https://southfront.org/syrian-war-report-august-1-2018-southwestern-syria-liberated-idlib-next/
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On July 31, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies established full control of southwestern Syria after government troops eliminated ISIS in the villages of Beit Irah, Qusayr and Kowaya thus liberating the entire Yarmouk Valley.
According to pro-government sources, about 100 ISIS members surrendered to government troops in the final stage of the operation. Some sources say that about 25 of them were executed by locals and ex-members of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) that were participating in the SAA operation. However, these reports still have to be confirmed.
The total death toll of ISIS during the battle for the Yarmouk Valley remains unclear, but according to some local sources, over 1,000 terrorists were killed.
Now, the SAA will have to focus on employing additional security measures in the liberated area in order to prevent terrorist attacks from ISIS cells hiding among civilians.
According to some pro-government sources, some SAA units, which were involved in the southwestern Syria operation, started redeploying from the Yarmouk Valley to eastern al-Suwayda where they will participate in an effort to purge ISIS cells responsible for the recent terrorist attacks there.
Early on August 1, reports appeared that clashes erupted between the SAA and members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nura, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda) and other militant groups in northern Latakia. The clashes were reportedly accompanied by intense artillery strikes from the Syrian military.
Some pro-government media outlets claimed that this was the start of the long-expected SAA advance in the area, but this is unlikely. The Syrian military command still has to re-deploy its elite units from southwestern Syria to the area if it wants to take any kind of large-scale military actions.
However, at least a limited military operation by the SAA in northern Latakia and southern Idlib has become very likely to take place soon.
During a new round of the Astana-format talks on Syria, which were held in the Russian city of Sochi on July 30-31, Syrian envoy to the UN Bashar Jaafari slammed Turkish actions in the province of Idlib and said that Damascus will kick out Turkish forces from the Syrian territory. The Syrian diplomat emphasized that Turkey is the only country of the guarantor states of the de-escalation agreement [two others: Russia and Iran] that has violated its obligations meaning that Ankara has contributed no efforts to combat Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the province.
Earlier, Syrian President Bashar Assad officially announced that the province of Idlib will be among the main targets in the upcoming operations of government troops.
Why will the US leave Syria soon? The Kurds are waking up.
https://ejmagnier.com/2018/07/30/why-will-the-us-leave-syria-soon-the-kurds-are-waking-up/
Cover Idlib and the kurd northeast. Informative article on strategy to return the northern territories back to Syria. Very interesting.
Yes, according to Lebanese media it does seem that the US is preparing to pull it’s troops out of Syria
“The Arabic-language al-Akhbar newspaper reported that during the process to extradite 8 Lebanese members of the ISIL terrorist group to Beirut, the Americans have sent a letter to the Lebanese army’s intelligence department that said they are preparing to take the necessary measures to retreat their forces from Syria.”
However the zionists never sleep and as has been reported elsewhere , the US is busy ferrying terrorists up into Afghanistan to carry out terrorism against Russia, China and the BRI
“The report comes as the US has transferred hundreds of ISIL members to Afghanistan. ISIL has claimed responsibility of a majority of the terrorist operations conducted across Afghanistan, including some against the Taliban. Security officials of Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and a number of Central Asian states have voiced deep concerns over the increasing number of ISIL militants transferred from Syria by the US to Afghanistan.”
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970511000598
and
“The activation of terrorist groups, their advancement to the northern regions of Afghanistan, especially in the territories bordering Tajikistan, the increase in the number of ISIS supporters, as well as the participation of a certain number of citizens of the post-Soviet republics in the terrorist groups and movements present in Afghanistan … causes our serious concern”
https://imperianews.com/russia-news-analysis/attack-on-russia-is-being-prepared/
As long as the USA and Israel exist there will always be terrorism.
However this time I think the Russians and Chinese will be ready for them.
Final statement by Turkey, Iran and Russia; all committed to Syrian integrity in full. Shah met! for AZC and Little Izzie’s Shinon-Oded Plan:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjhF5pUWsAEROnf.jpg
When the last remnants of ISIS are defeated in Syria, the US will then have a tough time giving excuses why it’s troops will have to stay in Syria. I am wondering what the excuses are going to be.
To prevent them from ever coming back. AKA Europe and Japan for the last 73 years. Addicts can think of endless rationalizations to satisfy their addiction, in this case war and power.
