On February 7, the US-led coalition carried out several airstrikes on positions of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in the province of Deir Ezzor. The coalition claimed that the SAA had “initiated an unprovoked attack against well-established Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF] headquarters”, added that “coalition service members” were co-located with SDF fighters during the attack and described the strikes as a self-defense act.
According to local sources, the US targeted positions of the SAA near the town of Khasham, located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River where some clashes between the SAA and the SDF were also reported. Earlier pro-opposition sources speculated that the SAA was preparing to use Khasham as a foothold to attack the SDF position in the areas of the CONICO gas facility and the Jafar oil field. However, these reports were not confirmed by any evidence.
No doubts, the US-led coalition will use the incident to deepen the rift between the SAA and the Kurdish-dominated SDF. Earlier this month, Damascus allowed a large convoy of Kurdish fighters to reach the area of Afrin where Turkey is conducting a military operation against YPG/YPJ forces that are the core of the SDF. However, the relations between the sides remained complicated.
On February 7, the media wing of the YPG released a video showing two ATGM strikes at battle tanks of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). The strikes were conducted in the Rajo and Bulbul districts of Afrin. The both tanks were allegedly destroyed. On the same day, reports appeared that two TAF service members died in the Afrin operation.
Meanwhile, the TAF and the Free Syrian Army captured Hawiz Hill and re-entered Shaykh Khurus. On February 8, clashes continued there.
The SAA, the Tiger Forces and their allies made large gains against ISIS in the northeastern Hama pocket. The ISIS resistance remains in Suruj, Ibn Wardan Qastel and a number of small points across the remaining militant-held area.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham continued its attempts to exploit the SAA operation against ISIS attacking government positions west and north of Abu al-Duhur. Fierce clashes are ongoing there.
Elijah J. Magnier
@ejmalrai
It is confirmed: No Russian or #Hezbollah or allies among the victims of US occupation forces bombardment and air attack against #SAA position and local forces in Deir-ezzour #Syria.
US foreign policy is going from criminal to the absurdly criminal. I don’t believe what excuse the US has given, acting in “self defense” against the legitimate military of a legitimate state whose land it has occupied contrary to international law. In other words, invaders are defending themselves against the invaded. Typical Bismarckian tactics. As for the Free Syrian Army, it’s a collection of mercenaries who have given themselves the fancy name of “Free Syrian Army”, when they do not represent Syria nor do they have permission of the Syrian Government to exist at all. It’s like bank robbers giving themselves the title of human rights activists and firing at security guards with the excuse that the security guards were preventing them exercising their “legitimate” human rights. I am wondering if the people in Washington D.C. are any more responsible for their actions, or are they living in cloud cuckoo land.
Invaders defending themselves against the invaded. This theory of defense first used by the indispensable nation in North America when displacing and murdering native Americans. Then the zionist entity employed this logic and continues to do so since commencing the ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948. The z.e. modeled itself on the ethnic cleansing of N. America. This malignant point of view, (the burglar self-righteously defending himself against a startled homeowner) comes very easily to people who are sure that God favors them above all. Such thinking is not easily overcome by reason alone.
As an American it is certainly disgusting and embarrassing to read of these US war crimes. Gen Mattis is a war criminal because he has not relieved the central command leader in spite of his many attacks on Syrian forces, afterall congress has not declared war and UNSC has not given permission to be in Syria.
Same here. I’ve fought this ideology tooth and nail, from the days I marched with Dr. King. Up to when I picketed my deranged congressman Duncan Hunter who is a principle in the U.S. Gov’s new first use nuclear weapons policy. A lot of good using my 1st Amendment rights and my ‘vote’ did, LOL.
I’m with you guys. It pains me to see my tax dollars used to support the MIC and Greater Israel.
Let’s face it, it is going to get worse, and they have no intention of backing down. Diplomacy talk is useless, for they don’t give horse s—t about truth, justice, right or freedom, for them it is just a music they play to make sheep asleep. I have a feeling that Syria is already partitioned among main players, and that is end of saga, for now.
