Reuters is reporting that a "small number" of Russian naval infrantry forces have joined the fight in Syria, alarming US officials who fear a Russian military escalation that could put Moscow on a collision course with Washington. The Russians are reportedly constructing a large military facility in Latakia that could be used as an air base for operations against Islamic State and possibly US-backed rebels. This would complicate the US role in the conflict enormously. The sources, speaking to Reuters on condition they not be identified, gave the most forthright account yet from the region of what the United States fears is a deepening Russian military role in Syria's civil war, though one of the Lebanese sources said the number of Russians involved so far was small. U.S. officials said Russia sent two tank landing ships and additional cargo aircraft to Syriain the past day or so and deployed a small number of naval infantry forces. The U.S....(Read Full Post)