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

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October 14, 2018 - Syria Minister discussed with Iraqi Counterpart Reopening Border Crossing
Syria minister discussed with Iraqi counterpart reopening border crossings | Reuters

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem discussed “speeding up” the reopening of border crossings with Iraq in a meeting with Iraqi counterpart in Damascus, the Syrian state news agency SANA said on Sunday.

Near Syria’s border with Iraq, the U.S. military has closed the main Damascus-Baghdad highway, though there is a smaller crossing at Albu Kamal further east that is presently open only for government or military traffic.


October 14, 2018 - Jordan and Syria say Border to Reopen on Monday
Jordan and Syria say border to reopen on Monday | Reuters

The border crossing between Jordan and Syria will officially reopen on Monday after being closed for three years, the two countries said on Sunday, though it will not be open to normal traffic immediately.

Meanwhile, the Syrian and Iraqi foreign ministers discussed accelerating efforts to reopen the border between their countries, Syrian state media said.

The Syrian government retook the area around the border crossing with Jordan at Nassib in July during a weeks-long Russian-backed offensive to drive rebels from their stronghold in southwest Syria.

The closure of the Nassib crossing in 2015 cut a crucial transit route for hundreds of trucks a day transporting goods between Turkey and the Gulf, and Lebanon and the Gulf, in multi-billion dollar annual trade.

Since then, Syria’s only normally operating frontier crossing has been with Lebanon, which itself has no other functioning land borders.

The frontier with Turkey is still closed into Syrian government-held areas, and open only into territory controlled by rebels.

Near Syria’s border with Iraq, a U.S. military base has closed the main Damascus-Baghdad highway, though there is a smaller crossing at Albu Kamal further east that is presently open only for government or military traffic.

INTERNAL TRAFFIC
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari arrived in Damascus on Sunday for a three-day visit. He and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem discussed “speeding up” the reopening of their border, the official Sana news agency reported.

As Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has taken more territory inside Syria, normal internal traffic has resumed between most big cities, easing the movement of goods and people and bringing an economic boost in government-held areas.

Technical teams from Syria and Jordan met on the Jordanian side on Sunday and agreed on the final arrangements to open the crossing from Oct. 15, said Jordanian government spokeswoman Jumana Ghunaimat.

However, although the crossing will be officially opened on Monday, it will not open to normal traffic just yet, said Nael Husami, head of the Amman chamber of industry.

Syrian state television also cited Interior Minister Mohammed al-Shaar as saying the border crossing and roads leading to it were being renovated.

Opening the border will also be important for Lebanon, which relies on Syria for overland connections to all other countries because its only other frontier is with Israel, with which it has no ties.

In July Lebanese caretaker economy minister Raed Khoury said it was vital for Lebanese exporters to be able once again to send produce overland through Syria to the wider region.

Lebanese exports fell by 35 percent after the Syrian conflict began, Khoury said.


27.09.2018 - Israel ready to Open Quneitra Checkpoint on Border with Syria - Defense Minister
Israel Ready to Open Quneitra Checkpoint on Border With Syria – Defense Minister

Avigdor Lieberman said that Israel was willing to resume normal activity at the crossing point and "the ball is now in Syria's hands.

However, Lieberman specified that the crossing point would be opened for UN personnel and would resume operating as before the war.

We see Syrian police and customs officers on the opposite side of the border, work is underway, patrols of the Russian military police are passing. … We are ready to bring life back to normal," Lieberman said after visiting the Israeli section of the crossing.

Lieberman said that Israel remained dedicated to its non-intervention policy in Syria. He added that the reopening only meant that security considerations would now allow the crossing to function.

Syrian forces recaptured the Quneitra area two months ago.


October 14, 2018 - Syrian Jihadists signal Acceptance of Idlib Deal
Syrian jihadists signal acceptance of Idlib deal | Reuters

Syria’s main jihadist group signaled on Sunday it would abide by the terms of a Russian-Turkish deal to prevent a Syrian government offensive on rebel-held Idlib the day before a critical deadline.

Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist alliance spearheaded by al Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate previously known as the Nusra Front, said it had adopted its stance after taking time for “consultation”.

Although it did not explicitly say it would abide by the deal, it said it would seek to provide security for people in the area it controls and that it appreciated efforts to protect that area, an apparent reference to Turkey.

“We value the efforts of all those striving - at home and abroad - to protect the liberated area and prevent its invasion and the perpetration of massacres in it,” Tahrir al-Sham said in its statement.

“But we warn at the same time against the trickery of the Russian occupier or having faith in its intentions,” it added. The group also said it “would not forget” the foreign fighters who came to assist it.

Idlib’s other main rebel faction, a Turkish-aligned alliance of groups known as the National Liberation Front, has already expressed its support for the agreement.

The deal sets up a demilitarized zone running 15-20 km (9-13 miles) deep into rebel territory that must be evacuated of all heavy weapons and all jihadist groups by Monday, Oct. 15.

Turkey has been working to persuade Tahrir al-Sham to comply with the agreement, which it arranged with the Syrian government’s main ally Russia to avert an assault that it feared would send a new wave of refugees toward its border.

However, Tahrir al-Sham also said in its statement, issued via its social media channels, that it would not end its jihad or hand over its weapons.

Idlib and adjacent areas are the last stronghold of rebels who rose against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. It is also home to an estimated 3 million people, more than half of whom have already been displaced at least once during the war.

Last week Turkey said the demilitarized zone had been set up, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the zone was effective and no large scale military actions were planned in Idlib.

Russian and Turkish troops will eventually patrol the zone, according to their agreement.


14.10.2018 - Pentagon Report reveals US Weapons Systems' Cyber Vulnerability
Pentagon Report Reveals US Weapons Systems' Cyber Vulnerability

On Saturday, the US Government Accountability Office released a report, in which it specifically underscored that the Pentagon has yet to resolve "the scale of [cyber] vulnerabilities" to US weapons systems.

A recent federal report claiming that the US Department of Defense (DoD) is still "in the early stage of trying to understand how to apply cybersecurity to weapon systems" is nothing but an embarrassing wake-up call for the Pentagon, the Hill cited US military experts as saying.

Bob Taylor, former Pentagon acting general counsel during the Obama administration, stressed that servicemen's lives could "depend on the weapon system working as it's supposed to."

But if it [weapons system] contains a vulnerability that could be triggered by an adversary, it may not carry out a function that you're counting on it having. And that could be a matter of life and death," he underscored.

Taylor urged US military leaders to send a stronger message to the Pentagon and prompt it to adopt relevant cybersecurity practices and better recognize risks.

"I think that there really needs to be a strong message the people will be held accountable for not adequately responding to the shortcomings that have been revealed, and to create a culture of real care and attention to the vulnerabilities that the network weapons systems create,” he underlined.

Taylor was echoed by Rep. Jim Langevin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-founder of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, who said that said he was "not surprised" by the US Government Accountability Office's report.

"While DoD has made progress in lowering its cybersecurity risks, it has not moved fast enough," Langevin pointed out.

Also criticizing the Department of Defense's stance on cyberattacks was Edgard Capdevielle, chief executive of the industrial cybersecurity firm Nozomi Networks, who said that "it's entirely surprising that military leaders turned a blind eye to security weaknesses within the Pentagon's multibillion-dollar weapons systems."

Addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities after the fact is a monumental task, so it's unfortunate that the military failed to take action despite continued warnings from the Government Accountability Office," Capdevielle noted.

John Harmon, a former NSA analyst and vice president of sales for cyber firm Endgame, in turn stressed the importance of cyber standards being constantly be updated.

"Compliance is not security, it's compliance. Some of these systems again were built a long time ago. And sure, they might be compliant with when they were put out, but they're not up to date when it comes to there being some kind of a system that actually protects these things from some kind of sophisticated adversary," he emphasized.

Earlier this week, a report by the Government Accountability Office found almost all US weapons systems had significant cyber flaws.

The survey cautioned that the Department of Defense "likely has an entire generation of systems that were designed and built without adequately considering cybersecurity."

 

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Foreign Ministry: The use of int’l banned weapons by US-led coalition against Syrians become systematic and deliberate

https://sana.sy/en/?p=148852

Foreign and Expatriates Ministry sent two letters to the UN Secretary-General and head of the UNSC on a new massacre committed by the illegal international collation against the inhabitants of Hajin city in Deir Ezzor after dropping internationally banned white phosphorus bombs, causing civilian causalities.

In the letters, the Ministry said that Washington-led illegal international coalition has committed a new crime against innocent Syrian civilians after its warplanes on October 13 and 14 targeted residential houses in the city of Hajin in Deir Ezzor province with internationally banned white phosphorus bombs, which caused the martyrdom and injuring a number of civilians, mostly women and children.

“The use of internationally prohibited weapons against the Syrian people has become a systematic and intentional behavior of this coalition in a blatant violation of the rules of international law, international humanitarian law and human rights.This crime is one in a series of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Syrian people, including the Coalition’s continued support for terrorism and its use of terrorists and separatist militias to achieve its objectives and aggressive plans aimed at undermining the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic,” the Ministry added.

“The Syrian Arab Republic again calls upon the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities in the maintenance of international peace and security, to conduct an international investigation into these crimes and to condemn them immediately, to stop their recurrence, to end the aggressive presence of US and other foreign forces illegally present on the Syrian territory and prevent them from carrying out their plans to undermine the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic,” said the Ministry.

The Ministry noted that the Syrian Arab Republic, in its previous letters including its letters dated 6 and 17 August 2017, referred to the international coalition’s systematic use of internationally banned white phosphorus bombs and called on the UNSC to act immediately to stop these crimes and prevent their recurrence.


Syrian Militants Partially Withdraw Weapons From Idlib - Militia Commander

Militants of illegal armed groups in the south-west of the Syrian province of Idlib comply with the ceasefire regime and partially withdrew heavy weapons from the demilitarized zone on the border with the province of Hama, Nabil, the commander of the Christian militia of Al-Suqaylabiyah city, told Sputnik.

"There is information that armed terrorist groups fulfill the conditions of the agreement. It is also confirmed by some video and photo materials that they publish. According to our sources, there is a partial [weapons] withdrawal. Turkey confirms this through its media. We can say that this is partially true. But the withdrawal is not full, and there is still time for the full implementation of the agreement before October 15," Nabil said.

According to the commander, there have been no violations of the ceasefire regime in the area over the past several days.

On Wednesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said that all heavy weapons had been withdrawn from the newly-formed demilitarized zone in Idlib.

On September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to set up a demilitarized zone in Idlib along the contact line of the armed opposition and the government forces by October 15. The withdrawal of heavy weaponry is part of the agreement.

The agreement, in particular, envisaged a speedy withdrawal of heavy weapons by October 10 from the demilitarization zone, which will run along the perimeter of the de-escalation zone to a depth of 15 to 20 kilometers (9 to 12 miles). Russian military police and Turkish forces will be patrolling the demilitarized zone in Idlib along the contact line between the armed opposition and the government troops.


Jihadist rebels have not left the Idlib buffer zone: Syrian Army

The jihadist rebels have not left from the Idlib buffer zone, despite the fact that the deadline for their withdrawal has expired.

Speaking to Al-Masdar News this morning, a Syrian Arab Army officer in the northern Hama town of Mhardeh said that the jihadist rebels across the western and southwestern corridor of the buffer zone have not left their posts.

The SAA officer said that the jihadist rebels still have their heavy weapons in the area, along with a large number of fighters.

He would add that the jihadist rebels have fortified their defenses around the buffer zone, prompting the Syrian military to believe they are preparing to fight.

With no movement from the jihadist forces, the ball is now in the Turkish military’s court, as they will likely be pressured by the Russians and Iranians to either kick them out of the buffer zone or let the Syrian Arab Army do so.

It does not appear that Turkey favors the Syrian government retaking anymore territory from the rebels, so there is a strong possibility Ankara may move their forces to the front-lines.


PressTV-Syria: Takfiris refuse to leave Idlib buffer zone

Al-Qaeda-lined Takfiri terrorists say they refuse to either leave a planned buffer zone in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib or hand over their weapons.

"We have not abandoned our choice of…fighting towards implementing our blessed revolution," said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an alliance led by Takfiri terrorists belonging to al-Nusra Front or Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, al-Qaeda’s Syria chapter, AFP reported.

Russia, a Syria ally, and Turkey, which sides with anti-Damascus militants, have planned the de-escalation zone.

The countries had set an October 10 deadline for the Takfiri and militant groups there to surrender their arms and also called Sunday midnight the last time by which those groups were expected to leave the area.

As the second deadline was looming, the HTS also said it would not lay down its arms either. "We will not abandon them or hand them over," they said.

"We appreciate the efforts of all those who strive inside and abroad to protect the liberated area and forbid its destruction or massacres being carried out in it," the HTS, meanwhile, said. AFP interpreted the remarks as being directed at Turkey.

"But at the same time, we warn of the deceitfulness of the Russian occupier and against any trust in its intentions," the group added.

Ankara's agreement with Moscow forestalled an imminent offensive to liberate Idlib, which contains the largest concentrations of remaining Takfiri terrorists in Syria, but is also being roamed by several Turkish-backed militant groups.