I wish SAA could find some new toys, particularly a kind which makes these air raids a bit way to risky. If Turks and SA can get them, why on earth SAA is denied a right to defend it’s borders. Sorry guys for rant, it just makes me sad.
Cheers
I feel the SAA does have good air defenses but is afraid to use them against the U.S., fearing the U.S. will then feel justified with an intense bombing on them, and Russia will be to afraid to act directly against the U.S. military as well, so it will do nothing except voice condemnations.
The only language the Imperialists understand is the language of force,first thing Russia should do is launch massive attacks on the SDF,they must also be prepared to use those S-400s and stop talking about our Us partners,its like trying to reason with a rabid dog,they also gave the Turks a free pass,at the moment they are taking as much Syrian land as they can,even talking about heading for Idlib,well that makes sense because that’s where their jihadi boyfriends are festering,as it stands the Israelis bomb Syria with impunity,the Turks are invading and the US is on the attack,between them they control about thirty percent of Syria and fifty percent of the oil,what we re seeing is plan B after their plan A was shot to pieces by the SAA and allies.
They control 80% of Syria’s oil. They are capable to annihilate all S-400 systems, they have the means for carped bombing, and they are eager to do it.
well they bombed Vietnam,didn’t turn out too well for them in the end.
I understand that the British would nothing more than for the US & Russia to
destroy one another so that Britain can come on top yet again, this time
though as a Chinese poodle.
Well sorry “mate” not gonna happen. Ta-ta.
If our current bosses think that then they are truly deluded—-but we minions already understand that to be true.
The battle for Syria will drag on for years and can be won by military means only.
I conclude if Russia refuses to engage fully, they will loose at the end.
I sure wish Putin hadn’t been so cerimonial about ‘leaving Syria’ a couple of months ago – it seems like everything has gotten worse since then. I wonder if he views it as a mistake.
The Empire’s Horrifying Plot To Franchise The White Helmets Worldwide
https://steemit.com/syria/@caitlinjohnstone/the-empire-s-horrifying-plot-to-franchise-the-white-helmets-worldwide
“Beeley: But I think what is interesting, why is this organization being protected to such an extent? I think it’s because the imperialist apparatus is defending the concept. We’ve already seen [White Helmets founder] James Le Mesurier recruiting in Brazil. We know that the White Helmets have appeared in Malaysia and in Venezuela, and in the Philippines. So you know, because this went through my head so many times, these are only 3,000 criminals and thugs that have emerged from the terrorist ranks or the “Free Syrian Army” [air quotes] moderate extremist ranks to become the White Helmets in order to continue to get paid doing the same job but under a different auspice.
Why are they being so heavily protected? But I think it’s more to do with the concept. It’s more to do with the importance of this concept going forward. As James Le Mesurier said very recently, who would you trust more than the fire brigade or a first response NGO? There you have it. That’s the key to why this group is so important.
James Corbett: It is the perfect cover. And it certainly is a template that I’m sure will be used over and over in these types of situations if they can get away with it. So, extremely important.
Extremely important indeed. The White Helmets are a war propaganda firm with extensive ties to both lucrative western financial backing and known terrorist factions, and the notion of this organization branching out into other potential targets of the US-centralized war machine is absolutely horrifying. We already see the White Helmets cited constantly by western mass media in every allegation against the Assad government, as in this article courtesy of Associated Press and the Washington Post using the “Syrian Civil Defense” as their source for a report on an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Idlib province, referring to them in the header as “Syrian activists”. The mainstream media will promote everything this organization says as fact and do everything they can to protect and promote the White Helmets’ reputation, meaning that if they spread throughout the world, war propaganda can be manufactured from the inside against any government the empire wishes to target with its armies of extremist “freedom fighters”.
Pure israeli/nazi mentality and as right wing as one can get.
