Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Russia has been identified as a leading supporter of the
regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

A report by the International Center for Research and Study on Terrorism
and Aide to Victims of Terrorism asserted that Russia was the leading
military supplier to the Assad regime. The Paris-based research center said
the Russian Navy has built major facilities at the Syrian port of Tartous.

“Syria is of strategic importance for Russia as it provides Russia’s
fleet with its main port in the Mediterranean,” the report, titled “The Lebanonization of Syria,” said.

The report, dated January 2012, said the deepwater harbor in Tartous could accommodate a range of Russian Navy vessels. The report cited frigates and “larger surface warships” as well as nuclear-powered submarines.

The report said Russia has delivered 50 advanced Sukhoi fighter-jets to Assad since 2008 as well as radar and short- and medium-range missiles. The center said the Russian military has deployed a training force in Syria to help operate the platforms.

“We estimate that there are 1,000 Russian technical assistants in
Syria,” the report said.

The center also dismissed the capabilities of the Sunni rebel movement.
The Free Syrian Army, which claims up to 75,000 fighters, was said to have
wielded a force of no more than 3,000 by the end of 2011. The report said
FSA has acquired weapons no heavier than Chinese-origin rocket-propelled
grenades from Iraq and Lebanon.

“Its operational importance has been wildly exaggerated, and the
widespread media coverage it has received does not reflect its true
operational capabilities,” the report said.

  000 Russian technical assistants, 1, 50 advanced Sukhoi fighter-jets to Assad, Free Syrian Army, port of Tartous, Report: Russia arming Syria; Port at Tartous serves as key strategic asset, Russian Navy, Sunni rebel movement