Baladi News- Omar Al-Hassan
Russia started its military campaign in Syria by using bomber aircrafts, which dropped thousands of shells on the Syrian towns and cities.
With the end of the “trial” period, the Russians started gradual withdrawal of these bombers and sent helicopters instead.
Rather than putting a show of power, resorting to helicopters by the Russians can be attributed to several reasons, including their low operational costs, their capability of targeting vehicles, particularly the moving ones that cannot be bombed from high elevations by aircrafts, their psychological influence, and their ability to fight for long periods during battles.
Unlike the usual military campaigns, which typically start in the spring, such as the American wars on Iraq in 1991 and 2003, the Russians chose a different period for fighting in Syria. Although the intervention came at a crucial time to rescue the reeling Syrian regime, the timing seemed perfect for the Russian soldiers and equipment. However, the hot summer in Syria is approaching, and it seems to bring many difficulties for the Russians.
The battles of Homs countryside
Homs eastern countryside, including Palmyra and the strategic oil fields, is anticipated to witness fierce battles this summer. These battles seem to pose many dangers for the Russian soldiers who are not accustomed to such hot weather in the Syrian Desert, where temperatures can reach +50 co in summer. In addition to reducing the activity of the Russian soldiers, the coming hot weather and sand storms will reduce the efficiency of the Russian equipment as well, which is mainly suited for cooler areas.
These factors indicate that the Russians would have a difficult summer, in which the helicopters and reconnaissance aircrafts would be disabled due to the hot weather and sand storms. In the absence of the Russian air power, ISIS seems to be in a better position. Several analysts indicate the organization will make use of these conditions to wage fierce battles for retaking its lost strongholds in the strategic vast Syrian Desert.