Just days after the Russian government’s authorization of an indefinite combat mission in Syria, the State Duma is considering another military maneuver: changing the law on military service to offer short-term contracts to Russians eager to fight in specific wars. It is a move that experts say is aimed at formalizing the status of unrecognized Russian mercenary forces fighting abroad.
The Moscow Times: Russia mulls military contracts for mercenaries
Syrian pro-government soldiers hold a position as they advance in Aleppo's restive Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood on October 6, 2016.
"Syrian regime forces advanced from the city centre north into (rebel-held) Bustan al-Basha, and seized a large athletic complex there," the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. This was the first time the regime had entered the district since 2013 and there had been fierce clashes, they added.This was the first time the regime had entered the district since 2013 and there had been fierce clashes, he added. (AFP)
