Russian diplomats, Syrian president discuss Idlib situation
Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin have discussed the fight against terrorists in the Syrian province of Idlib with the country’s President Bashar al-Assad during their November 4 visit to Damascus, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The parties thoroughly discussed the current situation in Syria, focusing on the implementation of the memorandum on Idlib adopted in Sochi on September 17 in light of the ongoing fight against terrorists," the statement reads. "Detailed information about the outcome of the four-party summit (between Russia, Turkey, Germany and France), held in Istanbul on October 27, was provided to Bashar al-Assad," the ministry added.
The meeting’s participants also touched upon the possibility of launching a Syrian constitutional committee as soon as possible. "The parties emphasized the importance of the post-conflict reconstruction of Syria and the return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to places of their permanent residence based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity," the statement adds.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Sunday following Assad’s meeting with Lavrentyev and Vershinin that the parties had discussed the formation of a constitutional committee and ways to resolve the Syrian crisis based on respect for the country’s sovereignty.
On Monday, the Russian presidential envoy and the deputy foreign minister visited Tehran to discuss the Syria issue with the Iranian authorities.
US-backed forces and Daesh exchange prisoners in Deir Ezzor
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) terrorist organization conducted a prisoner exchange this week in the Deir Ezzor countryside, local activists reported on Monday.
According to these activists, a meeting was held a couple of days ago between the Arab leaders in the Syrian Democratic Forces and Islamic State regarding a potential prisoner exchange in the Deir Ezzor countryside.
The Islamic State reportedly agreed to release 11 Arab fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces in exchange for the latter allowing food and medical supplies to enter the town of Shafah in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
Both sides have reportedly agreed to the terms of exchange.
ISIS RELEASES 7 U.S SOLDIERS FIGHTING ALONGSIDE KURDS
Major Turkish media outlet Anadolu reports that Seven US soldiers were released under an exchange deal between ISIS and the Kurdish terrorist organization PKK, according to reliable local sources in Deir al-Zour province, in eastern Syria.
In statements to Anatolia, the sources explained that “Daesh” (ISIS) captured seven US soldiers, during clashes with elements of the organization “YPG/PKK”, which is supported by the United States, last September, in the province of Deir al-Zour.
The sources, who preferred not to be identified, said that “Daesh” captured part of the seven U.S soldiers in attacks on oil fields in the area, and the rest in an attack on a camp near a neighboring town.
The sources said that negotiations between “Daesh” and “YPG/PKK” led to the release of the U.S soldiers.
A spokesman for the YPG/PKK said that ISIS called for the withdrawal from the particular oil field in question as well as a number of other fields, and to allow the entry of food and medical supplies to the town of Shaafa, in exchange for the release of US soldiers, according to sources.
The sources stressed that the “YPG / PKK” has already withdrawn from the oil fields concerned, and received the U.S soldiers detained by “Daesh,” under the deal between the two terrorist organizations, while not yet handing over the food and medical supplies, the source mentioned.
In response to a question by the Anatolian correspondent, an official in the US-led international coalition refused to report the presence of US soldiers held by Daesh.
On the news of a deal on the subject between the organization and “YPG / PKK”, the official said, “The alliance did not conclude any deal with Daesh.”
As of 15:45 GMT, November 5th, Washington has not followed up on the reported detention of US soldiers and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Clashes erupted between the two terrorist organizations in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour on September 11th 2018.
The PKK elements launched intense attacks with US and French support against Daesh to control the entire oil-rich province.
Despite US and French support, YPG did not make any headway with violent counter-attacks in defense of its last stronghold in the region.
ISIS CAR BOMB ATTACK KILLS SDF INTELLIGENCE OFFICER IN SYRIA’S MANBIJ: REPORTS
One person was killed and seven others were injured in a car bomb explosion in the northern Syrian city of Manbij, which is controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack via its news agency Amaq. According to reprots, the killed person was identified as an SDF intelligence officer, Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Muhammad.
It’s interesting to note that the car bomb attack took place amid the developing tensions between the SDF and Turkey-led forces in northern Syria. Recently, the SDF and the US-led coalition have significantly boosted security measures in the area. However, even these efforts did not allow them to prevent the ISIS attack inside the SDF stronghold.
Tahrir Al-Sham Retreats after Clashes with Rival Terrorists in Northwestern Syria
Horas al-Deen and Tahrir al-Sham engaged in a tough battle North of the town of Saraqib in Eastern Idlib.
Horas al-Deen managed to push Tahrir al-Sham back from one of their key positions.
