Its a bolt action 7.62x54mm magazine fed rifle originally intended for Russian Law enforcement. Wonder how it got to Syria? Its based of the MTs116 which is a target rifle single shot.
The Russians are probably being cheap with supporting the Syrian government. I assume these weapons are shown being operated by SAA personnel.
A news item from my favourite radio station this morning, twenty minutes ago:
The US has halted providing intelligence to German military in Iraq needed for their security because of the conflict about US intelligence activity in Germany. It mentioned that its source is German media.
"It's about things that you can not buy off the shelf", citing the "image" an intelligence official. Already several weeks ago the BND had the United States called upon to collaborate. But on a promise he wait until now. "It's irritating," said the informant.