AN UPDATE ON DAMASCUS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

A few days ago, I explained the strategic and psychological significance of Damascus IAP.

The issue as to why that location is so critical to Assad and Iran needs no further explanation, but the tactical discussion will show why holding that location is nearly impossible for Assad in the long run.

Airports need several things in order to remain "open".

The free movement of resupply fuel is one of the first real critical events Assad's regime must insure.

Airplanes that are flying tactical resupply missions can land with sufficient fuel on board to turn and go, but day to day commercial airline industries do not and will not work under such "risk".

This fuel issue has a second real impact on the success of the airfield.

Storage!

Above ground storage tanks and fuel lines that are "exposed" make nearly irresistible targets to the rebels.

This is one of the points that I find interesting about the assault on Damascus IAP.

Why don't we see large pillars of smoke and flames billowing up from the Fuel Farm?

Have the rebels not thought of attacking this vital link to Assad's primary supply point?

Have the rebels formed a deliberate plan to avoid collateral damage to this facility?

Has "someone" asked them to approach the destruction of the Airport with "post Civil War requirements" in mind?

My gut tells me no.

I'm not convinced someone drafted, agreed to "master plan" for Damascus IAP, at least not from a post civil war / World view.

Now, If I were Assad's military leaders, I would have some of my best units protecting this airport for all the reasons I talked about a few days ago.

So, it could be it's much more difficult to reach, even with indirect fire, the fuel farm.

If I wanted to prevent the arrival of support flights to Assad, I would not concentrate my limited assault assets on the fuel farm.

What is the one thing every airport must have to remain open?

Yep... Runways!

If I wanted to stop Assad's resupply support, I would go after the runways first.

Again, the question becomes why has this not happened?

First off; the size of shell it takes to creator a several foot thick runway is hard to hide especially when your enemy still owns the sky above you.

Runways are vital, but they are also very difficult to completely    destroy.

The ability to fill a 20 ft whole and pour fresh asphalt is much easier than sneaking close enough to shell the location.

Can the rebels take a section of the airport long enough to destroy the runways beyond the point of a quick repair job?

Again, remember the level of troops Assad probably has assigned to this site!

 Ok, if you can't take out the runways, what is the next logical option?

Answer; make it very difficult to safely approach the airport by air.

It's what is commonly referred to as the " Manpad footprint".

Large transport aircraft or commercial airlines on final approach are sitting ducks for manpad shots.

The area the aircraft must fly over on it's final leg to the runway is the most dangerous and in this case most assuredly  the most guarded.

Manpad denial requires owning the rooftops of any building within shoulder fired range of the airport.

A task that is extremely difficult even with large number of troops available and even when the airport is somewhat remote like Damascus IAP.

Again, why have we not seen the "shot" taken by the rebels?

Take your choice.... .someone has said, "don't go there"....... It's simply too difficult ... or the proverbial...  " we just don't want to......yet"!!!!

Ok, what does all of this conversation lead to?

Simple; it 'leads to emphasizing just how critical Damascus IAP is to everyone involved.

Assad cannot survive without this facility..

On the other hand, the rebels can win this civil war without destroying or even overrunning Damascus IAP.

That is the difference.

You see the rebels know all too well just how hard Assad will fight to keep this facility in his grip.

They know that he limit actions in other areas for the sake of saving the airport.

A few units assigned to "harass" the airport after a well timed public notice about the airport being a "legitimate target" could be the game being played.

Would the rebels love to take Damascus IAP?

Yes.

Would they be willing to drive Assad into taking  actions the world would  not sit back and watch unfold?

Yes!

Damascus IAP means virtually everything to Assad.

To the rebels, it could easily be target that drives Assad to destruction at the hands of the rest of the world.

One last catch to this topic and it's a big one.

The second Assad's military commanders believe they are going to lose this airport, the level of panic inside what is left of his military will hit a new high!!!

Watch Damascus IAP and you will see the future of Assad.