SNA (FSA) moves toward Aleppo, Putin's Kazakhstan Visit

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — NOV 27 2024

Today’s email brings you news from Syria and Russia.

1 - SYRIA

1 thing to know

Turkish-backed Syrian forces in the province of Idlib moved toward Aleppo, fighting against the Assad regime.

The context 

The Syrian National Army (SNA), previously called the Free Syrian Army, is a Turkish-backed rebel force fighting against the Assad regime in Syria. Turkey supplies and trains the SNA forces, and the SNA is closely aligned with the Turkish government.

As the SNA pushes toward the city of Aleppo, heavily allied with other militant groups, they face resistance from the Assad regime forces and Assad-allied Russian support.

Most recently, the SNA and allied groups have captured the village of Anjarah, near Aleppo.

More from the region

In northern Syria, SNA forces are arriving along borders with territory controlled by the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) group. The SDF is often supported by US forces.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: MK 45 5-INCH GUN

The 5-inch/54-caliber Mark 45 gun is a naval artillery system used by modern warships, including destroyers and frigates. Designed by BAE Systems, it is a lightweight, rapid-fire gun with a caliber of 5 inches (127 mm) and a barrel length of 54 calibers, meaning the barrel is 54 times its diameter.

The gun is capable of firing high-explosive, precision-guided, and other ammunition at both surface and air targets at a rate of fire of up to 20 rounds per minute.

What it’s used for

Variants of the MK 45 have been in use since the mid 1950 by the US Navy, and is now also operated by countries around world, including Australia, Denmark, Greece, and Taiwan.

2 - RUSSIA

1 thing to know

Russian President Vladimir Putin Visited Kazakhstan to shore up the ties the his central Asian ally.

The context 

Putin's plane landed in the capital of Kazakhstan, where he will spend two days reportedly shoring up the ties between the two countries, especially as trade has deteriorated over the last couple of months. 

While Kazakhstan is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) alliance headed by Moscow, their president has expressed concern over Russia's war against Ukraine.

During his stay, Putin is expected to discuss trade and energy agreements, as well as the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant. The next day, discussion around the West allowing deep strikes into Russia with their long-range missiles is expected, once other CSTO members arrive.

More from the region

US President-elect Donald Trump appointed retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg has said the "end game" for the war is "evicting the Russians from Ukraine", including Crimea.

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