The excuses were listed in detail in an article in “Foreign Affairs”:
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/syria/2018-07-11/dont-get-out-syria?cid=nlc-fa_fatoday-20180802
“Don’t Get Out of Syria”
Assad’s Victory Will Only Lead to More Chaos
By Jennifer Cafarella
For example:
“The United States must accept that ignoring Syria will lead not to a clean victory for Assad that establishes a stable peace but to more chaos down the road. To avoid that, the United States should invest now in building leverage for future decisive action by strengthening the military and governance capabilities of its partners on the ground, regaining the trust of Syria’s rebelling population, rebuilding rebel forces, and denying Assad the international legitimacy he so desperately craves.”
Rather depressing reading. However, it may be that the US is not able to follow the kind advice of the author of the article.
Yes it does seem like the US are pulling out of Syria and that is major good news.
“The Arabic-language al-Akhbar newspaper reported that during the process to extradite 8 Lebanese members of the ISIL terrorist group to Beirut, the Americans have sent a letter to the Lebanese army’s intelligence department that said they are preparing to take the necessary measures to retreat their forces from Syria”.
However the US is now busy ferrying terrorists to Afghanistan to foment terrorism against Russia, China and the BRI.
“The report comes as the US has transferred hundreds of ISIL members to Afghanistan. ISIL has claimed responsibility of a majority of the terrorist operations conducted across Afghanistan, including some against the Taliban. Security officials of Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and a number of Central Asian states have voiced deep concerns over the increasing number of ISIL militants transferred from Syria by the US to Afghanistan.”
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970511000598
Additionally
“Sources in the Russian law enforcement agencies, citing data from closed communication channels with the Defense Ministries of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, say that the operation to prepare a large-scale hybrid offensive against Russia through Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is in the final phase”
“The activation of terrorist groups, their advancement to the northern regions of Afghanistan, especially in the territories bordering Tajikistan, the increase in the number of ISIS supporters, as well as the participation of a certain number of citizens of the post-Soviet republics in the terrorist groups and movements present in Afghanistan … causes our serious concern”
https://imperianews.com/
However bad though this is these movements of terrorists are well known to the Russians and Chinese and It is fairly certain they will be ready for them.
.
Mad cow disease in action:
” New legislation introduced in the US Senate would require Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to determine whether Russia should be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.”
https://sputniknews.com/world/201808021066895932-russia-sanctions-us/
Humanity and the world today:
https://cdn.images.dailystar.co.uk/dynamic/169/photos/707000/620x/MAN-HANGING-FROM-ROCK-535625.jpg
Bad news in Iran,Yemen,Armenia,Israel warns of ground troops deployment…The NeverEnding Story!
Breaking: Powerful explosions heard over Damascus, potential airstrikes reported
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-powerful-explosions-heard-over-damascus-potential-airstrikes-reported/
“Powerful explosions were heard over Damascus, tonight, after the Syrian air defense engaged what is believed to be hostile missiles in the southwestern part of the province.
According to preliminary reports from Damascus, the Syrian air defense forces at the Mezzeh Military Airport engaged several projectiles that were believed to be targeting the Al-Kisweh area near the Al-Quneitra Governorate.
Some other reports from Damascus claim that the Syrian air defense was engaging either an Israeli UAV or fighter jet.
No further details have been reported.
If an attack is indeed taking place, it is likely conducted by the Israeli Air Force because of their previous attacks on this area in southwest Damascus.”
Update: Syrian air defense destroys ‘hostile targets’ over southwest Damascus
https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/update-syrian-air-defense-destroys-hostile-targets-over-southwest-damascus/
“At approximately 11:00 P.M. (local time), the Syrian military activated their air defense systems and engaged several unknown targets over the southwestern countryside of Damascus.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Syrian air defense engaged and destroyed the “hostile targets” that were flying over the Al-Kisweh area of southwest Damascus.
Al-Masdar reached out to a Syrian military source, who said that the targets are still unknown, but given their route to southwest Damascus, they could be Israeli projectiles.
Israel has launched two attacks against the Syrian military already this month, but this would the first time in several weeks that they have targeted southwest Damascus.
Southwest Damascus is believed to have a strong Iranian military presence, as this area was once the training ground for Palestinian and Lebanese groups.