On Sunday, mortar shells were fired from the zone onto the nearby Hama Province, killing two Syrian soldiers, the UK-based so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Syria’s Al Watan paper reported similar violations. It said that western parts of the neighboring Aleppo Province were being hit by "rocket fire and shelling with heavy weapons, which were supposed to be pulled out from the area."

Damascus has clearly asserted that the Idlib agreement is only “temporary,” and that the province should ultimately come under government control.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday confirmed that the agreement is temporary and that the Syrian government should ultimately regain control over the entire territory.


Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Releases Its First Statement On Russian-Turkish Deconfliction Agreement

On October 14, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra; HTS) released an official statement, in which it vowed to continue its “Jihad” [the Islamic term for holy war] against the Damascus government and refused to give up its arms or to ditch its foreign fighters.

“We will not deviate from the option of jihad and fighting as a way to achieve the goals of our blessed revolution, first and foremost to bring down the criminal regime, free the prisoners and secure the return of the displaced to their country … Our weapons are a safety valve for the Sham revolution,” HTS statement said.​

The radical group added that it appreciates the efforts of everyone who worked to protect its areas in a clear hint to Turkey. However, it warned from the “maneuvers of the Russian occupier and from trusting its intentions.”

“All the attempts of the criminal regime and its allies will fail and will be defeated, just like every other occupier throughout history,” HTS stated.​

This was the first official statement of HTS since the announcement of the Turkish-Russian deconfliction agreement on the governorate of Idlib, which is controlled by the radical group. Local observers said the statement represents the group’s stand on the agreement.

While HTS didn’t deny that it had withdrawn its heavy weapons from the demilitarized area around Idlib, it firmly rejected to give up its arms and dissolve itself. This stand represents a middle ground between the views of the “radical” and “moderate” wings within the group.

HTS’ plan to accept and reject certain parts of the deconfliction agreement will likely jeopardize the entire process, especially that the radical group is determined to continue fighting against Damascus.


SENIOR HTS COMMANDER CALLS FOR ATTACKS IN IDLIB TO ‘SUPPORT’ AL-RUKBAN CAMP

Senior HTS Commander Calls For Attacks In Idlib To 'Support' Al-Rukban Camp

On October 13, Abu Malik al-Tali, a senior commander of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), called for supporting the “besieged” refugees in the al-Rukban camp on the Syrian-Jordanian border by carrying out new attacks on the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) around the governorate of Idlib.

“These words are directed to every faction leader or fighter on a frontline, you must support your brothers by shelling the positions [of the SAA] … Do not say that we do not deal with reactions, the concept of support in our religion is based on reacting according to ability,” al-Tali said in a post on his official Telegram channel.​

Al-Tali didn’t only call for violating the Russian-Turkish deconfliction agreement on Idlib, but also criticized the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the demilitarized zone around the northern governorate.

Sources close to the US-led coalition claim that the al-Rukban camp is besieged by the SAA. However, the camp is is a part of the the 55km de-escalation zone around the coalition base in al-Tanaf. The camp is also located right on the border with Jordan, which allows tons of military equipment to enter al-Tanaf on a regular basis.

According to Syria opposition sources, al-Tali, who was the top commander of HTS in the region of Qalamun, is a part of the “radical wing” within the group that rejects the deconfliction agreement. Despite his calls for war, al-Tali was defeated by the SAA and Hezbollah twice and run away from Qalamun in 2017.


Nusra Front Signals Ready for Deal With Russia, Turkey in Idlib – Report

Nusra Front Signals Readiness for Deal With Russia, Turkey in Idlib – Report

Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, issued a statement saying they are ready to abide by terms of a deal offered by Moscow and Ankara, but claimed they won’t give up their weapons.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, also often referred to as the Nusra Front, has signaled it is ready to abide to a Russian-Turkish deal that aims to prevent the offensive operation in Idlib just one day before the deadline.

Syria's main jihadist group said it made a decision after taking time for "consultation," according to a report by Reuters.

While not agreeing to the explicit terms of the deal, the group says it would seek to provide security for civilians in the area it controls and that it appreciated efforts to protect that area.

"We value the efforts of all those striving — at home and abroad — to protect the liberated area and prevent its invasion and the perpetration of massacres in it," the terror group said in its statement, published via social media.

"But we warn at the same time against the trickery of the Russian occupier or having faith in its intentions," it added.

The statement also said Tahrir al-Sham "will not forget" the foreign fighters who came to assist it.

Another major militant force, the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front, announced its acceptance of the deal, Reuters reports.

According to the terms of the deal, a demilitarized zone would be created running roughly 10 miles deep into militant territory from which all heavy weapons and terrorist fighters must withdraw.

Nevertheless, Tahrir al-Sham stated that it will not end its jihad or hand over their weapons.

Turkey played an active role in persuading terrorists in Idlib province to agree to the deal, fearing that an offensive operation by Syrian forces might send another massive wave of immigrants toward the Turkish border.

Currently, Turkey is estimated to be housing some 3.5 million Syrian refugees and appears to be determined to prevent another wave of migrants at all costs.

Idlib and adjacent areas — the last stronghold of militants in Syria — are home to an estimated 3 million civilians, more than half of whom have reportedly been displaced at least once during the ongoing six-year war.


HTS uncovers ISIS sleeper cell and weapons cache in southern Idlib

HTS uncovers ISIS sleeper cell and weapons cache in southern Idlib

Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham uncovered a sleeper cell and weapons cache belonging to the so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS) in the southern countryside of the Idlib Governorate this past weekend.

According to the official media wing of HTS, their forces raided an Islamic State sleeper cell while combing through the town of Ma’arat Misreen in the southern part of Idlib.

Upon uncovering the sleeper cell, Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham also found a weapons cache that was filled with improvised explosive devices, drones, and other bombs.

The Islamic State has used these sleeper cells to carry out assassinations and attacks against Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and their allies in the Idlib Governorate.


Netanyahu Threatens Hamas After Recent Spike of Violence at Gaza Border

Netanyahu Threatens Hamas After Recent Spike of Violence at Gaza Border

The Israeli Prime Minister's statement follows an earlier announcement by the Israeli Defense Ministry that unrest within the Gaza Strip has escalated, with the Palestinians launching incendiary balloons and attempting to cross the border and attack the Israeli military.

Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Hamas with 'very strong blows' following the escalation of violence at the Gaza border, the French news agency AFP reported.

"Hamas, apparently, has not internalized the message. If they do not stop the violent attacks against us, they will be stopped in a different way and it will be painful — very painful. We are very close to a different kind of activity, an activity that will include very powerful blows. If it has sense, Hamas will stop firing and stop these violent disturbances — now," Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting, as quoted by the Haaretz newspaper.

Prior to the prime minister's comment, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced on Saturday that fuel deliveries were being halted in the wake of the fresh unrest at the border, and they will be resumed only when clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli military in the region cease.

On Friday, thousands of Gaza residents staged demonstrations along the Palestinian enclave's border with Israel.

Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians on the Gaza border have been mounting since late March, which marked the start of a wave of protests called the "Great March of Return."


Netanyahu Says Israel is Preventing Radical Islam From Overrunning Middle East

Netanyahu Says Israel is Preventing Radical Islam From Overrunning Middle East

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister threatened "very painful blows" against Hamas amid another surge of violence on Israel's border with Gaza.

Speaking at a Christian Media Conference in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel was preventing radical Islam from overrunning the region, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Slamming the Palestinian Authority over its alleged persecution of Christians in the city of Bethlehem, Netanyahu said that after the ancient city was handed over to the Palestinian Authority, its Christian population dwindled from 80 percent of the population to just 20 percent.

Addressing President Donald Trump's decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, which he called Israel's "eternal capital," the prime minister stressed that the move served as the correction of a "historical wrong." Bringing home his point about the Jewish nation's connection to the city, Netanyahu half-jokingly asked "Where did Jesus overturn the money changers' tables?"

Finally, turning to Israeli military operations in Syria, which he said are a struggle against an Iranian takeover, Netanyahu suggested that for Tehran, "Israel is a small Satan," with Europe serving as a "medium Satan," and the US as a "great Satan."

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu threatened the Hamas militant group with "very painful" attacks if the group did "not stop the violent attacks against us" near the Gaza border.

Syrian authorities and media have repeatedly accused Tel Aviv of providing various forms of assistance to extremist militants in southern Syria over the years, including weapons and medical aid. Israel has for the most part refrained from officially commenting on such allegations.


Egypt's Intelligence Chief to Meet With Hamas Leadership on Thursday - Source

Egypt's Intelligence Chief to Meet With Hamas Leadership on Thursday - Source

Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will pay a visit to the Gaza Strip on Thursday where he will meet with the leadership of Hamas movement to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation, a source told Sputnik.

"A delegation from the Egyptian intelligence service headed by intelligence chief Brigadier General Abbas Kamel will visit the Gaza Strip on Thursday to meet with the leadership of Hamas movement," the source said, adding that the sides will discuss the reconciliation agreement with the Israelis.

The source noted that the delegation was also expected to visit Israel but did not specify the goals of the visit.

The long-standing tensions between Israel and Palestine have escalated in late March, when Palestinians launched protest rallies at the border of Gaza, controlled by Hamas since 2007. The border riots were accompanied with launching of arson balloons and burning kites with the aim reportedly to provoke fires in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday threatened Hamas with "very powerful blows" if attacks from the Gaza Strip and violence on the border continue.

On Friday, at least seven Palestinian were killed in clashes with Israeli troops near the Gaza Strip border. The Israeli military said that the troops had opened fire on a group of the Palestinian militants, who approached an army post and detonated a bomb.

Egypt has been working together with the United Nations to ease tensions between the sides.


ISRAEL STRIKES ITS OWN SPYING SYSTEM IN LEBANON – REPORT

https://southfront.org/israel-strikes-its-own-spying-system-in-lebanon/



On October 14, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of the Israeli Air Force destroyed an Israeli spying device east of the town of Hallousiyyeh in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA).

The Israeli military has not commented on the matter so far. However, a spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFL), Andrea Tenenti, said that they are working closely with the Lebanese side to investigate the incident.

The spying device was likely planted in southern Lebanon by agents of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, which had planted many similar devices in Syria and Lebanon in the last few years. These systems are usually destroyed if they suffer malfunctions or if they have been detected.

Some of these spying devices contain electro-optical systems, while others collect signal intelligence. Such devices are among the main sources of information for Israeli agencies like Mossad and the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman).

 

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October 14, 2018 - Jordan and Syria say Border to Reopen on Monday
Jordan and Syria say border to reopen on Monday | Reuters

The border crossing between Jordan and Syria will officially reopen on Monday after being closed for three years, the two countries said on Sunday, though it will not be open to normal traffic immediately.

Meanwhile, the Syrian and Iraqi foreign ministers discussed accelerating efforts to reopen the border between their countries, Syrian state media said.

Russian military helps recover crossing point between Syria and Jordan

The Nasib checkpoint captured by militants of armed opposition forces in 2015 fell under the control of the Syrian army in July 2018

The Russian military helped the Syrian government to recover the infrastructure of the Nasib Border Crossing between Jordan and Syria. The border crossing was opened on Monday at 8am local time (same as Moscow time).

"We have cooperated with the government authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic on the issue of recovering the Nasib Border Crossing, as well as surveying and demining the crossing in order to ensure safety," a representative of the Russian Center for the Reception, Allocation and Accommodation of Refugees told reporters during the opening of the crossing.

The Nasib checkpoint captured by militants of armed opposition forces in 2015 fell under the control of the Syrian army on July 6, 2018. However, Syria and Jordan started talks on resuming transportation services only after the Syrian troops managed to liquidate the stronghold of terrorists from the Islamic State terror group (IS, outlawed in Russia) in the valley of the Yarmouk River.


Crimean delegation pays visit to Damascus

The country's economy minister welcomed the delegates at the airport

Crimea’s delegation led by the republic’s leader Sergey Aksyonov arrived on a visit to the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, a TASS correspondent reported.

Syrian Economy Minister Mohammad Samir Khalil welcomed the delegation at the airport, voicing confidence that the upcoming talks would be successful. In his turn, Aksyonov said: "We have truly friendly relations. I’m sure that the visit will be fruitful and we will leave with good practical results."

The delegation consists of Chairman of Crimea’s parliament, the State Council, Vladimir Konstantinov, Deputy Prime Minister Georgy Muradov and Vitaly Nakhlupin, a member of the upper house, the Federation Council, from Crimea Olga Kovitidi, Minister for Industrial Policy Andrei Vasyuta, Minister of Resorts and Tourism Vadim Volchenko, Culture Minister Arina Novoselskaya and other government members.

The visit will last two days. The first day’s agenda includes Aksyonov’s talks with Latakia’s Governor Ibrahim Al-Salem, a meeting of the Syrian-Crimean commission for bilateral cooperation and a visiting session of the fifth Yalta International Economic Forum, due to be attended by Secretary of the Union of Syrian Chambers of Commerce Muhammad Hamsho and Chairman of the Damascus Chamber of Industry Samir al-Dabbas. The participants will focus on fostering joint projects in construction, agriculture, industry and transportation.

