Force (NDF). Far more interesting however is the soldier sitting near the open hatch of the vehicle. (Image at the top of this post) Seemingly unaware that a photo is being taken, he is wearing the Russian Army’s standard digital flora uniform, once again proving that we’re truly dealing with Russian military personnel.
Soldier sitting near open hatch, allegedly wearing Russia's standard digital flora uniform proving we're dealing with Russian military personnel ???I don't know if that is Russia's standard uniform? And if it is does that mean the man wearing it is Russian military personnel? Maybe Russia just supplied Syrian army some of these uniforms? I have no idea but cannot automatically assume this man is Russian military? Maybe he is and maybe he isn't? Also "Seemingly unaware that a photo is being taken" If Russian involvement was so covert as we are being told- would this man, whoever he may be, just be sitting out in the open?I wouldn't think he would be riding around out in the open?Darker olive paint used to conceal?
On the rear of the vehicle, darker olive paint has been used to conceal the tactical number of the R-166-0.5, eliminating any chance to identify the brigade the vehicle belongs to. Concealing the tactical number or any other identification marks became standard practice during the Ukrainian conflict.
Or did the citizen investigator doctor/alter the photograph so would be snoops on line could not properly identify the vehicle?
According to an unofficial Russian Army brigade TOE (Table of Organization & Equipment), a total of eight R-166-0.5 signals (HF/VHF) vehicles equip the communications battalion of a brigade. The sighting of the R-166-0.5 thus means that a brigade HQ or, at least, a reinforced battalion (so-called Battalion Tactical Team) of Russian combat troops has recently arrived in Syria.
According to an unofficial Russian Army brigade TOE ? An unofficial brigade TOE posted on a forum with participants named "Bandera". In a language I can't read.There is more at the opening link- You all can read it for yourself. I've read enough of this latest from bellingcat brought to us all by brownmoses media to know this is perception management at work.