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

16 May، 2018 - Tunnel network, IEDS discovered by Army in Hama southern countryside (Photos)
Tunnel network, IEDS discovered by Army in Hama southern countryside – Syrian Arab News Agency

Units of Syrian Arab Army discovered a tunnel network and sites of terrorists’ remnants in Hour Binfseh in the southern countryside of Hama.

A filed source told SANA that army’s engineering units removed the earthen ramparts and concrete barriers and dismantled dozens of mines on the main entrance to the town of Hour Binfseh planted by terrorists before they were evacuated to northern Syria.

The source added that terrorist dismantled 10 IEDs on the entrance to the railroad leading to the center of the town in addition to operation rooms and a three-km tunnel network near the railroad.

Two sites for the so called “Al-Haq Brigade” and “Al-Ansar Brigade” were also uncovered during the sweeping operation which involved all the state’s institutions in the town, said the source.


16/05/2018 - Syrian choppers drop thousands of leaflets demanding rebels surrender in Daraa
Syrian choppers drop thousands of leaflets demanding rebels surrender in Daraa

Syrian choppers dropped thousands of leaflets over the provincial capital of Dara’a and its countryside on Tuesday, demanding the rebel forces surrender to the government.

The leaflets specifically called on the rebels to lay down their weapons and seek reconciliation with the government.

The government warned the rebels that they are already winning and that taking their arms with them won’t change anything on the battlefield.

In addition to addressing the rebel forces, the leaflets also called on the residents in Daraa to join the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in their war on terror.

With the battle of southern Damascus nearly finished, the Syrian military is starting to move their forces to the Dara’a Governorate, where they are planning to launch a big assault in the near future.


16/05/2018 - High ranking FSA commander defects to Syrian Army in northern Homs
High ranking FSA commander defects to Syrian Army in northern Homs

A high ranking military commander of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) has defected to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) after years of war in the northern countryside of Homs.

Manhal Sallouh of the Free Syrian Army’s Al-Tawhid Brigade, which is one of the largest rebel faction, announced his defection from his group after a successful round of talks with the Syrian government.

In addition to Sallouh, dozens of his fighters also joined him and defected to the Syria government’s side after they were promised amnesty by the Russian military police.

The Al-Tawhid group was active in and around Talbiseh for years; they were one of the first groups to fight the Syrian Army in the Al-Rastan Plain of northern Homs.


16.05.2018 - Two Killed, 20 Injured as Shell Falls in Central Damascus - Source
Two Killed, 20 Injured as Shell Falls in Central Damascus - Source

Two people were killed and 20 others were injured as a shell launched by terrorists fell in central Damascus, a local police source told Sputnik on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the source reported about one killed and 12 injured people after the shell was launched by terrorists from the Yarmouk camp.

According to the source, the shell hit a building located in the vicinity of the Victoria bridge in Damascus.

Earlier, the Syrian government forces regained control over the eastern neighborhoods of the district of Yarmouk located south of Damascus, with a small part in southern Damascus is still controlled by Daesh*.
 
Fri May 18, 2018 - Putin, Assad Declare Syria's Preparedness for Political Process
Farsnews

Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Syrian counterpart that the situation in Syria is now favorable for the beginning of a "political process."

In a rare meeting with the visiting Syrian head of state in Russia's Southern city of Sochi on Thursday, Putin said recent victories against terrorist groups in Syria paved the ground for the withdrawal of foreign forces, press tv reported.

"After the military success (of the Syrian army in recent months), supplementary conditions have been created which favor the start of a political process on a major scale," Putin said in a statement after the meeting.

Assad welcomed the idea and said Damascus was resolved to pursue the political process in tandem with its military efforts.

"Stability is improving, and all that opens the doors to the political process, which we started a while ago," Assad told Putin, according to a transcript posted on the Kremlin's website.

"I have always said, and I repeat it again, that we have always wholeheartedly supported the political process, which should proceed in parallel with the war on terrorism," he added.

Despite the possible bumps down the road, Assad said he would stay committed to all political efforts.

"We know that will not be easy, since there are countries which do not want stability to return to Syria. However, together with you and our other partners and friends, we will move firmly forward with the peace process," Assad added.

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Assad said he was planning to send a delegation to a UN-championed committee tasked with rewriting Syria’s constitution.

The Constitutional Committee, hailed as one of the major results of the Sochi peace congress brokered by Iran, Russia and Turkey in January this year, will comprise some 150 representatives from the government as well as various opposition groups.


20/05/2018 - Russian Navy transports more military equipment to Syria
Russian Navy transports more military equipment to Syria

The Russian Navy continued their large transport of military equipment to Syria, today, as another vessel was seen traveling through the Bosphorous Strait that links the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

According to the Bosphorous Observer’s Yoruk Isik, the Russian vessel was identified as the Project 775 BSF Ropucha class LSTM Azov 151. The Russian vessel is currently making its fifth trip to Syria in 2018.


20/05/2018 - Large Syrian cargo plane leaves Iran for Damascus
Large Syrian cargo plane leaves Iran for Damascus

A large Syrian cargo plane left the Iranian capital for Damascus, the Bosphorous Observer’s Yoruk Isik reported this evening.
The Ilyushin IL-76T is a strategic airlifter that has made several trips from Tehran to Syria this year.


While the Ilyushin IL-76T is owned by the Syrian Arab Airlines, the plane is mostly used to transport military cargo from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Syria.

This aircraft’s flights are often monitored because it primarily flies from Syria to Iran, often making several trips during the same week.


20/05/2018 - Jihadists attempt to provoke Syrian military to attack Israeli forces in occupied the Golan Heights
Jihadists attempt to provoke Syrian military to attack Israeli forces in occupied the Golan Heights

The jihadist rebels heavily shelled the government stronghold of Al-Ba’ath City near the occupied Golan Heights on Saturday.

While the attack only resulted in limited damage, the jihadist rebels were attempting to provoke the Syrian military to respond and hit Israeli positions within the occupied Golan Heights.

The Syrian Army did respond to the attacks, but fired artillery shells towards the jihadist-held towns near the provincial capital of Al-Quneitra.

The Israeli military did not report any shells landing in the occupied Golan Heights.


20/05/2018 - Syrian military in full control of Damascus for first time in years
Syrian military in full control of Damascus for first time in years

For the first time since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the city of Damascus is fully under the control of the Syrian military.

The long-time stronghold for the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), southern Damascus was the only part of the capital that was still outside of the Syrian government’s control.

However, that would change on May 19th, as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) finally agreed to hold talks with the Islamic State in the area; this would lead to the latter’s surrender the next day.

The remaining Islamic State terrorists and their family members will now be transported to the vast Badiya area that was located between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor.

With ISIS gone, the Syrian Army now free up thousands of soldiers for the upcoming offensive in the southern provinces of Al-Quneitra and Dara’a.


***
Note: I'm getting the impression - that the Cargo planes going back and forth from Iran and Syria with Military Supplies and Russia's large Navy transports, also with extra Military Supplies - along with President Assad's recent visit to Sochi to meet with President Putin - plans are in the works - to take back Israeli occupied Golan Heights? It might explain "why" Israeli planes have been targeting suppose "Iranian bases" inside Syria and voicing opposition to Russia in supplying Syria with S-300 surface-to-air missile systems? Instead, Russia supplied Syria with a missile launcher called the Golan-1000 IRAM.

* 12/05/2018 - Israeli minister lauds Russia for not negotiating S-300 deliveries to Syria
Israeli minister lauds Russia for not negotiating S-300 deliveries to Syria

* 12/05/2018 - Syrian air defense system destroyed by Israel was allegedly unarmed
Syrian air defense system destroyed by Israel was allegedly unarmed

* 14/05/2018 - New Syrian Army missile launcher eliminates scores of ISIS terrorists (video)
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...r-eliminates-scores-of-isis-terrorists-video/

* 18/05/2018 - Russia supplies Syrian military with their most modern anti-tank missiles
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...-their-most-sophisticated-anti-tank-missiles/

* 19/05/2018 - Sophisticated Russian military equipment decimates ISIL’s positions in Yarmouk Camp (video)
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...s-isils-fortifications-in-yarmouk-camp-video/

* 20/05/2018 - Russian Navy transports more military equipment to Syria
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/377428/


Did Israel create another "false alarm" as an excuse - so it could deploy it's own Missile Defense system - the Iron Dome?