@Anons (the ones crying out, ‘we are doomed’). The USA is a paper tiger, nourished with paper money, its troops are lured by paper dollars and inspired by paper slogans; up against troops fighting to defend their own country. The Axis of Resistance — Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Russia, China — has been welded under pressure of occupation by the US Army and its mercenary ‘Coalition of the Killing’. A few years ago I predicted that the Battle for Syria was like the Battle for Stalingrad; after their defeat the Nazis struck back at Kursk — and NATZO copied the Nazis by striking back at Palmyra; but like the Nazis at Kursk, NATZO had shot its bolt at Palmyra. Now, I repeat, comes the final phase: the rump of the Nazi army made its final stand at The Battle of the Bulge; after that, total collapse. What we are seeing is NATZO’s Ardennes Offensive, a last desperate throw of the dice.
“Russia does not start wars, Russia ends wars”.
[Re: US paper tiger troops fighting for paper reasons] from Bundy 2hr ago in SyrPer:
NOW MATTIS ADMITS THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE ASSAD USED POISON GAS ON HIS PEOPLE
This assertion flies in the face of the White House (NSC) Memorandum which was rapidly produced and declassified to justify an American Tomahawk missile strike against the Shayrat airbase in Syria.
http://s.newsweek.com/sites/www.newsweek.com/files/styles/embed-lg/public/2018/02/08/gettyimages-665704116.jpg
http://www.newsweek.com/now-mattis-admits-there-was-no-evidence-assad-using-poison-gas-his-people-801542
Much ado about nothing. The ‘US coalition’ bombing in Deir Ez turns out to be mostly desperate fake news:
“Confirmed, the whole thing in Deir ez Zour was a false flag/fake news, no casualties reported from any allied forces. Local tribe dispute and the US spinned out to be 500 SAA attacking SDF blah blah. Major desperation on going to boost US morale.
https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/961647523873124353
One other source saying that most if not all small kurdish detachment is gone for good from Deir ez Zour, only arabs inside SDF remains, bringing with it old inter tribes rivalry and betrayal. The US regime is utterly concerned with the consequences on the ground, it is growing clear it may be kicked out of Deir ez Zour Province.”
As expected: The ISIS pocket in North Hama is technically gone. A couple of hours before disappearing into nothingness it looked like this:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DViDoJAU0AAYKcR.jpg:large
Sheep need a shepherd
http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/2622/sheep-need-a-shepherd
It’s so fun to watch, SAA shepherd leading ISIS sheep to the Idlib zoo.
2 hours ago – 35°27′N 36°56′E
ISIS clashes with Pro-Assad-forces north and east of Abu Dali
https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/9-february-isis-clashes-with-proassadforces-north-and-east
2 hours ago – 35°27′N 36°53′E
Air Force Intelligence Field Commander part of Tiger Forces Said HTS managed to sneak into Abu Dali Village from the Western Axis and after intense clashes the Defending Tribal / SAA Forces had to withdraw road to Abu Duhur South is cut.
https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/9-february-air-force-intelligence-field-commander-part-of
Military Situation In Syria On February 9, 2018 (Map Update)
Syrian government forces liberated the entire northeastern Hama pocket from ISIS following a series of security operations in the area. A part of the ISIS terrorists had been able to break the encirclement and withdraw to the province of Idlib where they captured the villages of Umm Khalakil, Luwaybidah and Musharifah from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) and its allies.
https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-syria-on-february-9-2018-map-update/
I would say:
Most of the ISIS terrorists had been able to break the encirclement and withdraw to the province of Idlib where they captured the villages of Umm Khalakil, Luwaybidah and Musharifah from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) and its allies.
“Few minutes ago the SAA and allies have eliminated all ISIS inside the pocket, there is no more rats east os the railways, central Syria is whole again.
