Russian military: ISIL’s 60,000 jihadists control 70 percent of Syria

Russian military: ISIL’s 60,000 jihadists control 70 percent of Syria

Special to WorldTribune.com Russia’s leadership countered more optimistic U.S. claims, reporting that Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) is far from “contained” in Syria. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the terror group is expanding its influence and now controls 70 percent of Syria, contradicting the recent comments by U.S. President Barack Obama that ISIL […]

Putin confirms sub-launched cruise missile strike, raises prospect of nuclear warheads

Putin confirms sub-launched cruise missile strike, raises prospect of nuclear warheads

Special to WorldTribune.com Russia for the first time in the Syria conflict used submarine-launched cruise missiles which President Vladimir Putin said at some point could be equipped with nuclear warheads. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed on Dec. 9 that Kalibr cruise missiles had been fired by the submerged Rostov-on-Don submarine from the Mediterranean Sea […]

U.S. air strikes against ISIL limited by strict rules of engagement; French, Russians turn up heat

U.S. air strikes against ISIL limited by strict rules of engagement; French, Russians turn up heat

Special to WorldTribune.com France was set to deploy its lone aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf on Nov. 18 while Russia stepped up its attacks on Islamic State of Iraq and Levant’s (ISIL’s) stronghold in Raqqa, Syria. The escalation of military operations by France and Russia are seen filling the void left by the United […]

Russia launches first strikes in Syria from warships

Russia launches first strikes in Syria from warships

Special to WorldTribune.com Russia escalated its military operations in Syria in a big way on Oct. 7 as it launched missiles from its warships in the Caspian Sea to support a ground offensive aimed at foes of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Moscow claimed the offensive targeted Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), but the […]

Moscow poised to establish a network of new military bases abroad

Moscow poised to establish a network of new military bases abroad

Special to WorldTribune.com By Miles Yu, Geostrategy-Direct.com Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed on Feb. 26 that Moscow is planning to expand its military presence abroad and plans to build military bases in several important countries. Those countries include Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Seychelles, Singapore and several others, the state-run news agency RIA Novosti […]

Moscow, Cairo sign $2 billion weapons deal, financed by the Saudis, UAE

Moscow, Cairo sign $2 billion weapons deal, financed by the Saudis, UAE

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Egypt and Russia have concluded an agreement for a $2 billion weapons deal. Officials said Cairo and the Kremlin concluded three months of negotiations for the sale of Russian helicopters and air defense systems to Egypt. They said the talks focused on financial issues, including repayment terms. “All of the […]

Moscow offers Egypt a multi-billion-dollar deal to modernize weapons

Moscow offers Egypt a multi-billion-dollar deal to modernize weapons

Special to WorldTribune.com MOSCOW — Russia has submitted a military modernization plan to Egypt. Officials said the Kremlin has approved a multi-billion-dollar deal that would enhance several arms of the Egyptian military. They said the project by Russia’s state-owned arms export agency Rosoboronexport would focus on Egypt’s Air Force and air defense command. “The word […]

Egypt, Russia move closer to first joint military pact in 40 years

Egypt, Russia move closer to first joint military pact in 40 years

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Egypt and Russia have agreed to establish a panel to plan and implement defense cooperation. Officials said the two countries agreed to review defense and military cooperation options, including exercises, arms sales and joint industrial projects. They said the agreement could pave the way for the first significant cooperation between […]

Russia gears up for unprecedented talks on strategic, ‘technical cooperation’ with Egypt

Russia gears up for unprecedented talks on strategic, ‘technical cooperation’ with Egypt

Special to WorldTribune.com MOSCOW — Russia is making final preparations for what officials termed unprecedented strategic talks with Egypt. Officials said a high-level Russian delegation would arrive on Nov. 13 for two days of talks with the Egyptian leadership on strategic cooperation. They said the delegation, headed by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister […]

Russian Navy to establish a ‘permanent’ presence in the Mediterranean

Russian Navy to establish a ‘permanent’ presence in the Mediterranean

Special to WorldTribune.com MOSCOW — Russia, a leading ally of Syria, has decided to establish a permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean Sea. Officials said the Defense Ministry has been funding a task force to protect Russian interests in the Mediterranean. They said the force would be supplied by the Syrian port of Tartous, […]