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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Russian Heavy Bombers Fly Huge Raid in Syria
2015-11-20
Twenty bombs? You call that an air strike? THIS is an air strike:
Nov. 17, Russia sent nearly 40 heavy bombers and escorting fighter jets on a massive air raid in Syria. Moscow has now showed off almost all of its aerial arsenal in strikes in the embattled Middle Eastern country.

Flying from bases in Russia, 25 Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers launched more than 30 cruise missiles and dropped dumb bombs on targets in Idlib and Aleppo provinces. A dozen Su-34 and Su-27SM fighter jets escorted the bombers on their mission.

"The targets destroyed include command posts that were used to coordinate ISIL activities [and] munition and supply depots in the northwestern part of Syria," chief of the Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov said, using a common acronym for the Islamic State terrorist group.

Strategic bombers flying out of Russia. I think they're serious.
More pretty plane pix at the link
Posted by:SteveS

#23  TU-95H. Latest model. Still wondering about the chin package.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike   2015-11-20 20:41  

#22  Keith Laumer quote wins on points.

Did anyone else see something odd on the lower nose of that Bear? EW package?
Posted by: Whiskey Mike   2015-11-20 20:32  

#21  Putin knows how to fight a turf war.
Posted by: Blossom Unains5562   2015-11-20 18:20  

#20  so who might they be protecting the bombers from? Or is this just a standard precaution because nobody is particularly trustworthy or smart in that particular combat area.

I'd send 'em along, just because. Someone suggested they were there for BDA. Maybe some countermeasures or targets of opportunity, too?
Posted by: SteveS   2015-11-20 18:04  

#19  So Russia has not entered into a war where strategic bomber are used in decades. This is a great way for the Russians to prove out their doctrine and exorcise their capabilities globally.
Posted by: 49 Pan   2015-11-20 16:33  

#18  escorting fighter jets

Certainly ISIS doesn't have an air force, so who might they be protecting the bombers from? Or is this just a standard precaution because nobody is particularly trustworthy or smart in that particular combat area.

Also, I believe the Geneva conventions only apply when both sides both signed and are following the protocols. ISIS wasn't around and they certainly aren't following Geneva protocols from what I can tell.
Posted by: rjschwarz   2015-11-20 16:20  

#17  A little bit of Rock-eye would be a good chaser, I think.
Posted by: USN, Ret.   2015-11-20 15:12  

#16  The real good part is there are never any duds. Air/boom!
Posted by: Mugsy Glink   2015-11-20 14:54  

#15  Mugsy, so what if they used Willie Pete? According to Wikipedia, it is not a chemical weapon. You can't drop it on civilians, of course, but on a legitimate military target,it's ok.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia    2015-11-20 14:03  

#14  A group of bleeding hearts is saying the Ruskies are using white phosphorus. Nothing like drums of Willie Peter to light up the isis field.
Posted by: Mugsy Glink   2015-11-20 13:52  

#13  Comparing these barbarians to the Japanese is regrettable.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2015-11-20 13:22  

#12  What exactly are those trash can bombs? They really look like they wouldn't be that accurate even for a "dumb" bomb. More like they are an area weapon that aim isn't important. Don't tell me they are using (c-word) munitions on peaceful wedding partys. To quote Keith Laumer, "I believe in peaceful solutions, ain't nobody more peaceful than a dead trouble maker."
Posted by: Chuckles Shatle5927   2015-11-20 13:14  

#11  On a side note, how do you effective defeat an enemy that wants to die?

If they won't surrender, you have to kill every last one of them. That's what they did on those Pacific Islands against Japan and it's what they would have had to do on the Japanese main islands if it hadn't been for Fat Man and Little Boy. Nasty business.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2015-11-20 13:14  

#10  I think El-Putin's a bit fecked off about the Egyptian plane and took his time assembling the revenge package whereas the French just went bomb something.

Both work for me.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles   2015-11-20 09:26  

#9  Even the Bear's antiquated garbage is dangerous when being used to deliver their newest and best stuff. Buyers in the region are paying attention, you can bet...
Posted by: M. Murcek   2015-11-20 08:32  

#8  dropped dumb bombs

Appropriate for the target population.

This is like watching the Patriots schooling the local pee-wee team.....think Obozo will learn anything?
Posted by: AlanC   2015-11-20 08:25  

#7  bombing exposed supply depots and command posts is fine

but it is still pretty tame compared to what could be done
Posted by: lord garth   2015-11-20 08:22  

#6  Putin is no Obama.
Posted by: Ebbart Glererong5900   2015-11-20 05:04  

#5  Zenobia, good thing you're a man---otherwise I would be in love.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2015-11-20 03:17  

#4   depopulate the region?

Old Allah up early, out prowling,
Was surly. A bird heard him growling,
"This place is deserted!
That herd I converted
Is still, but my wasteland is howling."
Posted by: Zenobia Floger6220   2015-11-20 02:38  

#3  "... depopulate the region"

That sounds like a good start to me.
Posted by: Lone Ranger   2015-11-20 01:31  

#2   Good article in The Atlantic on the rationale behind IS. Continued success is what feeds their supporters. A drastic setback / failure will discourage them, killing all of them probably not necessary.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2015-11-20 00:29  

#1  ISIS is regretting pissing in Putin's Cheerios now.

On a side note, how do you effective defeat an enemy that wants to die? Much like the Japanese in WWII, ISIS and other Muslim Jihadis seek death because of the alleged rewards on the other side, so if killing them is what they want, how do you not give them what they want and win?? Or do you give them what they want on a Biblical scale and depopulate the region?
Posted by: Mystic   2015-11-20 00:23  

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