BEIRUT—When a Syrian warplane gathers speed along the runway, seconds from takeoff and minutes from action, a covert race to save civilian life begins. ( Gabriel Chaim / The Associated Press )“Everyone is holding their breath,” said Abu Zeid, one of the plane spotters, in a recent interview. Civilians, at first, used walkie talkies to warn of warplanes. Reaching out through trusted contacts, they recruited teachers, engineers and even farmers as potential plane spotters, some living near Russian or Syrian airbases, others in the heart of opposition-held territory. Jaeger said it was unclear whether Hala saved lives during this attack, which took place during the system’s rollout phase.

Source: thestar August 18, 2018 15:33 UTC