Crimea plans to supply its goods to Syria, including flour and electronic equipment, Aksyonov said. Preliminary talks on delivering goods manufactured by Crimean enterprises to Syria were held during the Yalta International Economic Forum, he noted.

On Monday, the sides plan to discuss the details on setting up a joint shipping company for delivering goods from Russia to Syria.


US, French Forces Plundering Northern Syria's Historical Artifacts, Wealth

Farsnews

The Arabic-language al-Watan daily quoted local sources in Northeastern Aleppo as disclosing that the French and US forces and the Washington-backed militias have excavated a number of historical sites in Manbij, adding that they have sped up their excavation operation after unearthing gold and artifacts.

The daily further said that the US and French forces have found a large volume of gold in Tal Um al-Saraj and Tal al-Sayad in Manbij, adding that they have also discovered an ancient tablet in another excavation operation in an industrial zone in Manbij.

The paper went on to say that the foreign occupiers along with the local militias have stared excavation operation to unearth the precious metal that is made of lead.

Al-Watan added that Manbij has also been turned into a hub for smuggling historical artifacts looted by the occupiers and militants from Palmyra (Tadmur), Hasaka and Raqqa to Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon and later to other world states.

Local sources reported earlier this month hat the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militias stole power masts near the small town of Tal Hamis in Northeastern Hasaka and transferred them to an unknown location.

The sources further said that people in Tal Hamis took to the streets and opposed the SDF move that caused the SDF to keep gunmen on alert and arrested a number of protestors.

The SDF later arrested manager of Tal Hamis power company, accusing him of encouraging people to demonstrate.

In the meantime, the SDF released a sum of 17 ISIL inmates from a SDF-run jail in Northeastern Hasaka.


Thousands of Turkey-Backed Militants Preparing for Heavy Offensive against Kurds in Manbij

Farsnews

The Turkish-language Yeni Safak daily quoted Adnan Abu Feisal, head of the Free Army's Military Council in Manbij affiliated to Turkey, as reporting that the Turkish forces and the militants of the Free Army have been kept on alert in 7 points near Manbij.

The daily further said that over 20,000 members of Ankara-backed free army have deployed in a region East of Manbij, adding that the Turkish army is planning to purge the region between Manbij the to borders with Iraq of the Kurds.

The paper went on to say that based on reliable reports the first objective of the Ankara forces' operation on the Eastern Bank of the Euphrates River is cleansing the region between Manbij and Sacho Borok region and then the Eastern bank of the river.

In a relevant development earlier this month, the Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG) were preparing for a major showdown with the Turkish military in Northeastern Aleppo.

According to local activists, the YPG was seen raising trenches and building new positions in Western Manbij amid reports of a possible military operation by the Turkish Army.

Furthermore, the YPG brought in reinforcements in order to strengthen their forces around Manbij.

The Turkey's recent comments about the presence of Kurdish fighters inside Manbij raised a lot of red flags for the YPG, as it appears Ankara was preparing to launch a new operation to expel the group from the city.

While the US currently has a military presence in Manbij, it appears Turkey is not willing to budge; they are demanding the complete withdrawal of the YPG or else they will attack.


Northwestern Syria: Turkey Asks for More Time to Expel Terrorists from Demilitarized Zone

Farsnews

The Arabic-language al-Watan daily reported that Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board or the Al-Nusra Front) terrorists and their allies have never retreated from demilitarized zone in Northern and Northwestern Syria mentioned in Sochi Agreement.

The daily further said that Tahrir al-Sham, Horas al-Deen and Turkistani Islamic Party have reinvigorated their positions and hidden their heavy weapons, adding that the terrorist groups have decided to remain in their strongholds in the demilitarized zone in Northeastern Lattakia, Northwestern Hama, Southeastern, Northern and Southern Idlib.

The paper said that Turkish Intelligence Service has thus far been unsuccessful in persuading Tahrir al-Sham to leave its positions in the demilitarized zone, adding that Ankara has called on Damascus via Moscow to delay any military operation and give more time to Turkey to do its undertakings with regard to the expulsion of the terrorists form the zone.

The daily said Turkey has not declared any specific date, but it can be estimated that the terrorists' withdrawal will last till the end of the current month.

Tahrir al-Sham said in a statement earlier today that it will never lay down weapons and will continue countering the Syrian Army several weeks after conclusion of the Sochi Agreement by Russia and Turkey to create a demilitarized zone in Southern Idlib, Northeastern Lattakia and Western Aleppo.

In the meantime, the Arabic-language al-Watan daily reported that there have not been any sign of withdrawal by the terrorists, "instead, they have been targeting army positions".

Meanwhile, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported last night that terrorists launched mortar attacks on the army positions in Western Aleppo and Northern Hama where based on Sochi Agreement must be demilitarized.


East of Euphrates Syria’s next target after liberation of Idlib: FM

PressTV-Syrian FM: East of Euphrates next target after Idlib

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem says the next target after the liberation of Idlib is to retake the area east of the Euphrates, which is held by US-backed Kurdish militants.

"After Idlib our target is east of the Euphrates," he said at a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari in Damascus Monday, stressing his country’s determination to restore sovereignty over all Syrian territories.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the US is seeking to establish a quasi-state east of the Euphrates River and create illegal structures there.

“On Syrian territory there are vast lands east of the Euphrates where absolutely unacceptable things are taking place,” Lavrov told France's Le Figaro.

“The US is trying to use these lands through their Syrian allies – above all, through the Kurds – in order to establish a quasi-state there,” he went on to say.

The US has been conducting airstrikes against what it says are Daesh positions inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a United Nations mandate.

The US and its allies have repeatedly been accused of targeting and killing civilians and drawn criticism over their failure to destroy Daesh, which they claim to be fighting.

Muallem on Monday said the US has destroyed Raqqah Province under the pretext of fighting Daesh. US-sponsored militants are refusing to hand back Raqqah to the government control after taking it over from Daesh last year.

Amnesty International’s new Secretary General Kumi Naidoo said on Friday he had been shocked by the horrific destruction and utter human devastation left by US airstrikes in Raqqah.

Muallem said Washington continues to support Daesh and evacuate its members to the east of the Euphrates.

A retaliatory attack by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps late last month hit Daesh headquarters near Albu Kamal, east of the Euphrates, with a US defense official telling CNN that Iranian missiles came within three miles of US troops in the country.

In his remarks, Muallem touched on a deadline which passed Monday without Takfiri terrorists leaving a planned buffer zone in Idlib as set out under a Russian-Turkish deal.

The minister said other options are on the table if the militants do not comply with the requirements of the deal, without elaborating.

The deal, agreed last month on Turkey's initiative, forestalled an imminent offensive by the Syrian government forces to liberate the province, the militants’ last major stronghold in Syria.

"We cannot keep quiet about the continuation of the current situation in Idlib if the Nusra Front refuses to comply with this agreement," Muallem said.

The minister said it was up to Moscow now to judge whether the deal had been fulfilled.

"Now we must give the time to our friends the Russians to judge whether the agreement was fulfilled or not," he said.

Muallem said Ankara has the means to ensure the agreement is complied with.

"For us we said always Idlib, as any other province, has to return back to Syrian sovereignty. We prefer to have it through peaceful means, through reconciliation, but if not there (are) other options," he added.


Iran Warns of US Attempts to Reinvigorate Terrorist Groups to Syria

Farsnews

"Iran's presence in Syria is an issue between the two countries' governments and the US is not entitled to comment on that. The US will fail in this case too," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi told reporters in a press conference in Tehran.

"The US is opposed to anyone who fights against terrorism and likes Syria to return to a situation in which the terrorists are present and grow. The US is not interested in stability and peace in Syria and improvement of the Syrian people's living," he added.

Qassemi said that the US interference and presence in Syria without the permission of the country's government is illegal and against all international laws, adding that Washington has shown that it moves in line with increasing instability and insecurity and assistance to the terrorist groups in Syria.

Iran has been offering military advisory support to Syria and Iraq at the request of their government, enabling their army to speed up gains on various fronts against terror outfits.

Iran has been the main supporter of Syria in the course of the almost decade long struggle of the Arab nation with foreign-funded terrorism. Iraq and Syria's closeness to Iran has been the main source of animosity held by the US, Israeli regime and Saudi Arabia which have funneled billions of dollars and massive amounts of arms and weapon to terrorist-held areas of the war-torn country.

 

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Syrian Army demands answers from Turkey regarding failed militant withdrawal from Idlib buffer zone

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is demanding answers regarding the failed militant withdrawal from the designated buffer zone in northwest Syria, an officer told Al-Masdar News this morning.

Speaking to Al-Masdar from the large town of Mhardeh, the officer said that the Syrian Arab Army’s High Command is in talks with the Russian military about the next steps to take in the Idlib, Aleppo, Latakia, and Hama provinces.

The officer said that the Syrian Arab Army’s High Command is now awaiting Turkey’s response to the Russian military’s questions regarding the failed militant withdrawal.

He would add that the Syrian Arab Army units in northwest Syria have been on high alert, but they will not likely launch any attack in the next few weeks because they redeployed several divisions to southern Syria.

Several Syrian Army units, including the elite 4th Armored Division and the 9th Division’s Shock Troops, were recently deployed to the Sweida Governorate, where they are now leading the charge to end the Islamic State’s presence inside the province.


ISIS beats back Syrian Army attack on last bastion in southern Syria

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a powerful attack on the Islamic State’s (ISIS) last bastion in southern Syria on Monday.

Led by their 4th Armored Division, the Syrian Arab Army began their attack on Monday by storming the Islamic State’s positions in the Qasr Sheikh Hussein area of the Al-Safa region.

Initially, the Syrian Arab Army was able to liberate several points from the Islamic State after a fierce battle in the Qasr Sheikh Hussein area.

However, this Syrian Arab Army advance would be short-lived, as the Islamic State managed to reclaim all of the territory they lost after launching a swift counter-assault on Monday afternoon.

Following the Islamic State’s counter-assault, the Syrian Arab Army unleashed a flurry of artillery shells and missiles towards the terrorist group’s last positions in the Al-Safa region.

Since launching this artillery assault, the Syrian Arab Army has begun another ground attack in a bid to liberate the last areas under the Islamic State’s occupation.


Jihadist rebels keep fortifying positions in northwest Syria

A Syrian Army commander in Latakia has told Sputnik Arabic that foreign terrorists are ignoring the Turkish operation to withdraw terrorists from Syria and instead continuing their attacks on Syrian forces and civilians.

These militants, who came to Syria from Central Asia, China and the Russian republic of Chechnya are strengthening their positions, digging new trenches and expanding their network of underground tunnels, the commander said.

The militant groups involved are said to include Nusra Front*, its affiliate the Guardians of Religion Organization*, and the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria*. These groups are reinforcing their positions near the village of Kabbani, located on the internal border between Latakia and Idlib province, the Syrian army source told Sputnik.

The commander also warned that his forces expect an escalation in the region in the near future, with terrorists apparently having no plans to give up their positions at this strategic height. The territory held by the jihadists borders both Latakia and Idlib, as well as Turkey. Control of the heights makes it possible for the terrorists to control nearby areas and fire artillery on both the army and civilian settlements.

Syrian artillery has fired back in response to militant attacks.

Two Syrian troops were killed and two more were injured in militant shelling in Latakia province on Sunday, the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation reported. The center said that a total of nine cases of violations, including three in Latakia province and six in Aleppo province, were reported in the last twenty four hours.

A total of 234 armed formations, mostly concentrated in Syria’s Idlib province, have signed on to the Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal. The vast majority of Latakia has been cleared of militants in recent years, but the province’s northeastern-most areas, bordering on Turkey and Idlib, remain under terrorist control.

Idlib is now the last major stronghold of Islamist militants and other armed opposition groups in Syria, with tens of thousands of anti-government militants believed to be concentrated in the region. Last month, the United States and its allies warned Damascus not to attack the province, saying they would consider a military response if evidence of the use of chemical weapons was found. Damascus and Moscow revealed intelligence that militants might try to stage a false flag chemical attack to prompt a Western intervention.


US Syria Envoy Heads to Saudi Arabia, Turkey for Talks on Political Solution

US Syria Envoy Heads to Saudi Arabia, Turkey for Talks on Political Solution

The US special envoy for Syria is traveling to Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to push for a political solution to the conflict and to establish a constitution, the State Department said in a press release.

"The Secretary’s Special Representative for Syria Engagement, Ambassador James Jeffrey, will travel to Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, October 15–23, for discussions with allies and partners about Syria," the release said on Monday. "Throughout his trip, Ambassador Jeffrey will seek to meet representatives of the Syrian people and reiterate to them our full support for UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and UN Special Envoy de Mistura’s efforts to stand up the Syrian Constitutional Committee as quickly as possible."

Relations between Ankara and Damascus have deteriorated since the beginning of the Syrian civil war. Although the Turkish leadership has recently somewhat softened its stance towards Damascus and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the two sides do not have diplomatic ties. For its part, the Syrian government regards Turkey's presence, let alone military operations, on its territory as illegitimate.

Earlier this year, Ankara, jointly with the opposition Free Syrian Army forces, launched Operation Olive Branch in Afrin in order to "clear" Turkey's Syrian border from the terrorist threat.

