Russian Ground Operation In Syria 'Under Discussion'
Moscow - Russian President Vladimir Putin may deploy special operations forces on the ground in Syria, a former official told Al Jazeera, a move that might be made to ensure "a decisive victory".
It's been more than eight months since Russia intervened in the Syrian conflict, and at the time Putin said there were no plans to participate in ground operations - but he also said "for now".
The Russian president is reportedly discussing with military commanders the possibility of deploying combat troops on the battlefield.
"This is under discussion, there are plans for this," Andrei Fyodorov, a former deputy minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera.
The reinforcements could be special forces or volunteer soldiers who are willing to fight alongside the Syrian army and its allies.
"This is a delicate issue for our military. There are serious doubts that any participation by Russia on the ground would be favourable. [Rather it could] complicate the negotiation process and lead to further disagreements with the US," Fyodorov explained.
But there are those in political and military circles who believe this deployment is needed.
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http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/russian-ground-operation-syria-160602094724997.html
