Russia Begins Operations in Syria: End Game for the US Empire?

[angelburst29]

Newly-introduced legislation would ban the US commander-in-chief from authorizing a nuclear attack without approval from the legislative branch, Congressman Ted Lieu and Senator Ed Markey said in a press release on Tuesday.

US Congress Bill Bans President From Launching ‘First Use’ Nuclear Strike
https://sputniknews.com/us/20160927/1045761657/bill-ban-us-nuclear-strike.html

The release claimed that the issue of "nuclear first use" is even more critical in light of the fact that a majority of Americans do not trust Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump with the US nuclear arsenal.

"This legislation would prohibit the [US] President from launching a nuclear first strike without a declaration of war by Congress," the release stated.

On Monday, US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the campaign’s first debate argued that Trump’s position on nuclear weapons runs contrary to longstanding US policy given he has repeatedly said he did not care if other countries possessed them.

The Obama administration is determined to use its final six months in office to take a series of executive actions to advance the nuclear agenda the president has advocated since his college days. It’s part of Obama’s late push to polish a foreign policy legacy that is plagued by challenges on several other fronts.

Obama plans major nuclear policy changes in his final months
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/obama-plans-major-nuclear-policy-changes-in-his-final-months/2016/07/10/fef3d5ca-4521-11e6-88d0-6adee48be8bc_story.html?utm_term=.05ef031b29e5

Back dated July 10, 2016 President Obama announced his drive to reduce the role of nuclear weapons and eventually rid the world of them in his first major foreign policy speech, in Prague in 2009. In his first years, he achieved some successes, such as the New START treaty with Russia, the Nuclear Security Summits and the controversial Iran deal. But progress waned in the past year as more pressing crises commanded the White House’s attention. Now, the president is considering using the freedom afforded a departing administration to cross off several remaining items on his nuclear wish list.

In recent weeks, the national security Cabinet members known as the Principals Committee held two meetings to review options for executive actions on nuclear policy. Many of the options on the table are controversial, but by design none of them require formal congressional approval. No final decisions have been made, but Obama is expected to weigh in personally soon.

Several U.S. officials briefed on the options told me they include declaring a “no first use” policy for the United States’ nuclear arsenal, which would be a landmark change in the country’s nuclear posture.
Another option under consideration is seeking a U.N. Security Council resolution affirming a ban on the testing of nuclear weapons. This would be a way to enshrine the United States’ pledge not to test without having to seek unlikely Senate ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

The administration is also considering offering Russia a five-year extension of the New START treaty’s limits on deployed nuclear weapons, even though those limits don’t expire until 2021. This way, Obama could ensure that the next administration doesn’t let the treaty lapse. Some administration officials want to cancel or delay development of a new nuclear cruise missile, called the Long-Range Stand-Off weapon, because it is designed for a limited nuclear strike, a capability Obama doesn’t believe the United States needs. Some officials want to take most deployed nukes off of “hair trigger” alert. (Article continues.)

 

[angelburst29]

Former Israeli Leader and Peace Process Architect Shimon Peres Dies at 93
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160927/1045772277/Shimon-Peres-obituary.html

Shimon Peres, the former president and prime minister of Israel, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the Oslo accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization, has died at the age of 93, after being hospitalized two weeks prior due to a massive stroke, reports say.

Shimon Peres, the former president and prime minister of Israel, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the Oslo accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization, has died at the age of 93, after being hospitalized two weeks prior due to a massive stroke, Israeli News Agency reported.

Former Israeli Leader and Peace Process Architect Shimon Peres Dies at 93
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160927/1045772277/Shimon-Peres-obituary.html

Peres was the ninth President of Israel from 2007 to 2014. He also served twice as the Prime Minister of Israel and twice as Interim Prime Minister, in a political career spanning over 66 years. He was born on August 2, 1923 in Wiszniew, Poland — now Vishnyeva, Belarus — to Yitzhak and Sara Perski.

The family immigrated to Palestine and settled in Tel Aviv, where Peres attended school and the Ben Shemen agricultural school. He lived on Kibbutz Geva for several years then Kibbutz Alumot, during which time he married Sonia and worked as a shepherd. In 1947, upon David Ben-Gurion's request, Peres was recruited by the Haganah (pre-independence military organization), and he assumed a pivotal role in many state-related missions. According to the Peres Center for Peace, following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 Peres headed the naval services, and in 1949 led a procurement delegation of Israel's Defense Ministry to the United States, undertaking evening studies at the New School for Social Research in parallel. On his return to Israel at the age of 29, he became the Director General of the Ministry of Defense – the youngest ever in Israel's history.

In 1959, Peres was elected to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and served as Deputy Minister of Defense under then Prime Minister and Minister of Defense David Ben-Gurion. Ten years later, in 1969, he was appointed Minister of Absorption, and in 1970 served as Minister of Transport and Communications. In 1974, Peres was appointed Minister of Defense, a position that he held until 1977. These critical years saw the rebuilding of the Israeli army following the 1973 War.

After the resignation of Yitzhak Rabin in 1977 Peres became acting Prime Minister, and was later elected Chairman of the Labor Party, running against Menachem Begin in the national elections. When Likud came to power in 1977, marking the first time in Israel's history that Labor was not the ruling party, Peres served as Head of the Opposition, a position he held until 1984.

Following the establishment of a National Unity Government combining Labor and Likud in 1984, Peres served as Prime Minister (1984 to 1986) and as Minister of Foreign Affairs (1986 to 1988), rotating with Likud leader Yitzhak Shamir. In the subsequent National Unity Government (1988-1990) Peres served as Vice Premier and Minister of Finance, and then led the Opposition in the Knesset from 1990 to 1992.

After the Labor Party's victory under Rabin's leadership, Peres served again as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1992, and initiated the negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), resulting in the Oslo Accords (Declaration of Principles) which was signed by Shimon Peres and Abu Mazen on the White House lawn on 13th September 1993. Peres, together with Rabin and Arafat, were awarded Nobel Peace Prizes in 1994 for their efforts toward peace. Peres was also involved in Israel's negotiations with Jordan, which commenced immediately following the signing of the Oslo Accords, and were officially signed in October 1994. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin in 1995, Peres became Prime Minister and Minister of Defense until the May 1996 elections. Following his defeat, Peres invested his efforts in creating and establishing the Peres Center for Peace – a non-government and non-partisan organization that brings Israel and its Arab neighbors closer by means of peace-building projects which focus on common social and economic interests, thereby fulfilling his vision of regional cooperation.

In July 1999, Peres was appointed Minister of Regional Cooperation in Ehud Barak’s government. In 2001, Peres again assumed the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, this time in Ariel Sharon’s newly-formed National Unity Government, a position he held until November 2002. Peres was re-elected as Chairman of the Labor Party in June 2003 and served as Head of the Opposition. In January 2005, as Head of the Labor Party, Peres once again joined Sharon's government and served as Vice Prime Minister during the disengagement from Gaza. In November 2005, Shimon Peres left the Labor Party to join Sharon's new party, Kadima. Following Kadima's victory in the 2006 elections, Peres served as Vice Prime Minister and Minister for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee.

In June 2007, Peres was elected to serve as the 9th President of the State of Israel, a position he held until 2014. In June 2012, Peres was awarded the highest US award in the realm of peace by President Barack Obama, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Peres has authored numerous books and articles. His standing and reputation have earned him international recognition among the nations and leaders of the world. Shimon Peres was married to his late wife Sonia. They have three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.


Prior News release 9-13-2016

Shimon Peres, 93-year-old politician, who served twice as Israeli prime minister and was president from 2007 to 2014, was put in an induced coma following a stroke, according to local media.

Ex-Israeli President Peres in Induced Coma Following Stroke
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160913/1045274193/israel-peres-coma.html

Former Israeli President Shimon Peres was put on Tuesday in an induced coma following a stroke, local television reported citing doctors.

Initial reports indicated that the 93-year-old politician was conscious and in a stable condition after being hospitalized at the Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv. "The doctors decided not to take risks and put Peres in a so-called medical coma — under anesthesia. The doctors are trying to stop internal bleeding, although the surgery is still under consideration," Israeli Plus Channel 9 television said. Peres served twice as Israeli prime minister and was president from 2007 to 2014.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Putin submits agreement on cooperation with China in war on terror to State Duma

http://tass.com/politics/902677?_ga=1.108854468.791922862.1474697666

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has submitted the Russian-Chinese agreement on cooperation in the war on terror to the State Duma for ratification, this information was issued through the electronic database of the lower house.

The agreement, signed in Beijing on September 27, 2010, is aimed at the development of bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, and contains articles on taking joint measures in order to detect and effectively suppress activities connected to planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, the accompanying documents stated.

In particular, the agreement envisages the exchange of information within the framework of cooperation in preventing and combating the criminal activities of terrorists and extremists. Besides that, the document stipulates the exchange of information on "illegal production, storage and circulation of propaganda material, weapons, ammunition and explosive devices." The parties are also supposed to exchange information on "the criminal organizations’ utilization of nuclear material, radioactive substances, or sources of radioactivity, poisonous, noxious and toxic chemical or biological substances for conducting terrorist attacks." There should also be the exchange of information "on the sources and channels of financing of the criminal organizations, on the salient features and patterns of their activities, methods and modes of operation, and also on the identification data, categories and numbers of the identity documents, and the places of residence or location of the persons suspected in committing crimes of terrorism, separatism or extremism."

At the same time, the agreement introduces the norms on assistance in investigation of criminal cases at the request of either of the parties. In addition, the exchange of equipment and the co-production of special tools and gear based on specific agreements are also stipulated.

The Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service and Deputy Foreign Minister on Counterterrorism issues, Oleg Syromolotov, has been appointed the official representative of the Head of State for reviewing the agreement in the State Duma and the Federation Council.

US to deploy THAAD anti-missile systems in S. Korea ‘as soon as possible’

https://www.rt.com/news/360891-korea-thaad-deployment-soon/

The US will deploy the THAAD missile defense system to South Korea “as soon as possible,” Washington confirmed, less than three months after Seoul agreed to host it. The move, opposed by China and Russia, allegedly aims to counter the North Korean threat.

As North Korea continues to disregard UN sanctions by repeatedly testing nuclear technologies and the means by which to deliver them, the US and South Korea are pushing full steam ahead to position the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system on the peninsula.

Speaking to House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel told US lawmakers that the ever-increasing threats from North Korea necessitate urgent action.

While refusing to provide a concrete timeline for the THAAD deployment, Russel said that “given the accelerating pace of North Korea’s missile tests, we intend to deploy on an accelerated basis, I would say, as soon as possible.”

When asked by the Subcommittee if he could confirm THAAD’s deployment is “a done deal,” Russel replied, "yes, I do.” At the same time, the diplomat stressed that despite strong concerns having been expressed over THAAD’s deployment by Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow, the complex will be deployed for “defensive” reasons only.

“This is a defensive measure aimed not at China, but at North Korea. It is a defense based decision, not a political decision. And it is part of a layered system of defense that will augment many military installations and systems currently in place,” he said.

North Korea has been threatening to nuke both its neighbor and the US base in Guam, in protest against the South’s decision to deploy the THAAD anti-missile system. In response, North Korea has continued to conduct new military technology tests in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions that were tightened in March.

Earlier this month the North launched three ballistic missiles off its east coast into the sea, the latest in a series of more than 10 ballistic tests the North has conducted so far this year. On September 9, North Korea also carried out its fifth, and largest, nuclear test.

China has also warned South Korea against deploying THAAD, warning earlier in the summer that such a move would harm the “foundation of mutual trust.” It urged Seoul to “think twice” about the decision.

Moscow voiced concerns over THAAD’s potential to tip the global balance of power, as the system is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate ballistic missiles at the terminal incoming stage.

Additionally, THAAD deployment has also met strong opposition in South Korea, with regular protests taking place against the deployment of US weapons.

The site of the soon-to-be-deployed air defense system should be announced this week, after South Korea and the US agreed on its initial deployment in July. According to the South Korean defense ministry officials that spoke with Yonhap news, the location will be chosen from among the three candidate sites in Seongju County.

The defense sources believe that Lotte Skyhill Country Club (golf course) will most likely be selected as the host site. The location sits 680 meters above sea level, about 300m higher than the nearby artillery base.

Pyongyang Has 88 Pounds of Weapons-Grade Plutonium - Seoul

https://sputniknews.com/military/20160928/1045778251/north-korea-nuclear-weapons.html

North Korea has made a significant progress in miniaturization of its nuclear weapons and allegedly possesses at least 88 pounds of weapons-grade plutonium, the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"North Korea has reached a significant level of miniaturization and power of nuclear weapons," a spokesperson for the ministry told RIA Novosti commenting on Pyongyang's statement regarding the completion of essential part of the nuclear arms development made on Tuesday.

The spokesperson added that the North had reinforced its strategic capabilities and was continuing efforts to develop nuclear and biochemical weapons and ballistic missiles.

"We suppose, that North Korea posses 40 kilograms [88 pounds] of weapons-grade plutonium and the uranium enrichment program is underway," the ministry said.

North Korea has been under pressure from the international community since its January nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch in February, which resulted in tightening sanctions against Pyongyang in the new UN Security Council resolution in March. On September 9, Pyongyang carried out a new nuclear test at its northeastern nuclear test site.

 

[Keit]

Former Israeli Leader and Peace Process Architect Shimon Peres Dies at 93
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160927/1045772277/Shimon-Peres-obituary.html

Shimon Peres, the former president and prime minister of Israel, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the Oslo accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization, has died at the age of 93, after being hospitalized two weeks prior due to a massive stroke, reports say.

Just a note, angelburst29, that this info better be posted in the thread about Shimon Peres (there are several about him on the forum).

 

[munaychasumaq]

This 25 September we had the opportunity to see who really is "The Boss" in United Nations which is not a surprise for many people in this Forum, but see and hear all the drivel that came out of the mouth of Samantha Powell was more than surrealistic. She dared to use the real pain of her victims as weapon handling and projecting pathologically against Russia and Syria,that was more than enough for decent people who still remain in this Planet.
Russia,Syria and Venezuela faced in that meeting "The Darkness" represented by USA,France,United Kingdom and the rest of their vassals with courage and strength as the Syrian Army are doing in the ground.We don`t know how long time is going to take this situation.The only thing is certain is The Darkness is feeling the pressure of its own destruction.

We have to trust is the Cs words:

" Still waters run deep and strong. The USA and allies are in for a rude and painful awakening."



Part of the session 30 August 2014


(Anam Cara) Is there a Chinese Putin who's waiting to make his move on the geopolitical stage?

(Perceval) Ah, Pu Ting! [laughter]

A: Not likely.

Q: (Mr. Scott) You don't need a Chinese Putin when you've got a Putin Putin.

(L) When you've got Putin in Russia, what do you need a Chinese Putin for?

(Perceval) You've got a rootin-tootin' Putin! [laughter]

(Alada) Well, China is so big, but it's so relatively quiet...

A: Still waters run deep and strong. The USA and allies are in for a rude and painful awakening.

Q: (Perceval) All that’s going on are hollow threats and blustering, and it has no effect. Which means the people they're directing it at are not threatened because they know that it's hollow. They know they can pull the rug out from under the US empire's feet whenever they want, really. The US has become so dependent on China.

(L) Next?

(Anam Cara) With the elevated US and European terror threat levels, and the NATO summit happening next week, is there a false flag terror attack imminent?

A: Good chance! After all, that is their raison d'être.

Q: (L) They were searching for the proper punctuation and the French "ê"! [laughter]

(Perceval) Seems to me that it's more likely that they'll do something like that because of the whole Putin thing. They wouldn't have done it if Putin hadn't arrived on the scene. With Putin coming in, it's to get people back in line because of Putin's actions.

(Andromeda) A reminder.

(Windmill Knight) There was talk about the need for a "Rapid Reaction Force", and the EU is saying they're putting together a force of 10,000 from the EU countries to protect NATO countries. So is there any chance of direct NATO intervention in Ukraine against Russia?

A: That action may be preempted by upcoming events.

Q: (Pierre) Cosmic events?

(Perceval) By upcoming events like what? What do you mean? That's such a...

(Andromeda) Do tell!

A: Wait and see! Admit that it is better than a cliffhanger adventure movie!

Q: (Perceval) Yeah, it is.

(Andromeda) Will it be soon?

A: Relatively.

Q: (L) Relative to what? [laughter]

(Chu) That makes it clear.

(L) We are SO enlightened by that answer! [laughter]

(Pierre) So, there will be a big event relatively soon. Okay...

(L) Coming soon to a theater near you!

A: Indeed! Reference questions about "space invasion" and just change the parameters and players.

Q: (Perceval) So, not aliens in ships, but microbes on rocks. Space invasion.

(L) Could be, yeah. And they would come as the US is trying to do some kind of fake invasion or false flag stuff. Is that what we're talking about here? That when the Western Consortium-type government tries to take over the world with their faked invasion, that's when everything is going to go kaflooey?

A: More or less. You will see!

Q: (Pierre) That will be exciting, eh?


Here a link from Voltaire about why the cease of fire in Syria has failed

http://www.voltairenet.org/article193449.html

 

[angelburst29]

US Secretary of State John Kerry told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the United States is prepared to suspend bilateral engagement with Russia in Syria unless Moscow takes immediate steps to end Syrian operations in the city of Aleppo and reinstate a ceasefire, Department of State spokesperson John Kirby said.

US Threatens to Suspend Engagement With Russia in Syria Over Aleppo Situation
https://sputniknews.com/politics/20160928/1045798681/us-russia-aleppo-kerry.html

According to Kirby, Kerry voiced "grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria" and said Washington considers Moscow responsible for the situation.

"[Kerry] informed the Foreign Minister that the United States is making preparations to suspend US-Russia bilateral engagement on Syria — including on the establishment of the Joint Implementation Center — unless Russia takes immediate steps to end the assault on Aleppo and restore the cessation of hostilities," the release stated.

Kerry also accused Russia of the use of incendiary and bunker-buster bombs in urban areas in Aleppo. He also blamed Moscow and Damascus for attacks on civilian infrastructure in Aleppo.

Over the last several days, the ceasefire in Syria has teetered on the verge of collapse. Fighting in Aleppo intensified after the Syrian army declared an end to the week-long ceasefire on Friday, blaming rebels for numerous violations that made the cessation of hostilities untenable.

On Tuesday, Syrian government forces liberated most of the al-Farafira district northwest of Aleppo's historic Old City and advanced the frontline for the first time in years. On Sunday, the UN Security Council held an extraordinary meeting to address the rise in violence in Syria's Aleppo. The meeting was initiated by the United States, France and the UK. During the meeting, Western diplomats harshly criticized Russia and Iran, claiming that Moscow and Tehran have supported the Syrian government in prolonging the war.

On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry released the full text of the Russia-US deal on Syria brokered by Kerry and Lavrov earlier this month over Washington's failure to implement its part of the agreement.

Commenting on the release of the document, the foreign ministry said that it had proposed to make the document public, however, Washington refused to do so. The move caused "some questions about whether the US is sincere or not."

The United States and Russia must agree on which groups in Syria should not be targeted or future military cooperation will be impossible, former US Under Secretary of Defense Dov Zakheim told Sputnik.

US-Russian Cooperation in Syria Impossible Without Common Targets - Official
https://sputniknews.com/politics/20160928/1045798512/cooperation-russia-us-pentagon.html

On September 30, 2015, Russia launched an air campaign against terrorist positions in Syria at the request of President Bashar Assad, and through March 2016 had conducted 9,000 airstrikes in support of Syrian government offensives.

Nearly one year later, the United States and Russia planned to coordinate counterterrorism operations in Syria after a week of calm, as stipulated in a ceasefire accord US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov consummated on September 9 in Geneva after marathon negotiations. Shortly after, however, the truce imploded after a series of violations and finger-pointing.

“Perhaps if they [United States and Russia] can implement an understanding on which parties not to fire on [in Syria], and then keep that agreement, it may then be possible to advance a further modicum of cooperation,” Zakheim explained.

While the United States and Russia agreed to exclude Daesh and al-Nusra Front from the ceasefire, Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to ensure Syrian opposition fighters separate themselves from terrorists. Zakheim claimed that given the latest breakdown of the ceasefire in Syria and the recriminations that followed, it will be very difficult for the United States and Russia to restore the degree of mutual trust required for cooperating militarily in the future.

The cessation of hostilities calls for the establishment of a Joint Implementation Center (JIC) designed to help the US and Russian militaries coordinate airstrikes against Nusra Front terrorist positions in Syria.

Ceasefire violations, however, have dampened hopes of establishing the JIC anytime soon, especially in light of a US airstrike on Syrian government forces on September 17. Washington exacerbated the situation by holding Russia responsible for an attack on a UN aid convoy and recent Syrian government offensives in Aleppo.

Last week, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman US Col. John Dorrian told reporters that the JIC was “on hold” but the United States and Russia would continue to work together on deconflicting air operations over Syria.

On Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said that although the United States was under no illusion that a ceasefire was in effect in Syria, Washington was still interested in pursuing the implementation of the ceasefire. Toner was unable, however, to say if Kerry and Lavrov would talk in the coming 48 hours despite the dire situation. Dov Zakheim served as US Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Pentagon Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2004. He was also US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Planning and Resources from 1985 to 1987, among other senior posts in both the federal government and private sector.

Paradoxically, the United States, its allies and the Western media blame Moscow for what is happening in Aleppo when in fact it is the terrorists who have taken one of the largest cities in Syria hostage and advisors from Israel, Qatar, Turkey and the United States are helping them, Italian journalist and former MEP Giulietto Chiesa told Sputnik.

Foreign Advisors 'Helping Terrorists Keep Aleppo Under Siege'
https://sputniknews.com/politics/20160928/1045796584/us-russia-aleppo-siege.html

"Who is 'besieging' Aleppo? They say it is [President Bashar al-Assad] assisted by the Russian military. But Assad is the acting president of the country. He is fighting against terrorists and trying to restore order in his own house," he said.

Chiesa added that "the truth is that the terrorists have taken the city hostage and Western advisers from Israel, the United States, Qatar and Turkey are helping them. Why? Because if Aleppo falls, they will all lose this war. This is why it is in their interest to help terrorists keep the city under siege at the expense of civilian lives."

Although the US and its allies have blamed Moscow for the violence in Syria, Russia only belatedly intervened in the war in the Arab country.

"I will remind you, who sparked the war in Syria. Do you remember Obama's 2011 presidential order in which he called the Syrian government a threat to America's interests? Who created Daesh' terrorism, who supported terrorists, including 'moderates' (who chopped off heads and ate the hearts of Syrian soldiers)?" he asked.

The Italian journalist was referring to President Obama's Executive Order 13572, published on April 29, 2011. The document accused the Syrian government of ostensibly carrying out "human rights abuses" that "constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."

Moscow, Chiesa insisted, is not interested in perpetuating the Syrian War. Russia is "the only country that has been authorized to act in Syrian airspace" and the only nation that has been fighting Daesh, he said. This is why Russia made every effort to reach an agreement with the United States to pave the way for a ceasefire. The truce lasted seven days, but was declared over by the Syrian Arab Army due to numerous violations by US-backed rebel groups.

On September 28, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Western leaders and their allies whether they understood what they have done in the Middle East and urged them to form a broad counterterrorism coalition. Twelve months later, they still have failed to make the right choice, political analyst Dmitry Kosyrev wrote for RIA Novosti.

'Do You Realize What You've Done?': West Remains Deaf to Putin's Call on Syria
https://sputniknews.com/politics/20160928/1045788670/russia-putin-syria-us.html

Russia's limited military engagement in Syria is a testament to what could have been achieved if Washington had decided to join forces with Moscow and fight terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front together.

"A minimalistic and selective use of our military force led Syria out of a deadlock not in a year, but in the first three-four months, turned the tide of war and drastically improved Russia's standing not only in the Middle East, but throughout the world," he observed.

All this time, Russian leaders have repeatedly called on other countries, particularly the United States, to join forces and defeat what the Kremlin perceives as one of the greatest global challenges facing every country: international terrorism.

President Putin made an appeal a year ago on this very day.

"What we propose is to join efforts to address the challenges that all of us are facing and create a genuinely broad international coalition against terrorism," he told the UN General Assembly in 2015. "Similar to the anti-Hitler coalition, it could unite a broad range of parties willing to stand firm against those who, just like the Nazis, sow evil and hatred of humankind."

Putin warned that some might be tempted to use this proposal as a pretext for accusing Russia of "its growing ambitions," as if they themselves have no ambitions. "It is not about Russia's ambitions, dear colleagues, but about the recognition of the fact that we can no longer tolerate the current state of affairs in the world."

The West has failed to take Russia up on its offer. This might have something to do with the fact that the US and its allies misjudged Moscow's counterterrorism capabilities.

President Obama warned that Russia was "just going" to end up "stuck in a quagmire" and its anti-Daesh operation "won't work" less than a week after the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out their first mission in Syria.

"They have also miscalculated the political implications of Russia displaying its military might," Kosyrev said. "They failed to predict that 'isolated' Russia would find itself at the heart of global politics and everyone would need Moscow. They did not foresee that the Russian economy would go through a hard time and come out healthier."

Kosyrev further said that what the US and its allies have been left with is failure.

"We urged them to form a coalition; we offered cooperation and joint campaigns," he noted. Had they said yes, "today we would have celebrated a common victory."

Islamic militants are intensively shelling with mortars the historic center of the Syrian city of Aleppo controlled by the government forces, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Wednesday from the scene.

Terrorists Shelling Aleppo's Historic Center With Mortars
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160928/1045789172/aleppo-terrorists-shelling.html

Fighting has been continuing in the liberated al-Farafira district. The Syrian army has managed to keep control over the liberated area.

On Tuesday, Syrian government forces liberated most of the al-Farafira district northwest of Aleppo's historic Old City and advanced the frontline for the first time in years. Syria is witnessing intensified fighting in Aleppo, after the Syrian army declared an end to the week-long Russia-US-brokered ceasefire, blaming militants for numerous violations that made the cessation of hostilities unreasonable.

Washington is fully aware that US-made weapons which America provided through its regional allies to so-called moderate rebel groups trying to depose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were then transferred to terrorist organizations, including al-Nusra Front and Daesh, journalist Jürgen Todenhöfer told RT.

Americans 'Clearly Know' That US-Made Weapons Now in Hands of Syrian Terrorists
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160928/1045778782/us-weapons-syria-terrorists.html

"Everybody knows that [Americans] are using [their] allies," he said. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to the German journalist, "was coordinating the weapons' delivery from Turkey." The arms brought to the border with Syria were distributed among rebels, including so-called moderate groups.

"But I have said for years, because I knew it and everybody knows it in Syria" that one kilometer away from the border "these weapons were taken by terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and [Daesh]," he said. "This is well-known."

In other words, even if weapons were initially transferred to moderate groups, they ended up in the hands of the terrorists soon after. Todenhöfer further noted that some terrorists received weapons by simply saying that they were members of a moderate group or the US-backed Free Syrian Army. "They even changed the name of their group to get the weapons. This is a game everybody knows," he said.

Earlier this month an unnamed senior al-Nusra Front commander told the journalist that his group received the BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles "directly" from the US, with no intermediaries involved in the deliveries. Al-Nusra Front is considered to be a terrorist organization by the United States, as well as Russia and the United Nations.

The journalist mentioned that radical groups active in Syria have received money and support from the Western allies, specifically the Gulf states, who "were backed by the United States." These assertions have also been backed by the Defense Intelligence Agency's (DIA) documents released in 2012. The DIA is the Pentagon's external intelligence service.

In these documents, the Pentagon openly said that "they are supporting the rebels, they are trying to get rid of Assad with the help of the rebels," the journalist detailed, describing this approach as a "clear" strategy. "In a certain way [the al-Nusra Front commander] is repeating what the Pentagon said four years ago."

The interview with the al-Nusra Front commander took place in "the no man's land between eastern and western Aleppo" on September 17. The al-Nusra Front commander essentially said what many have already known. "He said what we all were thinking about al-Qaeda. He is completely convinced that he does not want a secular state. He does not want an agreement or democracy. He wants an Islamic state," the journalist explained.

The commander also told the journalist that their group was not ready to accept any ceasefire, but was instead willing to fight until the end. The interview prompted Todenhöfer to observe that it was hard for him to imagine how the Syrian rebels and Damascus could find common ground because "they are so far from each other" at a time when there is "no strong peaceful opposition."

Todenhöfer also said that "the rebels started this war and they bear responsibility" for what has happened.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

US strikes Deir Ezzor for the 2nd time this month

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-strikes-deir-ezzor-2nd-time-month/

Syria: US-Led Coalition Hits Deir Ezzur Again

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950707001476

The state news agency's reporter in Deir Ezzur said Wednesday that the air raids destroyed al-Asharah Bridge that links the river’s two banks in the Eastern part of the province in Southeastern Syria, only few hours after demolishing al-Mayadin Bridge in the same region near the border with Iraq.

The reporter added that the destruction of the two bridges has been aimed at disconnecting the regions on the two eastern and western banks of the river.

The US-led coalition warplanes targeted the Syrian army troops near the city of Deir Ezzur on September 17, leaving over 90 military personnel dead and a hundred wounded.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed a report by the Syrian state news agency that an ISIL offensive began right after Syrian Army positions were hit by the bombers of the US-led coalition.

The actions of the coalition “clearly paved the way for ISIL terrorists to attack the position and take control of it,” the agency said citing the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces.

The General Command called the bombing a “serious and blatant aggression” against Syrian forces, and said it was "conclusive evidence" that the US and its allies support ISIL terrorist group.

A day later, a military source disclosed that the ISIL launched attacks on the Syrian army positions in Deir Ezzur only 7 minutes after the US-led coalition's airstrikes.

The military source reiterated that the air and ground assault were highly coordinated.

A Syrian top official said the country's intelligence unit possesses an audio recording of a conversation between the ISIL group and the US military before the airstrikes by the US-led coalition on the Syrian army troops near Deir Ezzur on September 17.

The speaker of the People's Council of Syria, Hadiya Khalaf Abbas, said on Tuesday that after the US coalition's airstrikes on the government troops, US military directed terrorists' attack on the Syrian army.

US-led international coalition strikes destroy two bridges in Deir Ezzor

http://sana.sy/en/?p=89164

Aircrafts of the US-led international coalition launched strikes on two main bridges on the Euphrates River in the countryside of the eastern Deir Ezzor province.

SANA reporter in Deir Ezzor said Wednesday that the strikes resulted in the destruction of al-Asharah Bridge that links the river’s two banks in the eastern countryside of the province only few hours after destroying al-Mayadin Bridge.

The destruction of the two bridges aims at disconnecting the areas located on both banks of the river, the reporter noted.

The coalition, which claims to be fighting ISIS terrorist organization, has repeatedly targeted the Syrian infrastructure with the aim to deliberately inflict damage on sites and facilities in the country.

Late last year, the coalition’s aircrafts destroyed two electricity plants in al-Radwaniyeh area and water pumping stations in al-Khafseh area, east of Aleppo, in addition to claiming hundreds of civilian lives.

In a latest targeting that took place on September 17th, the coalition hit a position for the Syrian Arab Army in Thardah Mountain in Deir Ezzor, paving the way for
ISIS terrorists to take over it.

Syrian Militants in Tumult after Israel Moves to Restructure Fatah Al-Sham Command in Quneitra

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950707001409

The Arabic-language Axis News website quoted sources as saying that the Israeli intelligence officials have appointed Ali Mare'i Suleiman and his brother Faisal Mare'i Suleiman as commanders of the Eastern front of Jabat al-Khashab, including Qob al-Hamriya front, Hazar town and regions near the district that the Syrian army's Division 4 is deployed. Also, Taj Leili and Adnan Leili have been assigned as commanders of Taranja, Tal al-Ahmar and al-Saraya regions, and Ma'as Nasar has been reinstated as commander of the Western parts of Jabata al-Khashab which is adjacent to the Golan Heights.

The sources told the Arab media outlet that after Sheikh Qassim (who was once a judge of the terrorists' Al-Sharia courts in Quneitra) informed the new commanders of Israel's orders, the militants who have recently left the Dara'a fronts and joined Fatah al-Sham's forces in Quneitra started angry protests, believing that they should also share a major role in the command structure.

The sources said chaotic situation in the region that has resulted from relevant disputes is about to break into an infighting among the ranks of the militants any moment.

The sources added that the Israeli spy agency decided to reshuffle the terrorist commanders in Quneitra following the failure of the Israel-led terrorist operations in Qab al-Ahmariya region dubbed as 'Talaqi' (aimed at linking Beit Jen in the Southwestern parts of Damascus to Quneitra and Israel) after the Syrian army and popular forces received intel about the plan and defused it.

Earlier today, a senior commander of the Golan Regiment in the Syrian army disclosed that Israel has activated an operations room in the Southwestern province of Quneitra near its border with Syria to aid the Fatah al-Sham (Nusra) Front terrorists.

"The recent terrorist attacks in Quneitra, codenamed by the terrorists as 'the Southern Qadesiya Operations', clearly showed the Zionist regime's support for the terrorist groups in Southern Syria," Arwa Satter told FNA on Wednesday.

He referred to Israel's activation of an operations room in Syria's Jabat al-Khashab region of Quneitra, and said in their recent offensive, 600 terrorists, who had been called from Dara'a, took order from the Zionists' operations room and sought to take control of al-Rabe'a or Sha'ban bases in Northern Quneitra but they failed given the army and the resistance forces' timely reaction.

"The army and its allies are ready to repel the terrorists' heavy offensives in this region as well as any new Zionist or Zionist-led aggression," Satter said.

Meantime, Israeli media disclosed that Tel Aviv has deployed a number of drones in the Golan Heights to detect the Syrian Army's movements in the region.

Israeli media said these reconnaissance drones will play a crucial role in monitoring military developments in Southern Syria, particularly in the Golan Heights.

Last week, the Russian media reported that the country's warships stationed in Syria's coastal waters targeted and destroyed an Israeli operations room, killing over two dozen intelligence officers from Israel, US, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

"The Russian warships fired three Caliber missiles at the foreign officers' coordination operations room in Dar Ezza region in the Western part of Aleppo near Sam'an mountain, killing 30 Israeli and western officers," the Arabic-language service of Russia's Sputnik news agency quoted battlefield source in Aleppo as saying on Wednesday.

The operations room was located in the Western part of Aleppo province in the middle of sky-high Sam'an mountain and old caves. The region is deep into a chain of mountains.

Several US, Turkish, Saudi, Qatari and British officers were also killed along with the Israeli officers. The foreign officers who were killed in the Aleppo operations room were directing the terrorists' attacks in Aleppo and Idlib.

Israeli Army Deploys Scores of Spy Drones in Occupied Golan to Monitor Syrian Army

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950707000789

Israeli media said these reconnaissance drones will play a crucial role in monitoring military developments in Southern Syria, particularly in the Golan Heights.

"These drones are equipped with advanced cameras able to take images from very far distances. The drones also can identify people in their cars," the media sources claimed.

Terrorist groups fighting against Syrian government and army have been provided with Israeli intelligence and air support frequently.

The Israeli military aircraft have violated Syrian territories to back the terrorist groups' offensives on government forces' positions near the Golan Heights in Quneitra.

In a last case, the Syrian army shot down a drone, a fighter jet and a hellicopter of the Israeli regime earlier this month.

Rebels gas the Syrian Army in northern Hama

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-gas-syrian-army-northern-hama/

The jihadist rebels attacking the northern Hama village of Karah on Wednesday reportedly used chlorine gas against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), causing several injuries in the process.

According to local reports, Jund Al-Aqsa (Syrian Al-Qaeda group) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) used chlorine gas against the Syrian Arab Army during their ongoing assault at Karah today.

No fatalities have been reported as a result of the gas attack; however, 18 soldiers were hospitalized due to exposure to this chemical agent.

Today's attack by the rebels is the first reported use of chlorine gas during the northern Hama offensive.

Foreign States Supply Militants with New Missiles in Response to Syrian-Russian Operation in Aleppo

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950707001165

The Grad rockets with a range of 22 km and 40 km have been supplied in excellent quantities and will be used on battlefronts in Aleppo, Hama and the coastal region, rebel commander Colonel Fares al-Bayoush told Reuters on Wednesday.

While Grad missiles have previously been supplied to rebels, Bayoush underlined that it was the first time this particular type had been delivered.

Each salvo contains 40 rockets, he said, without giving further details. The rebels had previous stocks of the rocket captured from army stores, he added.

The militant commander claimed that there was as yet no sign of the rebels being supplied with anti-aircraft missiles they have demanded, while other terrorist groups, including Fatah Al-Sham (Nusra) Front and ISIL have already started using such weapons systems.

A video posted on YouTube on Monday showed Free Syrian Army (FSA) militants firing Grad missiles at Syrian government positions near Aleppo. Meanwhile, Bayoush confirmed the weapons being fired in the video were newly supplied.

Militant groups fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner have received military aid from states opposed to President Bashar al-Assad via a US-backed coordination centre in Turkey.

Several Underground Tunnels Used by Militants Blown Up in Old Aleppo in Syria

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160928/1045803417/tunnels-aleppo-syria.html

Syrian special forces blew up several underground tunnels used by jihadists in the liberated al-Farafira district not far from Aleppo's historic Old City, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Wednesday from the scene.

A total of two bombings were carried out on Wednesday, which blocked the access to the liberated buildings in the al-Farafira district.

"Militants from radical groups have dug a network of underground tunnels in the historical part of Aleppo for three years. Terrorists continue digging tunnels in the direction of Syrian army's positions. Our engineers detect them and blow up," a special forces commander said.

On Tuesday, Syrian government forces liberated most of the al-Farafira district northwest of Aleppo's historic Old City and advanced the frontline for the first time in years.

Over the last several days, the ceasefire in Syria has teetered on the verge of collapse. Fighting in Aleppo intensified after the Syrian army declared an end to the week-long ceasefire on Friday, blaming rebels for numerous violations that made the cessation of hostilities untenable.

'Get Out!': Free Syrian Army Burns US Flags to Protest American Soldiers

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160928/1045804310/protest-against-us-soldiers-syria.html

According to information received by a Sputnik correspondent from a source in the command of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a group of American soldiers faced visceral protests from the battalion’s forces on the eve of the operation to free al-Bab.

US servicemen, accompanied by the members of the opposition Free Syrian Army (FSA), entered two Syrian towns: Mare and Azaz, located to the north of Aleppo.

They arrived to prepare attacks against Daesh positions in the northern parts of Aleppo, primarily to free al-Bab, which is a Syrian city in Aleppo Governorate.

However, their arrival didn’t go down very well with some of the FSA fighters. It is reported that about 100 FSA fighters staged a protest against the participation of US troops in the operation.

The protest was accompanied by the burning of the US flags as the fighters from the FSA, touted as Syria’s ‘moderate opposition’, shouted “infidel Americans get out of Syria!” and “Allahu akbar!”

The commander of the division of the Damascus front in Mare, Ebu Velid, issued a statement during such a protest, in which he emphasized that the division’s fighters do not want the US military present on Syrian territory.

He further said that his division doesn’t want to conduct joint operations with the US soldiers as they “do not want to become infidels just like them.”

The commander of the FSA said that the actions of the US soldiers show that they are trying to sabotage operation “Euphrates Shield.”

Earlier, the FSA fighters staged a protest against the US military near the Syrian district of Chobanbey [Al-Rai].

Faced with the prospect of being severely assaulted by the militants, the US soldiers managed to escape the area with the help of the Turkish military.

Shortly thereafter, a number of armed opposition groups and members of the FSA, announced their withdrawal from operation “Euphrates Shield”, due to the fact that the US military was present on Syrian territory.

Lavrov draws Kerry's attention to reports Jebhat al-Nusra receives weapons from US

http://tass.com/politics/902842?_ga=1.62037354.791922862.1474697666

The Russian top diplomat stresses in phone talks with his US counterpart that a number of anti-government units, which Washington calls ‘moderate’, continued military operation against the Syrian army

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry by telephone on Wednesday the Jebhat al-Nusra’s field commanders had confirmed the receipt of weapons from the United States.

"Lavrov called Kerry’s attention to the media revelations of Jebhat al-Nusra’s field commanders about external support, including the receipt of U.S. weapons, as well as the remarks of Syrian opposition leader Riyad Hijab, the head of the West-backed group of Syrian opposition figureheads, who reside abroad, that the above-mentioned organization was not terrorist," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"Once again, Lavrov drew attention to the fact that a number of anti-government units, which Washington calls ‘moderate’, had not only refused to stick to the September 9 Russian-U.S. agreement for strengthening the ceasefire and providing humanitarian access but was instead merging with Jebhat al-Nusra and continued military operations against the Syrian army side by side with those Al-Quaeda units," the ministry said.

The top diplomats have also "discussed possibilities of influencing the situation in Aleppo so as to normalize it by means of getting back to the basic principles of Russian-U.S. agreements on the Syria crisis settlement," the Russian ministry said.

The both sides expressed profound concern for the situation in the city, the foreign ministry said.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian jets aggressively target jihadist rebels across Aleppo

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-jets-aggressively-target-jihadist-rebels-across-aleppo/

The Russian Air Force continued their aerial campaign against the jihadist rebels of Fatah Halab and Jaysh Al-Fateh on Thursday, targeting their positions and military movements around the Aleppo Governorate.

According to the aviation reports from the Hama Military Airport, the Russian Air Force conducted over 20 airstrikes above the jihadist controlled areas of southern Aleppo; these sites included the villages of Khan Touman, Khalsah, Qarassi, and Tal Al-'Eis.

In addition to the airstrikes over south Aleppo, the Russian Air Force targeted Fatah Halab's defenses in the Bab Al-Nayrab, Hanano, Salahiddeen, and Sheikh Sa'eed districts.

While the Russian Air Force bombards the jihadist rebels, the Syrian Arab Army's Republican Guard is preparing for another round attacks inside the eastern neighborhoods, as they attempt to capitalize on the crumbling defenses of Fatah Halab.

Syria says many terrorists killed in new operations

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/09/29/486865/Syria-army-soldiers-operations-Takfiri-militants-Homs-Daraa-Hama-Aleppo

The Syrian military says it has inflicted heavy losses on foreign-backed terrorists in a series of operations across the country.

Backed by helicopter gunships, government troops attacked militant positions in the hilltop village of Tal Sawwan in the western province of Homs on Wednesday in a bid to retake the strategic al-Sha'er Mountains.

According to government sources, a large number of terrorists were killed while many others fled their positions.

Syrian troops also destroyed a training camp for the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham militant group, the al-Qaeda branch in Syria formerly known as al-Nusra Front, northwest of Kisin village in Dara'a province.

Earlier, terrorist positions in the towns of Talbiseh, al-Rastan, Um Sharshouh and al-Ghantoo in Dara'a came under government attacks, in which an unknown number of terrorists were killed and their weapons destroyed.

Elsewhere in the al-Sad and al-Bajabjeh districts of Dara'a al-Balad region, Syrian forces killed several terrorists affiliated with the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham group.

Syrian troops also launched an offensive in the Da'el town, located approximately 14 kilometers north of Dara’a, killing a number of terrorists and destroying their vehicles.

Moreover, militant positions in the villages of Khan Tuman, Maarata, Kafr Hamrah, Haritan and Babis in the northwestern province of Aleppo were targeted by Syrian jets, leaving scores of terrorists dead.

Army units also thwarted separate attacks by Jaish al-Fatah, Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham terrorists on Karah and al-Zaghba villages in the Hama province, killing more than 70 extremists.

The foreign-sponsored conflict in Syria, which flared in March 2011, has claimed the lives of more than 400,000 people, according to an estimate by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura.

Takfiri militants active in the conflict-ridden Arab country have suffered major setbacks over the past few months as the Syrian army has managed to wrest control over several important areas.

Moscow against seven-day truces in Syria — diplomat

http://tass.com/politics/902916?_ga=1.61513066.791922862.1474697666

Moscow insists on 48-hour pauses

Moscow regards as unacceptable truces for a term of seven days in Syria, this time is used for terrorists’ regrouping their forces, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday.

"We have repeatedly suggested 48-hour pauses, but the US for the reasons it alone knows has got stuck on the demand for seven-day pauses," he said. "Seven-day pauses is a period enough for terrorist groups to take necessary measures to replenish supplies, regroup forces. A seven-day term is unacceptable for us," Ryabkov said.

"Every day we repeat that we don’t see any other solution to this problem except a diplomatic one. Unfortunately, what is going on due to Washington’s inability to fulfill its obligations and promises, is on the conscience of those making decisions in the US," he said. "We are outraged at the ultimatum-like tone of the signals that we are getting. Sometimes we even hear cynical threats against us and those who are really fighting terrorists in Syria. We can’t consider it anything else but de-facto support of terrorists by the US."

 

[Hesper]

US-led international coalition strikes destroy two bridges in Deir Ezzor

http://sana.sy/en/?p=89164

Aircrafts of the US-led international coalition launched strikes on two main bridges on the Euphrates River in the countryside of the eastern Deir Ezzor province.

SANA reporter in Deir Ezzor said Wednesday that the strikes resulted in the destruction of al-Asharah Bridge that links the river’s two banks in the eastern countryside of the province only few hours after destroying al-Mayadin Bridge.

The destruction of the two bridges aims at disconnecting the areas located on both banks of the river, the reporter noted.

Thanks sToRmR1dR.. Wikipedia has a map of the Syrian War, and it looks like the destruction of these bridges effectively blocks the Syria Army from advancing towards ISIS-controlled territory. On the 19th AMN reported: "The Islamic State terrorists were forced to withdraw across the Euphrates after the Qassem Units overran their positions on Monday afternoon."

According to South Front ISIS has initiated a major offensive in Deir Ezzor after taking Turdah Mountain (south of Deir Ezzor) and receiving air cover from the US:

The ISIS terrorist group has been massively attacking the Syrian army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) in the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor since the successful seizure of the strategic Turdah mountain with the support of the US-led coalition’s air power.

Recently, ISIS terrorists attacked the Syrian army and the NDF in the government-controlled parts of the city’s Industrial District (Al-Sinah), located at the eastern bank of Euphrates. The attack resulted in heavy clashes between the Syrian government forces and the terrorists that took lifes of some 20 ISIS members and 12 soldiers.

Pro-government sources report that the army and the NDF have been able to repel all ISIS attacks. However, the terrorist group keeps the pressure on the government forces in Deir Ezzor.

https://southfront.org/syrian-army-isis-clashing-deir-ezzors-industrial-district/

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian Foreign Ministry: Terrorists use human shield to attack Syrian army

http://tass.com/politics/902993?_ga=1.264502473.791922862.1474697666

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says the methods of collecting data on the targets of airstrikes in Syria are dubious

Terrorist groupings are using the tactic of a human shield to carry out attacks on Aleppo in Syria, Russia’s Foreign Ministry official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

"An especially grave situation is developing in the north of the country, first of all, in Aleppo where government troops have fought against Jabhat al-Nusra militants and affiliated groupings in the past few days," the spokeswoman said.

"On the whole, the extremists’ tactic remains unchanged: attacks are made under the cover of a human shield - the talk is about civilians. Snipers are actively involved. They conduct fire not only against Syrian army servicemen but also against civilians," Zakharova said.

According to Zakharova, "so-called infernal machines - self-made explosive devices - were used time after time."

"Militants are laying mines along positions they are abandoning and approaches to them. Populated areas in the province of Aleppo and also in the province of Latakia and the Damascus region were shelled," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

Data on airstrikes

Zakharova went on to say that the methods of collecting data on the targets of airstrikes in Syria are dubious.

"We are doubtful about the methods of collecting data on the airstrikes at the medical facilities," she said pointing out that militants might be the main source of the information.

"These are the forces that are most interested in defaming the Syrian government and Russia, Russian Airspace Force and those Russian citizens who are cooperating with the Syrian people in their struggle against terrorism," Zakharova added.

A number of Western media earlier reported a series of airstrikes at medical facilities in the Aleppo area.

Separation of opposition from terrorists

Zakharova said Moscow has once again called upon the US to guarantee the separation of the opposition from the insurgents in Syria as prescribed by the Russian-US agreements.

"Moscow has paid attention to an interview of one of the Jabhat al-Nusra (terrorist group outlawed in Russian) field commanders. He straight-out said that his group was supported from abroad, that the militants needed even more advanced weapons," Zakharova noted. The field commander also said that they would continue to fight until they "achieve total victory."

"We emphasize the need to separate the opposition from the terrorists," Zakharova added. "We call on the US and all the regional forces capable of exerting pressure (on the militant groups) to ensure the separation as stipulated in the Syria Support Group’s decisions, the UN Security Council’s documents and the agreements reached by Russia and the US.".

Russian Defense Ministry: US military experts lead militants’ operations in Syria

http://sana.sy/en/?p=89225

Russian Defense Ministry affirms that it has information prove the existence of US military experts who are planning and leading the militants’ operations in Syria secretly, especially in Aleppo.

The Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that Russia knows well where and how the US military secret experts are involved in planning the armed operations in Syria, including in Aleppo.

He pointed out that Washington admits that the “opposition” in Syria is a US-controlled terrorist group.

Konashenkov said the Russian Defense Ministry is ready for dialogue with the United States on Syria to take joint measures in fighting terrorism, stressing at the same time that dialogue should exclude any hint about threats to Russian citizens or troops, considering security of Russian citizens wherever they are a major and absolute priority.

Moscow: We have information on involvement of Jabhat al-Nusra-linked group in shelling Aleppo aid convoy

Russian Defense Ministry said it received information on the involvement of a faction of the “moderate opposition” that is linked to Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization in bombarding the humanitarian aid convoy near Orum al-Kubra in the countryside of Aleppo province.

RT quoted Viktor Poznikhir, the first deputy chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff, as saying in a conference held by the Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday that both the Russian Defense and Foreign Ministries had received an order by the Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue joint work with the American partners on the crisis in Syria following a phone call between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his U.S. counterpart John Kerry earlier on the day.

Poznikhir added that Moscow plans to send a delegation of Russian experts to Geneva as soon as possible to resume consultations with the U.S. side with the aim of finding possible means to normalize the situation in Syria generally and in Aleppo in particular, expressing hope that the U.S. partners would be ready for joint work.

On a related note, Poznikhir pointed out that “It became known that terrorist groups are preparing provocative attacks with chemical weapons on Syrian army positions and residential areas in the east part of Aleppo to accuse government forces [of the attacks].”

He added that the situation in the northern areas of Syria where the Turkish forces continue violating the international law principles in cooperation with the so-called “Free Army” by launching assaults on the Syrian territories.

“In the provinces of Aleppo and Hama, opposition groups, taking advantage of the seven-day truce, replenished the stocks of ammunition and weapons, to regroup and started offensive operations in order to capture new territories,” he said.

German Focus Magazine made an interview with a Jabhat al-Nusra leader on 19th of September before targeting the humanitarian aid convoy, saying the terrorist organization would not allow the convoy to access Aleppo, threatening of detaining the truck drivers if the convoy entered the city without the permission of the organization.

Kremlin brushes aside reports on alleged US plans to act more aggressively in Syria

http://tass.com/politics/902997?_ga=1.262862282.791922862.1474697666

Earlier it has been reported that the US administration had begun to mull over the possibilities of undertaking more resolute and aggressive steps in Syria in case diplomatic efforts failed

The Kremlin is not paying any serious attention to reports of Washington’s alleged plans to act more aggressively in Syria. "These reports are not coming from any particular source, they are actually "groundless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

"That is why there is no reason to take them seriously," he added.

Earlier Reuters reported citing White House sources, that the US administration had begun to mull over the possibilities of undertaking more resolute and aggressive steps in Syria in case diplomatic efforts failed. It is reported that these discussions are preliminary, and are being held on a "staff level."

One of the unnamed representatives of the administration supposed, in particular, that Washington may begin with "follow up on (the Secretary of State John) Kerry’s threats and quit the dialogue on Syria with the Russians." At the same time, according to the agency’s sources, the failure of the negotiating process will leave the US authorities no other choice but consider the alternatives, including the use of military force.

For example, the US may allow its allies in the Persian Gulf to provide the Syrian insurgents with more advanced weapons, which is a highly likely step, although at present Washington is not ready for that, Reuters wrote. In addition, the possibility of an airstrike against a Syrian air base in not excluded but that may lead to Russian military casualties so that possibility is a less likely one.

The White House is deeply concerned over the fast-moving offensive by Syrian government troops on Aleppo, as the seizure of this city by the Syrian military will become a serious blow to the opposition forces. The sources say that in this regard suggestions have been made to support the rebels with airstrikes, "that will not turn the war around but will make the Russians stop and think twice." There is also an idea of providing the rebels with man-portable air defense systems or sending more special troops to the country in order to train pro-Western forces.

The expansion of the US military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean region and the use of war planes for delivery of civilians to the rebel-controlled areas are among other suggestions. The sources cited by Reuters note that the last suggestion has been recognized as too risky and "placed last on the list."

Kerry: US standing on verge of calling off talks with Russia on Syria

http://tass.com/world/903061?_ga=1.262913482.791922862.1474697666

According to the diplomat, the US may have to "pursue other alternatives"

The US is on the brink of calling off the talks with Russia on the efforts to implement a ceasefire agreement in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday in a comment on collaboration between the two countries on Syria.

"We are on the verge of suspending the discussion because it is irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place to be sitting there trying to take things seriously," Kerry said.

"It is one of those moments where we are going to have to pursue other alternatives," he added.

Germany urges Russia to agree to ceasefire in Syria longer than 48 hours

http://tass.com/world/903066?_ga=1.7140724.791922862.1474697666

Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier insists talks between Russia and the US needed to reach agreement on a temporary truce and an access for humanitarian convoys

Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday discussed the situation in Syria with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the German Foreign Ministry said.

"Minister Steinmeier insisted on continuation of talks in Geneva between Moscow and Washington for the purpose of reaching agreement on a temporary truce and an access for humanitarian convoys," it said.

"Steinmeier urged the Russian side to give consent to a ceasefire that would last more than 48 hours and to put pressure on the Assad regime for compliance with provisions of the ceasefire," the ministry said.

Israel, US Coalition Provide Aerial Support to Nusra Front, Daesh in Syria

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160929/1045842124/israel-us-daesh-syria.html

The Nusra Front and Daesh fighters receive air support from Israel and the US-led coalition in Syria, Riyad Haddad, the Syrian Ambassador to Russia, told Sputnik.

"Before the US offensive on Syrian army positions in Deir ez-Zor [coincided with] the advancement of the Nusra Front towards Syrian army positions near the village of Hader and other villages which it wasn't able to control before. This was preceded by an Israeli air cover. As Daesh [Islamic State] advancement was preceded by an air cover from the coalition planes, thus the Nusra Front and Daesh don't complain about the lack of possession of air force because Israel and US coalition planes are playing this role." Haddad said.

The Nusra Front and Daesh are banned in Russia.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian Army to Get Over 150,000 New Servicemen After Fall Draft – General Staff

https://sputniknews.com/military/20160930/1045853109/russian-army-servicemen.html

The Russian Armed Forces will get over 150,000 Russian servicemen as a result of the fall draft, the head of the Main Organization and Mobilization Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces said.

He added that about 600 people will likely be sent to complete alternative civil service.

"In the fall of this year, 152,000 people will be drafted for military service and sent to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as other troops, military formations and bodies, to complete it," Col. Gen. Vasily Tonkoshkurov told reporters.

According to Tonkoshkurov, in the spring of 2016, 155,000 people were drafted for military service in Russia and 332 people were sent for alternative civil service.

Russian Pacific Fleet Missile Boats Conduct Artillery Drills in Primorye

https://sputniknews.com/military/20160930/1045854970/russia-pacific-fleet.html

Russia's Pacific Fleet missile boats have carried out artillery drills in Primorsky Territory, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry's Eastern Military District announced.

According to the spokesman, the firing drills were conducted in the Peter the Great Gulf.

"In accordance with the naval combat readiness plan of the sea ranges of the Pacific Fleet, a missile boat strike group…has successfully carried out joint artillery firing at targets simulating enemy warships and means of air attack," Vladimir Matveev said on Friday.

On Wednesday, Russia's Pacific Fleet anti-submarine corvettes carried out exercises on detecting and destroying a simulated enemy submarine as part of the ongoing drills off the coast of the Sakhalin Island in Russia's Far East.

Russian diplomat says NATO is dodging talks on Russia’s Baltic air safety initiative

http://tass.com/politics/903121?_ga=1.100449752.791922862.1474697666

NATO’s technical experts were invited to Russia for an in-depth and direct dialogue on all aspects of the use of transponders in the Baltic region

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is trying to avoid detailed discussion of the Russian initiative on enhancing aviation safety in the Baltic region, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov told TASS on Friday.

According to him, at this past July’s session of the Russia-NATO Council (RNC), Russia’s representatives handed NATO a written list of concrete steps for bolstering confidence. "Two months later we heard some comments from NATO, but only on selected aspects," the Russian diplomat stressed. "Their explanations actually meant that our initiatives had been rejected."

"The response to our initiative on enhancing military aviation safety in the Baltic region was very indicative," Meshkov noted. "We invited NATO’s technical experts along with Sweden and Finland’s representatives to Russia for an in-depth and direct dialogue on all aspects of the use of transponders (devices for the automatic identification of aircrafts) in this region," the diplomat said. "But instead of accepting the invitation they are trying to make us shoulder the "burden of proving" the necessity of transponder use for the prevention of aviation incidents."

"Wasn’t it NATO’s representatives who have been reiterating the threat posed by the Russian aircraft flying with their transponders off, calling it the most pressing problem in the security sphere?" Meshkov said.

"It looks like an attempt to avoid a detailed discussion on our initiative - no more, no less," Meshkov added.

"NATO’s further attempts to play a lopsided game won’t help us reach any agreement on enhancing confidence," the deputy foreign minister concluded.

In the beginning of July, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at a joint press conference with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto said that Moscow backed Finland’s proposal on the prohibition of aircraft flying over the Baltic region with their transponders off. Later, Russia’s Ministry of Defense invited military experts from Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Finland to Moscow to hold consultations in September on Europe’s military and political situation.

NATO-Russia Council

The next meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) will be held only after Moscow receives the alliance’s written answer to its proposals on the measures to reduce dangers in military area voiced in July, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister has noted.

"I do not rule out that the substance to continue dialogue in the format of the NRC will emerge only after we receive and later analyze the written answer of the alliance to the proposals voiced during the July meeting," the diplomat said.

"There should be no rush regarding the date."

Russian diplomat warns US against ending dialogue on Syria with Moscow

http://tass.com/politics/903083?_ga=1.100449752.791922862.1474697666

According to US Secretary of State John Kerry, the US is on the brink of calling off the talks with Russia on the efforts to implement a ceasefire agreement in Syria

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her page in Facebook on Thursday that Washington would make a great gift to terrorists if it carried out its threats to end interaction with Russia on Syria.

"US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power has described the actions of Syrian and Russian forces in Syria as a ‘gift’ to the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist groups (both outlawed in Russia)," Zakharova recalling what Power had told journalists at a news conference held at the United Nations.

According to Power, these actions will provoke a huge flow of refugees and will radicalize the terrorists group, which Russia wants to stop, even more.

"Washington categorically denied the presence of terrorists in Syria for a long time. According to our US colleagues, there were no terrorists in Syria. The world learnt about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other extremist movements in Syria from Russian representatives. US experts are operating with these names all the time and are accusing Russia of playing into the hands of terrorists," the Russian diplomat said.

"If we talk about ‘gifts to terrorists’, they certainly include the merger of al-Nusra with the ‘moderate opposition’; the delivery of relief aid to the militants and the bombardments of the Syrian army, which is fighting against the ISIS," Zakharova wrote in Facebook.

"But Washington’s refusal to interact with Russia on the Syrian settlement will be the best gift of all. If Washington carries its current threats into concrete decisions, there will be no doubt left that the White House has taken the militants under its wing and that the sun is shining down the terrorists’ street," the diplomat stressed.

According to US Secretary of State John Kerry, the US is on the brink of calling off the talks with Russia on the efforts to implement a ceasefire agreement in Syria.

Russia to Never Contact, Negotiate With Daesh, Nusra Front

https://sputniknews.com/world/20160930/1045856889/russia-nusra-daesh-terrorism.html

Russia will not attempt to make any contacts or negotiate with terrorist groups, Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said.

Russia will not attempt to make any contacts or negotiate with the Daesh and Nusra Front militant groups, even if they lay down their arms, Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said.

"These are terrorist groups, we shall not make any contacts with them. There will never be a discussion on the rights of terrorists, on preconditions. Russia will not negotiate with them," Syromolotov told RIA Novosti.

Both Daesh and Nusra Front, which renamed itself Jabhat Fatah al-Sham this summer, are banned in Russia.

Extremists Continue Shelling Mosques, Homes in Syrian Aleppo

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160930/1045854553/extremists-aleppo-shelling.html

Extremist militants in the Syrian city of Aleppo are shelling not only residential houses, but also mosques, people from the Bani Zeid neighborhood told journalists.

In the past twenty four hours, about 50 shellings have been registered in the city and several civilians were wounded.

"Terrorists have destroyed the homes of my neighbors, killing many people. They are not Muslims," Sheikh Mohammed Aboud told journalists.

The Bani Zeid neighborhood of Aleppo was liberated from militants several months ago, but it remains a volatile area as extremists consider it key for securing their positions in the eastern part of the city and are doing everything possible to prevent local residents from returning to the liberated areas.

The Syrian Army launched an offensive in the city of Aleppo after declaring an end to the ceasefire last week following the US airstrike on a Syrian Army position on September 17 that killed some 60 people.

The United States has condemned the renewed violence and blamed Russia and the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad for the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Aleppo.

Syrian officials have stressed that the military offensive in Aleppo is aimed at liberating the city from terrorist presence.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

US-led international coalition strikes destroy two bridges in Deir Ezzor

http://sana.sy/en/?p=89164

Aircrafts of the US-led international coalition launched strikes on two main bridges on the Euphrates River in the countryside of the eastern Deir Ezzor province.

SANA reporter in Deir Ezzor said Wednesday that the strikes resulted in the destruction of al-Asharah Bridge that links the river’s two banks in the eastern countryside of the province only few hours after destroying al-Mayadin Bridge.

The destruction of the two bridges aims at disconnecting the areas located on both banks of the river, the reporter noted.

Thanks sToRmR1dR.. Wikipedia has a map of the Syrian War, and it looks like the destruction of these bridges effectively blocks the Syria Army from advancing towards ISIS-controlled territory. On the 19th AMN reported: "The Islamic State terrorists were forced to withdraw across the Euphrates after the Qassem Units overran their positions on Monday afternoon."

According to South Front ISIS has initiated a major offensive in Deir Ezzor after taking Turdah Mountain (south of Deir Ezzor) and receiving air cover from the US:

The ISIS terrorist group has been massively attacking the Syrian army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) in the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor since the successful seizure of the strategic Turdah mountain with the support of the US-led coalition’s air power.

Recently, ISIS terrorists attacked the Syrian army and the NDF in the government-controlled parts of the city’s Industrial District (Al-Sinah), located at the eastern bank of Euphrates. The attack resulted in heavy clashes between the Syrian government forces and the terrorists that took lifes of some 20 ISIS members and 12 soldiers.

Pro-government sources report that the army and the NDF have been able to repel all ISIS attacks. However, the terrorist group keeps the pressure on the government forces in Deir Ezzor.

https://southfront.org/syrian-army-isis-clashing-deir-ezzors-industrial-district/

You are welcome! Another report by SANA about destroyed bridges in Deir Ezzor!

Aircrafts of US-led international coalition destroy two bridges in Deir Ezzor countryside

http://sana.sy/en/?p=89343

The aircrafts of the US-led international Coalition raided on Friday two key bridges over the Euphrates River in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.

SANA reporter in Deir Ezzor said that the Coalition’s airstrikes caused the destruction of al-Shihan Bridge near al-Salhin neighborhood in al-Bokamal countryside and Tarif Bridge in the western countryside which extended between Deir Ezzor and Raqqa provinces.

Three days ago, the aircrafts of the US-led international Coalition launched strikes on two main bridges on the Euphrates River that resulted in the destruction of al-Asharah Bridge that links the river’s two banks in the eastern countryside of the province and al-Mayadin Bridge, disconnecting the areas located on both banks of the river.

In 2014, the Coalition’s aircrafts destroyed two electricity plants in al-Radwaniyeh area and water pumping stations in al-Khafseh area, east of Aleppo, claiming hundreds of civilian lives.

Russia sends more bombers to Hmeimim base

http://sana.sy/en/?p=89316

A Russian military source announced on Friday that Russia sent an additional number of bombers to the Hmeimim air base in Lattakia.

Izvestia daily quoted the source as saying that an extra number of Su-24 and Su-34 bombers has been sent to Hmeimim base, used by the Russian Air Force in the fight against terrorism in Syria.

Su-25 fighter-bombers have been prepared to head for Syria, the source added.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed on Thursday that Russia will continue fighting terrorists and supporting the Syrian army in this regard.

The Russian Air Force started operations in Syria on September 30th, 2015 upon a request from the Syrian state. The Russian strikes have hit thousands of targets, destroying positions, equipment, vehicles, facilities and tanker trucks transporting stolen oil.

More Russian Su-24 fighter jets return to Syria

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-russian-su-24-fighter-jets-return-syria/

A large squadron of Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets reportedly arrived to the Humaymim Military Airfields near the coastal city of Jableh on Friday morning.

These Su-24 fighter jets are expected to take part in the upcoming aerial campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) in the vast Syrian Desert.

In addition to the arrival of the Su-24s, the Russians brought with them a squadron of Su-34 fighter jets to partake in the upcoming aerial campaign.

The Russian Air Force is also rumored to be bringing back the powerful Su-25 fighter jets to the Humaymim Military Airfields after a six month long hiatus.

Russian, Syrian Warplanes Launch Heavy Airstrikes on Terrorists in Hama

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950709000800

The Russian and Syrian Air Forces carried out over 75 airstrikes above the terrorist-controlled villages of Souran, Taybat Al-Imam, Helfaya, Kawkab, Ma'an, Morek and Karrah.

The defense lines of Jund al-Aqsa, Jund al-Sham (Chechen militants), Jeish al-Nasr (Free Syrian Army) and Fatah al-Sham Front (the newly formed al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) formerly Al-Nusra Front) have been the main target of the Syrian and Russian fighter jets' air assaults in recent days.

Reports said earlier today that Syrian warplanes and choppers targeted the concentration centers of the terrorist groups in Northern Hama, inflicting major losses and heavy casualties on the militants.

Syrian fighter jets and military helicopters, in joint air raids, hit militants' gatherings hard in Latamina, leaving scores of the terrorist dead or wounded.

In the meantime, Syrian Army troops stormed Jund al-Aqsa's positions in the town of al-Karrah and its surrounding regions in Northeastern Hama, destroying tens of vehicles of the terrorist groups.

 

[angelburst29]

Friday marked the one year anniversary of the start of the Russian operation in Syria. Launched after receiving an official request for assistance from the Syrian government, the operation's goals have been to root out terror and support efforts toward peace in Syria. Sputnik looks back at some of the operation's most memorable moments.

Russian Syrian Operation A Year On: Most Memorable Moments, Facts and Figures
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160930/1045884830/syrian-operation-review-timeline-facts.html

On September 30, 2015, responding to a formal request from Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to use Russia's armed forces in Syria, having first received approval from Russia's Federation Council (Russia's Senate).

Earlier that day, Putin concisely laid out the problems facing Syria and the broader Middle East at the United Nations, in what has since been dubbed his 'Do you realize what you have done?' speech?

What Putin actually said at the UN General Assembly (Best Translation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YyL7I4Yi-8

That same day, pilots from Russia's air force – the Aerospace Defense Forces, began precision air strikes on Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) targets. Syria provided Russia with the use of the Hmeymim Air Base in northwest Syria for the operation. Armed with a few dozen planes and helicopters, the base was reinforced with a battalion of naval infantry, along with strike ships and support vessels off the Syrian coast.

October: 1,391 Strikes, Destruction of 1,080 Terrorist Oil Tankers and 1,623 Terrorist Targets

The month of October started off with a bang, with repercussions not just for the Russian anti-terrorist operation, but military analysts' assessment of Russia's military capabilities as a whole. On October 7, small missile ships from Russia's Caspian Flotilla launched 26 Kalibr-class cruise missiles at targets in Syria. The missiles traveled over 1,500 km across Iranian and Iraqi airspace to reach their targets.

RAW Russian warships launch cruise missiles in Syria ISIL targets Breaking News October 7 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A30uvVRFYno

Beforehand, Russian, Iraqi, Iranian and Syrian officials established an information center in Baghdad to coordinate the anti-terror fight. Also in October, the Russian Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense signed a memorandum aimed at ensuring the safety of Russian aircraft and those of the US-led anti-terrorist coalition, which had been bombing Daesh positions in Iraq and Syria since September 2014.

November: Retribution for the Daesh Attack on a Russian Passenger Airliner Over Egypt

In November, the Russian Federal Security Service confirmed that Daesh was behind the destruction of Metrojet Flight 9268, a passenger airliner filled with Russian tourists that went down over the Sinai Peninsula on October 31, 2015, killing all 217 passengers and crew on board. In response, President Putin demanded that the military step up their attacks against Daesh.

With the Caspian Flotilla launching another 18 cruise missiles at terrorist targets across Syria, long-range aviation was also used for the first time, with Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers joining the operation from airfields inside Russia.

Massive Russian airstrikes on ISIS in Syria are for the first time carried out by long-range bombers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FM3AX_JnkQ

"Our air forces' work in Syria must not simply be continued. It must be intensified in such a way that the criminals understand that retribution is inevitable," Putin emphasized, after paying tribute to the victims of the attack on the airliner.

On November 24, a Turkish Air Force F-16 shot down a Russian Su-24M bomber jet over northern Syria. Its pilot Oleg Peshkov, was killed by Turkmen militants in Syria as he parachuted to the ground, and its co-pilot was saved in a dramatic rescue operation which killed a Russian naval infantryman.

Putin called the Turkish betrayal a 'stab in the back', cutting diplomatic contacts, introducing sanctions on Turkish produce and halting tourism ties. Relations between the two countries were normalized only a year later, after Turkish authorities issued a formal apology to the family of the deceased pilot. In the meantime, immediately after the incident, Russia deployed its advanced S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system at Latakia, and equipped fighters with air-to-air missiles.

Syria: S-400 now deployed in Latakia to boost air defense
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx9GV_KTVxM

December: Kilo-Class Sub Barrages Daesh Targets With Kalibrs

On December 8, as Russian air power continued its operation to pummel terrorist targets, a Russian Kilo-class attack sub Rostov-on-Don joined in the fight, launching Kalibr cruise missiles at Daesh from the Mediterranean Sea.

Групповой пуск крылатых ракет «Калибр» подлодкой «Ростов-на-Дону» по объектам террористов в Сирии
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwja7sogNs4

January: 100 Days = 1.5 Times the Damage to Daesh That the US-Led Coalition Managed to Cause

In January, the Russian military marked 100 days since the start of its operation in Syria. Stepping back to assess the damage caused to the terrorists, Russian officials calculated that in just over three months, Russian aircraft and ships had hit the terrorists with 1.5 times more missile and bomb strikes than the US led coalition had in a year. At the same time, analysts calculated that while the US was then spending an average of $11.4 million a day on its anti-Daesh operations, Russia spent only $2.5 million.

Having destroyed its initial set of targets, including terrorist command centers, communications, weapons caches, oil depots and IED labs, the Aerospace Defense Forces switched its focus, hitting Daesh-controlled oilfields, pipelines and refineries, as well as oil trucks carrying stolen Syrian oil to Turkey.

Late Winter/Spring Surprise: Putin Calls for Cessation of Hostilities

In February, Vladimir Putin made an appeal to halt the fighting between Syrian Army forces and the US and Gulf State-supported 'moderate rebels'. A ceasefire was agreed on February 22, stepping into force on February 27 and applicable to all forces except Daesh, Nusra, and other groups listed as terrorists by the UN.

The ceasefire resulted in a severe drawdown of Russian operations in the country, with Moscow even ordering the Ministry of Defense to begin to withdraw Russian forces starting in mid-March. Journalists soon remembered that the Russian president had hinted at such an eventuality in advance. In October, shortly after the start of the operation, Putin had stated that Russia's task was "to stabilize the legitimate government and establish conditions…for political compromise." With the Syrian ceasefire, that process seemed to have begun.

BREAKING: Putin orders start of Russian military withdrawal from Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rCwhYshgw8

On March 17, Alexander Prokhorenko, a Russian Spetsnaz officer tasked with locating targets for airstrikes in the Palmyra area, was killed after ordering an airstrike on his position when he realized he was surrounded by Daesh forces. For this feat he was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Russia.

Russia: Hundreds attend funeral of officer killed at Palmyra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPOiJ47MSbk

Two weeks later, the Syrian Army and allied militia, supported by Russian airpower, completely liberated Palmyra, which had been captured by Daesh in May 2015. In April, Russian sappers were then sent to the UNESCO World Heritage site to defuse nearly 19,000 mines, booby-traps and IEDs. In this way, Russia not only played an important role in helping to save the priceless artifacts from being further defiled, but in cutting off Daesh's profits from the sale of antiquities to black market dealers.

Russians coming to help demine Palmyra | April 1st 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QHxESOZZ50

Scorching Summer: Aerospace Defense Forces Deliver Aid, Continue Pinpoint Attacks

In May, Evgeny Lukyanov, deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, summed up the state of the Russian operation, calculating that of the estimated 80,000 militants in Daesh and al-Nusra's ranks, 28,000 (35%) had been killed by the Syrian Army and Russian air attacks since September, with the US-led coalition eliminating another 5,000 over the previous two years.

Praying for Palmyra: Russian orchestra performs concert honoring victims of Syria war
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b0hFIf4Zaw

The late spring and early summer were filled with rumors that Saudi Arabia and/or Turkey were on the verge of intervening in the conflict. Accordingly, Russian forces maintained their presence in Syria, launching selective attacks, most actively in the northern region of Aleppo, where Syrian forces eventually succeeded in surrounding the terrorist-held portions of the city of Aleppo, Syria's second city.

EXCLUSIVE: Russian TV war update from Aleppo, Syria - 20th August 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txg9Jc1gcfk

In late July, Syria and Russia launched a massive humanitarian operation in the city, including humanitarian corridors meant for the evacuation of civilians, and a special one for militants wishing to leave the city. Russian and Syrian forces paradropped and drove in food, medicine, and other essentials to civilians in the militant-held portions of the city.

Syria: Russian Army opens up humanitarian corridors for residents of besieged Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tMS5HeN7ZY

In August, the Russian Black Sea Fleet joined the operation, launching missile strikes on al-Nusra (which renamed itself Jabhat Fateh al-Sham).