The implications are very important for Syria:
1) Multiple ways to get to and form Aleppo city, trade will be boosted, prices will get down with cheaper and safer logistics, power will be restored to most areas etc…
2) Lots of farm lands were liberated in the past 2 months, multiple crops will be able to grow again.
3) An estimate 15,000 soldiers were engaged to defeat ISIS inside the pocket or guarded its border, they will be re deployed.
4) New fronts will be supported, much more to come.
5) There will be a larger pressure on northern Homs pocket and Dumayr pocket to reconcile.
6) East Ghouta will receive reinforcements and fight there will be a constant until rats surrender.
7) Idlib offensive is waiting a political decision involving Russia and Turkey.”
“An interesting aspect of the whole thing inside the pocket….a lot has to be confirmed though.
1) ISIS suddenly appeared west of the railroad, out of the blue, there was no fight nor offensive.
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=pt&lat=35.494779&lon=36.896210&z=13&m=b&gz=0;368653106;354568947;0;0;193976;573784;619696;758203
2) There is a growing belief these ISIS terrorists (as mentioned before they are mostly Syrians from eastern Hama), accepted a deal to storm al Qaeda in Idlib.
3) These ISIS terrorists were the same from eastern Hama that moved to NE Hama and southern Aleppo.
4) It is early to conclude anything, but this could be an intended move to use cannon fodder to fight turkish backed al Qaeda (last time it happened the SAA liberated 1/3 of Idlib/southern Aleppo/NE Hama). There are folks also saying that these ISIS terrorists are heavily infiltrated by SAA officers.
We will learn more about it, do not fall into the rational that ISIS broke the SAA lines and took many villages (Fort Rus is reporting it) since no SAA held village was lost.”
Latest.
@ vot tak
ISIS Attacks Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham In southern Idlib, Captures Three Villages
“On February 9, ISIS fighters attacked positions of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies in the southeastern Idlib countryside. Syrian opposition sources reported that ISIS fighters had captured the villages of Umm Khalakil, Luwaybidah and Musharifah.
The ISIS attack began only few hours after the SAA captured ISIS pocket in the northeastern Hama countryside. Several opposition activists said that the SAA had opened a route for ISIS from the northeastern Hama countryside towards the southeastern Idlib countryside.
Between 300 and 400 fighters of ISIS armed with battle tanks, armored vehicles and ATGMs participated in the attack on HTS in southeastern Idlib, according to opposition activists. The numbers are likely overestimated”
“From its side, Syrian pro-government sources said that the besieged ISIS fighters in the northeastern Hama countryside pocket were able to breakthrough the SAA defense lines in the western side of the pocket. According to the sources, the SAA didn’t reinforce its western and eastern flanks before its final push against the besieged ISIS fighters in the pocket. This led to the current situation.
ISIS fighters will likely be able to hold into the positions they captured in the southeastern Idlib countryside and maybe even expand their control there in the upcoming days.” Quote
https://southfront.org/isis-attacks-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-in-southern-idlib-captures-three-villages/
Based on your logic, All these ISIS soldier, armed pick up trucks, and tanks – “Just Disappeared in thin Air with no Trace”.
https://southfront.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/60977991.jpg?x76537
Graphic: Scores of ISIS militants slaughtered by Syrian Army during desperate break-out offensive in Hama
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-scores-isis-militants-slaughtered-syrian-army-desperate-break-offensive-hama/
“A desperate break-out offensive conducted by encircled ISIS forces in northeast Hama towards rebel-held areas in Idlib has left scores – apparently dozens – of terrorist militants dead after the Syrian Arab Army hammered their escape route with artillery and machine gun fire.
On Friday, many hundreds of entrapped Islamic State fighters (close to one thousand) in the stronghold of Suruj launched a do-or-die break-out offensive against the Syrian Army aimed at escaping towards rebel lines in eastern Idlib.
In the event, ISIS – concentrating a great amount of forces on a narrow section of front and achieving total surprise – actually managed accomplish this objective, battling its through over thirty kilometers of government territory within hours and bursting into rebel-held Idlib where it is now seizing towns from rival jihadist groups.
