I wonder if this was intended as reassurance for Kurdish areas. I can't imagine the Air Force would risk a flight over Syrian government-held areas without a target worth that risk.
Maybe they and the rebel forces in Western Syria can take enough ground to not need US help after Trump is inaugurated. There are no US allies Trump won't betray without a second thought.
My hope is that every culture Russia repressed and consumed through its Imperialism/Fascism/Genocidal acts will be free.
Russia is a crime syndicate mascaraing as a Nation State.
#MakeRussiaSmallAgain so small it no longer exists #RussiaIsATerroristState
Their not shooting at anyone. Those are flares being fired off when he makes a turn. When an A-10 turns it exposes unprotected areas of the fuselage so they fire flares.
This looks more like a "show were here" warning pass
The US maintains bases in Syria. Theoretically in support of the FSA & opposition to IS, I think, but they're ready to give shows of support for some and inspire fear in others.
The bases are physical evidence of continued US military action in Syria. AFAIK, no fixed-wing US aircraft are based at al Tanf or anywhere else in Syria. I suspect the A-10s flew in from Iraq or maybe Kuwait. I imagine they can land at al Tanf if necessary & get fuel there, but not much more.
This looks more like a show of force message. A "We are here" show the flag warning.
See the the pilot dip his wings. This is for show, not for any tactical purpose. He's also going slow, another "Take a good Look" technique. Finally its in a city. Poor conditions for using an A-10
True, They may end up using the A-10, but its designed for open area battlegrounds (it was originally designed to be used to stop an armored/infantry attack from the USSR into Germany). Its weapons load and armorant are optimised for destroying mechanized equipment. Not really for city use
The armor and weapons are perfect for close air support against enemy columns. Didn't they use a bunch of these to shred Saddam's cretins in the retreat from Kuwait?
The area must have been cleared before. No A-10 will fly in when airdefence is up. It's a plane that to be fair had numerous upgrades over the years. I think it's used more in situations where the enemy is concentrated.
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All bets are off once Trump takes office. Trump will hand the Kurds over on a gold painted platter.
I wish the Syrian People victory over their Despot and Russia which backs the oppression of the Syrian people.
Russia is a crime syndicate mascaraing as a Nation State.
#MakeRussiaSmallAgain so small it no longer exists #RussiaIsATerroristState
This looks more like a "show were here" warning pass
You can maintain skepticism if you like, but I don't think there's much doubt that it happened.
See the the pilot dip his wings. This is for show, not for any tactical purpose. He's also going slow, another "Take a good Look" technique. Finally its in a city. Poor conditions for using an A-10
I'm mostly joking, but you have to wonder how big the risk is.