* 17/05/2018 - Israel intercepts ‘projectile’ over Occupied Golan Heights, sirens activated
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...over-occupied-golan-heights-sirens-activated/

* 17/05/2018 - False alarm triggers rocket sirens in Occupied Golan Heights
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...gers-rocket-sirens-in-occupied-golan-heights/

* 17/05/2018 - Israel deploys Iron Dome missile defense system after false alarm in the Golan Heights
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...ystem-after-false-alarm-in-the-golan-heights/

* 19/05/2018 - Israeli warplanes increase flights over Syrian-Lebanese border amid fears of another big strike
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/377341/

* 20.05.2018 - Israeli Jets Actively Patrolling Syrian-Lebanese Border - Reports
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201805201064630772-israeli-jets-patrol-border/


The U.S.S. Harry S. Truman was conducting operations in the eastern Mediterranean near Syrian waters - Russia sent it's frigate Yaroslav Mudry and now will fortify the area with additional ships "armed with Kalibr missiles."

* 13/05/2018 - Russian frigate stalks US ship near Syrian waters (video)
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-frigate-stalks-us-ship-near-syrian-waters-video/

* 17/05/2018 - Putin: Ships armed with Kalibr missiles to be permanently on duty in Mediterranean
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...s-to-be-permanently-on-duty-in-mediterranean/

* 17/05/2018 - Russian Kalibr cruise missile ships to patrol Mediterranean permanently – Putin
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/377151/

* 18.05.2018 - Russian Military Reports Scrambling Jets Eight Times to Chase Away Spy Planes
https://sputniknews.com/military/201805181064564070-russian-military-scramble-jets/

* 20/05/2018 - US says ready to defend as Russia deploys in Mediterranean
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/377438/


It's being reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry that the US-led coalition and the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces in Transeuphratia are shielding several thousand foreign terrorists in Syria.

* 17/05/2018 - US hiding thousands of terrorists in Syria from justice — Russian diplomat
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/377072/

* 17/05/2018 - U.S. sends new military aid to Kurdish militia in northern Syria [+Photos]
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...-to-kurdish-militia-in-northern-syria-photos/

* 19/05/2018 - US halts financial assistance to northwest Syria
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-halts-financial-assistance-to-northwest-syria/

* 20.05.2018 - Arms Provided to SDF "Limited, Mission-Specific" - US-Led Coalition
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201805201064631681-syria-us-led-coalition-sdf-weapons/

* Sat May 19, 2018 - French Forces Seeking to Set up Security Base in Northeastern Syria
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970229000315

* 20.05.2018 - French Troops Providing Artillery Support to Kurdish Militia in Syria - Reports
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201805201064620110-france-help-artillery-kurds-syria/

* Sat May 19, 2018 - US-Backed SDF Forces Looting Historical Artifacts in Manbij
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970229000551

* Sun May 20, 2018 - Ankara-Backed Militants Loot Old Infrastructures in Afrin
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970230000425

* Sun May 20, 2018 - US-Backed Militants Continue Blackmailing Civilians in Northeastern Syria
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970230000668


A highly-productive gas field formerly held by the Islamic State in the west countryside of Raqqa is now operational again following a reconstruction process by the Syrian government. The Syrian government is now seeking to rehabilitate the other 3 gas fields in the same area in order to boost its energy production that feeds the power plants countrywide.

* 19/05/2018 - Syrian government re-operates gas field in liberated Raqqa countryside
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...tes-gas-field-in-liberated-raqqa-countryside/


On a lighter note:
20 May، 2018 - The Damask Rose, the queen of flowers and Syria’s Ambassador to the world
https://sana.sy/en/?p=138242

Damascus Countryside, SANA- Beyond being known for its heady fragrance, the Damask Rose (Damascene Rose or Rosa Damascena) is described as the queen of flowers and the ambassador of Syria to the world.

The Damask Rose, named after Damascus, has long been used for rose oil or “attar of roses”, and is commonly used to flavour food and make rose water.

The intense smell of the famed Damascene Rose, associated with a bygone era of romance and Arab grandeur, fills the foothills of the Qalmoun mountain range north of Damascus.

The fields of the rose cover 2,000 dunums in al-Mrah village, Qeldoun as it was known in the past, the birthplace place for the rose cultivation on the foothills of the Qalamoun mountains.

Amin Hamza al-Bitar, head of al-Mrah Damask Rose Association said that he has been working for more than 40 years in the cultivation of the rose, pointing to the efforts being exerted to revive and expand this cultivation.

He added that although the Damascene Rose does not need much irrigation if there is enough rainfall, but during the last decades the percentage of rainfall and snow decreased, which increased the suffering of the farmer due to low and variable rate of production according to rainfall rate.

Awater well for supplementary irrigation was opened but it was not enough, al-Bitar said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture began to periodically send tanks for watering.

Some locals in al-Mrah village who grow Damask Roses, said the importance of this rose lies in the fact that it is used in various industries, mainly rose oil, rose water, and jam, among others, noting that locals work throughout winter to prepare the lands for planting in spring.

They added that locals have been farmers since ancient times, but the cultivation of the Damask Rose became more prominent after the care shown by the state to this crop.

The Damask Rose is a vital source of income for many, they said, stressing the importance the need to expand and preserve this cultivation due to the very high value of the rose and its deep-rooted history.

Every year, all people in al-Mrah participate in the process of picking the Rose which is transformed into annual festival called “Damascene Rose Harvest Day” festival.
 
21/05/2018 - Satellite images show increased number of Russian warplanes in T-4 Airbase
Satellite images show increased number of Russian warplanes in T-4 Airbase

Russia is still extensively using a large airbase in central Syria to launch sorties against positions for the rebel groups across the country, satellite images reveal.

The images, released online, clearly show four SU-25 jets, as well as a squadron of helicopters including three Ka-52 attack helicopters.

The highly-operational T-4 airbase hosts Russian as well as Iranian forces which help the Syrian Army fights the terror groups across the war-torn country.

Last month, the Iran-run section of the airbase has come under missile attack by Israeli warplanes, which killed and wounded a dozen of Syria soldiers and Iranian military advisors.

The attack, according to Israeli sources, targeted a building operated by Iranian military experts who repeatedly flew drones into the Israeli territories.


21/05/2018 - Russian military finds militants’ depots with NATO weapons
Russian military finds militants' depots with NATO weapons

Depots with weapons produced in NATO member-states as well as underground explosive production facilities are being found by members of the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation and Syrian government troops in the territories liberated from militant groups, the center said on Monday in a statement.

According to the statement, the officers are also revealing underground tunnels that are equipped with medical complexes as well as detention facilities for civilians. Syrian sappers continue to de-mine settlements in the liberated areas.

“We are in the Zaafarana settlement in the province of Homs at an al-Nusra Front terror group [also known as Jabhat Fatah al Sham, outlawed in Russia] observation point. We can see here a large number of gas masks, weapons produced abroad, for example, TOW-2 anti-tank guided missiles. The facilities are very well-equipped,” the center’s representative Andrey Nekipelov said.


21/05/2018 - Syrian military seizes another large cache of weapons in southern Damascus (Photos)
Syrian military seizes another large cache of weapons in southern Damascus (photos)



BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:00 P.M.) – The Syrian military police inside of the three southern Damascus towns of Babila, Beit Sahm, and Yalda uncovered another large cache of equipment left behind by the rebel forces.

The seized military equipment included telecommunication devices, mortar shells, mortar launchers, gas masks, grenades, et al.


As shown in the pictures released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) below, the large cache of equipment was stored in a large warehouse in this part of southern Damascus:

The Syrian military has already uncovered another cache of equipment that was located near this large warehouse; this cache was mostly medical equipment and telecommunication devices.


20.05.2018 - Syrian Opposition Hails Statement on Foreign Troops Withdrawal From Syria
Syrian Opposition Hails Statement on Foreign Troops' Withdrawal From Syria

The opposition Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) welcomes a recent statement by the Russian Special Envoy for Syria on the removal of foreign troops from the Middle Eastern country, SNC member Firas Khalidi told Sputnik.

"We welcome the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from Syria in the framework of the fair political process, which establishes peace in Syria," SNC member Firas Khalidi said.

Alexander Lavrentyev, who said that the entire contingent of foreign troops, including servicemen from Turkey, the United States, as well as the Hezbollah movement, should be withdrawn from Syria. As the envoy specified, the remaining Russian troops in the country wouldn't pullout.

US-led Coalition in Syria - The US-led coalition has been launching airstrikes on Syrian soil since 2014, as a part of the anti-Daesh mission that wasn't approved either by Damascus or by the UN. Currently, at least 2,000 US servicemen are deployed in Syria. According to the SDF forces, the US-led coalition forces have been stationing in the city of Manbij in northeastern Syria since it was liberated from Daesh militants two years ago.