However, now it appears that the desperate break-out move resulted in the death of dozens of Islamic State terrorists, whose escape route was blasted by Syrian Army artillery and heavy machine gun fire. Furthermore, tens of vehicles belonging to ISIS – some armed, others logistical – were destroyed.”
@ vot tak
My point is:
The break-out move resulted in the death of dozens of Islamic State terrorists, whose escape route was blasted by Syrian Army artillery, but the majority, (close to one thousand), managed accomplish this objective, escaping towards rebel lines in eastern Idlib.
“On Friday, many hundreds of entrapped Islamic State fighters (close to one thousand) in the stronghold of Suruj launched a do-or-die break-out offensive against the Syrian Army aimed at escaping towards rebel lines in eastern Idlib.
Actually, entrapped Islamic State fighters (close to one thousand), managed accomplish this objective, battling its through over thirty kilometers of government territory within hours and bursting into rebel-held Idlib where it is now seizing towns from rival jihadist groups.” Quote
And the truth is:
It’s so fun to watch, SAA shepherd leading ISIS sheep to the Idlib zoo.
2 hours ago – 35°27′N 36°56′E
ISIS clashes with Pro-Assad-forces north and east of Abu Dali
https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/9-february-isis-clashes-with-proassadforces-north-and-east
It’s time to strike back…..HARD!
Gregory Waters @GregoryPWaters
A relative of General Yusuf Haider (killed in the U.S. strikes) claims he was a Russian translator. Mounting evidence of (official/unofficial) Russian presence during the attack.
16 government deaths now reported from the U.S. airstrikes in Deir EzZour.
Also killed was a Brig General, Lt Colonel, & at least 3 “ISIS hunters.”
Fighters who were killed in the U.S. airstrikes in Deir az-Zor belong to multiple formations: some were NDF, some from ‘Bakr groups’ part of Deir az-Zor LDF, but the biggest number belonged to Russian-backed “Daesh Hunters”.
Russian Foreign Ministry: Moscow is concerned about the Israeli raids on Syrian territory and stresses the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria
Syrian Air Defense Forces Shot Down Israeli Warplane, 10.02.2018
“Following the F-16 shot down, the Israeli Air Force carried out a new series of air strikes against Syria reportedly targeting the Al-Kiswah area in the countryside of the Syrian capital Damascus. The Syrian state-run media added that the country’s air defense forces responded to this “aggression” also.
The situation is developing.” Quote
https://southfront.org/syrian-air-defense-forces-shot-israeli-warplane-israeli-responds-airstrikes/
Following Israeli strikes on Syria and the F-16I shoot down by the Syrian Air Defense Forces, the Israeli military accused Syria and Iran for the current escalation and said that they are “playing with fire”.
“The Syrians and the Iranians, from our point of view, are playing with fire. The Syrians are playing with fire when they allow the Iranians to attack Israel from their soil. We are willing, prepared, and capable to exact a heavy price on anyone that attacks us. However, we are not looking to escalate the situation,” Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, Head of the International Media Desk of the Israeli Defense Forces, said according to the IDF’s official statement.
The IDF sees the Iranian attack and the Syrian response as severe violations of Israeli sovereignty. The IDF will continue to act against any attempt to infiltrate Israeli airspace and will act with determination to prevent any breach of Israeli sovereignty.“ Quote
https://southfront.org/israel-blames-syria-iran-for-escalation-says-they-are-playing-with-fire/
What many of us thought would happen is happening, the zionazis will use the cover of the olympics to up their attacks on Syria. Not clear yet if this is a last ditch series of provocations seeking to distract Syria from killing off the last of daesh in her west and south. Or if the attacks seek to provoke Syria into a response that will be used to open up a wider war involving israel and the usa directly.