Russian Black Sea Fleet carries out missile strikes on al-Nusra terrorist targets in Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buJVdFMQ8rY

Meanwhile, aircraft were deployed to Iran's Hamadan Airbase to hit Daesh positions in Deir ez-Zor, a city which has been besieged by the terrorists for over two years. Finally, Turkish forces entered northern Syria, ostensibly for an operation to liberate the Daesh-controlled city of Jarabulus from the terrorists. Syria and Russia signed an agreement to make the deployment of Russian air power in Latakia permanent.

Russian Su-34 Jets Deployed in Iran Strike Daesh in Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5jURymW6dI

September: Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance

Just prior to its one year anniversary, analysts summarized that the Russian military operation in Syria. Aerospace Defense Forces jets, bombers and helicopters flew over 15,000 combat missions, destroying thousands of enemy strongpoints and assets, and killing nearly 30,000 militants, including 2,000 terrorists with Russian passports, 17 commanders among them.

Unfortunately, the Russian military has also paid a heavy human cost. 20 servicemen lost their lives – including five who died in an attack on Mi-8 military transport helicopter in August.

Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry sponsored a new ceasefire agreement – a comprehensive plan intended not only to halt hostilities between the government and rebels, but to see a coordinated anti-Daesh military effort by the Russian and US militaries.

Stepping into force on September 12, the ceasefire held for about a week before the Syrian government withdrew, citing over 300 violations by US-supported moderate rebels, and a reprehensible 'mistaken' attack by the US-led coalition on Syrian Army positions in Deir ez-Zor, which killed over 60 Syrian servicemen and injured 100 more.

One year on, tens of thousands of terrorists have been killed, hundreds of towns and settlements have been liberated, the militants in Aleppo have been surrounded, and Daesh's territory, finances and strength is quickly dwindling. The question now is whether the diplomatic solution Russia has been pressing for all along can succeed. But that's up to the diplomats. The military has done its job.

 

[goyacobol]

angelburst29,

That's an excellent summary of the all events in Syria. With all the costs in Russian and Syrian lives it is an abomination that hardly any of those events were covered in the MSM. Thank you for all the hard work. :(

 

[angelburst29]

The US and its allies have been bombing Syria for five years, which only led to the advance of the terrorists deeper into the country; however Russia, which has limited means in comparison to the US, was able first to contain terrorism and then force it to retreat, foreign experts tell Sputnik one year after the launch of the Russian campaign.

With Limited Means and One Year Russia Achieved More in Syria Than US and Allies
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160930/1045872771/russia-syria-military-operation.html

Friday marks the first anniversary of the beginning of Russia's aerial anti-terrorist campaign in Syria, launched at the behest of the Syrian government.

Sputnik interviewed a number of foreign military experts to learn their opinions of the Russian actions in the war-torn country. Here is what they said.

We have to admit that Russia's participation in Syria for this year has been extremely effective," French retired brigadier-general and former deputy head of the special anti-terrorist unit at the Elysee palace, Jean-Louis Esquivié told Sputnik.

"The Americans and their allies have been bombing Daesh for five years. As a result, Daesh has had some success by making inroads into the country and capturing Palmyra, a city which has a particularly symbolic meaning to the West," he said. "Here Russia comes into play, with limited means. Completely different means than those which the US could have used, let's say in Iraq. And with these limited means it was able first, to contain the terrorism and then force it to retreat," the retired brigadier-general explained. The situation has changed, he said. Other people are now gripped with fear. Turkey has found itself involved. However it was Russia who opened new opportunities and applied new strategies in Syria, Jean-Louis Esquivié said.

José María Gil, counter-terrorism expert at the Madrid-based International Security Observatory noted the transparency and logic of Russia's actions in Syria.

"The Russian operation in Syria has definitely played a positive role in the Syrian conflict," he told Sputnik. "Russia's actions in the country are transparent and logical. Their main purpose is to eliminate terrorism. One of the major changes which happened due to Russia's interference into the conflict is that other countries, and the US and its allies in particular, have been forced to act more transparently and efficiently," the expert said.

José María Gil also noted that through diplomacy only, Russia forced Turkey to resort to a more restrained policy in Syria.

While commenting on the failures to cease the hostilities on the ground, the expert said that these issues should be addressed, first of all, to the western coalition which is "extremely unwilling to cooperate with Russia." "Until all the players unite their efforts to fight against terrorism, the bloodshed will continue. However I hope that common sense will prevail," he said. Rafael González Crespo, Spanish Colonel, writer and expert in Eastern Europe however told Sputnik that while Russia's aerial operation is a "step in the right direction, it is not enough to succeed in the fight against terrorism." "There is a need for a ground operation in Syria. However there will be no stability in this Middle Eastern country until there is a consensus between all the parties to the conflict, which so far pursue absolutely different purposes," he said.

With regards to Moscow, he said, the purpose is clear: the destabilization of Syria threatens Russia's security as it can further spread to its southern regions.

"The Kremlin wants peace and stability in this Middle Eastern country," he said. Rafael González Crespo however noted that not many people in the West realize it, first of all due to the efforts of the western media. He also noted that it is highly questionable what the West is doing in Syria. "Apparently, it is all about further shattering of the situation in the country to further weaken Russia. And the US is playing the major role here, while the EU is making a huge mistake by supporting Washington in this," he said.

Commenting on Russia's operation in Syria, Ren Yuanzhe, an expert at the Diplomatic Academy of China told Sputnik that Russian Aerospace Forces have been very efficient in Syria.

"The participation of Russia and the US has considerably contributed to the settlement of the Syrian conflict. However the ongoing game between these two countries is deepening from day to day," he said.

He also noted that there is a communication failure between the two, citing as an example the recent accusations of Russia by the US and UN of the attack on the humanitarian convoy. "We can only state that there is the lack of trust between Russia and the US," the expert said. However commenting further on the Syrian future, Ren Yuanzhe said that it is inseparable from Russia's role. "Russia will always play a major role in the settlement of the Syrian crisis. However only when all the parties act together, they will be able to change the situation in this country," he said.

The settlement of the Syrian crisis is a very complicated task and the alignment of interests of the two largest players, Russia and the US, is the key factor for further stabilization.

The expert also noted that there are evident improvements on the ground in Syria after the government forces have retaken the positions captured by the terrorist. It was possible only due to Russia's support, he said.

Meanwhile French retired brigadier-general Dominique Trinquand, who participated in the settlement of conflicts in Lebanon, the former Yugoslavia and Africa told Sputnik that it is premature to draw any results as the crisis in Syria has not ended yet. "Among any evident results which have already been reached by now is the support of the government, the only one existing in Syria, which has managed to prevent the collapse of the country," he said. However the problem is in getting to the negotiation table to define the future of Syria, Trinquand said.

Meanwhile the unfolding operations in the country, he noted, suggest that either Russia excessively supports the Syrian government or the Syrian government does not adhere to the Russian government.

At some point, he said, the fighting should be stopped to be able to start negotiating. However, he noted that Syria is not following this approach right now.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the United States never planned to separate terrorists from the so-called “moderate opposition” in Syria.

Lavrov: US never planned to separate terrorists from “moderate opposition” in Syria
http://sana.sy/en/?p=89354

In an interview given to BBC World, Lavrov said that while Washington had taken it upon itself to separate the opposition from terrorists in Syria within the framework of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), it never managed to do so, adding that there’s increasing evidence that suggests to Russia that Washington had planned from the start to protect Jabhat al-Nusra terror organization and shield it from strikes in order to use it later for the purpose of toppling the Syrian government.

The Russian Minister noted that Washington never targeted any positions of al-Nusra, and that he broached this issue several times with US State Secretary John Kerry who had said repeatedly that the US will separate the “opposition” from terrorists only after the Russian and Syrian operations stop, adding that several humanitarian truces were announced in Aleppo upon requests from the UN, and every time al-Nusra exploited these truces to receive reinforcements, weapons, and equipment from abroad.

He asserted that the Russian-US agreement on Syria will only bear fruit if the “opposition” is separated from terrorists, noting that the truce never covered ISIS or al-Nusra.

Lavrov said the situation in Aleppo is moving along the current scenario due to the failure of the US-led international coalition to separate the so-called opposition from al-Nusra, noting that rather than disavow al-Nusra, more “opposition factions” are rallying under its leadership.

He noted that whenever Russia targets al-Nusra, there are those who claim that there are “good guys” in areas where al-Nusra is positioned, saying that this is a vicious circle.

The Minister noted that Moscow is still waiting for a reaction from Washington to the statements made by the so-called “Riyadh opposition” who said that al-Nusra isn’t a terrorist organization.

Regarding the humanitarian situation in Aleppo and how to deliver aid, Lavrov said it’s impossible to use al-Castello road for delivering aid convoys because the “opposition” there have threatened to open fire on them.

As for the attack on the aid convoy in Aleppo on September 19th, Lavrov demanded that in-depth investigations be conducted, stressing the need to provide hard evidence before accusing the Russian Aerospace Forces falsely, adding that the UN have launched an investigation.

He also asserted that the Russian army takes stringent measures to ensure that no civilians are caught in its line of fire.

Lavrov then addressed the statements of US State Department spokesman John Kirby who said warned Russia that it will suffer losses, endanger its interests, and it will be targeted by terrorism if it continues its operations in Syria, asserting that these statements constitute unacceptable threats, or maybe a signal for certain parties to wage attacks on Russia.

Later, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov affirmed to Kerry during a phone call that Moscow is still open to dialogue with Washington regarding resolving the crisis in Syria.

Representatives of the United States did not instruct their servicemen to stop cooperation with the Russian side in Geneva on Syria, the press service of the Russian permanent representation at the UN office in Geneva said Friday.

US Servicemen Not Suspending Working With Russia in Geneva on Syria
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160930/1045880841/us-russia-syria-servicemen.html

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in phone talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that Washington would freeze US-Russian cooperation in Syria unless Moscow were to persuade Damascus to stop an offensive in Aleppo and reinstate ceasefire regime.

"We do not have such information. The US side did not make a demarche of this type," a spokesperson told RIA Novosti.

The Syrian army has fulfilled its obligation under the Russia-US ceasefire deal on pulling its forces from the strategic Castello road near the city of Aleppo, Russian Ambassador to Syria Alexander Kinshchak told Sputnik on Friday.

Syrian Gov't Completes Removal of Troops From Castello Road Near Aleppo
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160930/1045879114/syria-troops-castello-aleppo.html

The Castello road is the last remaining access route to Aleppo. According to the ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and Russia, which came into force on September 12, the Syrian army and militant groups agreed to withdraw simultaneously from the Castello road.

Food packages were distributed on Friday to a number of affected and needy families in Aleppo city.

Food packages distributed to needy families in Aleppo
http://sana.sy/en/?p=89348

Representative of the Russian Coordination Center at Hmeimim told SANA that the food packages include varied kinds of canned food, amounts of flour and sugar and other basic food substances.

He pointed out that the distribution process targeted citizens from the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo city who arrived through the humanitarian passages, in addition to a number of affected families.

The families expressed thanks and appreciation for the Russian stances towards the Syrian people in their war against terrorism and for the aid which has contributed to enhance the steadfastness of Syrians.