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Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41945189
Iran Building Permanent Military Base in Syria
(BBC News) Gordon Corera - Iran is establishing a permanent military base inside Syria, a Western intelligence source has told the BBC. The Iranian military is said to have established a compound at a site used by the Syrian army outside El-Kiswah, 14 km. (8 miles) south of Damascus. Satellite images commissioned by the BBC seem to show construction activity at the site. Independent analysis of the images commissioned by the BBC says the facility is military in nature, noting a series of garages that can hold six to eight vehicles each. Analysts estimate up to 500 troops could be based at the site. The base lies about 50 km. (31 miles) from the Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu tweeted on Sunday: "Iran wants to establish itself militarily in Syria, right next to Israel. Israel will not let that happen."