https://southfront.org/syrian-war-report-february-21-2018-government-forces-entered-afrin/
Over the last few days, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army have captured over a dozen villages from the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in the Afrin area.
A complicated situation on the frontlines forced the YPG to at least temporarily forget “the US is our only ally” mantra and to start implementing what local sources describe as a Damascus-YPG deal that will allow deployment of government troops in the region.
On February 20, a column of the government-backed National Defense Forces (NDF) consisting of about 20 vehicles entered the YPG-held area and moved toward the city of Afrin. The column was within about 10km of the city when it came under Turkish fire. At least 2 NDF members were killed in the TAF strikes.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that the column retreated after this incident. However, according to existing video evidence at least a part of the column reached Afrin city.
While 20 vehicles are not enough to reverse TAF gains in Afrin, the deployment of government forces in the area as well as Iranian and Russian diplomatic support can limit and even counter a major part of the Turkish military plans. Few hours before the column deployment Erdogan vowed to lay siege to the city of Afrin in three days time.
The situation remains tense. Many will depend on the terms and conditions of the YPG-Damascus deal.
On February 20, Eastern Ghouta militant groups conducted a massive shelling of the government-held areas of Damascus. The Russian center for reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria was among targets. The shelling killed at least seven civilians and wounded over 40 others. No casualties among the Russian personnel were reported.
No ground operation has yet started in Eastern Ghouta but the mainstream media is already full of reports about the so-called Assad forces attacking civilians there. These reports ignore that a large part of the pocket is controlled by groups, which have never respected the ceasefire – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Ahrar al-Sham and Faylaq al-Rahman.
Well given that some folks believe there is an eschatological need for terror to fall upon and destroy Damascus in one night as per Daniel 8 one might ponder how the King of the South is going to do that.?
Trump is the watchmen elected by the people who ends up going against his better judgement…Daniel 8 is the geopolitical playbook for these times…just ask Bibi and Billy Graham.
Billy Graham, is like the character in Hamlet; Polonius. He is dead. I rather like Hamlet’s reply to the king when the king inquired of Polonius.
Billy Graham = CIA = Jewish Mafia
Daniel 8 is about vagueness. When two things lock horns one may win and the other lose, or both may be wounded and there is no winner. Just as Goliath thought he would smite David things dont always work out what would one would expect. I expect this issue will be around for very long time.
The propaganda and Jihad pity is already going in full force. I seen #pray for east gouta hashtags already. And the Guardian already called it another Srebrenica.
Russia and Syria should just make quick work of it. It will be interesting to see if the Trump regime condemns the action of the SAA in the coming days.
“And the Guardian already called it another Srebrenica.”
Wrong comparison. East Goutha will be liberated Grozny-style if needed.
A very interesting take on what is going regarding Afrin, plus info about Russian air reinforements.
“Very important meeting, still on going for few days, regarding Afrin, between Iran-Turkey-Russia-Syria-Afrin. Putin, Erdogan and Rouhani have talked yesterday and today about this very subject. Media has been silent on it.
The objectives are:
1) Safe Turkey’s face out of this conflict.
2) Bring Afrin back to Syria’s Government in full, admin, weapons etc..
The strategy is :
1) Merge YPG Afrin into Syrian NDF.
2) Place Syrian NDF at the key frontlines in Afrin, 400+ NDF fighters have now moved to the northern and western border of Afrin.
The discussions are on going, and they are heading toward the right direction, the move of 400+ NDF to Afrin was part of this pre deal and their placement in the very frontline (that was a turkish request since it would show YPG has been removed). Still there are some last minute requests to be agreed and fixed, but the deal is moving well so far. Stay tuned.”
“It is not an easy deal, it can go wrong, delay etc.. it is hard to say when and if it will be implemented, the way to follow are only thru some signs things are moving in the right direction. Top leaders are involved directly, one thing that bonds them all is that all countries involved know the US is the force to be beaten. Today, another weapons convoy came from Iraq to Hasaka to arm the USISIS and SDF, right there for Turkey and all to see, the provocation continues and maybe Afrin is just part of the answer.