In March Trump announced he was planning to withdraw the country's forces from Syria, following allied victories against Daesh. However, his plans met strong opposition among US officials, including special envoy to the US-led coalition Brett McGurk, as well as incoming US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford and some others.

After the strong reaction from the officials, Trump decided to keep troops in Syria, with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis declaring that the number of forces on the ground would be expanded.

In April, the US president increased the US involvement by ordering missile strikes against Syria in response to an alleged poison gas attack that killed dozens of people.

France, a US ally in the international coalition against Daesh, has recently increased its military presence in some YPG/PKK-held areas in Syria, including Manbij, Al Hasakah, Ayn Issa and Raqqa.

Russia's Military in Syria -
Russia has two military bases in Syria: in Tartus and Hmeymim, as well as the center for Syrian reconciliation. The country launched a military operation against terrorist groups in Syria in September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Two years later, in 2017 Moscow withdrew the biggest part of the forces from Syria soon after the announcement of the Daesh defeat.
*Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia.


Sun May 20, 2018 - Sources Reject Reports on Putin's Demand for Iran's Withdrawal from Syria
Farsnews

Sources in Syria's presidential office dismissed media claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Iran to withdraw its military advisors from Syria.

Quoting the Russian officials, the sources told the Arabic-language al-Mayadeen newspaper on Sunday that Putin's remarks did not include the Russian forces and Iranian advisors who are in Syria at the demand of the legal government and they will leave the country whenever Damascus demands.

Putin and his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad held a meeting in Syria in Sochi earlier this week during which Putin said that the foreign forces will leave Syria after the Syrian army's victory against the terrorist groups and the start of political process in the country.

In relevant remarks in December, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani reiterated his country's firm decision to continue its military advisory role in Syria until all terrorist groups are uprooted.

"We will continue presence and providing advisory services in Syria until annihilation of all terrorist groups in the country at the demand of the legal Syrian government," Shamkhani said, addressing a forum in the Western province of Kurdistan.

He underlined that allegations against Iran by Israel or other countries would never tilt the country's calculations and decisions in pursuit of its national interests and establishment of regional security.


21.05.2018 - American Soldiers Killed in Roadside Bomb Blast in Northeastern Syria
Farsnews


Three US army troops were killed and several others were wounded in a roadside bomb blast in Hasaka province, a media outlet reported on Monday.

The Arabic-language al-Dorar al-Shamiyeh news website quoted local sources as saying that a roadside bomb went off when a US military convoy was moving on Hasaka-Tal Tamar road.

It further said that the blast overturned three military vehicles, leaving three US soldiers dead and several more wounded.

In the meantime, other sources reported a number of US soldiers were killed or wounded in an incident on Hasaka road near the village of al-Rakba.

Field sources reported on Wednesday that a US military convoy moved to Northeastern Hasaka from Iraq.

They added that the convoy consisted of several military vehicles and personnel carriers, noting that it entered Tal Beidar region between Qamishli and the town of Tal Tamar which is occupied by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The sources said that the military equipment would likely be transferred to one of the US bases on Eastern Euphrates.

The American forces are stationed in a military base in Tal Beidar region that hosts helicopter pads and several military bases.


Mon May 21, 2018 - Northeastern Syria: Militants Continue Plundering Public Assets, Transfer Infrastructures to Turkey
Farsnews

Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board or the Al-Nusra Front) continued looting infrastructures in Western Idlib to sell them later in Turkey.

Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at and Turkistani Party are plundering railway lines and power cables in al-Rouj Plain in Western Idlib.

Local sources reported that the railway was one of the most important communication lines between al-Rouj Plan and Idlib city, adding that the terrorists' move has sparked a wave of anger among the Western Idlib's residents.

The sources further said that the terrorists transfer the stolen infrastructures made of steel and copper to Turkey to sell them in the country's market.

Media sources said on Sunday that the Ankara-backed militants plundered several old infrastructures of Afrin in Aleppo province as the Turkish army and its allies continue driving out civilians and looting their properties in the town.

Media activists said that the Ankara-backed militants in Afrin detached and stole the old railway of Afrin which linked Qatmeh to Akbas square and was built in 1913.

Also, the Kurdish sources reported that the Olive Branch forces, affiliated to the Turkish army, fully destroyed the tomb of Sheikh Zeid in al-Zeidiyeh district in Afrin and looted the ancient artifacts inside.

Meantime, some reports said that the Turkish government planed to annex Jandaris to the town of al-Reihaniyeh in Turkey by issuing new identity cards for the residents of Afrin, creating fear and panic among the residents of this region.
 
21.05.2018 - Russian Air Defenses Intercept Projectile targeting Hmeimim Base in Syria
Russian Air Defenses Intercept Projectile Targeting Hmeimim Base in Syria

Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed a projectile targeting Hmeimim airbase in Syria Monday, the Russian military reported Monday evening.

The base is operating normally, with no damage or casualties reported, a spokesperson said. The projectile was an "unknown drone," according to the Russian military.

"On May 21… the airspace monitoring facilities at Russia's Hmeimim airbase detected a small-size unidentified airborne target approaching the base," the spokesman said in a statement. "The target was destroyed by air defenses deployed at the base."

Hmeimim is one of two bases operated by Russia in Syria. It is located in the coastal city of Jableh; Russia's second base is Tartus. The base came under similar attack in April.

Social media accounts of the attempted attack report four explosions in the sky above Jableh.


21.05.2018 - Secrets of Underground Life and War Inside Syria's Tunnels
Secrets of Underground Life and War Inside Syria's Tunnels (VIDEOS)

Terrorist groups operating in Syria have been using underground tunnels since the beginning of the long war. What secrets has the Syrian army found in the tunnels and who helped the terrorists build these expensive underground cities? Sputnik takes a look.

The first time that the Syrian army discovered a network of hidden tunnels was back in March 2011, in the area of Deraa. The militants would travel through these tunnels under the al-Omari mosque and from there they could quietly move on to far away regions.

Subsequently, the tunnels appeared in all areas under terrorist control. These tunnels became a powerful weapon in the hands of militants, greatly hampering the liberation efforts of the Syrian army.

However, tunnels have been used in Syria for war purposes for almost 100 years. They were first used by the military in the 1920’s during the struggle against the French occupation.

City Beneath the City - Recently, however, with the use of modern construction equipment and thousands of captured civilians, the terrorist built real underground cities all over Syria.

The terrorists would hide themselves in the underground shelters, thereby surviving air strikes, whereas peaceful residents would die, as they were not allowed to take cover inside.

(1:21 min.)

All the valuable equipment and warehouses were also inside these underground tunnels. This provided the possibility of covert and quick redeployment, which made an already complicated war in urban conditions extremely complex.

As a result, the Syrian military took years to liberate the cities that were occupied by the militants because the army always prioritized the preservation of civilian lives and was careful in battles near urban infrastructure.

Secret Map of All the Tunnels - A high-ranking source in the Syrian security forces told Sputnik that Russian specialists, who offered militants free corridors upon surrendering, demanded that they give up maps of all the tunnels and provide data on bombs and mines that had been planted.

However, the militants denied the existence of such maps, saying that they remembered all of the passages without putting anything down on paper.

The source went on to say that five years ago, the Syrian government formed a special commission that studies and maps all the discovered tunnels. Currently it is known that 278 underground tunnels were connected from the metropolitan suburbs to Damascus.

Other sources said that commission officers often risked their lives and health when entering these unknown passages. There were cases when terrorists were hiding nearby and would intentionally blow up a tunnel, resulting in commanders and other army personnel being buried alive.

Multi-Purpose Tunnels - A source who knows the security situation in East Ghouta told Sputnik that the tunnel network is still being studied, because new passes are constantly being discovered.

(1:10 min.)

“Without exaggeration, we can say that they have ransacked the entire territory of the district. They performed a variety of functions. The most popular task of the tunnel was to shelter them from air strikes,” the source said.

Apart from providing shelter and hiding place, these secret passageways also served unusual purposes, such as markets.

"A very large tunnel was recently discovered in Douma, which was used by militants as a huge market. There terrorists and members of their families could buy anything there.”

While at that time the inhabitants living above these tunnels were literally suffering from food shortages.

Cost of the Tunnels - According to average estimates, the cost of construction of a one meter long underground tunnel is over 50,000 Syrian lira. So if this number was multiplied by the kilometers of the detected tunnel networks, the figures would be overwhelmingly high.

