File image.
On October 31, Russian warplanes were spotted over different parts of Syria’s northeastern region where tensions between Turkish and Kurdish forces have been growing.
The Independent Turkey newspaper released a video showing a Su-35S fighter jet of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) maneuvering over the town of al-Qamishli in the northern al-Hasakah countryside, along the Turkish border. The fighters jet was reportedly deployed in al-Qamishli airport, where Russian forces maintain a base, a few days ago.
Su 35 flying over Qamishli (seen from Turkey) pic.twitter.com/GMKCNv48OG
— CM (@CaricaMil) October 31, 2021
Turkish sources also shared a video showing a number of Russian Ka-52, Mi-8 and Mi-35 helicopters landing in al-Qamishli airport.
At airport also come 2 Ka 52 helicopters and one An 26 pic.twitter.com/hhccCYqeiE
— CM (@CaricaMil) October 31, 2021
Another video released by Turkish sources show a Russian plane, possibly an An-30, flying over the Turkish-occupied town of Ras al-Ain in the northern countryside of al-Hasakah.
Türk İHA’ları Resulayn doğusundaki Ebu Rasin bölgesinde. pic.twitter.com/V9Y3KWgtcO
— Ali Karadayı 🇹🇷 (@BirDertli42) October 31, 2021
Russian helicopters were also filmed by the North Press Agency maneuvering over the town of Tell Tamer in the northern countryside of al-Hasakah. The helicopters deployed flares, which are usually used as a defensive measure against heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles.
#بالفيديو
طائرات القوات الروسية تقوم بمناورات عسكرية في سماء بلدة تل تمر وريفها الغربي على خطوط التماس مع القوات التركية والفصائل الموالية لها.
تل تمر- دلسوز يوسف- نورث برس pic.twitter.com/JcxnFBJwsH— North Press Agency – عربية (@NPA_Arabic) October 31, 2021
The increase in VKS operations over northeastern Syria comes amid reports of a near Turkish-led operation against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that control much of the region.
According to several recent reports, the Turkish military and its proxies planning to attack key SDF-held areas, including the town of Kobane.
By increasing its military activities in northeastern Syria, Russia may be attempting to deter Turkey is order to preserve security and stability in the region. It remains unclear however if Russia would in fact step in and support the SDF, which is backed by the US, if Turkey decide to go on with its military plans.