At the end of the day there is no guarantee it will work, but the attempt is there.
Should there is no battle between NDF and the turkish regime forces and its terrorists, then it is a sign the deal is moving in the right direction in the frontline where tensions are higher.
Also important to mention that Russia is upping the game in Syria, just arrived in Khmeimim airbase today :
1 A50-U (2nd of this surveillance large plane to Syria)
4 Su 25
4 Su 35 – air superiority fighter
2 Su 57 – air superiority fighter – 1st time the new stealth fighter ever leave Russia (this is a complete surprise),it will be tested but this has shown a lot of confidence from MoD to send those to a combat zone.
Last week 4 Su-34 arrived in Khmeimim, they were seen today over East Ghouta bombing the hell out the terrorists, saw also over Ghouta Su-25, Su-24 and SAAF L139.
RuAF upping the game may have direct intention toward al Tanf pocket as well. Russia and Jordan talked in length recently and there is serious pressure to get the US out of al Tanf from both sides. This frontline may have to be resolved soon or tension will boil and RuAF will get into the fray, this could be one of the reasons Su35 and Su57 were brought to the Khmeimim today.” Source: Canthama
Link to video that confirms Russian Su-57 deployment to Syria:
https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065
The tweet by Wael Al Hussain has now been picked up by Zero Hedge. The arrival of two pre-production Su-57 hasn’t gone unnoticed by ZionIntel and ZionMedia : )
That Turks are working with US supported “Free Syrian Army” terrorists is proof that Turkey is really working with USA to break up Syria & destroy it.
The only explanation of the Turkish observation points at Al Eis, at Tell Tuqan and at Surman, is an attempt to prevent any further advance of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in Idlib province.
Busted again.
US Helicopters Spotted in Al-Hasakah Reportedly Evacuating Daesh Members (VIDEO)
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802211061871761-us-helicopters-transporting-daesh/
“The US-led coalition is often accused of supporting terrorist groups in Syria, including organizing safe passage and extraction from encirclements and hot zones. Videos have appeared on YouTube and Facebook allegedly showing the process of transportation of the terrorists.
The source from the town of al-Hasakah (north-east part of Syria) has told Sputnik on the condition of anonymity that local people have witnessed US helicopters landing multiple times on the territory of the local prison, controlled by Kurds, a then leaving. According to the source, they were taking away some of the Daesh (banned in Russia) terrorists, detained in that prison. There have also been reports of US military bringing munitions to this prison.
This news comes on the hot heels of reports made by Iraqi media, which indicated that American helicopters were moving members of Daesh from the prison in al-Hasakah to their base near the village of Abu Hajar in the eastern part of Syria. According to their sources, over 100 Daesh terrorists, most of them with foreign citizenship, most likely were brought to this prison by the US from Deir ez-Zor.”
I think Trump likes daesh more than he does Russians…
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802211061871761-us-helicopters-transporting-daesh/
Strange stuff happening again with usa evacuating daesh by helicopter….hope Russia is tracking the flights…..
Peace Negotiations in Syria’s East Ghouta Derailed – Russian Defence Ministry
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802211061880225-east-ghouta-peace-derailed/
More popular forces arrive in Afrin to support local against Turkish assault and Daesh
https://sana.sy/en/?p=127995
12 civilians killed in USl-led international coalition airstrikes in Deir Ezzor
https://sana.sy/en/?p=128167
People in Damascus defy the shells fired by terrorists and continue their works
https://sana.sy/en/?p=128175
The Push Iran Back, Israel Ramps Up Support for Syrian Rebels, “Arming 7 Different Groups”
https://www.haaretz.com/with-eye-on-iran-israel-increases-military-support-for-syrian-rebels-1.5826348
The two latest Tweets from Elijah Magnier:
“Several thousands of popular forces from Liwa’ al Baker and other local tribes are expected to reinforce Afrin enclave this week and take defensive position to halt Turkey’s “Olive Branch”. Damascus ‘s message to Ankara is clear: You shall not pass.”