More details to come…”
Two Israeli Reconnaissance Drones Shot Down Over Damascus – Syrian Military
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201808021066905012-Explosions-Damascusas-Syrian-Defenses-Targets/
“Reports are emerging from the Syrian capital of Damascus that the army’s air defense systems are engaging hostile targets in the southwest of the city.
Syrian military sources say that they shot down two Israeli reconnaissance drones to the west of Damascus.
The Syrian Army’s (SAA) air defense systems are reportedly engaging multiple targets, possibly hostile warplanes or projectiles.
— Majd Fahd 🇸🇾 (@Syria_Protector) August 2, 2018
According to Syrian activist Wael al-Russi, three missiles and one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or drone, were downed by Syria’s air defenses. Two of the missiles were apparently thwarted in the south of the city and another in the northwest. The drone was shot down in west of the city, according to the activist. Syrian Journalist Kevork Almassian says his military sources are confirming an “enemy target” was intercepted to the west.
Journalist Ilanit Chernick with the Israeli Jerusalem Post said that it appears as though Israel is targetting allegedly Iranian bases near Damascus.
Syrian state media outlet SANA has confirmed the downing of an “enemy” target in Western Damascus. They outlet has apparently posted footage of the country’s air defense systems at work.
— Suleiman Maswadeh (@SuleimanMas1) August 2, 2018″
Syrian Army Finds US Arms, Israeli Food in Militant Depot in Quneitra – Reports
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201808031066922084-syria-another-cache-of-us-israeli-arms-found/
“A Syrian Arab News Agency reporter embedded with the army in Quneitra province in the Golan Heights came upon a warehouse containing large stocks of weapons and ammunition used by the militants.
S. #Syria: Rebels in #Quneitra also handed over at least 9 #ATGM|s (#TOW|s, #Konkurs, #Fagot & #Malyutka) besides other weapons and variety of ammunition. pic.twitter.com/fd7C8tKh1r
— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) August 3, 2018
Among the haul were US and Israeli-made weapons, Israeli food products, and a collection of supplies thought to have belonged to the White Helmets, a controversial rescue group which Damascus has accused of links to the jihadists. Photos from the Quneitra stockpile include the distinctive White Helmets’ style helmets, gasmasks, oxygen tanks, and other equipment.
#Syria CS of #Quneitra: the #SyrianArmy confiscated a large number of weapons, ammunition, food and medicines belong to the so-called #WhiteHelmets #SAA pic.twitter.com/PROTm8SNj3
— Desert Hawk 🇸🇾 شب (@Syrian_Uruk) 3 августа 2018 г.
Weapons included US-made rifles and missiles, ammunition of various calibers, mines, sniper rifles, and machine guns, as well as military communications equipment. The find includes at least 9 anti-tank missile systems, including the US-made TOW.
According to SANA, the search for warehouses containing weapons used by militants continues, with the jihadists believed to have hidden large stocks of weapons in underground caches in local villages and adjacent plantations before fleeing.
Last month, Syrian troops seized a separate arms depot in neighboring Daraa province, where they discovered a large stock of US-made TOW anti-tank missiles.
On Thursday, the Russian General Staff confirmed that the Syrian government had successfully reestablished control over the provinces of Al-Suwayda, Daraa, and Quneitra in southern Syria. Thanks to the efforts of the Russian Center for Reconciliation, the majority of the so-called ‘moderate’ militants laid down their arms without a fight, and joined government forces to liquidate Daesh (ISIS)* and Nusra Front* militants. Others were evacuated with their families to Idlib province in Syria’s north, which remains under opposition control.”
White Helmets ‘Pseudo-Humanitarian Activists’ With Ties to Extremists – Moscow
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201808031066925789-white-helmets-extremists-ties/
“We paid our attention to Canada’s decision to shelter White Helmets activists … Let me remind you that… these people had close ties with extremists. There is no surprise that now they will be also hidden in Canada … It is well known that Ottawa along with other Western countries has been providing for a long time a moral support and direct funding to the organization … Meanwhile, those pseudo-humanitarian activists … tried to preserve the state of war in Syria as long as possible, and to incite new conflicts,” Zakharova said at a press briefing.
According to the CBC broadcaster, Canada was expected to take in 250 of the evacuated activists.”