https://southfront.org/syrian-war-report-september-18-2017-syrian-army-crossed-euphrates-river/
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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Hezbollah, the Iraqi Army and the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are preparing for a joint advance on the ISIS border strongholds of al-Bukamal and al-Qaim.
On Saturday, the Iraqi Army and the PMU launched an anti-ISIS operation in the border area, liberated the border town Akashat, the H-3 station, Akashat factory and the Akashat housing complex, and secured a road linking it with the Damascus-Baghdad highway.
At the same day, the SAA and Hezbollah, supported by Liwa Fatemiyoun, Liwa Haydaryoun, Liwa al-Zainabyoun and the National Defense Forces (NDF), captured al-Rutimah, Ghizlaniah and the desert area north of Sharat al-Wa’ar.
On Sunday, Syrian and Iraqi forces officially met on the border near Akashat. The SAA and Hezbollah deployed several special force and armoured units right on the border line. According to the UK-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper, the sides had agreed to establish three joint positions there.
Damascus gave Iraqi forces a permission to enter 10km deep inside the Syrian territory if needed. Iraqi sources claimed that some Syrian battle tanks and armoured vehicles of entered the Iraqi territory and joined Iraqi units.
The expected joint push towards al-Bukamal and al-Qaim will ease a battle against ISIS in the border area. Furthermore, many PMU factions particiapte in an anti-ISIS campaign of the Syrian government inside Syria. Units of these factions could cross the border and to assist the SAA in its advance towards al-Bukamal.
On Saturday, the US-led coalition officially accused Russian forces of striking a position on the eastern bank of the Euphrates near the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and coalition troops. Six SDF members were injured, according to the SDF statement. The alleged strike came after SDF representatives had repeatedly threatened to strike Syrian government forces if they attempt to cross the Euphrates in the Deir Ezzor countryside.
On Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry rejected these claims adding that Russian forces strike only ISIS positions and the US had received a notice about this in advance. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov added that the Russian military has not observed any fighting between ISIS and SDF in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor over the past few days. “Therefore, only representatives of the international coalition can answer the question as to how ‘opposition members’ or ‘military advisers of the international coalition’ managed to get to the IS-held areas in the eastern part of Deir Ezzor without striking a blow.”
The SAA and its allies have liberated Jafrah, Ayyash, the Hujeif mount, Muraieiah, Hawayej, Hawayej Abu Arab, Ain Abu Jumah and Hajj Hammoud as well as some nearby points on the both northwestern and southeastern flanks of the city.
On Monday, Syrian forces crossed the Euphrates east of Deir Ezzor. Since start of September, the SDF and pro-SDF sources have repeatedly claimed that they will not allow the SAA to cross the Euphrates. So what now?
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Bemused and confused as to how/why the US-led ‘coalition’ (illegally in Syria) are so asinine in operations?
Anybody?
I am grateful to see Russia and SAA continuing to operate wisely, in good faith, and tactically out-manoeuvring the ‘bad guys’ on the ground, the ‘bad guys’ in the air, and the ‘bad guys’ manipulating the information, thus staking out the fact-based high moral ground, with reliability.
Good job! btw
Thank you South Front..
USA doesn’t want two Hot Potatoes in their hands.
Looks like Kurds are playing a very dangerous game, with very unpredictable consequences.
Many nations lost their territories, and no matter that they have a Nation; it is impossible to take back what was lost.
Because the Treaty of London 1913, Albanian lost many territories, Because Treaty of Trianon, (1920), Hungary lost many territories, because of Potsdam Conference 1945, Germany lost all east Prussia, and no matter they have a state it is impossible to get them back. Now and then we see the opinions “when Poland is going to give back East Prussia to Germany” and all of us laugh. The Kaliningrad enclave, former Königsberg, is Russian, and is out of question to be back Germany, because there are very little numbers of Germans, or none.
Hungary has enough Power to start a conflict with Romania, to get back their former territories, Germany can do the same for East Prussia but they can’t do it, because if you let your land to your neighbor, it isn’t your land anymore.
Kurdish people lost everything long time ago, and they even do not have a Nation named Kurdistan, as Albania, Hungary of Germany.