“The return of Afrin to the arms of Damascus is not longer doubtful. “
Breaking: Kurdish YPG agree to hand over strategic town to Syrian Army
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/braking-kurdish-ypg-agree-hand-strategic-town-syrian-army/
“An agreement has been reached to pass control of the town of Tell Rifaat in Aleppo province from YPG units to the Syrian army. The Syrian army will enter the town within a few hours,” the source said.”
Video footage of the Kurdish YPG handing over Aleppo districts to Syrian Army
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-forces-deployed-afrin-crossing-new-government-fighters-arrive/
“Last night, the Kurdish YPG agreed to hand over several districts and localities to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) inside of Aleppo.
Based on this deal, the YPG would hand over the Bustan Basha, Sheikh Khuder, Al-Haidariyah, and Al-Halk districts to the Syrian Army, while retaining control of Sheikh Maqsoud in northern Aleppo.”
Russian forces deployed to Afrin crossing as new government fighters arrive
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-forces-deployed-afrin-crossing-new-government-fighters-arrive/
“Meanwhile, members of the Russian military police were seen escorting the convoys at the Ziyara crossing in order to prevent the Turkish military from targeting the crossing as it was the case a few days ago when the 1st batch arrived.”
Further detail and summation of the state of affairs.
“…it is all ares in Sheikh Maksud, Ashrafiyeh, Haydariyah, Bustan al-Pasha, Hellok, Ain al-tal are now fully integrated with Aleppo once more.
Syrian flags, SAA and admin all in the hands of Syria once more.
Syrian flags being raised in Afrin center, not from army or NDF but from the people.
Syrian convoy reached Tall Rifaat, key city under the SDF that the turkish regime and its terrorists want badly to retake.
Still unclear whether the latest deals are indeed done, but indications (as I mentioned last night here at Syrper) are pointing to the right directions.
1) NDF (this is Syrian heroes from Nbul and al Zahraa trained by Hizballah to hold the twons during 3 years siege, very reliable, fierce and considered special forces) sent to protect Afrin’s Province border with Turkey (current frontline actually).
2) Slowly places under SDF in Aleppo and Afrin to move back in full to Syrian Government.
3) YPG from Afrin to be integrated in the NDF structure and maybe some SAA.
Again, the deal is not finalized yet, but the indications on the ground are very positive.”
“The latest from the ground: US backed SDF-forces “Jaysh al-Thuwar” pulled out of Afrin (fighting in Rajo region) due to the arrival of Syrian Government backed Liwa al Bakir (heroes from Nbul & al Zahraa, Eastern Aleppo and Deir ez Zour campaign under the Tiger Forces, considered a special forces ground among NDF due to the intense training by Hizballah Rawan.
Events are very fluid, desinfo continues with statements from all sides, intentionally or not, that is why events on the ground are so important, so far the confirmed news:
1) All SDF held areas inside Aleppo city is now fully integrated once more to Syria’s institutions, like police, admin buildings, schools etc…
2) Tal Rifaat SAA/NDF convoy – Russian Police heading towards Tall Rifaat right now.
3) Up to now 800-1,000 fighters from Liwa al Baqir (Nbul & al Zahraa) arrived in Afrin city and positioning all over.
4) Russian military police entered Afrin alongside Syrian government forces.
5) Rajo region. Important to mention that Rajo is battlefront, and as I said yesterday, if this battlefront cools down it may indicate the deal is progressing, it remains to be seen though.
More to come, hopefully peace will get to Afrin and northern Aleppo.” Source: Canthama
Vanessa Beeley debunks zio-gay media propaganda about the Syrian government efforts to rid the Ghouta area of israel’s terrorists.