Other materials used in there construction included concrete, iron, cables, cameras and lighting devices. Local residents and engineers noted that these tunnels were made using the best materials.

Who Built the Recent Tunnels? The sources from the Syrian army told Sputnik that special Western-made equipment was used to drill large tunnels.

Vehicles were delivered to Syria from Turkey and Saudi Arabia through the northern, southern and western borders. All these vehicles were blown up by the militants before they left Ghouta.

Only one surviving drilling machine is now in the possession of the Syrian army.


21.05.2018 - US Congressman Calls for Recognition of Golan Heights as Israeli Territory
US Congressman Calls for Recognition of Golan Heights as Israeli Territory

President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has created a whole new situation in the region.

Just a week after the opening of the US embassy in Israel in Jerusalem, a US congressman is calling for Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights to also be recognized.

Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis believes that although the move would be largely symbolic, it could encourage the White House to take a position on the sensitive issue.

In an interview with the Walla news website published Sunday, DeSantis said that he had brought the proposal before the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The congressman believes that by recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the US would make it clear that it will never force Jerusalem to relinquish the territory.


Note on Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis: (Netanyahu and Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson are DeSantis supporters.)

18.05.2018 - Ron DeSantis’s pro-Israel positions take spotlight with embassy move. But they’ve won him donors all along.
Ron DeSantis’s pro-Israel positions take spotlight with embassy move. But they’ve won him donors all along.

Being governor of Florida isn't a position one typically thinks of as having major foreign policy sway, but Congressman Ron DeSantis's campaign has nevertheless raked in major donations for his pro-Israel stances.

His positions have been put on display recently, as DeSantis traveled to Israel for the controversial opening of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. DeSantis is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a congressional delegation along with Gov. Rick Scott, who all posed with Netanyahu for photos posted on the leader's Twitter account.
 
Israeli Air Force Chief: F-35I Stealth Fighters Participated In Strikes On Syria
22.05.2018 Video / 05:16
F-35I stealth fighters of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) have participated in strikes on Syria, Israel’s air force commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin said on May 22.

“The F-35 squadron has become an operational squadron. We are flying the F-35 all over the Middle East. It had become part of our operational capabilities. We are the first to attack using the F-35 in the Middle East and have already attacked twice on different fronts,” he said.

According to Maj. Gen. Norkin, the F-35I stealth fighter did not participate in the last strike in Syria but did in two previous ones.

The Israeli military declared initial operational capability of the F-35I stealth fighter in December after receiving nine F-35I warplanes. The IAF is expected to receive a total of 50 jets to make two full squadrons by 2024.

Speaking at the IAF Senior Air Force Conference in Herzilya Norkin added that more than 100 surface-to-air missiles had been fired at Israeli jets from Syria during the May 10 incident.

Norkin also provided with additional details on the Israeli version of events. According to him, Iran fired 32 rockets at Israel during the flare-up across the Syrian border.Four rockets were allegedly intercepted by Israel and the rest landed outside of what he described as “Israeli territory”.

on May 21, 2018 Syria announces Damascus, suburbs free of terrorists

Published on May 21, 2018
The Syrian Army declared on the 21st of May 2018 the full liberation of Yarmouk camp and Hajar al-Aswad from ISIS in the southern suburbs of Damascus, which means Damascus is 100% free of terrorism for the first time since 2011. After Damascus, where will be the next move of the Syrian Army

Way Back: Published on Jul 7, 2017

Assad Destroys US Reporter In Interview Exposes Zionist Propaganda
In a recent interview held in Damascus, a US news reporter grilled Syria's President Bashar al-Assad with a barrage of questions surrounding allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes against the Syrian government, in a tense interview that at times saw Assad seemingly catch the Yahoo News reporter off guard with his sharp responses.

Drone shot down by Hmeymim base’s air defense system
May 22, 0:19 UTC+3
MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. An air defense system at Syria’s Hmeymim airbase has shot down a drone. No casualties or damages were reported, a spokesman for the base said on Monday

At dusk on May 21, the airbase’s radars spotted a small air target of unidentified origin (a drone) at a distance from the airfield, the spokesman said, adding that the target was hit by the base’s air defense system.

"No one was hurt, no material damage was incurred. The Russian airbase at Hmeymim continues to operate routinely," he said.
A similar incident took place in the evening on April 24, 2018, when two militants’ drones were spotted and shot down some ten kilometers of the Hmeymim airbase.
 
No evidence of chemical weapon attack in Syria last month, with Eva Bartlett
Published time: 25 May, 2018 06:40 Video / 27:29
Lee Camp speaks with Eva Bartlett, who was just in Syria investigating the claims of a Syrian government-initiated chemical weapon attack on the Syrian people. He also tears apart US government claims that China is threatening our national security.
LIKE Redacted Tonight at www.Facebook.com/RedactedTonight
FOLLOW Redacted Tonight at @RedactedTonight and @LeeCamp

White Helmets Centre Ansari Aleppo was Next to Al Qaeda Headquarters
May 25 at 7:38pm
Eva K Bartlett posted: Video / 7:47
While re-visiting Aleppo in May 2018, investigative journalist Khaled Iskef took me to see one of the White Helmets headquarters in Aleppo, this one in Ansari (where the propaganda film "Last Men in Aleppo" was staged). Corporate media insists the White Helmets are neutral, supremely benevolent rescuers. Yet, their headquarters are always next to those of Al Qaeda, Faylaq al-Rahman, Nour al-Din al-Zenki and co-terrorists.
Khaled walks me through the area, explaining how the White Helmets occupied a school for their headquarters and video productions. The school is now restored and being used again as a school, under the security of the Syrian government.


South Front Published on May 25, 2018 Transcript:

Syrian Army Calls On Militants in Southern Syria to Surrender Ahead of Offensive
19:05 25.05.2018
Earlier this week, a spokesman for the Syrian Army General Command announced the complete liberation of Damascus after Daesh* terrorists were ousted from their remaining strongholds in Syria’s capital. Government forces are set to turn their attention to southern Syria, where Islamist militants maintain a large presence in the Deraa Governorate.

Helicopters dropped leaflets over parts of northwest Deraa today, calling on militants to lay down their arms and reconcile with the Syrian government, or, alternatively, continue to “gamble their lives” and face “inevitable death,” according to circulating reports by pro-opposition military monitors.

“Your life and your children's future is more important than your stubbornness. Dear combatant, for whom are you gambling your life? You have two choices: either your inevitable death or surrendering. The Syrian Army is advancing. Make up your mind before it is too late,” a leaflet dropped over southern Syria on Friday reads.


Towns and villages in the northwest section of Deraa province are closest to government-controlled territory and the frontlines.

Government negotiators are currently focusing their efforts on negotiating reconciliation and transfer deals in these areas, to minimize and avoid civilian casualties, in addition to casualties in the ranks of government forces and militant groups.

As the Syrian Army gains ground in the province and pushes south, government delegates will also attempt to agree similar arrangements in other parts of the governorate.

Militants control around half of the Syria-Jordan border, including a number of crossings. Jordan maintains a channel of communication with opposition forces in southern Syria and has provided them with support throughout the Syrian civil war.

Amman is likely to act as a mediator or guarantor in negotiations between Damascus and the militants, working in conjunction with the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation to negotiate surrender packages.

*Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) is a terrorist group banned in Russia.

READ MORE: Syrian Army Liberates Dozens of Towns in Central Syria as Militants Surrender

Syriana Analysis Published on May 24, 2018
We had to take a set of precautionary steps by joining decentralized platforms just in case YouTube decided to silent us for good. We encourage you to join us on these platforms: Steemit: https://steemit.com/@syrianaanalysis1 DTube: https://d.tube/#!/c/syrianaanalysis1 Bitchute: https://bit.ly/2Lj1T82

R&U Videos Published on May 24, 2018
 
it seems the Empire is losing on all fronts.

I beg to differ, Deep Empire is already in China, while tossing away USA and coterie has started - lets say - when first factories were opened in Taiwan; like fifty years ago... Imperial Rosada
 
Last edited:
I beg to differ, Deep Empire is already in China, while tossing away USA and coterie has started - lets say - when first factories were opened in Taiwan; like fifty years ago... Imperial Rosada

Ups not Rosada:-[ but something called castling in chess - yes - Imperial Castling...
 
Russia's new aircraft carrier (See picture below) that is in the works makes the new American one look like a rubberduck in comparision.

See the following sott.net link for more info, ( New Russian aircraft carrier to challenge US naval supremacy -- Sott.net ) just wanted to share how the arms race that the US has started is going, it seems the Empire is losing on all fronts.

