WarSclerotic

DEBKAfile’s military sources report exclusively that a Chinese airlift began operating Wednesday night, March 7, from several Syrian airfields. It is evacuating thousands of nationals, some employed in Syria’s oil and military industries. No explanation was offered. China is one of Bashar Assad’s three backers, along with Iran and Russia. The evacuation may be prompted by early warning of an escalation of the 12-month violence in Syria or foreign military intervention.