Russian forces in Syria found a new commander
The Russian group of forces in Syria will be headed by 51-year-old Colonel-General Alexander Zhuravlev, sources say RBC. His task will be the preparation for the end of military operations.
The new commander
Colonel-General Alexander Zhuravlev will become the commander of the Russian group of forces in Syria, told RBC senior source in the defense Ministry and confirmed by a second source in the defense Ministry. Earlier Zhuravlev has held the position.
On the appointment of Zhuravleva and told RBC a source close to the defense Ministry. According to him, the relevant documents have been prepared and are pending signature.
“Who previously held this position Sergei Surovikin decree [of the President] is appointed commander of the VKS”, — told RBC a high-ranking source in the defense Ministry.
As his successor, initially was considered the commander of the airborne troops Andrey Serdyukov, however, on 15 September, he got in an accident in the Kola district of the Murmansk region, which suffered serious injuries to the head and spine, recalled the interlocutor of RBC.
The decision on the appointment Zhuravleva to the post of commander of the Russian group of forces in Syria was made the other day, told the second the interlocutor of RBC. “At the moment it [the appointment Zhuravleva] — the most optimal variant”, — he added.
RBC has sent a request to the defense Ministry with a request to confirm this information.
Again, Syria
Zhuravlev had command of the Russian group of forces in Syria from July to December 2016. To its Syrian missions, he served as chief of staff of the southern military district, and on his return was promoted — was appointed Deputy chief of the General staff.
The title of Colonel-General 51-year-old Alexander Zhuravlev received in February 2017.
Alexander Zhuravlev graduated from the Military Academy of armored troops in 1996. Then, having served ten years in the far East, became commander of the infantry division. In 2008, Zhuravlev was appointed chief of staff of the commander of the 58th combined arms army (Vladikavkaz). Two years later he had command of the 2nd Guards red banner combined arms army (Samara). In 2015, a few months he occupied the post of Deputy commander of the Central military district, after which he headed the headquarters of the southern military district, and from there sent to Syria.