Military sources quoted by Al-Watan daily indicated that these exercises are aimed at increasing combat readiness and simulating response to enemy airstrikes.

These actions involve air defense and electronic warfare forces, and employ missiles fired by Russian and Syrian fighters against enemy targets.

These are the first maneuvers of their kind to take place in areas in proximity to areas occupied by U.S. forces and the Turkish Army.

Syrian units intensified their military maneuvers, some joint with Russian troops, and included parachute jumping and airborne operations, in addition to the graduation of several groups of elite troops.

According to analysts, these exercises carry messages to Syria’s enemies, particularly the United States and Israel, which Damascus accuses of violating its sovereignty.

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