The clashes inflicted a number of casualties on both sides.
Both warring sides have kept their fighters on alert that has caused civilians in the region to worry about.
Clashes are underway between the warring sides as Tahrir al-Sham is trying hard to recapture the lost land.
On Saturday, two notorious commanders of Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at and National Liberation Front (NLF) were killed in a bomb and gun fire attacks by unidentified raiders in Southern Idlib.
Abdulhamid al-Azo, a field commander of NLF, was killed in a bomb blast along a road connecting Dayer Sharqi to Ein Qari'a in Southern Idlib.
In the meantime, Abu Osama al-Terablosi, a notorious commander of Tahrir al-Sham, was gunned down by unknown raiders near the town of Ma'arat al-Nu'aman in Southern Idlib.
Meanwhile, a number of NLF fighters were killed or injured after a bomb went off near their base in the town of al-Artab in Western Aleppo.
Infighting and assassination operations have increased further in Northern Syria after the endorsement of the Sochi Agreement by Russia and Turkey that ruled for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Idlib.
Turkey to Utilize Jeish Al-Islam Terrorists in Battle against Kurds in Northern Syria
There is a close relation between Jeish al-Islam and Turkey after the terrorist group, a former ally of Riyadh, was expelled from Damascus' Eastern Ghouta.
The Arabic-language al-Watan daily quoted militant-affiliated sources as reporting that Turkey is planning to use Jeish al-Islam in its operation against Kurds on Syria's soil on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River, adding that Jeish al-Islam had been backed up by the َAnkara forces after the Saudis ended their military support for the terrorist group.
The daily went on to say that a large number of Jeish al-Islam fighters have been deployed in the town of al-Bab in Northeastern Aleppo that is under the control of Turkish forces and their militant allies, adding that Jeish al-Islam is in control of large territories near the town of Sosiyan.
The daily further said that Jeish al-Islam has been recruiting fresh fighters in Northern Aleppo via paying a hefty amount of money to boost its influence in al-Bab region.
A Lebanese media outlet reported on Monday that the Turkish warplanes were carrying out an increasing number of flights over the border with Syria's Hasaka as Ankara ground troops were preparing to launch a large-scale operation against Kurds on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River.
The Arabic-language al-Manar TV Channel reported that the Turkish fighter jets were flying in large numbers over the border region with Hasaka province in Northeastern Syria.
It further said that the US-led coalition forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held joint patrol along Syria-Turkey border between the two small towns of al-Darbasiyah in Northern Hasaka, and Ra'as al-Ein in Northwestern Hasaka.
The tv channel went on to say that a large number of Turkish troops and Ankara-backed militants have been put on alert along the contact lines with the SDF in Northern Syria to be used in a military operation on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River.
In the meantime, SOHR reported that the SDF commanders held a meeting over countering Turkey's possible attack on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River.
Tens of Terrorists, White Helmets Members Arrested over Leakage of Chemical Cargos Details
The Arabic-language website of Sputnik quoted unnamed sources as disclosing that Tahrir al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah terrorists arrested 29 of their own members and also 5 members of the White Helmets, accusing them of involvement in disclosing information about chemical weapons and poisonous gases, including their storage locations and transfer of them to new locations.
Tahrir al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah set up a joint committee 3 days ago to investigate and find those behind the leak of chemical information.
The Arabic-language website of Sputnik quoted another source as disclosing on Saturday that Tahrir al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah terrorists launched vast investigations to fine sources behind leaking information about the transfer of the chemical material cargos to different regions in Idlib province.
It further said that Tahrir al-Sham's move came after terrorist groups held a meeting in Khan Sheikhoun in Southwestern Idlib to set up an investigation committee.
The Arabic Sputnik went on to say that the committee is responsible for questioning the terrorists and members of the pro-militant White Helmets Organization over the leaked information.
Different Arab media outlets have released reports about chemical activities of the terrorist groups in Idlib in recent months.
In the meantime, informed sources reported in late October that Jeish al-Izzah transferred 2 cylinders of Sarin and Chlorine gases from al-Latamina to Qala Maziq in Northwestern Hama to hand over them to allied militants of Ansar al-Tohid.
Syrian Army Sends More Military Convoys to Sweida Desert to Counter ISIL
The army dispatched hundreds of soldiers, including more units of the 4th Division, tens of military and armored vehicles and heavy equipment to Toloul al-Safa regin in the Eastern desert of Sweida.
In the meantime, the army's artillery and missile units pounded terrorists' movements and positions in Toloul al-Safa as heavy fighting is underway between ISIL and Damascus ground forces in the region.