Surprisingly they are trying to grab land by force, not realizing that they are responsible and accountable for the consequences. They are trying to push they master too far, but they forget the fact they are living in territories of sovereign legit NATIOINS. This will put them in head on collision with Turkey, Iraq, and Syria triggering a strong reaction that could culminate in cleansing actions in the future.
Albanian Kosovars, pushed too hard USA in conflict with Serbia, and where are we now after 18 years? A banana Republic and a Hot Potato in USA’s hands.
Forget Russian Federation that gave up 25% of territories and 50% of industry on 1990, and Mexico that is getting back New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona from USA. These are very rare Events beyond Comprehension.
What now indeed?
Heroes every one of them and on they go, into the unknown possibly into the teeth of a hellstorm.
Al Hasakah here we come !
Anyone got a clear idea what the position will be with regards to Russian air support east of the Euphrates?
The question of there being air support surely is a make or break factor for the SAA.
The other big unknowable is whether the US will attack the advancing Syrian Army from the air.
What do other people think about these two points?
Unless for a political solution, there could be a blood bath on East Side of the Euphrates River. East of the river, Syrian Army troops are totally vulnerable. Right now they are using Pontoons that limits the loads up to a Pick Up Truck. From the West side of the river, they can support them with Artillery, but not farther than 10 Km. With the lack of Artillery and Armor, then a ISIS counter offensive can defeat them, but for questionable circumstances SFA can join the party, turning the area to a meat Grinder. So for now there is no need for USAF to bomb them, but in the future, if Russian Air Force would intervene on the East Side of the River, then they can find e pretext to use their Air Force, which is much more Superior then Russia, in Theater of War over Syria.
Pretty clear the landing zone was secured long before the first boats and ferries began crossing, and that was likely done via helos–a river crossing doesn’t require boats in this day-and-age. That Deir Ezzor airport is capable of receiving heavy transport aircraft is an indication of how quickly it’ll be transformed into the main forward operating base for the RuAF. As suggested by one commentator at SouthFront, the SDF’s master were told in no uncertain terms by Russia not to go further South beyond Hwy 7 else they get treated as Daesh. And of course, lots of this news was likely embargoed until now, the events depicted having transpired 48 or so hours ago. Big development is the PMU and SAA joining forces to drive East along border. One last political note; Iraqi Vice President Maliki has said in very clear terms: “‘We will not allow the establishment of another Israel in northern Iraq,’ Maliki said, following a meeting with the US ambassador in Iraq, as quoted by the Iraqi News outlet.” https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201709181057472145-iraq-maliki-tolerate-kurdistan-referendum/
I believe there’s a very good chance Maliki will become Iraq’s president again, throw out US forces again and stamp-out the Outlaw US Empire’s attempt to create a cancerous statelet within the region once and for all. And for all those actions he will have allies in Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Lebanon at the very least
Outlook.
We will find out that ISIS, who allegedly occupies the eastern side of the Euphrates, is nowhere to be found. Sure, there are a handful of fighters here and there, but all in all ISIS is in total disarray and break-down mode and has long lost the ability to stage strategically significant operations. All it can do is delaying the SAA & allies advance.
Same goes for the SDF who, as all current map of the conflict zones indicate, are supposed to have reached the industrial zone of Deir Ezzor. Again, this is mostly hearsay and fog-of-war. The SDF is in no shape to hinder the SAA & allies retaking the oilfield-rich south-eastern parts of Syria. Actually the Kurdish people have no interest whatsoever in Deir Ezzor, only their Zionist masters have.
From the US side, naturally, we will keep hearing the most fanciful and ludicrous statements on a daily basis – completely unrelated to any facts on the ground.
In other words, the by now masterfully coordinated and finely tuned campaign by the SAA & allies will roll on at a steady pace, with minimal causalities and devastating effect.
