by Stephen Lendman

Putin explained Russian forces trained for their mission. Preparations were made well in advance. Military campaigns require extensive planning and coordination with allies.

Russia was ready when operations began on September 30, its effectiveness catching Washington flat-footed, for the first time facing a real challenge to its regional hegemonic agenda, unable to counter formidable and impressive Russian military strength and determination.

Necessary force strength and equipment were assembled. “We made persistently and for a long time space and air reconnaissance. We analyzed different kinds of information we received,” Putin explained.

Russia’s General Staff coordinated with its counterparts in Syria and other regional countries. “Terrorism threatens very many other countries in the Middle East,” Putin stressed.

He scoffed at Washington’s nonexistent efforts to fight terrorism - fostering, not eliminating it, doing the opposite of what it claims. ISIS reached its peak strength before he intervened responsibly. The regional balance of power shifted markedly, whether decisively remains to be seen.

In short order, ISIS forces and facilities were ravaged. They’re reeling from the onslaught, devastated and discouraged, thousands fleeing for safety. Putin’s righteous mission continues.

In the last 24 hours, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported escalated operations - focusing Sunday on Hama, Idlib, Latakia and Raqqa provinces, flying 64 sorties, striking 63 ISIS targets, including 53 fortified sites, seven arms depots, four training camps, an artillery position and a command post coordinating Latakia province operations.

Sophisticated Sukhoi Su24M and Su-34 bombers were used, as well as Su-25SM assault aircraft accompanied by Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets.

“A direct hit of a guided KAB-500 air bomb completely destroyed a building with militant commanders inside,” Russia’s Defense Ministry’s spokesperson explained. “The airstrike also eliminated five SUVs with ZU-23 double-barreled 23mm anti-aircraft guns mounted on them that were parked nearby.”

A concealed area for SUVs and mortar launchers was attacked and destroyed. So was an Achan village terrorist location, killing militants, destroying their weapons, munitions and logistics depot.

“Having accomplished combat assignments, all aircraft of the task force operating in Syria successfully returned to the Khmeimim airbase,” Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman explained.

Operations will resume on Monday, relentless pressure maintained. One ISIS position after another is being systematically discovered, degraded and destroyed - an ongoing campaign to eliminate its scourge altogether with Syrian ground forces, Hezbollah and Iranian help on the front lines, very likely expanding operations to Iraq, once its government gives the OK.

Vladimir Putin, other involved Russian officials, its military commanders and brave pilots risking their lives and safety are on the side of the angels - America’s dark side the real enemy, humanity’s greatest threat.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks World War III".

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

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