Picture New images have come to light which appear to confirm previous reports of Russian "boots on the ground" in Syria, aiding Bashar al-Assad's overstretched forces defend regime strongholds from advancing rebel armies. The pictures appear to be taken in a variety of locations in western Syria, including Homs and the key port city of Tartus. They show Russian fighters posing with weapons in front of Russian and Syria flags, and portraits of the countries' respective leaders Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad. Pictures