Russian MOD has stated “Strongest attacks on Syrian Army come from where opposition & US forces…..”
https://www.rt.com/news/403815-syria-russia-opposition-usa/
Looks like the Russian MOD is exposing the US and its allies as the ones currently attacking the SAA & its allies – not ISIL. Also they have tried to impeed them crossing the Euphrates by a deliberate flush at the dams that are also currently controlled by the armed groups backed by the US-led coalition – so the water levels rose dramatically in several hours.
further reading
http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/syrian-endgame-within-view/ri20921
by Tony Cartalucci
Andrew Korybko
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/09/18/1523069/israel-to-pose-greatest-threat-to-syria-in-post-daesh-era-analyst
Is Israel now having their pindo embedded “kurds” attack the SAA, provoking the war they want so badly between Syria and the usa?
Russian MoD Urges US Coalition to ‘Stop Impeding’ Anti-Terrorism Fight in Syria
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201709191057523096-russia-us-syria-deir-zor/
“The Syrian Army, fighting terrorists in the Deir ez-Zor province, has been subjected to strong counterattacks from the north where Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US special task units are operating, the Russian Defense Ministry’s spokesman Mj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said on Tuesday.
“Over the past day, the assault groups of the Syrian government troops, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces, crossed the Euphrates, and continued to expand the seized bridgehead east of Deir ez-Zor, despite the stiff resistance of Daesh militants,” Konashenkov told reporters.
They have liberated some 60 square kilometers [some 23 sq. miles] on the eastern bank but have encountered obstacles, he said.
“According to Syrian commanders’ reports from the front line, the Syrian Army encounters most severe counterattacks and fire from the northern direction. That is, where SDF forces and US special operations units are located, who are allegedly administering medical aid to these militants instead of liberating Raqqa. You don’t have to possess profound military knowledge to see consistency in all these ‘coincidences’,” the spokesman said.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW”
Strongest attacks on Syrian Army come from where opposition & US forces stationed – Russian MoD
https://www.rt.com/news/403815-syria-russia-opposition-usa/
“DETAILS TO FOLLOW”
Breaking story, check back later as further details are added at Sputnik and RT.
Apartheid israel has attacked Lebanon again.
BREAKING: Israeli warplanes have struck the Syria-Lebanon border
http://theduran.com/breaking-israeli-warplanes-struck-syria-lebanon-border/
“Early reports from Lebanon indicate that Israeli fighter jets have bombed a large hilltop in the Sheba’a Farms area of Lebanon, near the Syrian border. As the attack was conducted unilaterally, it is classed as a war crime.
Al-Masdar reports,
“Warplanes belonging to the Israeli enemy have executed two raids on al-Rashaha hill, located at the Lebanese-Syrian borders east Shebaa town”.
Earlier, Israel admitted to shooting down a drone over the occupied Golan Heights.
Israel has recently issued numerous threats against Syria as it becomes increasingly clear that Damascus has won the multi-front proxy conflict inside Syrian borders.”
It’s no coincidence that these zionazi attacks are taking place at the same time israel’s trump quisling is defending israeli war crimes at the UN.
Another front of the zionazis war against everyone:
Dangerous Words of Escalation: Trump Threatens to Abandon Iran’s Nuclear Deal as Israeli Officials Call for Action Against Iran
http://silentcrownews.com/wordpress/?p=5611
“However, Netanyahu wants the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to be amended or canceled. “Our position is straightforward. This is a bad deal. Either fix it — or cancel it. This is Israel’s position,” said Netanyahu in Buenos Aires” the report said. Netanyahu will meet with Trump and will hold a brief press conference before they go behind closed doors to talk about the Iran Nuclear Deal, Syria and Israel’s future conflict with Hezbollah. The Associated Press (AP) mentioned that the Trump administration has threatened to walk away from the nuclear deal:
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Monday that Washington will walk away from a nuclear deal it agreed to with Iran and five other nations if it deems that the International Atomic Energy Agency is not tough enough in monitoring it”
Note how israel’s quisling trump and netanyahoo are on the same wavelength. There is no daylight between these two zionazi puppet leaders.
You don’t need to be rocket scientists to understand that the Maximum Plan of the Hegemon in Syria was “Regime Change”, and the Minimum plan is “Partition of Syria”, creating the “Kurdistan”. There isn’t any Plan C.