State media in Syria reports maneuver aimed at diversifying troops' readiness, amid persisting airstrikes linked to Israel

State TV reports flights in Syrian capital to resume Thursday following serious damage to runway that forced planes to be diverted to Aleppo

Plane is first Syrian international flight to land at airport since Russia assumed control of It in 2015; flights diverted from Damascus airfield since alleged Israeli air strike

Syrian aircraft battle against warplanes and drones while Russian jets provide cover in first drill since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine three months ago

More than 40,000 register to fight at Syrian recruitment centers as poverty and lack of jobs push soldiers to look for a better life; 'from Ukraine, I plan to go to Europe'

Report says some Russian troops bringing ‘chem-bio suits’ amid warnings of possible false flag attack; Zelensky appeals to mothers of Russian troops: Don’t let your kids go to war

Ukraine president decries Putin plan to send 'volunteers' to battle from 'country where everything has been destroyed'; UK report: Fighters to arrive from Central African Republic

After essentially turning Mediterranean ally into a protectorate, Putin has been emboldened in latest expansionist attempt, critics and observers say

Syrian leader, propped up by Putin's forces in own country, says Western nations use 'dirty methods to support terrorists in Syria and Nazis in Ukraine'

Deployment includes nuclear-capable bombers, fighter jets carrying state-of-the-art projectiles in apparent showcase of Russian ability to counter US forces in region