Russia Positions Tanks at Syria Airfield

Russia has positioned tanks around an airfield that is constructing in the Syrian province of Latakia, a key base of support for the beleaguered dictator Bashar al Assad.

Seven T-90 tanks have been positioned around the strategic airfield, which is being worked on to accommodate more varieties of aircraft and has the characteristics of a forward air operating base, according to Reuters.

The tanks are also said to have been put in defensive positions to protect Russian personnel at the base.

Previous reports suggested that Russian involvement may be deeper than that, but that did not extend to fighting. U.S. intelligence officials have told news outlets like The New York Times and Reuters that Russia has sent housing for thousands to Syria and a portable air traffic control system. The officials also said tank landing ships and military aircraft have also been sent to Russia's military base in the Syrian city of Tartus.

While the purpose of the tank landing ships was previously unclear, this seems to have been at least part of their mission. It does not yet appear as though Russian airpower like jets and helicopter gunships have been deployed to the airfield.

Russia says that its personnel in the region are there simply to train Syrian forces on weaponry and vehicles that Russia has provided to its ally.

The ultimate purpose of Russia's actions in Syria is still unclear, but it is possible Russia is most keen on protecting its base in Tartus, the only base Russia has outside of the former Soviet Union as well as the only base the country has on the Mediterranean Sea.