https://southfront.org/syrian-war-report-august-2-2017-us-backed-forces-run-away-from-at-tanf/
If you’re able, and if you like our content and approach, please support the project. Our work wouldn’t be possible without your help: PayPal: southfront@list.ru or via: http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront
In August, another group of Jaysh Maghawir al-Thawra members in southeastern Syria defected to Syrian government forces, according to pro-opposition sources. In July, the first group of the US-backed force run away from the US-controlled at-Tanf garrison and surrendered with arms and equipment to the Syrian army. According to pro-government sources, the total number of defected militants is up to 30. The optimistic estimates said that Jaysh Maghawir al-Thawra had had up to 300 members before the recent developments. Thus, at least 10% of the US-backed group defected.
Meanwhile, Abu Omar al-Homsi, head of the media office of Shohadaa al-Qraiteen Brigade said that the US-led coalition had threatened to bomb the group’s HQs and positions if it rejected to return arms and equipment received from the coalition. In late July Shohadaa al-Qraiteen Brigade was excluded from the coalition-backed forces as a result of the group’s willingness to fight only the Syrian army and to ignore any ISIS threat.
This week clashes between pro-government forces and US-backed factions at Umm Rahil. The US-backed force allegedly used heavy artillery and rocket launchers in the clashes but made no gains.
With the recent developments, it becomes clear that the so-called US partner force in At Tanf does not more exist, as any kind of united entity and at least part of them do not even follow Washington’s orders. US-led coalition troops just use the brand of the opposition to justify their presence on the Syrian-Iraqi border.
Some pro-opposition sources speculate that the disagreements between the coalition and militants may push the US to withdraw forces from the border with Iraq. However, it’s not likely that the coalition will abandon this strategic position by own will.
Ahrar al-Sham released a statement confirming that Hassan Soufan (or Abu al-Bara) has replaced Ali Omar (Abu Ammar) as the group’s leader. Hassan Soufan obtained power following the group’s loss of a number of areas, including the city of Idlib, to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda) in Idlib province. However, according to local sources, the new Ahrar al-Sham leader has much better relations with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) than the previous one and supports HTS’ idea of unification of all Idlib militant groups under one command that without doubts would be dominated by HTS. Thus, this may be start of the end of Ahrar al-Sham as more or less independent entity and a major blow to Turkey that had relied on the group as on the tool of own influence in Idlib province.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies repelled all ISIS attacks in the southern part of Raqqah province and now are exploiting the initiative and Russian air support for further advances against the terrorist group in the area.
updates:
Entire Sabkah Pocekt at Euphrates Liberated.
“According to the Syrian MoD, the SAA and its allies have liberated the entrie Sabkah pocket, including the villages of Hawija Shnan, Rahbi, Sabkha, Jabaliya and Rabia located near the Euphrates River.
330 vehicles, 3 battle tanks, 11 artillery pieces, 5 machine guns, 12 headquarters and 3 weapons and munitions depots belonging to ISIS were destroyed during the operation in the area.
This will free up huge nbrs of tribal forces to advance toward Maadan, main city on the Euphrates before Der ez Zor. Expect quicker advance by the desert while new pockets are formed on the Euphrates, the strategy is working.”
US Al Tanf Disaster.
“… The US regime is leaving al Tanf at this very moment, trying hard to get US tax payer used by terrorists equipments back. The mood is of pure desperation for the terrorists evil flock.
This large area under the terrorists will be under the SAA and allies at no time, with minimum bullet fired.”
Hezbollah Victory in Northern Qalamoun Will Send Shockwaves Throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa.
”… Al Qaeda completely defeated in Lebanon/Syria northern Qalamoun. Although ISIS is yet to be eradicated, it will be soon, the Lebanese Army will head the advance on its side of the border while the SAA will clean ISIS from its side of the border.
Hizballah had a HUGE political and military victory inside Lebanon, but with shock waving impact on the ME and North Africa due to its roller cluster victory in one of the hardest battleground in all Lebanon-Syria conflicts.
Hizballah is phasing out, slowly, its large deployment in Syria, it will continue to have presence in certain battles, but no longer with over 20,000 soldiers in Syria.
Hizballah ready for payback Israel after 7 years of basically no response to provocations. “
US Backed Terrorists in Suweida/Damascus Provinces Face Extinction.
“… All US regime backed terrorists in Suweida/Damascus Provinces will soon be eradicated, their later offensive is nothing more than their last attempt to squeak. Their eradication will allow Syria to control basically most of Jordan and Iraq-Anbar border, while any threat from the US regime will be completely neutralized on this front.
Defections are now daily, small numbers, but a serious impact throughout the terrorists ranks. “
Hama/Homs Offensive.
“… The offensive in Hama and Homs will eradicate ISIS, expected to be fierce but quick battle, month or two max, reshaping the whole frontline while focusing it toward the Euphrates, that will push ISIS to its last defensive positions in lower Euphrates.
How to Deal With the Kurds.
“… Slowly, the Syrian Government will start to renegotiate with the Kurds in northern Syria, if no progress is made, it is to expect some military options in Hasaka and Qamishli.”
Reconciliation.
“… Maybe not so small this time, numbers could be between 300-400 terrorists defected just this last time, the collapse in the Syrian desert is faster than any thought possible. Most of them are to stay in desert as NDF.
Reconciliation is at full speed in western Qalamoun and northern Homs right now, this will also free up huge nbrs of soldier while adding very large numbers of NDF.
Syria is reuniting again.”
SAA Al Sukhanah Victory.
“… The SAA and allies have now full control of Jabal Tantur which means it has complete fire control of ALL al Sukhanah, ISIS retreating from it, though fighting to protect as many terrorists leaving the area. Al Sukhanah will be finally freed today. Huge achievement for Syria, since they will link up with the Tiger Forces up in Bishri Moutain and block ISIS for good in Hama and Homs. the end is near.”
What is NDF?
National Defense Forces
writes:
US-Russia Negotiation Over Al Tanf?
“… Yesterday, some reports emerged saying the US was retreating back to Jordan.
Today, several folks sharing that there is talk ongoing between Russia and the US regarding Russian police to guard the al Tanf border crossing.
All in one, this frontline is collapsing very fast and with that, most of the border with Jordan and Iraq/Anbar will be under the SAA and Russian Police.
A large refugee camp is near the Syrian/Jordanian border, still under the terrorists reach, but soon, this camp will be linked back to the Syrian Government and people will return to Syria from Jordan.
Soon this front is no longer.”
I’ve noticed in the last weeks there have been some reports of Russian “police” starting to be assigned to “police” some of the deescalation zones in Syria. I think that is a very good thing. But I also think this is a misnomer for Russian troops.A way to call it something more peaceful sounding.But either way,its a very good idea. I posted months ago that having Russian troops (police,whatever) guarding the quiet areas would release more SAA troops for the fighting in the combat zones.And it looks to me like that is what they are starting to do.
Indeed. And for once Zion’s hardcore anti-Russia propaganda has its advantages: Jihadis and Israelis alike are careful not to get to close to the ferocious Russian bear. : )