Russia, Syria Restore Jarrah Airbase For Joint Use

The Jarrah military airbase is located in Manbij region in eastern Aleppo, which has been reopened after a few years.

Following the reopening ceremony at the airport, which was held in the presence of the Russian army and the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, Russia’s army deployed two Kamov Ka-52 Alligator helicopters and a Mi-8 helicopter as well as several Buk M2 and Pantsir-S systems in order to reinforce the air defense and protection of aircraft at the airbase.

In advance, some media outlets affiliated to the militants alleged that the airbase was handed over to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) to be utilized as a drone training headquarter, but the allegation is being ruled out based on the existing data and documents.

In 2013, following a two-month-long siege and the resistance by the Syrian army, the Jarrah military airbase had been occupied by the Ahrar al-Sham militant group, and the ISIS terrorist group seized control of the airbase following clashes with the Ahrar al-Sham militants in early 2014. Lastly, the Syrian ground forces backed by air fire of the Russian army overcame the ISIS terrorist group and seized control of the Jarrah military airbase in May 2017.

It is remarkable that the Jirah military airbase overlooks the strategic city of Deir Hafir and Maskanah town and is considered as a link between the eastern and western areas in Aleppo Governorate.

The short space between the airbase and the regions under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is another significant aspect of the airbase. Taking the important matter into account, it seems probable that following the onset of a new operation by the Turkish army in the northern borderlines of Syria, the Jirah military airbase would play an outstanding role in the possible Syrian army’s reaction to the Turkiye’s strikes.