Last month, the army, led by their elite 4th Armored Division and 5th Corps, began their push up the steep cliffs of Toloul al-Safa region, striking several sites controlled by the ISIL terrorists.
Not long after launching their large-scale assault, the Syrian Army found themselves involved in a tough battle with the ISIL terrorists at one of several rocky cliffs in Toloul al-Safa region.
According to a military source in the provincial capital of Sweida, the Syrian army managed to advance up one of the highest peak in Toloul al-Safa region, leaving them only a short distance from imposing fire control over much of the area.
The military source said that the Syrian army did suffer over ten casualties trying to make this advance; they would also inflict heavy losses in the ISIL ranks.
The Army is now working to secure several hilltops in Toloul al-Safa region, as they look to eliminate the last remnants of the ISIL in Southern Syria.
Syrian Army Preempts Terrorist Groups' Offensives in Northern Hama
The army's artillery units targeted the movements of a terrorist group South of the village of al-Zakat and repelled their attack on the government forces' positions in the village of Shilout in Marhadah region in Northern Hama.
A number of terrorists were killed or wounded in the artillery attack and the remaining pockets of the terrorists retreated from the region.
In the meantime, other units of the army targeted terrorists' movements in the village of Tal al-Sakhar, preventing them from prevailing over government forces' positions in Northern Hama.
Also, other artillery units shelled terrorists' movements in the village of Khirbet al-Naqous in Northwestern Hama, inflicting major losses on the terrorists.
The terrorists have still deployed in demilitarized zone in spite of Turkey's attempts to expel them.
On Saturday, terrorist groups sent more military hardware to Southeastern Idlib in defiance of the terms of the Sochi Agreement that calls for a demilitarized zone.
Terrorist groups dispatched more arms and ammunition to Skeik, al-Taah and Jarjanaz in Southeastern Idlib to boost their defense-combat capabilities.
The terrorists' move came after their attack on the Syrian Army near Abu al-Dhohour that caused the army's artillery units to shell terrorists' positions in the region.
In the meantime, a filed commander said that the terrorists' attacks on the army prove that Turkey has failed to expel terrorists from the demilitarized zone.
The commander warned that the Sochi Agreement will not survive if the terrorists continue such attacks.
Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin have discussed the fight against terrorists in the Syrian province of Idlib with the country’s President Bashar al-Assad during their November 4 visit to Damascus, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The parties thoroughly discussed the current situation in Syria, focusing on the implementation of the memorandum on Idlib adopted in Sochi on September 17 in light of the ongoing fight against terrorists," the statement reads. "Detailed information about the outcome of the four-party summit (between Russia, Turkey, Germany and France), held in Istanbul on October 27, was provided to Bashar al-Assad," the ministry added.
The meeting’s participants also touched upon the possibility of launching a Syrian constitutional committee as soon as possible. "The parties emphasized the importance of the post-conflict reconstruction of Syria and the return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to places of their permanent residence based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity," the statement adds.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Sunday following Assad’s meeting with Lavrentyev and Vershinin that the parties had discussed the formation of a constitutional committee and ways to resolve the Syrian crisis based on respect for the country’s sovereignty.
On Monday, the Russian presidential envoy and the deputy foreign minister visited Tehran to discuss the Syria issue with the Iranian authorities.
US-backed forces and Daesh exchange prisoners in Deir Ezzor
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) terrorist organization conducted a prisoner exchange this week in the Deir Ezzor countryside, local activists reported on Monday.
According to these activists, a meeting was held a couple of days ago between the Arab leaders in the Syrian Democratic Forces and Islamic State regarding a potential prisoner exchange in the Deir Ezzor countryside.
The Islamic State reportedly agreed to release 11 Arab fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces in exchange for the latter allowing food and medical supplies to enter the town of Shafah in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
Both sides have reportedly agreed to the terms of exchange.
ISIS RELEASES 7 U.S SOLDIERS FIGHTING ALONGSIDE KURDS
Major Turkish media outlet Anadolu reports that Seven US soldiers were released under an exchange deal between ISIS and the Kurdish terrorist organization PKK, according to reliable local sources in Deir al-Zour province, in eastern Syria.
In statements to Anatolia, the sources explained that “Daesh” (ISIS) captured seven US soldiers, during clashes with elements of the organization “YPG/PKK”, which is supported by the United States, last September, in the province of Deir al-Zour.
The sources, who preferred not to be identified, said that “Daesh” captured part of the seven U.S soldiers in attacks on oil fields in the area, and the rest in an attack on a camp near a neighboring town.
