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Syrian Special Forces Conduct Parachute Drills with Russian Aircraft

24 September 2023, Syria, Idlib: Displaced Syrians stand near a crater left by a missile as a result of an overnight missile attack targeted a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Idlib city. Photo: Anas Alkharboutli/dpa
24 September 2023, Syria, Idlib: Displaced Syrians stand near a crater left by a missile as a result of an overnight missile attack targeted a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Idlib city. Photo: Anas Alkharboutli/dpa
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Syrian Special Forces Conduct Parachute Drills with Russian Aircraft

24 September 2023, Syria, Idlib: Displaced Syrians stand near a crater left by a missile as a result of an overnight missile attack targeted a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Idlib city. Photo: Anas Alkharboutli/dpa
24 September 2023, Syria, Idlib: Displaced Syrians stand near a crater left by a missile as a result of an overnight missile attack targeted a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Idlib city. Photo: Anas Alkharboutli/dpa

Syrian special forces troops performed more than 1,500 parachute jumps over the Mediterranean Sea and the Aleppo and Latakia provinces as part of training drills conducted using Russian military aircraft, Russia's defense ministry said on Thursday.

Video footage published by the ministry showed groups of Syrian troops leaping out of Russian planes and helicopters, including what the ministry said was the Syrian Arab Army's first mass landing from an IL-76 aircraft conducted at night.

"Servicemen of the Russian group of troops in Syria ensured the execution of a comprehensive exercise of Syrian special forces units," the defense ministry said.

Russia is one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's main allies. Moscow's intervention alongside Iran helped turn the tide in favor of Assad in the country's over decade-old conflict.

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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.