View attachment 26770

May 22, 2018 - Russia’s nuclear submarine successfully test-fires Bulava missiles (Photo gallery)
Russia’s nuclear submarine successfully test-fires Bulava missiles

Russia’s Project 955 Borei-class strategic nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky has successfully test fired four Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles from the White Sea to hit designated targets at the Kura range in the Far Eastern Kamchatka region, the press service of the Russian Northern Fleet said on Tuesday.

"On May 22, the Project 955 Borei-class lead strategic nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky made a successful test salvo launch of four Bulava ballistic missiles from the designated area in the White Sea to targets at the Kura range on the Kamchatka Peninsula," the press service said.

According to the press service, the missiles were launched from a submerged position. It was the first salvo fire from this type of submarines.

"The test confirmed combat readiness of the Project-955 Borei strategic submarine and the Bulava missile system," the press service stressed.

The previous Bulava test launch from the Yuri Dolgoruky submarine was conducted on June 26, 2017 from the Barents Sea and an experimental salvo launch of two such missiles was carried out on September 27, 2016. The launch was performed from the White Sea towards the Kura practice range in the Russian Far East.

The warheads of the first missile performed a full cycle of the flight program and successfully hit the designated targets at the practice range. The second missile self-liquidated after performing the first stage of the flight program.

The submarine Yuri Dolgoruky is the Project 955 Borey-class lead vessel. The underwater cruiser is armed with a set of Bulava sea-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and also with torpedoes. The sub can be armed with cruise missiles. It has a full displacement of 24,000 tonnes, is about 160 meters long and 13 meters wide.

The R-30 Bulava is a solid-propellant ballistic missile developed specially for Project 955 submarines. It can deliver 10 warheads of 150 kilotonnes each to a distance of 10,000 kilometers.


May 24, 2018 - Russia to develop helicopter capable of controlling a swarm of drones
Russia to develop helicopter capable of controlling a swarm of drones

Russia’s Radio-Electronic Technologies Group (KRET) expects to complete work by 2025 to develop a helicopter capable of controlling a swarm of drones, KRET Deputy CEO for R&D on Onboard Equipment Givi Dzhandzhgava said at the HeliRussia-2018 exhibition on Thursday.

"Within a period of up to 2025, we should both test these technologies and make a breakthrough," he said, replying to a question about when a helicopter capable of controlling a swarm of drones would appear in Russia.

KRET First Deputy CEO Vladimir Mikheyev earlier told TASS that the company was developing separate elements of artificial intelligence to create drones capable of making decisions on their own.

Specifically, at the MAKS-2017 air show outside Moscow, the company presented software making it possible to study some specifics of artificial intelligence.

According to Mikheyev, small-size devices have been created already now. They weigh about one or two kilograms and fully perform the function of guiding weapons for small-size drones.

He later told TASS that a swarm of drones capable of making decisions both jointly and separately in accordance with the situation and acting in compliance with them would appear in Russian within five years.


Fri May 25, 2018 - Russia Tests New MiG-35 Jet
Farsnews

Earlier, Slyusar said that the UAC plans to begin serial shipments of the aircraft to the troops in 2019, RIA Novosti reported.

According to its flight range, it exceeds the predecessors by one and a half times. The fighter jet also develops a speed of more than 2.2 Mach, its on-board radar can accompany up to 30 targets at a range of up to 160 kilometers.

It is assumed that eventually the entire fleet of Russian light aircraft will be replaced with the MiG-35.


May 26, 2018 - Putin, Abe speak with astronauts on International Space Station from Kremlin
Putin, Abe speak with astronauts on International Space Station from Kremlin

Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov and astronaut Norishige Kanai from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency took part in the conversation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a video call on Saturday from the Kremlin to the International Space Station (ISS). Among the crew are two Russian cosmonauts and one Japanese astronaut.

The two leaders spoke to the ISS from the St. Andrew Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where a large television screen had been installed for the video linkup. Russian cosmonaut and ISS Expedition 55 commander Anton Shkaplerov and astronaut Norishige Kanai from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) took part in the conversation with Putin and Abe.

Prior to the video linkup, Putin and Abe had held talks in the narrow format and in format of an official dinner. After the video linkup with the ISS crew, they are to attend the signing ceremony and will hold a news conference. In the evening, Putin and Abe are visiting the Bolshoi Theater to unveil the cross years of Russia in Japan and Japan in Russia.

Russian cosmonauts Oleg Artemyev and Anton Shkaplerov, Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai, and US astronauts Ricky Arnold, Drew Feustel and Scott Tingle are currently working on the ISS as the Expedition 55 crew.

Putin has phoned the ISS crews several times on Days of Cosmonautics marked on April 12. The last conversation took place in 2016.
Nevertheless, the direct communication channel with the ISS was established for the Russian president and a foreign leader for the first time ever.


Thu May 24, 2018 - Pentagon Report Raises Alarm That US Industry Can’t Support War for Much Longer
Farsnews

Between globalization and nearly 20 years of constant warfare, the industrial part of the US military-industrial complex is not looking so good, putting future wars at risk, according to a new Pentagon report. :violin:

The Annual Industrial Capabilities report, published by the Pentagon’s Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy, warns that reliance on foreign-sourced materials combined with “twenty years of intermittent conflict”, have put a strain on US manufacturers of weapons, parts and ammunition, RT reported. ( How's all those "Sanction's" - working for YOU? )

“While US national defense demands for materials are seldom unmet, there exist risks to their supply now and risks are anticipated in the foreseeable future,” the report said, describing the two broad trends as the scarcity of materials used in new technologies and the US’ growing reliance on foreign supply sources.

Both US economic security and national defense are at risk due to “high US import reliance on foreign countries who may become adversaries and cut off peacetime supply during future conflicts”, the report added.

One example is Dechlorane, a flame retardant used in insulation on all US missile systems. The sole source of the material is the Belgian company Occidental Chemical. Worse yet, the precursor to make Dechlorane used to come from China, but is no longer available, “so there is now no source for Dechlorane in the world”.

US fighter jets rely on Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to dominate the skies, but what happens when they run out? The sole source of dimeryl diisocyanate, a key ingredient in the missiles’ propellant, has informed the Pentagon that it will be leaving the business soon, leaving the US with “no qualified source”, according to the report.

One of the biggest problems noted by the Pentagon is the lack of diversity in the industrial base. About 97 percent of the DoD funds for missile and munitions procurement goes to just two companies, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Almost all second- and third-tier suppliers of munitions components, 98 percent in both instances, are sole sources.

Of particular concern to the report’s authors were thermal batteries, solid rocket motors (SRM), fuzes and small turbine engines, which all rely on just one or two manufacturers.

President Donald Trump has raised the Pentagon’s funding in order to rebuild the “depleted” military and launched a crusade to revive US manufacturing, but that may not be enough.

“We may be too far down the path to resurrect an authentic munitions industrial base,” Mackenzie Eaglen of the American Enterprise Institute told Defense News, commenting on the report, added that “so then the question becomes: Now what?”

With the US capability to produce vital parts and materials for weapons systems and ammunition dwindling, Washington is facing the risk that “a conflict with China could rely on Chinese-made parts”, Defense News noted.

Munitions aren’t the only problem either. Maintenance has been hit just as hard by the years of “overuse and underfunding” of industrial infrastructure, according to the report. US naval shipyards, for example, have not been able to meet the maintenance needs, resulting in compounding problems.

The neglect has been so severe that “in fiscal years 2000 through 2016, inadequate facilities and equipment led to maintenance delays that contributed in part to more than 1,300 lost operational days… for aircraft carriers and 12,500 lost operational days for submarines”.

A January report by the Pentagon’s director of operations and testing noted that half of the F-35 stealth fighter fleet is not mission capable due to supply and maintenance problems. Lockheed Martin’s futuristic fighter has a lifetime cost estimated at over $1 trillion.
 
В Сирии погибли четверо российских военных
11:39 27.05.2018
(обновлено: 01:48 28.05.2018)


Translation
In Syria, four Russian soldiers were killed

11: 39 27.05.2018
(updated: 01: 48 28.05.2018)
MOSCOW, may 27 — RIA Novosti. In Syria, four Russian soldiers were killed in a battle with terrorists, the defense Ministry said.

"Two Russian military advisers, who controlled the fire of the Syrian battery, were killed on the spot. Another five Russian soldiers were injured and were promptly taken to the Russian military hospital," the report said.

Two of them could not be saved.

As told in the Department, several mobile groups of terrorists in the dark attacked the artillery battery of government troops in the province of Deir ez-Zor.

