Russian warships in the Mediterranean have fired cruise missiles at ISIS positions in Syria. This is to augment the rapid advance of Syrian forces into the Islamic group's territory. The United States, on the other hand, is still on the contemplative phase of its Raqqa attack, though with the current pace of Assad's forces, the war against ISIS in Syria may be over before America can act.
What's the progress of Syria and Russia's attack on ISIS?
Syrian forces, backed by Russia and Iran, are wading through large swaths of ISIS territory in Syria. This is after Assad's forces liberated the entire South desert of Syria from ISIS control.
Early on Wednesday, the Russian defense ministry said that the Russian frigate Admiral Essen and the submarine Krasnodar fired cruise missiles at IS targets in Palmyra. This is one of the major operations made by Russia in Syria and provides significant evidence of Moscow's tacit agreement with Assad.
However, the Syrian forces have attacked not only ISIS groups but are also picking on US-backed Syrian rebels that are near the area. Assad's army is pushing through Palmyra and heading towards Sukha, 37 miles northeast, which is a known terrorist stronghold. The Russian airstrikes are proving effective in paving the way for Assad's forces to mop up the area.
How will the US react to Russia-Syria success?
Though both Russia and the US are both attacking ISIS, Syria's aftermath will not be beneficial for America if Assad supported by Russia takes over Syria. US President Donald Trump had planned to create a coalition against Iran by strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The $110 billion arms deal with Riyadh aims to upgrade Saudi Arabia into a regional power that can counter Iran's growing influence.
During the early days of the Syrian civil war, Saudi Arabia, a Sunni state, opposed Assad's power in Syria. Riyadh indirectly supported the rebels against the Syrian government. However, the major supporter of the Syrian rebels revolt is The United States.
After Trump took office, the rapid rearmament of Syrian rebels went underway, but it was hampered by the increasing threat of ISIS.
Washington deemed it necessary to end ISIS first before resolving the Syrian Civil War. Thus, Assad can easily charge into ISIS territory and attack rebels in the process. After Assad's attack on Islamic state territories, Syria may well become Russia's new Mediterranean port.