The operation was said to be an offensive against the Kurdish-led Democratic Union Party in Syria (PYD), its armed wing People's Protection Units (YPG), and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions surrounding the Syrian city of Afrin.

Turkey considers both the PYD and the YPG to be linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist organization by Ankara.


Part of Euphrates bank in Syria controlled by militants — Russian reconciliation center

Part of Euphrates bank in Syria controlled by militants — Russian reconciliation center

Head of the Russian reconciliation center Vladimir Savchenko said militants were able to establish control over part of the Euphrates east bank because of the inaction of pro-US forces

Terrorists have managed to establish complete control over a 20-kilometer territory on the Euphrates’ east bank in Syria due to the inaction of pro-American groups, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties Vladimir Savchenko said on Monday.

"As a result of inaction of pro-American groups, terrorists have managed to establish complete control over a 20-kilometer strip on the Euphrates’ east bank between the settlements of Hajin and al-Susa," he said.

According to Savchenko, despite the United States’ statement on the defeat of Islamic State (a terrorist group outlawed in Russia) terrorists, militants still enjoy control over some of Syria’s territories and the US-led coalition and pro-American Kurdish groups of the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to simulate fighting against militants in the south of the Deir ez-Zor governorate.

Thus, in his words, as many as 130 families (700 people) were taken to Hajin during the attack at a refugee camp near al-Bahrah on October 13.

The Russian reconciliation center continues to report ceasefire violations by militants in the Idlib de-escalation zone. "Thus, during the day, shelling attacks were reported in the settlements of Rashah, Akch Baer (thrice), Ain al-Naur, Jubb al-Zarur and Ikko in the Latakia governorate," Savchenko said.

Officers of the Russian reconciliation center continue humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population. Throughout the day, officers of the center conducted a humanitarian operation in the settlement of Bir Ajam in the al-Quneitra governorate. A total of 1.3 tonnes of food products were distributed among civilians. Twenty-five wheelchairs, 50 blankets and 50 towels were handed over to the administration of a hospital in the city of Hamish in the Rif Dimashq governorate. One tonne of bread was handed out to people in Aleppo’s Sahalin neighborhood.

Russian reconciliation center

The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes.


Crimea and Syria looking at opening direct air service

Crimea and Syria looking at opening direct air service

Crimea's head also recalled the readiness of the ports of the region to implement the plans for the establishment of a Crimean-Syrian steamship company

Syria and Russia’s Republic of Crimea are looking at opening direct air service, Crimea’s head, Sergei Aksyonov, said on Monday.

"We are looking at opening air service between Crimea and Syria," he told journalists.

He also said that the Crimean ports are ready to implement the plans for the establishment of a Crimean-Syrian steamship company. "We are beginning this work," he said. "Some ports need to be adjusted to receive vessels with deeper draught. When the actual agreement is signed, it will be clear what kind of vessels are in question and what they will transport."

According to Aksyonov, it is too early to say now which companies could take part in the modernization of Crimean ports. "So far, I am not ready to say who will implement modernization projects. I think Russian companies are quite capable of doing this," he noted.

A Crimean delegation is paying a visit to Syria on October 15-16 to discuss issues of trade and economic cooperation.

 

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Assad plans to visit Crimea

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said at a meeting with a delegation from Crimea that he plans to attend the Yalta International Economic Forum in April 2019

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said at a meeting with a delegation from Crimea that he plans to attend the Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF) in April 2019, if circumstances permit, member of the Crimean delegation and Co-Chairman of the YIEF Organizing Committee Andrei Nazarov told reporters on Tuesday.

"He said that he would be sure to take part [in it], if nothing prevented him from doing so," Nazarov said.

"Bashar Assad said it was a great honor for him to be invited, and he would certainly come, if circumstances permitted. He added that he would like to visit Crimea and take part in such a major event as the YIEF," Nazarov added.

According to a member of the Crimean delegation, the Syrian president linked the possibility of his participation in the forum to the situation in Syria. "He said, if we liberate everything by that time, there will be no obstacles for my trip to the Yalta forum. As far as I understand, they [Syrians] want to tackle all issues here during this time," Nazarov added when asked whether Assad mentioned plans for Idlib, the last remaining major militant stronghold in Syria.

The Crimean delegation’s meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was held on Tuesday morning in Damascus.


Assad says Crimean delegation’s visit is good beginning for cooperation

The delegation arrived in Syria's capital on October 15

The visit to Syria by a delegation from Russia’s Republic of Crimea led by its head, Sergei Aksyonov, is a good beginning for establishing cooperation in various spheres, Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Tuesday.

"While receiving Aksyonov in Damascus, President Assad congratulated Crimea’s people and its leaders on the implementation of their will - reunification with Russia. He stressed that this visit is a good beginning for establishing relations of cooperation between the sides in various spheres and that both sides have clear positions on the Black and Mediterranean Seas," the Syrian Presidency said on its official Twitter account.

The Crimean delegation is visiting Damascus on October 15-16.


Crimea to send parliamentary delegation to Syria to set up working group

Crimea will put together a parliamentary delegation and send the representatives to Syria so as to set up a joint working group, the Russian peninsula’s chief Sergei Aksyonov told reporters on Tuesday following a meeting with Speaker of the People’s Council of Syria Hammouda Sabbagh.

"Crimea’s parliamentary delegation will head to Damascus to build working relations and set up a working group," Aksyonov said without specifying when the delegates will arrive in Damascus.

"We also invited the Syrian parliamentary delegation to attend the Fifth Yalta International Economic Forum (which will be held in April 2019)," the peninsula’s chief added.

The current Crimean delegation headed by Aksyonov is on a two-day visit to the Syrian capital of Damascus that started on October 15. Andrei Nazarov, co-chairman of the Yalta International Economic Forum, is also a member of the delegation.

On Monday, Crimean envoys held meetings with representatives of the Syrian government, where discussions where held on cultivating economic ties. On Tuesday, the Crimean delegation met with Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and Speaker Hammouda Sabbagh. In addition, a meeting with Prime Minister Imad Khamis is also planned.


Two Caspian flotilla missile corvettes return to Russia from Mediterranean Sea

Project 21631 Buyan-M class missile corvettes - the Grad Sviyazhsk and the Veliky Ustyug - returned to the Caspian flotilla’s base in Astrakhan, southern Russia

Project 21631 Buyan-M class missile corvettes - the Grad Sviyazhsk and the Veliky Ustyug - returned to the Caspian flotilla’s base in Astrakhan, southern Russia, after performing their missions in the Mediterranean Sea, the Southern Military District’s press service said on Tuesday.

"The vessels sailed from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea for the first time and had been away from their permanent base for five months. This is the longest voyage. Today the crews were met by representatives of the Caspian flotilla command, relatives of the servicemen, sailors, veterans of the naval surface force and clergymen. According to tradition, the commanders and crews of the vessels were treated to roast pigs," a spokesman said.

In early September, the Grad Sviyazhsk and the Veliky Ustyug took part in the joint drills of the Russian Navy and the Aerospace Forces in the Mediterranean Sea. The crews held various exercises on practicing a battle solely and as part of a naval group, conducting artillery fire against air and naval targets and also antisubmarine training.


Syrian Army Mulling Military Operation against Terrorists in Northern Syria

Mohand Ali al-Haj Ali, a military commander and a member of the Syrian Parliament, told the Arabic-language website of Sputnik that based on reports from Idlib, only a part of heavy weapons of the terrorists and almost 1,000 militants have been withdrawn from the demilitarized zone, adding that tens of thousands of terrorists are still in the zone.

The news agency further reported that the Turkish side is showing off its compliance with the Sochi Agreement, adding that the Syrian Army has been preparing to kick off the liberation of occupied lands after the deadline.

Al-Haj Ali told Sputnik that the army is planning to launch its operation from Western Aleppo where the terrorists of Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board or the Al-Nusra Front) have been conducting missile attacks on residential neighborhoods.

He further said that Idlib is a highly populated province, enabling the terrorists to use people as human shield, adding that the army will use new weapons and elite forces to counter the terrorists with the least number of human casualties.

Sputnik quoted the commander as saying that should the army prevails over the first line of terrorists' positions in Idlib the remaining lines of their positions will be conquered automatically.

The Arabic-language al-Watan daily reported earlier today that the terrorists have continued their presence in the demilitarized zone in Northeastern Lattakia, Southern Idlib and Western Aleppo.

In the meantime, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that none of the terrorist groups that rule over 70 percent of the demilitarized zone that covers a large region from Northeastern Lattakia to Northwestern Aleppo has left the zone as the deadline arrived on Monday October 15.

The SOHR further said that no joint or separate patrol has been carried out by the Russian and Turkish forces in the demilitarized zone either.

In the meantime, local sources reported that terrorists launched heavy mortar attacks on the Syrian Army positions in Jubb al-Maqarah, Tadif and the Scientific Research Center in al-Sha'aba in Aleppo province in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, analysts blame Turkey's inaction in the face of the terrorists' refusal to leave the demilitarized zone in defiance of the Sochi agreement.


Turkish Army Dispatches New Military Convoy to Northern Syria

The army sent a convoy of 10 military, armored and ordonnance vehicles to Northern Idlib via Bab al-Hawa border-crossing.

In the meantime, local sources reported that terrorists of Faylaq al-Sham were accompanying the Turkish convoy, adding that the convoy headed towards monitoring posts run by the Ankara forces.

The Turkish army's move to dispatch more troops to Syria came after the terrorist groups refrained from complying with the Sochi Agreement and leave the demilitarized zone in Northeastern Lattakia, Southern Idlib and Western Aleppo before the October 15 deadline.

A field commander claimed earlier today that the Syrian government troops are preparing for military operation against terrorists in Northern and Northwestern Syria after terrorists refused to comply with the Sochi Agreement.


Turkey vows to launch military operation in Manbij if US does not remove YPG from city

Turkey will not tolerate any YPG presence inside the Aleppo Governorate city of Manbij, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

According to the Turkish President, the U.S. has not fulfilled its obligations from the June agreement.

“We cannot say a 90-day timeline on [the YPG withdrawal from] Manbij has been implemented. It has not. We know what we will do if it is not implemented. If necessary steps are not taken in the eastern Euphrates and if the process is delayed, we will take all the necessary steps at the highest level against the YPG/PYD, more precisely against the PKK,” Erdoğan stated, as quoted by the Hurriyet Daily.

While Turkey has not increased their military presence in Manbij, this could ultimately change if the U.S. fails to remove the remaining YPG fighters from the city.

Currently, the YPG has a large presence inside and outside of Manbij; they also maintain close ties with the Manbij Military Council, who they fought next to during their fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in northern Syria.


US Army Retreats towards Deir Ezzur Energy-Rich Fields after ISIL Kidnaps American Soldiers

The Arabic-language website of Sputnik quoted well-informed sources as reporting that the US army and other foreign forces, deployed in Eastern Deir Ezzur, have limited their presence in Konico and al-Umer oilfields.

It further said that the move came after ISIL ambushed the US forces and their allies near al-Umer and in an SDF attack in al-Bahrah region and managed to capture four US soldiers and a number of SDF militias.

The Arabic Sputnik further said that ISIL has recaptured the regions they lost to the SDF in Southeastern Deir Ezzur in the last few days.

Meantime, the state-run news agency reported on Monday that the US-led coalition fighter jets targeted the town of Hajin in Southeastern Deir Ezzur by internationally prohibited bombs in the last few days under the pretext of campaign on ISIL.

It further said that the fighter jets targeted a number of Hajin's neighborhoods, located 110 km East of Deir Ezzur city, by white phosphorous bombs that are international prohibited.

In the meantime, local sources reported that a civilian was killed and 6 more, including women and children, were wounded in another air raid by the US fighter jets on the small town of al-Souseh in Southeastern Deir Ezzur.


Over 50 ISIS terrorists killed in eastern Deir Ezzor

Scores of Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists were killed in eastern Deir Ezzor over the last few days, as the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) intensify their assault against the terrorist group.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the Syrian Democratic Forces managed to killed more than 50 Islamic State militants during their clashes north of the key town of Hajjin.

Among the 50+ Islamic State terrorists killed north of Hajjin, at two of them were field commanders, the SOHR report added.

As shown in the video footage below, the Syrian Democratic Forces are attempting to advance at the northern axis of Hajjin, while also clearing several hideouts belonging to the terrorist group:

Despite the intensity of the SDF’s assault, the Islamic State has managed to foil several advances by the US-backed forces over the last two weeks.

For ISIS, losing Hajjin and the corresponding towns nearby would be devastating for the terrorist group because this is their new de facto capital in both Syria and Iraq.

While the SDF strikes ISIS in the eastern part of the Euphrates River Valley, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies are attempting to clear the remaining Islamic State terrorist near the key city of Al-Mayadeen.

ISIS has repeatedly launched attacks on the western axis of Al-Mayadeen over the last two months; it has prompted the Syrian Army to send reinforcements to this front in order to protect the city.


US Forces Reinvigorating Al-Tanf Base at Syria-Iraq Border

The Arabic-language al-Watan, a state-run daily, quoted well-informed sources as reporting that the "US occupiers" in al-Tanf base at border with Iraq have started recruiting a large number of young men from al-Rukban refugee camp.