The Syrian military, along with seconded from the apparatus of military advisers Russians took the fight. It lasted about an hour. The military was able to destroy 43 terrorists and six vehicles with high cross-country mounted large-caliber weapons.

All Russian servicemen were presented for state awards. Farewell to two of the dead-a Sergeant born in 1995 and a senior Lieutenant born in 1985 passed in the TRANS-Baikal territory.

RIA news https://ria.ru/syria/20180527/1521475182.html
 
All Russian servicemen were presented for state awards. Farewell to two of the dead-a Sergeant born in 1995 and a senior Lieutenant born in 1985 passed in the TRANS-Baikal territory.

Thank you youlik for reminding us of the costs Russians are paying to defend Syria. Today is Memorial Day in the U.S.. It is sad to me that most Americans don't even know what is really going on in Syria and believe the wars Americans have died in were defending democracy and freedom.

I will remember your countrymen as well as ours this Memorial Day. :-(
 
Syrian reports in the last 3-days:

24/05/2018 - Israel warns Damascus not to use air defenses against Israeli jets inside Syria
Israel warns Damascus not to use air defenses against Israeli jets inside Syria

A senior Israeli Air Force officer has said that his country’s military aircraft will continue to operate in Syrian airspace for as long as is deemed necessary. “We’re not doing this because we’re aggressive, but because we constantly have to be actively defending the state of Israel,” the senior officer said, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity on Wednesday.

“This is the only thing preventing offensive measures by Iran,” he added.

The officer also warned Syria not to use its air defenses against Israeli warplanes. “All batteries that fire on Israeli aircraft will be destroyed. All batteries that do not fire on us will not be destroyed,” he said, noting that “this policy will continue.”

On Tuesday, the commander of the Israeli Air Force declared that Israel had become the first country in the world to use its US-made F-35 fifth-gen stealth fighter in combat.

“We are flying the F-35 all over the Middle East and have already attacked twice on two different fronts,” Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin was quoted as saying by Israeli media.

Syrian-Israeli relations were brought to a boiling point earlier this month after the Israeli Air Force hit what it said were Iranian targets in Syria, following an alleged rocket attack against Israeli military positions in the occupied Golan Heights.

Earlier this year, Israeli jets repeatedly struck Syria’s T-4 air base, which Tel Aviv claimed contained “Iranian bases in Syria.”

On Wednesday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad told Sputnik that the possibility of withdrawing Iranian military advisers and Hezbollah militia was “not even on the agenda of discussion, since it concerns the sovereignty of Syria.”


24/05/2018 - Israeli airstrike rocks Syrian Airbase in Homs
Breaking: Israeli airstrike rocks Syrian Airbase in Homs

An Israeli warplane targeted Syria’s Dabaa military airbase in the south-western countryside of Homs province according to several field sources.

The jet fired two missiles from the Syrian-Lebanese border; one was shot down while the other struck an arms depot in the vicinity of the airport resulting in large fires.


25/05/2018 - Syrian military airport was subject of ‘missile aggression,’ attack intercepted
Syrian military airport was subject of 'missile aggression,' attack intercepted

Syria’s SANA news agency reported Thursday that a military airport was attacked by missiles, which were intercepted by the country’s air defense system.

“One of our military airports in the central region was exposed to hostile missile aggression, and our air defense systems confronted the attack and prevented it from achieving its aim,” SANA said.

The agency reported earlier that sounds of explosions were heard near the Dabaa airport near the city of Homs.


25/05/2018 - Israel bombed Syrian base with Hezbollah presence: report
Israel bombed Syrian base with Hezbollah presence: report

A Syrian military source in Damascus told Al-Masdar News on Friday afternoon that the Israeli strike on the Al-Dabaa Airbase last night had targeted Hezbollah’s positions.

According to the Syrian source, Hezbollah has had a presence inside the Al-Dabaa Airbase since they expelled the rebel forces from the strategic border-city of Al-Qusayr in southern Homs.

The source was unable to verify if there were any casualties.

However, despite some reports of the Syrian Air Defense repelling the Israeli attack, the source confirmed that missiles did reach the intended target.

This attack by the Israeli Air Force marks the first time during this war that any foreign entity has targeted this military base near Al-Qusayr.


26/05/2018 - Before and after satellite images of Israeli attack on Syrian base
Before and after satellite images of Israeli attack on Syrian base

The Israeli Air Force carried out a powerful airstrike on a Syrian military installation in the southern part of the Homs Governorate earlier this week.

The Israeli attack targeted the Al-Dabaa Airbase, which is believed to have a Hezbollah presence because of its proximity to the strategic border-city of Al-Qusayr.

According to Reddit user u/trastermole, the Israeli airstrike managed to destroy what appears to be an aircraft hangar inside the Al-Dabaa Military Airport’s northern corridor. Before and after photos below:


26/05/2018 - US warns Syrian military about launching southern Syria offensive
US warns Syrian military about launching southern Syria offensive

The US State Department issued a statement late Friday saying it was “concerned” by leaflets, which were reportedly dropped by government aircraft in the province of Daraa.

According to reports circulating among pro-opposition monitors, the leaflets called on the militants to stop fighting and reconcile with the Syrian government, otherwise they would allegedly “gamble their lives” and head to “inevitable death.”

“We also caution the Syrian regime against any actions that risk broadening the conflict or jeopardize the ceasefire,” said spokeswoman Heather Nauert, noting that the ceasefire had been reaffirmed by Washington and Moscow last November. “As a guarantor of this de-escalation area with Russia and Jordan, the United States will take firm and appropriate measures in response to Assad regime violations,” she added.

Earlier this week, a spokesman for the General Command of the Syrian Army announced the complete liberation of Damascus after Daesh* terrorists were ousted from their remaining strongholds in the Yarmouk Camp district of Syria’s capital.

The Daraa province, where the first anti-government riots started in 2011, is now only partly controlled by Damascus, while many armed factions and terrorist organizations, including Daesh, are present in the region.


26/05/2018 - Despite US warnings, Syrian military poised to launch southern Syria offensive
Despite US warnings, Syrian military poised to launch southern Syria offensive

The U.S. State Department issued a stern warning to the Syrian military on Friday about launching a new operation in the southern provinces of Syria.

State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert stated that the U.S. is prepared to take “firm and appropriate measures in response to Assad regime violations.”

However, this warning does not appear to have any affect over the planned military operations, as reinforcements from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continued to pour into the Dara’a and Al-Quneitra governorates.


24/05/2018 - Russian envoy for Syria holds talks with Assad – SANA
Russian envoy for Syria holds talks with Assad - SANA

Russian Presidential Special Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Wednesday,

According to SANA, during the talks al-Assad praised “the Russian people and leadership, describing Russia as a partner in these victories which will not stop until the elimination of the last terrorist.”

In the meantime, Lavrentyev pointed out that “Sochi’s recent meeting and the talks during it have given fresh impetus to bilateral relations between the two countries and the various aspects of mutual cooperation.”

The diplomat called on all “international parties which have a genuine desire to back the political process to seize the positive developments in Syria and the Syrian government’s efforts to push the political process forward, and to support endeavors to reach conclusions that will put an end to the war and stop bloodshed in Syria.”


24/05/2018 - Developing: Potential Syrian gov’t convoy travels to Turkish capital
Developing: Potential Syrian gov't convoy travels to Turkish capital

A Russian plane made a special trip from Damascus on Wednesday for the Turkish capital of Ankara, Yoruk Isik of the Bosphorous Observer reported.

“Rossiya Special Flight Detachment Ilyushin Il -62 #RA86561 flew from Moscow Chkalovsky to Damascus, stayed for 6 hours, left Syria and flew to Esenboğa Ankara 30 min ago 17:46GMT/20:46local,” Isik reported. This trip came shortly after Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad expressed Damascus’ interest in reconciling with the Turkish regime, despite years of hostility.

While nothing has been confirmed, Russia has been actively working to restore ties between the two countries after Turkey broke off diplomatic relations in 2012.


25/05/2018 - Potential Syrian envoy to Turkey departs for Moscow
Potential Syrian envoy to Turkey departs for Moscow

A mysterious Russian plane that flew from Damascus to Ankara, yesterday, has now departed from Turkey to Moscow, Yoruk Isik of the Bosphorous Observer reported this afternoon.

According to Isik, the Russian Air Force’s special flight detachment flew from Ankara’s Esenboga to Moscow’s Chkalovsky after a 38 hour visit in the Turkish capital.

While the purpose of the flight is still unknown, it is very rare for a special detachment plane to fly from Damascus to Ankara, given Syria’s lack of diplomatic relations with Turkey.

