US, Russia Build up Reinforcements in Northeast Syria

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US troops are seen during a patrol near the Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria, in November. (photo credit: RODI SAID / REUTERS)
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US troops are seen during a patrol near the Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria, in November. (photo credit: RODI SAID / REUTERS)
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US, Russia Build up Reinforcements in Northeast Syria

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US troops are seen during a patrol near the Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria, in November. (photo credit: RODI SAID / REUTERS)
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US troops are seen during a patrol near the Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria, in November. (photo credit: RODI SAID / REUTERS)

Three Russian military convoys arrived in northeastern Syria, only days after similar reinforcements were deployed in the area by the US-led International Coalition.

Informed sources and locals said that 13 trucks loaded with materials and logistical equipment, five armored vehicles, large boxes loaded with ammunition and medium and heavy weapons had arrived at Qamishli Airport, which the Russian forces operate as their main base in Hasakah.

The military reinforcements departed from the Russian-run Hmeimim airbase near the Tartus port. They were transported via the international M4 highway with helicopter protection.

Sources confirmed that two planes had also landed at Qamishli Airport.

At the same time, a military tanker carrying Russian police soldiers arrived at its base in the Talat al-Badaa area, west of the city of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani).

Eight trucks carrying logistical materials, weapons and ammunition arrived at Tabqa military airport in the western countryside of Raqqa.

Russian fortifications coincided with the US-led International Coalition also deploying back up at outposts east of the Euphrates. Since the beginning of March, three military convoys and arms shipments had arrived at Coalition positions in Hasakah and the eastern countryside of Deir Ez-Zor.

Russian forces and their Turkish counterparts conducted a new joint patrol along Syria’s southern border strip with Turkey. The patrol was coupled with Russian helicopters scaling the region’s skies.

This patrol came 48 hours after a similar patrol was conducted in the countryside of Kobani, with two Russian helicopters flying over.

Coalition forces and US soldiers, with the participation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), conducted a regular patrol in the Qarachokh oil-rich area in the countryside of Al-Malikiyah.

The patrol consisted of five combat vehicles, three Bradley tanks and 2 armored vehicles.

The soldiers were keen to stand with the residents of the area, salute and exchange conversations with the help of translators. This patrol came three days after conducting a similar patrol in the southern countryside of al-Darbasiyah.



US Sanctions Russia-Based Network for Helping Yemen’s Houthis

Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. (EPA)
Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. (EPA)
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US Sanctions Russia-Based Network for Helping Yemen’s Houthis

Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. (EPA)
Houthi supporters attend a protest against US airstrikes on Houthi positions, on al-Quds Day in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 March 2025. (EPA)

The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday on Russia-based people and entities working to help procure weapons and commodities - including stolen Ukrainian grain - for Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, the Treasury Department said.

The operatives, who included Russia-based Afghan businessman Hushang Ghairat and his brother, Russia-based Afghan businessman Sohrab Ghairat, helped senior Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal, procure millions of dollars’ worth of commodities from Russia for shipment to Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, Treasury said.

The goods included weapons and sensitive goods, as well as stolen Ukrainian grain, the department said in a statement.

"The Houthis remain reliant on Sa’id al-Jamal and his network to procure critical goods to supply the group’s terrorist war machine," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "Today’s action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis’ ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities."