- According to US officials, Iran sent personnel to Russia to train Russian soldiers to fly Iranian drones.
- This is a sign of increasing proximity between Moscow and Tehran.
- In a series attacks on Ukraine, Russia has recently used Iranian drones.
Iran sent military personnel into Crimea to train Russian forces to operate the border. Drones that Iran has acquiredThat Recent attacks in Ukraine by Russia have seen Russia deployAccording to media reports,
After Russia’s purchase of a fleet drones from Iran, the ensuing war has seen a deeperening of relations between Iran and Russia. The Iranian trainers arrived at a Russian military base located in occupied Crimea.
The Daily MirrorThis week was the first time that the presence in Crimea of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel was reported. The New York Times, CNNThey were confirmed by several outlets, including US officials who are familiar with classified intelligence, on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the State Department declined comment to “purported intelligence leaked” but stated that the agency had warned since July that Iran planned to supply weapons to Russia to be used against Ukraine.
Insider was told by a spokesperson that there is ample evidence that Iranian UAVs were used to attack civilians and military targets in Ukraine. However, Iran continues to lie shamelessly about its involvement. “The presence Iranian trainers on ground in Russian-occupied Ukraine will further implicate Iran as a supporter of Russia’s unprovoked, brutal war including attacks on Ukrainian civilians.”
Russia relied in recent times on Iranian drones. A series of attacks on civilians Electrical infrastructure. Russia’s acquisition of the weapons marked its initial step. Iran: An increasing proximityTehran’s influence is growing in wartime, as evidenced by the reported deployment of elite troops to Crimea.
Mick Mulroy, a retired CIA officer and former Pentagon official, stated that sending drones and trainers into Ukraine had “enmeshed Iran deeply in the war on Russia side and implicated Tehran directly in operations which have killed and injured civilians.”
It wasn’t immediately clear how many Iranian trainees arrived in Crimea. Or if they are still at the same base, where most drones reside since arriving from Iran. CNN was informed by an intelligence source that “dozens of Iranian personnel” had been sent.
Officials state that Russia is the first. In August, the drones were tested and used.Due to user error, several weapons malfunctions occurred. Russia sent its operatives initially to Iran to correct the errors. However, Iran has recently decided to send its trainers to Crimea in recent weeks, according to reports.
The Times reported that Iranian elite forces have been stationed in Crimea away from fighting. They are mostly focused on training Russian soldiers in the use of drones. It is unclear if the drones are being flown by Iranian personnel.
Russia received two types drones from Iran, one of which was the X-Plane. ShahedsThe, which can travel more than 1,000 miles, are designed to explode and destroy targets.
US officials have cited Russia’s dependence on Iran for dronesMultiple outlets have stated that Russia’s ability replenish its weapons stock is severely curtailed by Western sanctions.
However, Russia has managed to terrorize Ukraine in recent times. A bombardment was launchedSuicide drones StrikesMany people have been killed by this. civilian infrastructure devastated.