This flight reportedly took place shortly after Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad issued a list of demands that Damascus requires to fulfill in order to begin rapprochement.

Turkey has yet to respond to these demands; however, the Erdogan regime has repeatedly called on Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to step down.


24/05/2018 - Syrian military uncovers another weapons cache in southern Damascus (photos)
Syrian military uncovers another weapons cache in southern Damascus (photos)

The Syrian military has uncovered another weapons cache in the southern part of Damascus this week, following an operation to clear several former rebel hideouts.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the weapons cache was discovered in the southern Damascus town of Beit Sahm, which was controlled by the rebel forces for nearly seven years.

As shown below, the weapons cache had several grenades, mortar shells, and explosives that were hidden in one of the former rebel bases in this southern Damascus town: (Photos)

The Syrian military is clearing several buildings inside of southern Damascus so that they can ensure the safety of the returning residents.


24/05/2018 - Syrian Army discovers tunnel boring machine in former ISIS enclave south of capital
VIDEO: Syrian Army discovers tunnel boring machine in former ISIS enclave south of capital

Following the surrender of ISIS militants in Hajar Aswad and Yarmouk Camp neighborhoods in southern Damascus, the Syrian Army officially took over the area and began a wide-scale mop-up operation.

Over 200 IEDS planted by the terror group across different locations in their former stronghold have been defused by the Syrian Army’s engineering units. Moreover, the Syrian authorities discovered an armored vehicle – typically used by ISIS as a VBIED – in addition to a tunnel boring machine deployed to dig underground tunnels.

Up to 500 ISIS jihadists left southern Damascus to the Syrian Desert as per a surrender deal with the Syrian government.

(1:24 min,)


25/05/2018 - Syrian Army uncovers another weapons cache in southern Damascus
Syrian Army uncovers another weapons cache in southern Damascus

Syrian forces patrolling the recently liberated townships in southern Damascus have discovered a tunnel excavator and equipment used to manufacture mortar shells apparently abandoned by terrorist forces that previously controlled that area, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

According to the news agency, the government forces also seized a large amount of explosives and munitions during the sweep, including bombs, shells, hand grenades, RPG rounds, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and components of explosive belts used by suicide bombers.

The Syrian military have also reportedly discovered a basement in the town of Babila, which was converted by terrorists into a workshop for making mines and IEDs, and which also contained a large quantity of shells and containers used to manufacture these deadly contraptions.

Earlier in May, militants in the towns of Yelda, Babila and Beit Sahem in southern Damascus surrendered a sizeable quantity of weapons and munitions to the Syrian military prior to being evacuated from the area as part of a deal with the government.

The weapons that were turned in reportedly included 60, 80 and 120 mm mortars, 14.5 and 23 mm PKC machine guns, sniper rifles, RPGs, rifles and IEDs.


26/05/2018 - Syrian Army uncovers large weapons depot in northern Homs
Syrian ARmy uncovers large weapons depot in northern Homs

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) uncovered a large weapons depot, today, that previously belonged to the Islamist rebels that once controlled this part of northern Homs.

According to a military source in Hama, the Syrian Army uncovered this weapons depot while clearing IEDs and mines inside the town of Al-Ghanto.

The military source added that the weapons depot had a large number of mortar shells, IED materials, ammunition, grenades, and assault rifles.

In addition to uncovering this weapons depot, the Syrian Army also managed to clear more than 500 mines and IEDs that were left behind by the Islamist rebels.


26/05/2018 - Syrian Army uncovers large weapons storage in Douma (video)
Syrian Army uncovers large weapons storage in Douma (video)

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has uncovered another large weapons storage that once belonged to Jaysh Al-Islam inside the East Ghouta town of Douma.

According to a military report from Damascus, the Syrian military was combing through the once Jaysh Al-Islam held buildings in Douma when they uncovered a large weapons storage.

The weapons storage was located inside one of Jaysh Al-Islam’s complex web of tunnels under Douma.

As shown below, the weapons storage had hundreds of mortar shells, grenades, IEDs, and assault rifles, along with a large quantity of ammunition:


25/05/2018 - Turkish military convoy illegally enters northern Latakia, violates Astana agreement
Breaking: Turkish military convoy illegally enters northern Latakia, violates Astana agreement

A large Turkish military convoy was seen entering the northern countryside of the Latakia Governorate this afternoon, which is a violation of the Astana agreement.

According to a military report from Latakia, the Turkish military entered the Jabal Al-Akrad region to establish a new observation post.

Turkey is not permitted to enter the Latakia Governorate and they had recently agreed to not enter the province during the Astana Peace Conference.

At the same time, another Turkish military convoy was seen heading towards the southwestern countryside of Idlib, where they are planning to reinforce their observation post in Ishtabraq.


25/05/2018 - Syrian Army starts attacking northern Latakia after Turkish troops enter
Breaking: Syrian Army starts attacking northern Latakia after Turkish troops enter

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has begun attacking the northern countryside of the Latakia Governorate, following the entrance of the Turkish military into the Jabal Al-Akrad region.

According to a military source in Latakia, the Syrian Army fired several missiles towards the jihadist positions in Jabal Al-Tuffahiyah, scoring several direct hits in the process.

This move by the Syrian Army comes as a direct response to the Turkish military’s territorial violation that occurred earlier today.

The Turkish military is still present in the Jabal Al-Akrad region, despite the Syrian Army’s latest attack.
 
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В Сирии погибли четверо российских военных
11:39 27.05.2018
(обновлено: 01:48 28.05.2018)


Translation
In Syria, four Russian soldiers were killed

11: 39 27.05.2018
(updated: 01: 48 28.05.2018)
MOSCOW, may 27 — RIA Novosti. In Syria, four Russian soldiers were killed in a battle with terrorists, the defense Ministry said.

"Two Russian military advisers, who controlled the fire of the Syrian battery, were killed on the spot. Another five Russian soldiers were injured and were promptly taken to the Russian military hospital," the report said.

Two of them could not be saved.

As told in the Department, several mobile groups of terrorists in the dark attacked the artillery battery of government troops in the province of Deir ez-Zor.

The Syrian military, along with seconded from the apparatus of military advisers Russians took the fight. It lasted about an hour. The military was able to destroy 43 terrorists and six vehicles with high cross-country mounted large-caliber weapons.

All Russian servicemen were presented for state awards. Farewell to two of the dead-a Sergeant born in 1995 and a senior Lieutenant born in 1985 passed in the TRANS-Baikal territory.

RIA news https://ria.ru/syria/20180527/1521475182.html

27/05/2018 - Farewell ceremony for two Russian servicemen killed in Syria held near Chita
Farewell ceremony for two Russian servicemen killed in Syria held near Chita

A farewell ceremony for the Russian first lieutenant and sergeant first class killed in Syria have been held in Russia’s Zabaikalsky Territory, a source, who was present at the ceremony, told Sputnik on Sunday.

“Over 200 people came to the farewell ceremony, military and civilians.

The sergeant will be buried at the central cemetery of Chita, the lieutenant in Peschanka, in the suburbs of Chita. According to the information mentioned during the ceremony, the bodies of two other servicemen were sent to other districts of the Zabaikalsky Territory,” the source said.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said that four Russian servicemen were killed in a night attack of militants on a Syrian army’s artillery battery in the province of Deir ez-Zor. Two military advisers were killed on the spot, two other servicemen succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

During the nighttime battle, 43 terrorists were killed and six vehicles equipped with large-caliber machine guns were destroyed.

On December 11, 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria after more than two years of successful struggle against terrorist organizations; however, a permanent group of the Russian military remains at the military bases at Hmeymim and Tartus on the territory of the Arab Republic.


Sun May 27, 2018 - Russian Servicemen Killed in Syria after Shelling Carried out by Militants
Farsnews

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Sunday that a shelling carried out by militants in Syrian Deir Ezzur left four Russian military advisers dead.

"Several groups of terrorists attacked at night an artillery battery of the Syrian government forces in the Syrian province of Deir Ezzur. Two Russian military advisers, who controlled the fire of the Syrian artillery were killed on the spot. Five more servicement were injured and were taken to the hospital immediately," the Russian Ministry of Defense said, Sputnik reported.

Later, two servicement died in the hospital.

According to the statement, the Syrian armed forces with the assistance of the Russian military advisers took the fight started after the attack. During the battle with terrorists, which lasted about one hour, servicemen eliminated 43 terrorists and six all-terrain vehicle with installed large caliber weapons.