The sources said that negotiations between “Daesh” and “YPG/PKK” led to the release of the U.S soldiers.
A spokesman for the YPG/PKK said that ISIS called for the withdrawal from the particular oil field in question as well as a number of other fields, and to allow the entry of food and medical supplies to the town of Shaafa, in exchange for the release of US soldiers, according to sources.
The sources stressed that the “YPG / PKK” has already withdrawn from the oil fields concerned, and received the U.S soldiers detained by “Daesh,” under the deal between the two terrorist organizations, while not yet handing over the food and medical supplies, the source mentioned.
In response to a question by the Anatolian correspondent, an official in the US-led international coalition refused to report the presence of US soldiers held by Daesh.
On the news of a deal on the subject between the organization and “YPG / PKK”, the official said, “The alliance did not conclude any deal with Daesh.”
As of 15:45 GMT, November 5th, Washington has not followed up on the reported detention of US soldiers and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Clashes erupted between the two terrorist organizations in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour on September 11th 2018.
The PKK elements launched intense attacks with US and French support against Daesh to control the entire oil-rich province.
Despite US and French support, YPG did not make any headway with violent counter-attacks in defense of its last stronghold in the region.
ISIS CAR BOMB ATTACK KILLS SDF INTELLIGENCE OFFICER IN SYRIA’S MANBIJ: REPORTS
One person was killed and seven others were injured in a car bomb explosion in the northern Syrian city of Manbij, which is controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack via its news agency Amaq. According to reprots, the killed person was identified as an SDF intelligence officer, Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Muhammad.
It’s interesting to note that the car bomb attack took place amid the developing tensions between the SDF and Turkey-led forces in northern Syria. Recently, the SDF and the US-led coalition have significantly boosted security measures in the area. However, even these efforts did not allow them to prevent the ISIS attack inside the SDF stronghold.
Tahrir Al-Sham Retreats after Clashes with Rival Terrorists in Northwestern Syria
Horas al-Deen and Tahrir al-Sham engaged in a tough battle North of the town of Saraqib in Eastern Idlib.
Horas al-Deen managed to push Tahrir al-Sham back from one of their key positions.
The clashes inflicted a number of casualties on both sides.
Both warring sides have kept their fighters on alert that has caused civilians in the region to worry about.
Clashes are underway between the warring sides as Tahrir al-Sham is trying hard to recapture the lost land.
On Saturday, two notorious commanders of Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at and National Liberation Front (NLF) were killed in a bomb and gun fire attacks by unidentified raiders in Southern Idlib.
Abdulhamid al-Azo, a field commander of NLF, was killed in a bomb blast along a road connecting Dayer Sharqi to Ein Qari'a in Southern Idlib.
In the meantime, Abu Osama al-Terablosi, a notorious commander of Tahrir al-Sham, was gunned down by unknown raiders near the town of Ma'arat al-Nu'aman in Southern Idlib.
Meanwhile, a number of NLF fighters were killed or injured after a bomb went off near their base in the town of al-Artab in Western Aleppo.
Infighting and assassination operations have increased further in Northern Syria after the endorsement of the Sochi Agreement by Russia and Turkey that ruled for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Idlib.
Turkey to Utilize Jeish Al-Islam Terrorists in Battle against Kurds in Northern Syria
There is a close relation between Jeish al-Islam and Turkey after the terrorist group, a former ally of Riyadh, was expelled from Damascus' Eastern Ghouta.
The Arabic-language al-Watan daily quoted militant-affiliated sources as reporting that Turkey is planning to use Jeish al-Islam in its operation against Kurds on Syria's soil on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River, adding that Jeish al-Islam had been backed up by the َAnkara forces after the Saudis ended their military support for the terrorist group.
The daily went on to say that a large number of Jeish al-Islam fighters have been deployed in the town of al-Bab in Northeastern Aleppo that is under the control of Turkish forces and their militant allies, adding that Jeish al-Islam is in control of large territories near the town of Sosiyan.
The daily further said that Jeish al-Islam has been recruiting fresh fighters in Northern Aleppo via paying a hefty amount of money to boost its influence in al-Bab region.
A Lebanese media outlet reported on Monday that the Turkish warplanes were carrying out an increasing number of flights over the border with Syria's Hasaka as Ankara ground troops were preparing to launch a large-scale operation against Kurds on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River.
The Arabic-language al-Manar TV Channel reported that the Turkish fighter jets were flying in large numbers over the border region with Hasaka province in Northeastern Syria.
