The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian forces have deployed an S-300 missile system at the Tabaqa Airbase in the Raqqa Governorate, where American forces have been stationed after liberating it from ISIS, which had considered it its "capital." Russia had previously deployed the S-300 system in Deir ez-Zor, controlled by the regime, at the end of 2018 when areas east of the Euphrates were held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. However, the map of control changed after former U.S. President Donald Trump allowed the Turkish army to advance between Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain, which opened the door for Russian, Turkish, and Syrian forces to enter eastern Euphrates, as well as the spread of Iranian militias in the rural areas of Deir ez-Zor on the opposite bank of the river.
The Observatory added that Tabaqa Airbase is currently a military base and an important site for Russia in the countryside of Raqqa. Notably, the Russian military has deployed the S-300, advanced S-300, and S-400 missile systems in various locations in western Syria. According to military experts, the S-300 system allows Russia to monitor military movements in northeastern Syria, where Turkey conducts strikes against the Kurds using drones, while Israel bombs Iranian militias in Deir ez-Zor, and these factions in turn target U.S. positions east of the Euphrates and at the Tanf base.
