Syrian troops ambush rebels at booby-trapped farm | CBC

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“Syrian government forces booby-trapped a cluster of farm buildings in the southern Daraa province and detonated the explosives as several Islamic rebel factions gathered at the venue, killing 17 militants” Full story here.

Also see: U.S. sees bearable costs, key goals met for Russia in Syria so far | Reuters

“U.S. officials said Russia’s military footprint is relatively light. It comprises a long-time naval facility in Tartus, a major air base near the port city of Latakia, a second under expansion near Homs and several lesser posts. There are an estimated 5,000 Russian personnel in Syria, including pilots, ground crews, intelligence personnel, security units protecting the Russian bases and advisers to the Syrian government forces. … Vasily Kashin, a Moscow-based analyst, said the war is not financially stressing Russia. “All the available data shows us that the current level of military effort is completely insignificant for the Russian economy and Russian budget,” said Kashin, of the Center for Analyses of Strategies and Technologies. “It can be carried on at the same level year after year after year,” he said.”