It went on to say that the US move is aimed at stretching a security belt around al-Tanf base and al-Rukban camp, adding that a sum of $600 monthly salary has been promised to the fresh forces.

The paper further said that the US forces will train the newly-recruited men who will later wear US military uniform.

The US had previously announced an agreement with Russia to leave al-Tanf soon, but later it halted the plan.

The Arabic-language website of Sputnik news agency quoted an informed source as saying last week that Turkey was behind the delay in transferring all terrorist groups from al-Tanf region and al-Rakban camp to Northern Syria to pave the ground for civilians' return to their villages and towns.

He added that the Turkish side did not fully accepted to transfer the US-backed terrorist groups, including al-Quaryatayn, Maqawir al-Thawra and Ahmad al-Abdou, stationed in al-Tanf to regions in Northern Syria.

Based on the report, Turkey wanted to shelter the foreign terrorist groups, including Turkistani, Turkmen, and other militants who consider themselves as remnants of the Ottoman government in Northern Syria and prevent the Syrian militants from residing in that region.

The source also said that delay in the implementation of al-Tanf agreement also delayed the US forces' withdrawal which depended on the retreatment of all terrorist groups by receiving government amnesty or their transfer to Northern Syria, adding that Ankara revealed its opposition after a likely agreement with the US in this regard.


14 Iranian Border Guards Kidnapped on Pakistani Border - Reports

An Iranian official said the servicemen had been captured by terrorists from the Lulakdan border area in the country's southeast.

Fourteen Iranian border guards were abducted on the border with Pakistan in the early hours of Tuesday, Iran's state-funded Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported, citing an unnamed official.

According to the source, the abductors are members of an identified terrorist group. "These 14 people were kidnapped around 4-5 a.m. in the Lulakdan border area," the official said. They were reportedly abducted at Mirjave, the Iran-Pakistan border checkpoint.

Seven of them were members of the Basij volunteer paramilitary force, five were regular border guards, and two were members of the Revolutionary Guards.

Lulakdan is a small village in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan, a region regularly targeted by separatist militants and drug smuggling gangs.

 

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TURKISH MILITARY BOOSTS ITS PRESENCE IN SYRIA’S IDLIB AS FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMILITARIZED ZONE AGREEMENT IS STILL IN QUESTION

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda), al-Qaeda-linked Huras al-Din and other militant groups linked to them are refusing to leave their positions in the demilitarization zone, which is set to be fully established in the province of Idlib and nearby areas by October 20.

While the Turkish side is openly claiming that heavy weaponry have been withdrawn from the demilitarized zone, the attitude of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other radicals pose an open threat to the full implementation of the agreement.

According to some Syrian pro-government activists and experts, this situation may trigger an implementation of the military option to force the militants to obey. Nonetheless, Ankara is not interested in any advances by Syrian government forces in Idlib. So, it’s taking its own steps to have a military option against the “rebelling” proxies.

Over the past week, the Turkish Armed Forces have sent an additional group of troops and military equipment alongside with a new group of proxies trained in Turkey to the province of Idlib. According to reports, these moves are designed to strengthen the Turkish “observation points” along the contact line between the militant-held and government-held areas. In the future, if the situation goes out of control, Ankara may use this force to punish non-loyal militant groups and prevent further advances by the Syrian Army.




Russia: Deal on Syria’s Idlib going ahead despite missed deadline

The Kremlin says a deal brokered by Russia and Turkey, which aims to create a demilitarized zone in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib and has so far held off a government offensive on the last major terrorist stronghold in the country, was going ahead, despite foreign-sponsored militants failing to leave the zone the day before.

“According to the information we are receiving from our military, the memorandum is being implemented and the military are satisfied with the way the Turkish side is working,” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
“Of course one cannot expect everything to go smoothly with absolutely no glitches, but the work is being carried out,” he added.​

Under a deal reached following a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on September 17, all militants in the demilitarized zone, which surrounds Idlib and also parts of the adjacent provinces of Aleppo and Hama, must pull out heavy arms by Wednesday, and Takfiri groups must withdraw by October 15.

The National Front for the Liberation of Syria is the main Turkish-backed militant alliance in the Idlib region, but the Takfiri Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group, which is a coalition of different factions of terror outfits, largely composed of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham Takfiri terrorist group formerly known as al-Nusra Front, holds a large part of the province and the zone.

The HTS, which is said to be in control of some 60 percent of Idlib province, has yet to announce its stance on the buffer zone deal.

It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 members of different factions of armed groups, which Syria, Russia and Turkey consider terrorists, are active in the volatile province, which is home to around three million inhabitants.

Russia believes that a buffer zone would help stop attacks from Idlib-based militants on Syrian army positions and Russia's military bases in the flashpoint region.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the country.


Foreign fighters continue to pour into Syria: Pentagon

Foreign fighters are still pouring into Syria from neighboring countries, despite the Islamic State’s (ISIS) defeat in several parts of the country.

According to the Pentagon’s Joint Chiefs Chairman Joe Dunford, foreign fighters loyal to the Islamic State terror organization are still entering Syria at a rate of approximately 100 a month.

“It’s the flow of foreign fighters, the ability to move resources, and the ideology that allows these groups to operate,” Dunford said, opening a conference on countering violent extremism, as quoted by the AFP News Agency.

While Dunford did not specify which border these Islamic State militants are using to enter Syria, it is very likely that they crossing into the Idlib Governorate from Turkey’s Hatay Province.

Over the last two months, the Islamic State has managed to increase the size of their forces in Idlib, prompting the rebels in the province to carry out several operations to eliminate the terrorist group’s sleeper cells.


Syrian Soldier Injured in Shelling by Militants in Latakia Province

The Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria said Tuesday that a serviceman of the Syrian government army was injured in shelling by militants in Syria’s Latakia province.

"Over the past 24 hours, insurgents attacked Rwaisat Iskander (twice), Arifat, Kalaz Tuhtuni, Beit Smaira in Latakia province, Maaret Um Haush (twice), Aleppo province, research center in Aleppo city, Abu Dali, Hama province. One Syrian soldier was wounded as a result of attack against Kalaz Tuhtuni, Latakia province," Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko, head of the center, said.

He also noted that the center carried out humanitarian actions in the province of Deir ez-Zor and in the city of Aleppo, delivering 3 tonnes of food to those in need.

In total, residents of the Sukari district in Aleppo were provided with a tonne of fresh bread, while inhabitants of the Khusham in Deir ez-Zor received 450 food sets weighing around 1.95 tonnes.

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the government forces fighting against numerous opposition groups and militant and terrorist organizations. Russia, along with Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire regime in Syria. Moscow has also been providing humanitarian aid to residents of the crisis-torn country.


Washington may impose sanctions on Russian, Iranian firms rebuilding Syria — TV

Washington’s final goal is to push "Iran's military and its proxy forces" out of the country

The administration of US President Donald Trump is now drafting a strategy allowing to impose sanctions against Russian and Iranian companies involved in post-war reconstruction in Syria, NBC reported citing sources "familiar with the plan."

According to the sources, the strategy "would emphasize political and diplomatic efforts to force Iran out of Syria by squeezing it financially."

The plan’s provisions "would withhold reconstruction aid from areas where Iranian and Russian forces are present" and "would also impose sanctions on Russian and Iranian companies working on reconstruction in Syria."

Washington’s final goal is to push "Iran's military and its proxy forces" out of the country.

Although the new strategy does not envisage the US servicemen directly targeting Iranian soldiers, it still reserves an opportunity for the US military to "strike the Iranian military if it felt threatened."

One of the channel’s sources said that despite Washington’s public statements identifying the Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) as the main target for US forces in the country, "the White House and State Department would increase their focus on countering Iran by squeezing them economically and diplomatically.".


Russia, Israel discuss Russian-US relations

The Israeli delegation, headed by the deputy Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, is currently on a visit in Moscow

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has discussed arms control and relations between Moscow and Washington with a delegation from Israel, the Russian Foreign Ministry informs.

Deputy Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Alexander Ben-Zvi heads the Israeli delegation, which is currently on a visit to Moscow.

"The sides have exchanged opinions on a broad agenda, including current issues of Russian-US relations, international security, issues of arms control and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction with special attention paid to the situation in the Middle East," the ministry stated.

Historically, the US has been a key ally of Israel, also playing an important role in Syria, where they control the eastern shore of Euphrates. Meanwhile, the Russian-Israeli relations suffered a blow after the Il-20 aircraft crash.

On September 17, a Russian Il-20 aircraft flying over the Mediterranean Sea back to the Russian Hmeimim air base in Syria disappeared from radars during an airstrike carried out by four Israeli F-16 fighter jets on targets in the Syrian province of Latakia.

On September 18, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that the Il-20 aircraft had been accidently downed by Syrian air defenses as the Israeli F-16 jets had been using it as cover.

Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov stated that the Israeli Air Force and those who made the decision to use the Il-20 aircraft as cover were solely to blame for its crash, which claimed the lives of 15 Russian military servicemen.

 

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Russia will respond to any US sanctions on companies participating in Syria’s reconstruction: official

Russia will respond to any potential sanctions imposed on companies participating in Syria’s reconstruction, Vladimir Jabbarov, the Deputy Head of International Committee in the Federation Council of Russia, said this morning.

Jabbarov stated that Moscow will take measures to respond if Washington imposes sanctions against Russian companies that participate in the reconstruction of Syria.

Sputnik quoted Jabbarov as saying in statements on Wednesday that if such measures are adopted, Russia will do the same, adding that such measures by Russia will be fully calculated and decisive.

On Tuesday, the U.S. warned that any companies participating in the reconstruction of Syria would be slapped with sanctions.


Russia Wants White Helmets Be Removed From Syria 'as Soon as Possible' - Envoy

Damascus and Moscow have accused militants and the White Helmets of staging several provocations involving chemical weapons to influence public opinion and justify foreign intervention in Syria.

Russia wants the White Helmets to be taken away from Syria as quickly as possible, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said during a session of the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

"The White Helmets are a threat to security of regional states. Therefore, we would ask you, please, take them home as soon as possible. All of them," Nebenzia said.

At the same time, Syria's Envoy to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari has called on the security council to launch an investigation into crimes of the US-led coalition and to end its illegal presence in Syria.

"In order to preserve the credibility of the Security Council, the Council has to launch immediately an investigation into these crimes to ensure and avoid their recurrence and to end the presence of US and other foreign forces in Syria, this illegal presence," Jaafari said during a Security Council meeting.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW


Nearly 300 White Helmets leave Jordan for West: FM

Around 300 Syrian White Helmets, who fled Syria for Jordan three months ago, have now left for resettlement in Western countries, a Jordanian Foreign Ministry statement said on Wednesday.

In July, White Helmets, fleeing advancing Syrian government troops, slipped over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights frontier and into Jordan, with the help of Israeli soldiers and Western powers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the time he had helped the evacuation at the request of US President Donald Trump and other leaders, Reuters reported.

Jordan had accepted them after getting guarantees their stay would be temporary and they would be given asylum in Canada, Germany and Britain.

Syrian authorities describe White Helmets as tools of Western propaganda and militia-led insurgents.

Source: RT


Syrian Army placed on high alert as jihadists remain inside buffer zone

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has been placed on high alert across the Idlib buffer zone after the jihadist rebels refused to withdraw from the designated de-escalation areas.

According to a military source in the city of Mhardeh, many units from the Syrian Arab Army and National Defense Forces (NDF) have been ordered to the front-lines and told to remain on high alert.

The military source said that the Syrian Arab Army has been observing the jihadist movements over the last 24 hours and targeting any militant that attempts to infiltrate their positions across the Hama-Idlib axis.

Last night, Syrian Army snipers eliminated two members of the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) that were spotted trying to move towards the military’s lines.

The Syrian Army snipers reportedly used their thermal rifles to kill the two rebels that were likely attempting to plant bombs along the government roads near the Idlib buffer zone.

The jihadist rebels and their allies often conduct late night operations where they slip behind the government’s lines and plant IEDs and mines along these roads; these roadside bombs can kill up to a dozen soldiers at a time, especially if it is a transport vehicle.


Tiger Forces begin military drills in east Idlib as buffer zone agreement hangs in the balance (video)

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops in northwest Syria have been placed on high alert, as the buffer zone agreement hangs in the balance.

Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army has begun military drills and training exercises in the eastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate this week.

The military drills were overseen by the prominent commander of the Tiger Forces, Major General Suheil Al-Hassan, who made his first appearance in the Idlib province this month.

As shown in the video below, the Tiger Forces were training in a wide-open area close to the front-lines; it is very likely near the Abu Dhuhour Military Airport:

With the jihadist rebels refusing to leave the buffer zone, the Syrian Arab Army has begun mobilizing their troops in northern Hama and southern Idlib for a potential military operation against the opposition forces.

While the 4th Division has been redeployed to southern Syria to help with the Islamic State offensive, the Tiger Forces and Liwaa Al-Quds have remained near the Idlib front in case the jihadist rebels refuse to leave the buffer zone.

As of now, no military operation is planned in northwest Syria; however, this could change in the next week if Turkey does not convince the jihadist rebels to withdraw from the buffer zone.