The latest israeli attack appears to have been less successful than the last american one. The Syrians were more ready, and maybe had direct Russian involvement.
Canthama
“It seems so far IDF has lost :
1) 1 F16, pilot is reported KIA and navigator is OK
2) 1 F15 hit by air defense but not destroyed in air, but in bad shape as the F35 that hit a mosquito when attacking Syria months ago.
3) 1 chopper hit and landed in Shebbah farms, no info on current state.
4) 1 attack drone downed.
ISF losses are considered huge by IDF standards, they never had such losses in decades. Furthermore, it is said that between 70-80% of the dozens of missiles (cruise and ballistics) were intercepted and jammed, and once more the critical point here is the jammer, only Russia controls it in Syria, meaning Russia was active this time, and Israel is mad, very mad about it.”
Breaking: Syrian Defense Ministry announces end of operations in Idlib, Aleppo
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-defense-ministry-announces-end-operations-idlib-aleppo/
“The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced, tonight, that all operations in the Idlib and Aleppo governorates have concluded after several weeks of fighting.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, the Syrian Arab Army completed their objectives in both Aleppo and Idlib after they successfully erased the Islamic State’s (ISIS) large pocket in this region of northern Syria.
The spokesperson added that the Syrian Army killed hundreds of Islamic State and Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham militants during their Idlib and Aleppo operations.
A military source told Al-Masdar News, tonight, that the Syrian Army is preparing for a long-term ceasefire with the rebel forces in this region of the country.”
Syria map showing who occupies where for 10 Feb. 2018.
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/syria1.jpg
Pro-gov’t ISIS Hunters release official statement after US airstrikes in Deir Ezzor
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/pro-govt-isis-hunters-release-official-statement-us-airstrikes-deir-ezzor/
“BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:05 P.M.) – The pro-government ISIS Hunters released an official statement on Sunday condemning the US Coalition’s airstrikes that killed several members of the Syrian Armed Forces on February 7th.
The ISIS Hunters specifically condemned both the US Coalition and the Kurdish forces that are currently in control of the majority of the northeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
Below is the official statement that was released by the ISIS Hunters:
“Several of our brothers died under the fire of the US Air Force
On the morning of February 7, ISIS Hunters received intelligence information about a group of ISIS jihadists near as-Suwar village located on the territory occupied by Kurds.
Later our command received additional information that the group is moving towards Khusham village and immediately decided to move from the Euphrates and cut off the possible direction of jihadists offensive.
A number of armed groups with mortars and technicals (sic) was spotted to the east from Khusham on the territory occupied by Kurds. SAA positions were attacked by spotted enemy and Hunters moved to cover SAA. Based on hostiles’ movement and actions they didn’t expect any heavy resistance. Almost immediately Hunters managed to suppress ISIS and make them retreat. (Later an intercepted radio traffic confirmed that the group was partly ISIS, partly Kurds and they retreated towards CONOCO factory)
At that moment first shells dropped, and jet fighters appeared, bombing our positions. They came from the direction where the hostiles were retreating, the jet fighters were covering the enemy.
Our people were still fighting, but when helicopters came ISIS Hunters were forced to retreat. They scattered around and came back in small groups. After bombardment finished it became clear that some of our brothers are dead… Hunters lost 20 heroes, but regular SAA units lost more men, unfortunately. Glory and peace to Syrian heroes killed by a sucker punch by US Air Forces, acting behind the backs of terrorists and Kurds.
Now we state, that Kurds are responsible for deaths of brothers! This nation has begun war against Syrian identity, occupied Syrian soil and resources belonging to Syrian people! Now they conspire with ISIS, shelter them from justice and use them against Syria. These American puppets has no longer right to occupy Syrian soil.
Since now there is no difference for us between ISIS and Kurds. Same terrorists, same attitude towards them. Kurds, be sure, ISIS Hunters are going to hunt you on Syrian soil like your ISIS mercenaries are hunted. Our brothers will be revenged!”