They're collecting intel.
Makes sense.
and REALLY, REALLY, REALLY making Obama look like a fool:
Just for shits and giggles, Putin should give a briefing with "Comrade General Ezekiel" on the day's specific targets and call the Russian/Iranian/Chinese/Assad organization as:
Ground Operations Group (GOG), and the Navy/Marine detachment at Tartus and Latakia as:Marine Assault General Operations Group (MAGOG).
Watch heads explode......either that or the world.