Afghan Scenario Unlikely in Syria as Russia Plans No Ground Offensive

The Soviet scenario in Afghanistan is unlikely to repeat for Russian leader Vladimir Putin as Russia confines itself only to airstrikes in its fight against ISIL in Syria, German media outlet N24 reported.

If Moscow ever decides to start a boots-on-the ground operation in Syria there would be a serious risk of being mired in the conflict, journalist Christoph Wanner said.

"The Soviet invasion in Afghanistan in 1979-1989 involved nearly 85,000 troops, and it failed. In comparison with the current operation in Syria there is a difference," he said.

The journalist explained that now Russia is conducting airstrikes against ISIL while the Syrian army, Hezbollah and Iran are fighting terrorists on the ground.

Earlier, Vladimir Putin said that Russia is not considering a full-scale military offensive in Syria and would provide only aerial support for government forces.

On September 30, the Upper House of the Russian Parliament approved a request from President Putin to use Russian combat forces abroad. Later that day, Russian combat jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched airstrikes against ISIL in Syria.

Over the last three days, Russian jets have conducted several dozen raids and destroyed numerous ISIL facilities, including command points, training grounds, communication facilities as well as ammo and fuel depots.