It further said that the US-led coalition forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held joint patrol along Syria-Turkey border between the two small towns of al-Darbasiyah in Northern Hasaka, and Ra'as al-Ein in Northwestern Hasaka.
The tv channel went on to say that a large number of Turkish troops and Ankara-backed militants have been put on alert along the contact lines with the SDF in Northern Syria to be used in a military operation on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River.
In the meantime, SOHR reported that the SDF commanders held a meeting over countering Turkey's possible attack on the Eastern banks of the Euphrates River.
Tens of Terrorists, White Helmets Members Arrested over Leakage of Chemical Cargos Details
The Arabic-language website of Sputnik quoted unnamed sources as disclosing that Tahrir al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah terrorists arrested 29 of their own members and also 5 members of the White Helmets, accusing them of involvement in disclosing information about chemical weapons and poisonous gases, including their storage locations and transfer of them to new locations.
Tahrir al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah set up a joint committee 3 days ago to investigate and find those behind the leak of chemical information.
The Arabic-language website of Sputnik quoted another source as disclosing on Saturday that Tahrir al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah terrorists launched vast investigations to fine sources behind leaking information about the transfer of the chemical material cargos to different regions in Idlib province.
It further said that Tahrir al-Sham's move came after terrorist groups held a meeting in Khan Sheikhoun in Southwestern Idlib to set up an investigation committee.
The Arabic Sputnik went on to say that the committee is responsible for questioning the terrorists and members of the pro-militant White Helmets Organization over the leaked information.
Different Arab media outlets have released reports about chemical activities of the terrorist groups in Idlib in recent months.
In the meantime, informed sources reported in late October that Jeish al-Izzah transferred 2 cylinders of Sarin and Chlorine gases from al-Latamina to Qala Maziq in Northwestern Hama to hand over them to allied militants of Ansar al-Tohid.
Syrian Army Sends More Military Convoys to Sweida Desert to Counter ISIL
The army dispatched hundreds of soldiers, including more units of the 4th Division, tens of military and armored vehicles and heavy equipment to Toloul al-Safa regin in the Eastern desert of Sweida.
In the meantime, the army's artillery and missile units pounded terrorists' movements and positions in Toloul al-Safa as heavy fighting is underway between ISIL and Damascus ground forces in the region.
Last month, the army, led by their elite 4th Armored Division and 5th Corps, began their push up the steep cliffs of Toloul al-Safa region, striking several sites controlled by the ISIL terrorists.
Not long after launching their large-scale assault, the Syrian Army found themselves involved in a tough battle with the ISIL terrorists at one of several rocky cliffs in Toloul al-Safa region.
According to a military source in the provincial capital of Sweida, the Syrian army managed to advance up one of the highest peak in Toloul al-Safa region, leaving them only a short distance from imposing fire control over much of the area.
The military source said that the Syrian army did suffer over ten casualties trying to make this advance; they would also inflict heavy losses in the ISIL ranks.
The Army is now working to secure several hilltops in Toloul al-Safa region, as they look to eliminate the last remnants of the ISIL in Southern Syria.
Syrian Army Preempts Terrorist Groups' Offensives in Northern Hama
The army's artillery units targeted the movements of a terrorist group South of the village of al-Zakat and repelled their attack on the government forces' positions in the village of Shilout in Marhadah region in Northern Hama.
A number of terrorists were killed or wounded in the artillery attack and the remaining pockets of the terrorists retreated from the region.
In the meantime, other units of the army targeted terrorists' movements in the village of Tal al-Sakhar, preventing them from prevailing over government forces' positions in Northern Hama.
Also, other artillery units shelled terrorists' movements in the village of Khirbet al-Naqous in Northwestern Hama, inflicting major losses on the terrorists.
The terrorists have still deployed in demilitarized zone in spite of Turkey's attempts to expel them.
On Saturday, terrorist groups sent more military hardware to Southeastern Idlib in defiance of the terms of the Sochi Agreement that calls for a demilitarized zone.
Terrorist groups dispatched more arms and ammunition to Skeik, al-Taah and Jarjanaz in Southeastern Idlib to boost their defense-combat capabilities.
The terrorists' move came after their attack on the Syrian Army near Abu al-Dhohour that caused the army's artillery units to shell terrorists' positions in the region.
In the meantime, a filed commander said that the terrorists' attacks on the army prove that Turkey has failed to expel terrorists from the demilitarized zone.
The commander warned that the Sochi Agreement will not survive if the terrorists continue such attacks.