Syrian Air Force begins maneuvers along Idlib buffer zone (video)

The Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) began their maneuvers along the Idlib buffer zone, yesterday, the official media wing of the Tiger Forces reported.

The Tiger Forces released a video that showed an attack chopper moving across what they claimed was the Idlib provincial border.

The chopper could be seen flying over the area, marking the first time since the Sochi agreement was put in place that the Syrian Air Force has been active over near the jihadist front-lines.

While no airstrikes have been launched, the Syrian Air Force’s maneuvers are likely being conducted for training purposes and to increase the pressure on the jihadist fighters that have refused to leave the Idlib buffer zone.

Both Russia and Turkey are currently in talks about the situation around the Idlib buffer zone; they have both stated that the deal is still on, but that it is taking longer than needed to implement.

A source in nearby Mhardeh told Al-Masdar that the Syrian Army is on high alert and will remain at the front-lines until the situation is clarified.


Syrian Army Launches Fresh Attacks on ISIL after Terrorists Violate Agreement in South

The army's artillery and missile units opened heavy fire at ISIL's strongholds in Toloul al-Safa in the Eastern desert of Sweida.

Meantime, the army's aircraft pounded ISIL's positions in the region, imposing major losses on the terrorists.

The army attacks came after the ISIL violated an agreement with the government and Russian army that could make the way for their surrender to the army and let the hostages release.

The ISIL attacked the army positions after rejecting complying with the agreement.

The Syrian army troops have, thus far, liberated 3,000 square kmeters of land in their operation in Sweida desert and have now laid siege on the remaining pockets of the terrorists in Toloul al-Safa rugged terrain.

Terrorists, trapped in Toloul al-Safa, have no way but to surrender, army officers said.

On Sunday, the Syrian Army resumed its large-scale offensive against the ISIL in Toloul al-Safa region in the Eastern desert of Sweida.

Led by the elite 4th Division, the Syrian army kicked off a heavy assault this morning by storming the ISIL’s positions from three different flanks, including the Qabr Sheikh Hossein front.

The 4th Division reportedly scored a new advance at the Qabr Sheikh Hussein front after an intense battle with the ISIL this morning.

According to a military source in Sweida city, the army managed to kill over ten ISIL terrorists, while also destroying several trenches and position in Toloul al-Safa region.

The Syrian Arab Army is now working to surround one of the highest peaks in Toloul al-Safa region before they make a major push to liberate this key hilltop in Southern Syria.


NEVER AGAIN! SYRIA VOWS TO DOWN ALL ISRAELI CRAFT – RUSSIA WILL ‘JAM’ ISRAELI COMMUNICATIONS

Advisor to the Russian Radio-Electronic Technologies Consortium explains how Damascus’s defense capabilities will be strengthened after the incident with the Russian plane Il-20 in Syria which was downed, according to the official story, by Syria but accurately blamed on Israel nevertheless. According to this, Israel will ‘never again’ be able to attack Syrian military assets by air. Furthermore, Russia has committed to also aid Syria towards this end. It will use its advanced communications jamming technology, including EMP, which surpasses that which is used in NATO’s arsenal, to ‘isolate’ Israeli craft in mid-air, and will also eliminate the tracking capacities of Israeli missiles and bombs.

On September 17, an S-200 missile from the Syrian air defense system allegedly shot down an Il-20 Russian aircraft that was returning to Hmeymim base. The downing occurred when four Israeli F-16 fighters attacked Syrian facilities in Latakia.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Israeli pilots used the Russian airplane as a cover, leaving it subject to the fire of the Syrian anti-aircraft system. The incident resulted in the deaths of 15 Russian military personnel. The Russian Defense Ministry said the Israeli side had not warned it of the planned operation in Syria and that the responsibility for the downing of the plane is entirely from Tel Aviv.

In that connection, Moscow took the decision to provide Damascus with anti-aircraft defense systems to protect Syria’s airspace and to ensure the safety of Russian military personnel serving in the Arab country. Russia has already delivered to Syria several S-300 air defense systems and electronic countermeasures units.

FRN can now confirm that this equipment has already been deployed in Syria. These are, in particular, systems against drones and against high-precision weaponry.

Vladimir Mikheev, deputy director general of the Russian company, Consortium for Radioelectronic Technologies, explained to the Russian edition Army Standard how this equipment will increase the defensive capabilities of the country.

The specialist said that this equipment has been used to collect information, but that, from now on, the units will be on alert.

“So it will not be possible as before to fly the area with total impunity and bombard it,” he said.

In particular, he warned that the electronic warfare means it will neutralize the activity of aircraft, bombs and missiles.

The adviser specified that Russia is now creating in Syria a system similar to that which existed in the USSR:

“Everyone knew that no one except the USSR had a similar anti-aircraft defense, which included radar for all altitudes, a short- and long-range missile system, and the protection of their own systems.”

As the air defense systems will remain active, they will be able to detect enemy planes as soon as they start moving on the runway. In addition, the new equipment can determine the capabilities of the aircraft.

If the airplane’s objectives seem malicious, electronic action will be taken. That is, the suspected aircraft will lose communication and navigation and will not be able to transmit data to its land base or other aircraft.

If the aircraft, even “blind”, continues the flight, defense systems will send a signal to identify it as “friend or foe.” In case the aircraft is determined as an enemy, your pilot will receive a warning that he is in sight.

Assuming that the aircraft enters the prohibited area despite all warnings, its control systems will be blocked. In the end, if the threatening behavior is maintained, the military can use weapons against the plane, concluded the expert.

This is how classic anti-aircraft defense systems work, which have significantly better capabilities than autonomous mobile systems.


US Drones Spy on S-300 Missile System at Syrian Coasts

The Arabic-language website of RT reported on Wednesday that the US RC-135V reconnaissance drones took off from Souda airbase in Greece's Crete island, flied hundreds of kilometers along the coasts of Syria and over the Mediterranean Sea to spy on the S-300 missile defense shield operation.

In early October, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that they had successfully delivered the S-300 air defense system to Syria.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the move to supply Syria with the S-300 system was purely defensive and should not threaten any neighboring country.

Since the Russian delivery of the S-300 system, Israel has not bombed or entered Syrian airspace.

Meantime, Massdar news quoted Israel’s Hadashot TV as reporting on Wednesday that the US and Israel had allegedly sent a secret military group to Ukraine to train against the Russia-made S-300 air defense system.

Washington and Tel Aviv have dispatched a secret military team to Ukraine to train against the S-300 air defense system, it said.

The US and Israel have yet to comment on this report.

 

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Assad says Crimean delegation’s visit is good beginning for cooperation

The delegation arrived in Syria's capital on October 15

The visit to Syria by a delegation from Russia’s Republic of Crimea led by its head, Sergei Aksyonov, is a good beginning for establishing cooperation in various spheres, Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Tuesday.

"While receiving Aksyonov in Damascus, President Assad congratulated Crimea’s people and its leaders on the implementation of their will - reunification with Russia. He stressed that this visit is a good beginning for establishing relations of cooperation between the sides in various spheres and that both sides have clear positions on the Black and Mediterranean Seas," the Syrian Presidency said on its official Twitter account.

The Crimean delegation is visiting Damascus on October 15-16.

A delegation from Crimea visits Syria on October 15-16 and this happens in Crimea on the 17th. I wonder if - this teenager - might have been "a sleeper cell" and was triggered? " There were no immediate clues as to his motive in mounting such an attack, which recalled similar shooting sprees carried out by students in U.S. schools."

October 17, 2018 - Teenager kills 19 in Crimes College shooting: Russian Officials
Teenager kills 19 in Crimea college shooting: Russian officials | Reuters

 

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6 killed as US-led coalition F-15 jets bomb Kurdish forces fighting ISIS – report

Two US-led coalition aircraft have bombed Syrian Kurdish forces, disrupting their offensive on Islamic State terrorists, RIA news agency reports. The diplomatic source has called out US’ “lack of coordination and professionalism.”

Two US-led coalition’s F-15 fighter jets have mistakenly targeted Kurdish units amid their offensive on the remaining forces of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorists in Syria, RIA reported, citing a “military and diplomatic source.” It said six people were killed and 15 injured on the Kurdish side.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1050812091257352193

The incident, which took place near the town of Hajin in the Syrian eastern Deir ez-Zor province, did not just disrupt the operation but also reportedly led to numerous defections in the ranks of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Even worse, the terrorists managed to seize some territories in the area, the source added.

“These facts demonstrate that the US policy in Syria has failed just as in the neighboring Iraq, as it does not solve any problems but only creates the new one for the whole region,” the source said, accusing Washington of only “imitating” its fight against the terrorists in Syria to justify its continued presence in the war-torn country.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1051985981895835648

On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Islamic State militants had attacked a refugee camp in Deir ez-Zor province and had taken hundreds of people hostage. Some 700 people were abducted and taken to Hajin, located in a 20-kilometer area along the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. Now, the military source has told RIA that some citizens of western countries are among the people taken hostage by the extremists.

Foreign Citizens Among Hostages Kept by Daesh in Syria's Hajin Area - Source

A military-diplomatic source said that there are foreign citizens among hostages who are kept by Daesh terrorists in Hajin area in Syria.
There are citizens of Western European countries and other states among more than 700 hostages that kept in the city of Hajin, a military-diplomatic source reported.

Earlier, Rusian Military reported that the Daesh* terror group attacked a refugee camp in Syria's town of Al-Bahra on October 13, capturing 130 families and transporting them to Hajin, which is located in Deir ez-Zor province.

Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko stressed that the abducted civilians were de-facto taken hostage and could be used by terrorists as a "human shield" to protect the militants from the possible attack by the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advancing towards the last Daesh-occupied areas on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.

"It is worth noting that there are already more than 750 people among the hostages of Daesh in this area, including citizens of Western European countries and other states," a military diplomatic source told Sputnik on Wednesday.

The terrorists put forward ultimatums to the Kurds for the immediate release of all their supporters held by the SDF and they demand the transfer of new territories in the east of the Euphrates under their control, killing hostages every day as a lever of pressure, he noted.

"The imitation of fight against terrorists in this region of Syria has already lasted more than six months and is used by Washington to justify its illegal presence in this country," the source added.

Earlier, the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria also said that passive conduct by the US-led coalition's allies allowed militants to gain control over 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of Syrian territory along the eastern bank of the Euphrates.

*Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/Islamic State) is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries.


24-HOUR CEASEFIRE WITH ISIS IN AL-SAFA BRINGS HOPE TO HOSTAGES

On October 16, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and ISIS cells in the area of al-Safa agreed on a 24-hour ceasefire upon a reported request from Russia. Several Syrian sources said that the ceasefire is aimed at facilitating the ongoing negotiations to free around 30 civilian hostages, who were abducted by the terrorist group two months ago.

Few hours after the beginning of the ceasefire, a group of ISIS snipers attacked a position of the SAA’s 9th Division around al-Safa injuring several soliders. The violation led to a direct response from the SAA that shelled several positions of the terrorist group, according to the al-Suwayda 24 blog.

A source familiar with the situation in al-Safa told the Syria-based blog that despite the violation, the ceasefire continued successfully. The current calmness around the area suggests that the ceasefire may be extended for another 24 hours.

Syrian opposition activists revealed few days ago that ISIS demanded the release of around 2,000 female prisoners in exchange of the civilian hostages. It is not clear yet if the Damascus government has agreed to this demand, but the upcoming hours may witness such a deal.


ISIS CELLS IN AL-SAFA WILL RELEASE SIX HOSTAGES UNDER AGREEMENT WITH DAMASCUS

The remaining ISIS cells in the area of al-Safa have agreed to release 6 female hostages, who were abducted during a brutal attack on the eastern al-Suwayda countryside in late July, a Syrian security source told the Russian RT TV on October 17.

According to the source, the Damascus government will release 17 ISIS fighters from its prisons in exchange for the hostages. The source didn’t clarify the fate of around 24 other hostages, who will likely remain in the hands of ISIS for the time being.

A day earlier, a 24-hour ceasefire was imposed in al-Safa upon a request from Russia, which is overseeing the negotiations between the Damascus government and the terrorist organization. The ceasefire was violated by a group of ISIS snipers. However, it didn’t collapse.

The ceasefire may be extended in order to maintain the momentum of the negotiations and to ensure the release of the remaining hostages. Regarding the fate of ISIS fighters, Syrian pro-government sources said that they may withdraw from al-Safa to another area, mostly likely the Homs desert.


Nearly 275 Belgians are fighting inside Syria and Iraq: report

Approximately 275 Belgians are currently fighting inside both Syria and Iraq, the Belgian Interior Ministry claimed in a new report.

According to the Belgian Interior Ministry, there are no citizens that are currently traveling to either Syria or Iraq in order to join the so-called “Islamic State.

Furthermore, at least 85 people, including 22 women, were prevented by the Belgian authorities from traveling to either country over the last year, the FTF report said.

“There are also serious indications that 117 other persons residing in Belgium had the intention of leaving for a jihadist conflict zone,” the Office stated.


