Now in the middle of the night in Syria. No significant activity noted. As I pointed out earlier, UK and France still getting up to speed while US tries to get it’s assets in place as well.
I would be surprised if any attack were to be conducted tonight, but will try to make one last screen of information before bed :)
Day is well underway in Syria.
BBC reports that France’s President Emmanuel Macron says he has “proof” that the Syrian government attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons last weekend.
(RUMINT) Observers have reported RAF fighter jets have arrived overnight at RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus.
Conflicting reports regarding approximately 11 Russian combat vessels having left or returned to the Syrian port of Tartus. Fox new reporting the departure yesterday. However, Israeli sources yesterday indicated that they had returned to port as a symbol of trying to deescalate the situation. I’m inclined to think they are still at sea as a deterrent to US/UK cruse missile launches from available vessels. Russian govt officials also state they are out at sea.
NATO officials have stated use of chemical weapons are a threat to world peace. May indicate a broader coalition being set up.
MY assessment - More posturing and maneuvering today and tonight. With this much lead time, vulnerable Syrian military assets have been dispersed and co-located with Russian units/bases. This renders a quick strike like last year impossible and suggests a more prolonged operation once assets are in place. There may well be back door talks to try to deescalate this, but UK is hot (due to the saran gas assassination attempt of former Russian spy), France, Saudi Arabia and now potentially NATO (minus Turkey) siding up. Watching the chess pieces.