Twitter-style diplomacy news.
Now, US President Donald Trump says that he has never promised that an attack on Syria would take place soon.
Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 12 April 2018
This is a bit strange. On April 11, it looked that Russia had to be ready because “smart” missiles will be coming”.
Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 11 April 2018
SF recalls that on April 9 President Trump threatened Syria, Russia and Iran over the alleged chemical attack in Douma and promised “major decisions” within 24-48 hours, which had already expired.
Meanwhile, the military situation is developing in the region:
- On April 11, the Russian Navy started live-fire exercises off Syria’s coast.
- According to the Russian media, the Russian Navy is going to deploy additional warships in the eastern Mediterranean amid the developing escalation in the region.
- The German frigate FGS Hesse, which specializes in air defense, will join the the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which is set to be deployed in the Middle East, Europe. Accoridng to experts, this carrier strike group will be one of the key US strike forces in case of a large-scale invasion to overthrow the Assad government.
- The British media reported that warplanes of the Royal Air Force deployed on Cyprus may participate in the upcoming strike on Syria. Reports also appear that a number of cargo aircraft and fighter jets has been deployed on the UK aribase there.
- Meanwhile, the Bild specualtes that the guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook moved away of Syria after the US vessel had met with Russia’s frigate Admiral Grigorovich.
Despite all of these reports, the US Navy already has a notable naval striking group in the region, which may be involved in an attack on Syria.
In turn, the Russian Navy has very few powerful surface warfare vessels of significant displacement or capability in theater.
If the US strikes, the Russian defensive response will likely come from the few naval warfare assets present, electronic warfare systems that can hinder US cruise missile guidance/navigation/targeting, advanced air defense S-300, S-400 and Pantsir air defense systems that can interdict cruise missiles and aircraft.
Another tool of the possible Russian response is air superiority fighters armed with anti-ship cruise missiles and air to air missiles capable of intercepting US cruise missiles and aircraft.