Syria’s Latakia, Aleppo frequently shelled by militants over last 24 hours

Head of the Russian reconciliation center Vladimir Savchenko said militants shelled the settlements of Iqqo in Latakia and Maarate in Aleppo

Militants from Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone have opened fire several times on populated localities in Latakia and Aleppo over the past 24 hours, Lieutenant General Vladimir Savchenko, the chief of the Russian center for reconciliation of conflicting sides in Syria, told reporters on Wednesday.

"Over the past 24 hours, shelling has been documented against the populated locality of Iqqo (twice) in the Latakia province, Maarata (twice) in the Aleppo province and the area near the research center in the city of Aleppo," he said. "Besides, it has been documented that positions of the government forces near Tadef in the Aleppo province had been shelled twice."

Savchenko added that in the city of Aleppo the reconciliation center had handed food kits to 15 families of Syrian military personnel killed in action.

In Aleppo’s southwestern suburb, another humanitarian mission was carried out in the past day. About a tonne of fresh bread was distributed among its residents.

The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


Arms Pullout From Idlib Opens the Door to Peace Process – Syrian Opposition

The significance of the pullout of heavy arms by radical groups operating in Idlib cannot be overestimated, according to Fuad Eliko, member of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces. Speaking to Sputnik, the politician shed light on the developments on the ground.

The decision to withdraw heavy weapons from Idlib has opened the door to a peaceful settlement, Fuad Eliko, the chairman of the Syrian Kurdish National Council (ENKS) and member of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, told Sputnik Arabic.Eliko highlighted that the representatives of the Syrian opposition were satisfied with the move and the establishment of a new 9-12 mile demilitarized zone in Idlib along the contact line of rebels and government forces.

"We believe that it is a very important positive development that all radical groups operating in Idlib ultimately accepted the condition of the Sochi agreement and removed their heavy weapons from the Idlib zone," he said. "As a result, clashes between the Syrian army and the opposition have stopped."

According to the politician, this step will help intensify the political settlement process in the country.

"Russia, Turkey, France and Germany will soon meet in Turkey and discuss key issues of this initiative," Eliko pointed out. "Now the main emphasis in the discussion of the Syrian issue will be placed not on a military but on a political settlement."

The politician noted that the future of such extremist groups as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham*, Huras al-Din (also called the Guardians of Religion Organization) and the Turkistan Islamic Party remains unclear.

"The neutralization of these radical groups lies with Turkey," Eliko pointed out. "Turkey can disperse them, neutralize them, or contribute to their joining the ranks of moderate opposition. Meanwhile, there is still no clarity regarding the return of foreign fighters from Idlib to their homes."

On September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to establish a demilitarized zone between Syrian government forces and militants located in the Idlib region by October 15. The pullout of heavy weaponry was one of the agreement's conditions.

On October 9, a Syrian army representative told Sputnik that Hayati al-Sham, largely made up of al-Nusra, Huras ad-Din and the National Liberation Front militants, including 16 Free Syrian Army groups, backed by Turkey, had withdrawn their heavy weapons out of the southern, southwestern and eastern parts of Idlib Governorate.

Addressing a press conference on October 10, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow was double-checking the information about the arms pullout, adding that "over 1,000 militants [had] left the demilitarized zone, and about 100 pieces of equipment [had] been withdrawn."

On October 15, Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as the al-Nusra Front,* released a statement signaling its readiness to abide by the Russian-Turkish deal aimed at preventing an all-out offensive on the last military stronghold in Syria.

The move came in contrast to earlier reports claiming that the Islamist terrorist group was not ready to lay down its arms.

Commenting on the Russian-Turkish initiative on October 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad underscored that the move was aimed at preventing the bloodshed in the region, adding, however, that the measure was a "temporary one."

Assad emphasized that the country was entering a new phase of rehabilitating those elements of Syrian society which collaborated with or otherwise supported "chaos and terrorism."

Previously, Damascus came up with a plan of capturing the last terrorist stronghold by force. However, following a series of consultations between Syrian, Russian, Turkish and Iranian officials, the parties concerned agreed to resort to diplomatic means.

*Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (al-Nusra Front) is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.

The views and opinions expressed by the speaker do not necessarily reflect those of Sputnik.


US military masks killing of innocent civilians: analyst (video)

The US military “masks” the killing of innocent civilians by American forces as legitimate operations against militants ,says an American political analyst.

“The United States central command is positioning itself for a long military endless bombing strike, drone strike, military actions against … groups which are allegedly destabilizing governments,” said Scott Bennett, a former US military psychological warfare officer.

Bennett told Press TV in a phone interview on Wednesday that US operations against suspected militants leave civilian casualties which in turn result in dissatisfaction toward US forces.

“Probably another blowback that has negative consequences for the United States because a lot of the indigenous people are going to be increasingly killed in wedding caravans and civilian gatherings and the department of defense masks these as military operations,” he said.

Bennett said in addition to the political damage caused by US forces operating in other countries, there is a huge financial burden attached to their presence, as well.

“This puts an additional burden on the United States military. It puts an additional burden on the United States treasury by costing hundreds of millions of dollars for weapons, for training for soldiers, “ he said, adding , “there really is no payback” for US forces presence and operation in other countries.

 

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Putin: ISIS took several US & European citizens hostage in US-controlled part of Syria

The 700 hostages captured in Syria by Islamic State terrorists include US and European citizens and are being killed off 10 people a day, Russia’a Vladimir Putin said, criticizing American forces for “catastrophic” failure.

Islamic State terrorists “have delivered ultimatums and made certain demands, threatening … to shoot ten people every day,” the Russian leader said, adding that the hostage-takers already started carrying out their threats and executed ten hostages two days ago.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1051985981895835648

“This is just horrible, it is a catastrophe,” Putin said, adding that the US forces that claim to control the area around the east bank of the Euphrates River, relying on the Kurdish armed forces on the ground, stay conspicuously silent on this crisis.

Some US and European citizens are among the hostages,” the president warned, adding that “everyone is silent … as if nothing has happened.”

“They [the US] have clearly fallen short of their target,” Putin said, adding that Washington and its allies apparently failed to combat terrorists in the part of Syria they occupy. Islamic State terrorists continue to expand their presence in the area, he said.

Russian forces dealt a “heavy blow” to terrorists in Syria, eliminating many of them and forcing others to lay down their arms, Putin said. “Over these years, we liberated almost 95 percent of the Syrian Republic’s territory,” the president added.

“We maintained its sovereignty and did not let [the Syrian] state fall apart,” he continued, arguing that Russia’s actions helped “stabilize the situation in the region.”

He also praised Turkey for its efforts in driving terrorists out of northern Syria. “They work and we see it,” he said, adding that the Turkish side “does its best to fulfill its obligations” as he hailed the “effectiveness” of Ankara’s actions.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1052703304210243585

Putin has called on the world’s nations to “unite their efforts” to combat terrorism effectively. This cooperation has been reduced to some “separate instances of cooperation, which are not enough,” he added.


Turkey has not yet implemented agreements on Idlib — Putin

The Russian president comment on the situation in Idlib

Agreements on the demilitarized zone in Idlib have not been implemented by Turkey as of yet, but Russia is grateful to its Turkish partners for the work they are doing, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday.

"No, they haven’t implemented [them] as of yet, but they are working on this," Putin said when asked whether Turkey had met its part of engagements. "We see that they are working. Things are not that easy, on the contrary, everything is difficult," the president said.

"But they are carrying out their obligations, and this demilitarized zone, which we agreed to set up, the 15 to 20-kilometer deep Idlib de-escalation zone, is being created," the president added.

Not all militants have been withdrawn, the Russian leader said. "The Turkish partners are doing everything to comply with their commitments," Putin said, adding that the Turkish partners had even deployed a military hospital to that region. He characterized Turkey as a "rather tough and rather efficient" party in fight against terrorism.


Russia accuses US of transferring ISIS from Syria to Afghanistan and Iraq

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the U.S. government on Thursday of transferring the so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) from Syria to neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Moscow is concerned with Washington’s transfer of Daesh militants to Iraq and Afghanistan,” Lavrov said during a press conference on Thursday.

“Russia calls on the U.S. to explain relocation of Daesh fighters to Iraq and Afghanistan,” he added, as quoted by the Interfax News Agency.

Russia has accused the United States of transferring Daesh terrorists to Afghanistan on a number of occasions in the past.

Washington has repeatedly denied these allegations from Moscow.


Russia's defense chief arrives in China

Shoigu arrived in China from Mongolia, where he had been on an official visit

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has arrived in China on an official visit.

"In Beijing, Shoigu and the deputy chief of China’s Central Military Council, Zhang Youxia, on October 19 will co-chair the 23rd meeting of the joint inter-governmental commission for military-technical cooperation," the Russian defense minister’s spokeswoman, Rossiyana Markovskaya, told the media.

The two sides plan to summarize the results of activities over the past year and identify priority tasks in developing military-technical cooperation in the forthcoming period.

"The session will end with the signing of a protocol that will determine the priority cooperation guidelines and specify ways of implementing the identified projects," Markovskaya said. Shoigu arrived in China from Mongolia, where he had been on an official visit.


Syrian Army keeps climbing southern Syria’s steep cliffs amid heavy resistance from ISIS

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their large-scale offensive in the Al-Safa region of Al-Sweida, today, after a 24 hour hiatus to fend off an Islamic State (ISIS).

Led by their elite 4th Armored Division and 5th Corps, the Syrian Arab Army began their push up the steep cliffs of the Al-Safa region this morning, striking several sites controlled by the Islamic State terrorists.

Not long after launching their large-scale assault, the Syrian Arab Army found themselves involved in a fierce battle with the Islamic State terrorists at one of several rocky cliffs in the Al-Safa region.

According to a military source in the provincial capital of Sweida, the Syrian Arab Army managed to advance up one of the highest peak in the 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 Arab Army did suffer over ten casualties trying to make this advance; they would also inflict heavy losses in the Islamic State’s ranks.

The Syrian Arab Army is now working to secure several hilltops in the Al-Safa region, as they look to eliminate the last remnants of the Islamic State in southern Syria.


Breaking: Jihadist rebels launch attack on Aleppo city

The jihadist rebels in the southwestern countryside of Aleppo launched a new attack on the provincial capital this afternoon, a source from the city told Al-Masdar News.

The Turkish-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) reportedly fired several artillery shells and missiles towards the New Aleppo District, causing a number of explosions inside the civilian neighborhoods.

No casualties have been reported thus far.

In response to the jihadist attack, the Syrian Arab Army unleashed a number of missiles towards the Rashiddeen 4 and 5 areas.

This latest attack by the Turkish-backed rebels comes just days after the opposition groups refused to exit the designated buffer zone in the Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, and Hama provinces.


ISIS launches big counter-attack in eastern Deir Ezzor

The so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh) launched a counter-attack in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, today, targeting the areas controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Daesh reportedly began their counter-assault on Thursday morning by storming the Syrian Democratic Forces’ positions in the Badiya Al-Sha’afah area of southeastern Deir Ezzor.

According to pro-opposition activists via social media, the Daesh attack killed at least seven members of the Syrian Democratic Forces, while another two were captured in the process.

The Islamic State was also able to seize several points from the Syrian Democratic Forces after a series of intense battles in the Badiya Al-Sha’afah area.

Since its capture by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Badiya Al-Sha’afah area has been the scene of some of the most intense clashes inside Syria.

The Islamic State has used the rugged terrain around this area to carry out hit-and-run attacks against the SDF troops, causing a number of casualties in their ranks.


US Sends over 400 Trucks of Arms, Military Equipment to SDF in Manbij

Xeber24 news website affiliated to the Kurdish forces in Syria reported on Thursday that the US has sent a large convoy of arms and military equipment to the SDF in Manbij in Eastern Aleppo in the past two days.

They added that the US forces have dispatched over 400 trucks of weapons and military hardware to the SDF in Manbij after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to launch operations against the Kurds in the region.

Relevant reports on Wednesday said that the US-led coalition dispatched a fresh convoy of military vehicles to the town of Manbij in Northeastern Syria to counter Ankara's threats about implementing the Manbij roadmap.

The US Army sent a convoy, including several vehicles, to Manbij from its base in Ein Issa in Northern Raqqa, the sources said, adding that the Manbij Military Council has kept its gunmen on alert and banned traffic of motorcycles in the region after tensions intensified in the town in recent days.

The US army sent the convoy to Manbij after Erdogan threatened that if the US army did not adhere to its commitments to remove the YPG from its positions in Manbij in a 90-day deadline, the Ankara forces would launch military operation in the region.


Nearly half of US troops think major war with Russia, China possible in 2019: Poll

Nearly half of all the current US military troops on active duty believe they will be fighting a major war with Russia or China soon, an alarming increase in war anxiety among American soldiers, a new poll has found.

The Military Times poll of active-duty troops, released Wednesday, showed that 46 percent of US soldiers expected a war within the next year.

That's a huge increase from September 2017, when only about 5 percent held the same view in a similar poll.

This is while 50 percent of participants in the survey thought a major conflict in 2019 was unlikely. That number is falling as last year over two-thirds of the soldiers said a war was not going to take place.

The anxious anticipation of war comes amid President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for improving military readiness in the face of growing threats from foreign adversaries, such as terrorist groups and traditional major power rivals like Russia and China.