E Ghouta Siege: ‘Awful Situation Imposed by NATO and Allies’ – Journalist
https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201802221061904556-eastern-ghouta-siege-imposed-by-nato/
Lavrov exposes the latest unsc move by israel’s quislings.
Overthrowing Syrian govt is aim of West’s proposed UNSC resolution – Lavrov
“The real goal of the West-brokered UN Security Council resolution on Syria is to put the blame on Damascus for everything and provide cover for militants, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.
The authors of the resolution on humanitarian issues in Syria, which is to be discussed at the UNSC meeting on Thursday evening, want to “shift the focus” from the peace process “to blaming the Syrian government in order to promote ‘plan B,’ namely overthrowing the regime in violation of resolution 2257,” Lavrov said at a news conference in Belgrade.”
Further debunking of zio-gay media propaganda.
What Mainstream Media Won’t Tell You About Eastern Ghouta
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802221061905360-mainstream-media-wont-tell-eastern-ghouta/
“Mainstream media were quick to yet again accuse Assad of crimes against humanity, setting forth the West’s one-sided position, while at the same time refusing to take into account the Syrian government’s arguments and recognize the complexity of the situation.
“There are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting and the terrorists are shelling Damascus – and that has been neglected. It’s a complex situation and not just a one-way street,” Russia’s UN envoy said.
While Damascus, backed by Russia, has so far been accused of bombarding civilians in the region and killing about 300 people, yet the data for the accusations comes from reports by the infamous White Helmets, who have repeatedly falsified information and staged “false flag” provocations.
A fresh full-on disinformation campaign against Bashar al-Assad has been launched by Western media and the Qatari-based Al Jazeera in the latest bid to discredit his government’s efforts to restore peace in the country.”
The zionazis are desperate, expect false flags and israeloamerican air strikes. The Russian aircraft reinforcement, including the Su57s, may indicate the Russians are expecting increased israeloamerican provocations.
Things moving fast in Afrin – latest:
“Slowly more confirmations are coming out from my previous posts:
1) Tal Rifaat
SAA taking the control of this frontline, it would be great to see the SAA controlling Menagh airbase.
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/braking-kurdish-ypg-agree-hand-strategic-town-syrian-army/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=push&utm_campaign=push+notifications&utm_content=English
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802221061902762-ypg-afrin-tel-rifaat-syria-kurds/?utm_source=https://t.co/NQZSYrzFQi&utm_medium=short_url&utm_content=gNEH&utm_campaign=URL_shortening
Tal Rifaat is one of the largest town in northern Aleppo toward the turkish border, 5 kms from Meangh airbase.
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=pt&lat=36.474583&lon=37.090530&z=12&m=b
2) Afrin
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-forces-deployed-afrin-crossing-new-government-fighters-arrive/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=push&utm_campaign=push+notifications&utm_content=English
SAA Commanders arrived in Afrin, not sure their role there since NDF has its won leaders it could be local institutions’ related, more to confirm.
Russia police at Nbul/al Zahraa border with Afrin, they are coordinated traffic, convoys etc…all under Russian control there.
3) SDF held neighbourhoods inside Aleppo city
all Syrian flags now, pic taken today at Ba’idayn, Bustan Al-Basha & Hellok districts. Glad to see the districts’ streets clean and civilians around. More confirmations like these pics needed from other areas inside Aleppo though.
pic.twitter.com/hA0codZs2F
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=pt&lat=36.233231&lon=37.165546&z=15&m=b
A few minutes earlier I’ve read an article on German alternative media. According to the author (Wolfgang R. Bischoff) Merkel’s rhetoric hints the need for some (“humanitarian”) intervention by the European Union (http://www.nachdenkseiten.de/?p=42546; “Will Merkel Krieg?” – en: Does Merkel want war? ca: 15:00 – 16:50). Article and speech are in German. Maybe some independent journalists already reported in English language about Merkel’s speech. For all who know some German the aforementioned article is worth reading.