According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, an as-yet-unnamed general was killed and two other soldiers wounded when their convoy hit a land mine. The general initially survived but died of his wounds while being evacuated.
Few details have been offered yet. The incident was in Deir Ezzor Province, and the convoy was returning to base after a ‘humanitarian mission.” The death of a general is unusual, but even more unusual is the Defense Ministry not identifying him.
This again raises concerns about stability in SE Syria, where the US has warned the environment might be conducive to ISIS’s recovery. Though ISIS is not believed to be substantial anymore, remnant groups are still in the surrounding area, and might plant explosives for such an attack.
Russia has only a small number of troops in eastern Syria. Most of their presence in the country is along the coast, where they have a naval base and airport.
Raises the question of stability in Syria?
Russians mostly present along the coast?
Syrian conflict lasted so long — yet the level of reporting remains low. Syria is not a big country and if anyone is present on any portion of its territory — somebody will know about it!
You cannot hide, there are no jungles there. It is either under US control in Al-Tanf or several oil wells, under Turkish control, or under Damascus control.
For your information Russian military besides bases, is patrolling Turkish-Syrian border east if Euphrates all the way up to Qamushli. Then Russian military police is present at at least Manbij, Kobane, Hassakah, Raqqa and places in Deir Azzor. Also, in Idlib — Turkey and Russia are patrolling M4 highway that runs through Idlib.
Mines can be placed by anyone. This location formerly controlled by US sponsored SDF — those can be culprits. Or even the weird group US keeps at Al-Rukban camp near Al-Tanf. ISIS is not a lically grown group, and once the sponsor stopped paying and supplying — the soldiers went home to whatever country they came from. There is NO SUCH THING as ISIS community in Syria. Not even a few guys in an abandoned barn. They all need arms, transport, food and water — and monthly salary.
Things are rather clear n Syria. Once Idlib collapses — and HTS and White Helmets airlifted wherever — they can move to finalize new constitution and have presidential elections. US presence is minimal. SDF does not represent Kurds — actually no constituency or location. It will not take long to figure out who did it. Not too many candidates.