28/05/2018 - Breaking: Syrian gov’t submits list of candidates for constitutional committee
Breaking: Syrian gov't submits list of candidates for constitutional committee

The Syrian government has submitted a list of names to the United Nations as candidates for inclusion in a constitutional committee, U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura told Reuters on Monday.

Formation of the committee, which will rewrite the Syrian constitution, was agreed at a Syrian peace conference in the Russian ski resort of Sochi in January. It is up to de Mistura to decide whom to pick.

De Mistura’s spokeswoman Reem Ismail said the U.N. was carefully studying the list of names but declined to comment further.

De Mistura has said he will select about 50 people, including supporters of the government, the opposition and independents.


27/05/2018 - Full field report from around Syria: Russian Centre
Full field report from around Syria: Russian Centre

Full field report from around Syria, courtesy of the Russian Reconciliation Centre:

“Despite ceasefire regime being established throughout the country, some violations were conducted by illegal armed formations and have been registered in the provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Daraa.

Situation in the southern suburbs of Damascus is being stabilized; people are returning to their homes.

The Syrian engineers trained by the Russian specialists are ensuring security for the civilians and social-economic infrastructure.

They have checked 24 buildings to defuse 23 mines, six high-explosive devices, and 43 improvised explosive devices.

Representatives of the Russian Centre for Reconciliation have been monitoring reconstruction process in the settlement of Hazzeh.

Private sales point started to work in the settlement. Schools, informatics and bakeries are being recovered. Local authorities organized delivery of food supplies and drinking water to the people in need.

Due to improving humanitarian situation, 66,602 people have returned home in the Eastern Ghouta.

Measures are being taken by Syrian government jointly with the the Russian side to stabilize situation in the provinces of Homs and Hama.

Road services are working to recover driveway and bridge the al-Rastan-Talbiseh section of the M5 highway.

The Centre for Post-Conflict Settlement is functioning in Zaafarana. The Syrian security services are processing information about former members of illegal armed formation that decided to lay down their arms and return back to peaceful life in Homs province.

Over the past 24 hours, 1,240 people have been granted amnesty. They surrendered 338 pieces of small arms. In total since 16 May, 14,532 people have passed this proceeding, surrendering 3,790 pieces of small arms.

Russian military police organized observation posts in the settlements of al-Rastan and Kafer-Lakha to prevent provocations and illegal actions.

The Russian Centre for Reconciliation is above all focused to improve humanitarian situation, provide medical aid to the people in need and meet priority needs of people in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Over the last 24 hours, the Russian Centre carried a humanitarian action in the settlement of Muhasan, Deir ez-Zor province. People received 445 food sets, medical supplies and items of the bare necessities. The total weight of cargo has amounted to two tons. A charitable action took place in the Tatal district of Aleppo. People received a ton of fresh-baked bread.

Russian military medics have provided medical assistance to more than 12 people, including 6 children.

The Syrian government is cooperating with the Russian Centre for Reconciliation to create conditions so that people to return back to their homes.

Over the past day, 207 people have returned to Homs province, and 106 people – to the Eastern Ghouta.”


27/05/2018 - Update: Russian, Syrian delegations offer terms of reconciliation in several Daraa towns
Update: Russian, Syrian delegations offer terms of reconciliation in several Daraa towns

A military source in Damascus informed Al-Masdar News this evening that a joint Syrian-Russian delegation met with the rebel factions in several Dara’a Governorate town to discuss terms of reconciliation.

According to the source, the joint Syrian-Russian delegation met with rebel factions and community leaders in Mahajah, Ibta, Da’el, and several other small towns in northeastern Dara’a.

The source added that the Syrian Army and Russian Reconciliation Centre gave the rebels three options:

  1. Withdraw/Exit from towns ( evacuation)
  2. Stay in towns & settle legal status (reconciliation)
  3. Face decisive military operation
No response has been given thus far.
 
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Mon May 28, 2018 - Russian FM: ISIL-Linked Terror Groups Seen in Syrian Al-Tanf Controlled by US
Farsnews

Only Syrian government troops should be located on the country's Southern borders with Israel, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Russia and the United States are conducting a dialogue at the diplomatic and military level regarding the situation in Syria’s Al-Tanf region, Lavrov stated, Sputnik reported.

"We are witnessing an increasing number of armed groups appearing in this region, including the Rukban refugee camp, which according to our information, is related in one way or another to ISIL and other extremist structures," he noted.

Lavrov said he hopes that reports on withdrawal of US troops from Syria's Al-Tanf base would come to fruition, adding that "the military presence there has no sense, from a military point of view".

He emphasized that the Russian side has called the US’ attention to the fact that the situation does not correspond to the agreements on how to organize de-escalation in the South of Syria.

Lavrov recalled that initially, the agreement on the establishment of a de-escalation zone in the Southwest of Syria had presupposed an "eventual" withdrawal of all non-Syrian forces from this region, saying that "it should be reciprocal".

"Of course, all non-Syrian forces should be withdrawn on a reciprocal basis, this should be a two-way process. The situation, when only representatives of the Syrian armed forces will be deployed on the Syrian side of the border with Israel, should become the outcome of such work," Lavrov added.

The United States occupies a 34-mile zone around its military base in Al-Tanf, where it trains and equips armed Syrian opposition forces. The Rukban refugee camp is located about 11 miles South of Al-Tanf and inside the US-controlled zone on the Syrian-Jordanian border.


28/05/2018 - Lavrov says Syrian troops only should control southern border (video)
Lavrov says Syrian troops only should control southern border (video)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that only Syrian government should have troops on the country’s southern border, speaking in Moscow on Monday at a joint press conference with his Mozambican counterpart Jose Pacheco.

According to Lavrov, a de-escalation zone in the south of Syria was established to eventually withdraw all non-Syrian forces from the border area.

“As a result of this work, which should and will continue, representatives of the armed forces of Syrian Arab Republic should stay on the border with Israel on the Syrian side,” the foreign minister said.

At the moment, the control of the border area close to Jordan and Israel is shared between Syrian government forces and different militant groups.

(1:36 min.) Published on May 28, 2018


27/05/2018 - Russian fighter jet spotted over Lebanon for first time in months
Russian fighter jet spotted over Lebanon for first time in months

For the first time in several months, a Russian fighter jet crossed over from Syria into Lebanese airspace.

Based on the images from locals, the Russian aircraft was a Su-34 fighter jet; it was spotted over the coastal city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon.

The Su-34 is currently carrying the new X59MK2 anti-ship cruise missile.

The purpose of this overflight is still unknown; however, it was most likely conducting a reconnaissance mission, which means some high ranking official could be visiting.


Monday 28 May 2018 - Russian jets 'intercept' Israeli planes over Lebanon: Reports
Russian jets 'intercept' Israeli planes over Lebanon: Reports

Israel's jets, long used to being unchallenged in Lebanese airspace, face off with Russia's despite a deconfliction mechanism in place.

Russian fighter jets intercepted Israeli warplanes over Lebanese airspace early on Monday morning, according to local outlets.

Reports claimed that two Israeli F-16 jets were challenged by Russian Sukhoi Su-34 jets over Lebanese airspace.

Israeli and Russian officials did not confirm the incident took place.

Videos circulated online showed Russian planes flying over Lebanon. The clips, however, did not show any Israeli jets.

The Russian jets may have been participating in a routine training exercise before intercepting the Israeli warplanes, according to Israeli newspaper Hadashot.

This latest episode marks the first time in months that Russian planes had entered Lebanese airspace from Syria, according to Al-Masdar news.

Israeli jets often fly over Lebanon conducting reconnaissance missions. Lebanon, which considers Israel an enemy state, often complains about its southern neighbour violating its airspace.

Israel in recent weeks has conducted air strikes on military bases in Syria thought to contain Iranian troops or fighters belonging to the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Iran and Hezbollah are fighting in Syria on the side of President Bashar al-Assad. Occasionally missiles used in such strikes are fired by Israeli jets from Lebanese airspace.

Last week, Israeli air force commander Amikam Norkin showed visiting air force officers a photograph of the F-35 stealth fighter flying over the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

Foreign policy circles are viewing the image as a tacit warning against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month said Moscow would not limit Israel's operations in the region.

Both Russia and Israel set up a mechanism in September 2015 to avoid any misunderstanding in light of Moscow's heavy military presence inside Syria.

However, officials from both Moscow and Tel Aviv do not inform each other on their operational plans.

“Cooperating is not the right term. We do not coordinate [with Russia]. It’s about deconfliction and security measures, so they don’t harm us and we don’t harm them,” a senior officer told the Times of Israel.
 
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