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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran | |
| Iran building a permanent military base in Syria — report | |
| 2017-11-11 | |
[IsraelTimes] Satellite photos commissioned by the BBC show construction of two dozen large low-rise buildings -- likely for housing soldiers and vehicles
Israel has long warned that Iran is trying to establish a permanent presence in Syria as part of its efforts to control a land corridor from Iran through to the Mediterranean Sea as it attempts to expand its influence across the Middle East. According to the BBC report, the base is situated at a site used by the Syrian army near El-Kiswah, 14 km (8 miles) south of Damascus. The BBC provided satellite images that show "a series of two dozen large low-rise buildings, likely for housing soldiers and vehicles." The photos, taken over several months, show additional buildings being constructed. However, facts are stubborn; statistics are more pliable... the report said that "it is impossible to independently verify the purpose of the site and the presence of the Iranian military." "The images of the base do not reveal any signs of large or unconventional weaponry which means if it was a base it would most likely be to house soldiers and vehicles," the BBC said, quoting a source who said it was possible that senior Iranian military officials may have visited the compound in recent weeks. Also, the report said independent analysis of the images commissioned by the BBC concluded that the facility is military in nature. The analysis also suggested there are a series of garages that can hold six to eight vehicles each. | |
| Posted by:trailing wife |