Russia and Syria hold joint air military exercises following Israel’s attack on

Damascus: While the entire world focuses on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has held joint military exercises with the Syrian air force. The media is pointing out that these joint exercises by Russia and Syria were held within hours of an airstrike by Israel in Syria. Last month, Russia deployed its S-300 air defence system against Israel’s fighter jet attack in Syria. Therefore, the joint exercises of Russia and Syria seem to be a warning to Israel.

It’s been three months since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. The United States and European countries imposed harsh sanctions against Russia as soon as the conflict broke out. The western countries also mobilised large-scale arms and defence systems to Ukraine. At that time, Israel had refused to adopt a stand against Russia. However, the situation seems to be changing now, which was seen when Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid openly levied accusations against Russia. Additionally, Israel confirmed plans to supply weapons to Ukraine. Infuriated by the Israeli announcement, Russia reminded Israel of the second world war, during which the relations between Russia and Israel had been strained.

In this scenario, Israel initiated airstrikes in Syria. So far, the Russian military deployed in Syria has maintained the strategy not to react to Israeli airstrikes. But last month, Russia activated the S-300 air defence system against Israeli fighter jets after targeting specific Syrian military locations. Although the Israeli fighter jets escaped the missiles of the air defence system, the Israeli media reported that Russia used its S-300 system against Israel.

Two days ago, the Israeli fighter launched an airstrike near the Syrian capital, Damascus. Russian and Syrian air forces held joint air exercises within just a few hours. Two Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from the Russian air force and six MiG-23 and MiG-29 fighter jets from the Syrian air force participated in the exercises. The Syrian military informed the military drill was to practice targeting enemy fighter jets and drones during the night. The international media is claiming that while the conflict continues in Ukraine, Russia has issued a warning to Israel and the other countries assisting Ukraine by holding air exercises in Syria.