Clashes near the Russian Hmeimim base in Latakia as the vase were targeted by armed Militants
It was reported that militants launched an attack on a Russian military base on the Syrian coast on Tuesday.
Sources from the UK based, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported hearing heavy gunfire around the airport runway as a result of violent clashes.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the area surrounding the Russian Hmeimim base is experiencing security tensions following an attack launched by an armed group likely linked to the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior.
Sources reported that the group successfully shot down a drone flying in the area.
The sources added that violent clashes erupted this morning near the airport runway, with heavy gunfire and the use of medium and heavy machine guns.
Air raid sirens were also activated inside the base, coinciding with the escalation.
Amid the escalating security situation, the area surrounding the airport has witnessed a widespread security alert, with security checkpoints being set up and thorough inspections being conducted, amid fears of further escalation in the coming days.
According to sources from Syria, forces affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defense had deployed snipers on the rooftops of buildings in villages surrounding the Hmeimim base, in addition to setting up military checkpoints in those villages, as some described these actions as a provocation against the Russian and seemingly an attempt to besiege the base.
Local and media sources confirmed that security forces and armed factions affiliated with the Ministry of Defense began deploying heavy forces last Wednesday in several villages, such as Hmeimim, Bustan al Basha, al-Qubaisa, and Bakhdarmo.
The sources added that snipers are positioned in tall buildings, such as the Bakhdarmo government school, or in homes belonging to civilians who fled the area due to recent attacks.
