Russia’s Military Intervention in the Syrian Civil War: September 30, 2015

On September 30, 2015, Russia formally commenced its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This intervention began with the Russian Air Force conducting its first airstrikes against targets in Syria. The airstrikes targeted anti-government forces in the country, ostensibly to support the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad.

Context and Background

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, had drawn in various international players, each supporting different factions. By 2015, the conflict had become a complex proxy war, involving various groups such as the Syrian Government, opposition forces, ISIS, and Kurdish factions, along with their respective international supporters.

Before Russia’s direct involvement, the Assad regime was experiencing significant pressures from opposition forces, and its control over key territories was diminishing. Russia, a long-time ally of Syria and Assad, had maintained significant diplomatic and military ties with the Syrian government.

The Decision for Direct Intervention

For Russia, the intervention was motivated by several factors:

• Support for Assad: Russia aimed to reinforce the Assad regime, a strategic ally in the Middle East and host to Russia’s only Mediterranean naval base in Tartus.
• Counterterrorism Narrative: Russia framed its military actions as part of a larger effort to combat terrorism, targeting groups it characterized as terrorist organizations.
• Geopolitical Influence: By actively participating in the Syrian conflict, Russia sought to reassert its influence in the Middle East and globally, countering Western and particularly U.S. dominance in international affairs.

Execution of Airstrikes

The first wave of airstrikes was reportedly launched on opposition groups, including those opposed to ISIS. Russia claimed these groups were terrorist factions, although Western and regional observers criticized this approach, contending that it predominantly targeted groups opposed to Assad rather than ISIS.

International Reaction

Russia’s involvement stirred international debate and concern. Critics, including the United States and its allies, accused Russia of bolstering Assad under the guise of fighting terrorism, while often sparing ISIS targets. Human rights organizations raised concerns about the civilian toll of the Russian air campaign.

Consequences and Aftermath

The Russian intervention had significant implications for the Syrian Civil War:

• Shift in Conflict Dynamics: Russia’s military support proved pivotal in regaining and securing key territories for the Assad regime, altering the balance of power in the Syrian theater.
• Increased International Tensions: The intervention heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries, further complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict.
• Prolongation of War: While strengthening the Assad government temporarily, the intervention contributed to the prolonging of the conflict, with humanitarian consequences and continued civilian suffering.

Russia’s military intervention in Syria reshaped not only the Syrian conflict but also the geopolitical landscape, highlighting the complexities of international alliances and the dynamics of intervention in civil wars.