Russia Deploys Howitzers And Rocket Launchers In Syria

Russia has deployed heavy artillery and MRL reinforcements to Syria after several 130mm shells were fired by the Syrian rebel groups outside Latakia.

Russia has transferred two types of heavy weapons systems by sea and by air to the front near Latakia in the past two days, Debkafile reported Monday.

Russia has deployed three battalions of 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers at Khmeimin. The artillery system is capable of firing 152mm bombs. These are the same bombs that were used against the Islamic rebels in Chechnya in the 1990s.

The 2S19 Msta-S has a modified chassis of a T-80 tank and a diesel motor of a T-72. It is effective against fortifications as well as military and terrorist targets in wooded mountain areas, exactly the kind of geographical environment in which the rebels around Latakia area are operating.

Russia has also deployed TOS-1 220mm multiple rocket laucher in Syria. The system is mounted on the chassis of a T-72 tank.