The Pentagon has publicly warned about the need to stay prepared for a conflict against a "near-peer" adversary.

That adversary could very well be Russia, as indicated in Trump’s revised nuclear strategy earlier this year. China is also likely to be viewed as a threat amid growing tensions between the two sides over a range of issues, from trade to Washington’s disregard for China’s sovereignty claims over the South China Sea.

When asked what specific countries they viewed as most serious threats, US troops named Russia and China among their top concerns: Some 71 percent said Russia was a significant threat, up 18 points from last year. About 69 percent of troops said China posed a significant threat, up 24 points from 2017.

The biggest drop in this year's list of potentially threatening countries belonged to North Korea, which was seen as a significant threat by only 46 percent. The figure stood at more than 72 percent one year ago.

Nearly 89 percent named Cyber-terrorism as the top threat while many troops said they were worried about their country’s lack of readiness to face such threats.

 

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Tue Oct 16, 2018 - US Army Retreats towards Deir Ezzur Energy-Rich Fields after ISIL Kidnaps American Soldiers
Farsnews

The US military forces have retreated towards two energy-rich fields in Eastern Deir Ezzur after a number of American soldiers and the Washington-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militants were kidnapped by ISIL, a Russian media outlet reported on Tuesday.

The Arabic-language website of Sputnik quoted well-informed sources as reporting that the US army and other foreign forces, deployed in Eastern Deir Ezzur, have limited their presence in Konico and al-Umer oilfields.

It further said that the move came after ISIL ambushed the US forces and their allies near al-Umer and in an SDF attack in al-Bahrah region and managed to capture four US soldiers and a number of SDF militias.

The Arabic Sputnik further said that ISIL has recaptured the regions they lost to the SDF in Southeastern Deir Ezzur in the last few days.


Thu Oct 18, 2018 - French Forces to Set Up Military Base in Raqqa
Farsnews

French army forces deployed in Syria intend to establish a military base in the US-occupied region in Raqqa.

The Arabic-language Baladi News website affiliated to the terrorists reported on Thursday that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are busy with drilling operations in an area stretching from the Brigade 17 region to Sahlat al-Banat region in Northeast of Raqqa city and from Sahlat al-Banat region to the North of the Sugar plant in Northern Raqqa.

It added that operations to build the walls and construction of buildings in the area will start after drilling operations, noting that a military base is due to be set up for the French forces with the aim of supporting the SDF in Raqqa.

According to the report, the US military troops are in talks with the SDF to further equip al-Tabaqah airbase in Western Raqqa and turn it into their new military base in the region next year.

Sources in the past few months said that the French army has sent weapons, military equipment and forces to Raqqa.

A joint military convoy of the US and French forces was sent to al-Tabaqah airbase in July as tensions increased between civilians and the US-backed forces in Raqqa.

Local sources in Western Raqqa reported that a military convoy of the US and French forces have been dispatched from the town of al-Tabaqah to its airbase.

They added that the convoy consisted of 7 trucks, carrying military equipment, noting that the SDF had declared curfew in al-Tabaqah.


2018-10-18 - Israeli warplanes stalk Lebanese-Syrian border
Breaking: Israeli warplanes stalk Lebanese-Syrian border

The Syrian military has been placed on high alert this evening after Israeli warplanes were spotted flying incredibly close to the Syrian-Lebanese border.

According to reports, the Israeli warplanes made their way from Lebanon’s Nabatieh Governorate to the Beqa’a Valley, where they flew close to the northwestern part of the Rif Dimashq Governorate of Syria.

Lebanon’s National News Agency has also reported a heavy Israeli air presence over the Nabatieh Governorate.

The Israeli warplanes have not crossed over into Syrian territory; however, this is believed to be their closest approach to Syria since Damascus received the S-300 Air Defense System from the Russian Federation.

In the past, the Israeli Air Force has used this route from Lebanon to bomb western Syria; however, they also fly over this area to monitor the border movements.


2018-10-18 - UN Syria Envoy to step down next month
UN Syria envoy to step down next month

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations envoy for Syria announced on Wednesday he will step down at the end of November after more than four years in the key post, setting back UN efforts to end the seven-year war in Syria.

“I will myself be moving on as of the last week of November,” Staffan de Mistura told the UN Security Council during a meeting on the crisis in Syria.

The Italian-Swedish diplomat, who became the UN’s third Syria envoy in July 2014, said he was leaving for “purely personal reasons” and had discussed his plans to leave with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“I am not laying down the charge until the last hour of the last day of my mandate,” he said.

De Mistura will be traveling to Damascus next week to push for the creation of a committee to agree on a post-war constitution for Syria.

Syria is resisting the UN-led effort to set up the constitutional committee that will be comprised of government officials, opposition members and representatives of civil society.

De Mistura was appointed UN envoy for Syria in July 2014 after veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi resigned following the failure of peace talks in Geneva.

Brahimi spent two years in the position, stepping in after former UN chief Kofi Annan quit just six months into the role.

More than 360,000 people have died in the war in Syria, which began in March 2011 as an uprising against President Bashar Assad but has since morphed into a complex war with myriad armed groups, some of which have foreign backing.


October, 18, 2018 - No Place for Terrorists in Syria: Iran’s Envoy
No Place for Terrorists in Syria: Iran’s Envoy - Tasnim News Agency

Iran’s deputy ambassador to the United Nation underlined the need for the expulsion of terrorists from Syria, stressing that the Arab country’s fate must be decided in a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process.

In an address to a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East and Syria, held in New York on October 17, Eshaq Al-e-Habib emphasized the necessity for the implementation of an agreement initiated by Iran, Russia and Turkey on de-escalation zones in Syria, saying all terrorists must leave the zone.

The Iranian diplomat also argued that “foreign terrorist fighters should return to their country of origin and terrorists with Syrian origin must be dealt with according to Syrian law.”

 

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Putin: ISIS took several US & European citizens hostage in US-controlled part of Syria

The 700 hostages captured in Syria by Islamic State terrorists include US and European citizens and are being killed off 10 people a day, Russia’a Vladimir Putin said, criticizing American forces for “catastrophic” failure.

Pentagon Unaware of US Hostages Taken Near Syria’s Deir Ez-Zor

The US Department of Defense has no information regarding US nationals being taken hostage near the Syrian city of Deir Ez-Zor, Pentagon spokesperson Cmdr. Sean Robertson told Sputnik.

Earlier on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Daesh* terrorists had recently begun expanding their presence on the left bank of the Euphrates river in Syria, taking nearly 700 people hostage, including citizens of the United States and European countries.

"While we have confirmed that there was an attack on an IDP camp near Deir Ez-Zor last week, we have no information supporting the large number of hostages alleged by President Putin and we are skeptical of its accuracy," Robertson said on Thursday. "We are also unaware of any US nationals located in that camp."

Robertson pointed out that the United States rejects Russian assertions the US-led coalition in Syria has failed to address the threat posed by the Islamic State and said Washington will continue to work with and through its local partners to pursue the remnants of the terror group in the Middle Euphrates River Valley.

Russia has focused its efforts exclusively on aiding the Syrian government with limited steps to address the threat posed by the Islamic State and without regard for the laws of armed conflict, civilian casualties or the government's alleged use of chemical weapons, Robertson added.

Previously, Rusian Military reported that the Daesh terror group attacked a refugee camp in Syria's town of Al-Bahra on October 13, capturing 130 families and transporting them to Hajin, which is located in Deir Ez-Zor province.

*Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/Islamic State) is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries.

Russia's defense chief arrives in China

Shoigu arrived in China from Mongolia, where he had been on an official visit

Russian-Chinese ties at their best level in history, says defense minister

According to the minister, on Friday the sides will sum up the results of this year’s cooperation and outline priority tasks for the near future

Relations between Russia and China are at their best level now and the two countries actively cooperate in multilateral formats, showing an example of responsible approach to solving international problems, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

"At the moment Russian-Chinese relations see one of the best periods throughout their history," Shoigu said on Friday at the meeting with deputy chief of China’s Central Military Council, Zhang Youxia.

According to Shoigu, Moscow and Beijing demonstrate an example of a balanced and responsible approach to solving vital international problems. "Our countries efficiently cooperate in various multilateral formats, namely BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations. The sides closely coordinate their positions on regional issues, including security in North East and Central Asia and in the Middle East," Shoigu said.

The cornerstone of stable Russian-Chinese ties is close friendly relationship between the two leaders. This year Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have held three meetings, including full-fledged summits in Beijing and Vladivostok. "The indicator of a special degree of political trust in Russian-Chinese relations is dynamic cooperation in military and military-technical areas," Shoigu said, stressing that the two leaders define the depth, character and focus of this cooperation.

"We plan to fully implement our current agreements in military and technical cooperation," Shoigu said, noting that this meeting is a chance to discuss vital issues of regional security in the hotbeds of tension, namely the Middle East, Syria and Libya.

According to the minister, on Friday the sides will sum up the results of this year’s cooperation and outline priority tasks for the near future. "We are determined to work effectively and successfully and this will further contribute to enhancing partnership and strategic cooperation between our countries," Shoigu said.


Syrian ambassador hopes Assad will visit Russia in near future

Riyad Haddad believes that the "more visits between the two leaders, the stronger the relations between the two countries"

Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad hopes that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be able to visit Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the near future.

"We have three invitations - from South Ossetia, from Abkhazia and from Crimea," Haddad told reporters on Thursday. "I hope that these visits will take place in the nearest future."

"The exchange of visits between both presidents [of Russia and Syria] is permanent, and it has not stopped. The more visits between the two leaders, the stronger the relations between the two countries," the ambassador added.

Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov met with al-Assad in Damascus on October 16 and invited him to visit the Yalta International Economic Forum, set to take place in April 2019.

 

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6 killed as US-led coalition F-15 jets bomb Kurdish forces fighting ISIS – report

Two US-led coalition aircraft have bombed Syrian Kurdish forces, disrupting their offensive on Islamic State terrorists, RIA news agency reports. The diplomatic source has called out US’ “lack of coordination and professionalism.”

Two US-led coalition’s F-15 fighter jets have mistakenly targeted Kurdish units amid their offensive on the remaining forces of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorists in Syria, RIA reported, citing a “military and diplomatic source.” It said six people were killed and 15 injured on the Kurdish side.

US-Led Coalition Investigating Incident of F-15 Strike on Allied Kurdish Unit

The incident involving a US Air Force jet occurred on Thursday when an F-15 conducted an airstrike on Kurdish formations fighting Daesh* terrorists in Syria, killing 6 Kurdish soldiers and wounding 15 more.

"We have received reports about a possible 'blue-on-green' incident in northeast Syria. The incident is under investigation and we will release more details at the appropriate time. The SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] is a partner in the effort to defeat ISIS [Daesh], and we will continue to support them as they liberate the last stronghold of ISIS in the Middle Euphrates River Valley," Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. Sean Ryan told Sputnik.

The incident followed Syrian Arab News Agency reports about the coalition carrying out airstrikes in the province of Deir ez-Zor using white phosphorus, which is prohibited for use against civilians or in civilian areas under several Geneva Conventions.

The US-led coalition has been operating in Syria against terrorists since 2014 without receiving approval for its operations by either the UN or the Syrian government.

*Daesh (also known as IS/ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) is a terrorist organization, banned in Russia


Assad and Russian Envoy Discussing Formation of Syria Constitutional Commission

Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin discussed on Friday the situation in Syria and the formation of a constitutional commission there, the Syrian leader's press service said in a statement.

"During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the situation in Syria, in particular, on the political settlement and the process to form a committee to discuss the current constitution," the statement said.

The statement comes after earlier in the week UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura announced he would quit in the last week of November due to personal reasons.

However, de Mistura has to report on the progress toward convening the committee for the new Syrian constitution to the Small Group on Syria before October, 31.

The creation of the Syrian Constitutional Commission, tasked with rewriting the Syrian main law, was agreed upon during the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi in late January. The commission to comprise both the representatives of the Syrian government and opposition activists.


Russian S-300s Supplied to Syria Were 'Modernized' - Reports

Moscow has delivered advanced S-300 air defense missiles to Syria to protect the country’s troops deployed in the war-torn Arab country in the wake of last month’s downing of a Russian reconnaissance plane during an Israeli airstrike in Latakia.

The three battalion sets of S-300PM-2 air defense missile handed over to Syria by Russia are more advanced compared to their conventional counterparts, the newspaper Izvestiya wrote, citing Defense Ministry sources in Moscow.

The S-300PM-2 system is equipped with a more advanced radar station, an improved target illumination and guidance station (firing radar) and a mobile command post.

Launchers have also been upgraded enabling the use of more advanced, powerful and long-range missiles, compared to the “classic” S-300.

Unlike conventional S-300s, the modernized air defense system can fire medium-range tactical ballistic missiles, while retaining its ability to destroy aerial targets up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) away.

The S-300PM-2 also boasts improved anti-jamming capability allowing it to operate in conditions of electronic warfare.

Contrary to media reports, the S-300PM-2 currently deployed in Syria will not be operated by Iranians because the only specialists who can operate this system are in Russia, the source told the newspaper.

Iranians have never operated such systems because the S-300PMU-2 supplied to Iran is an export version with a simplified circuit and control modes compared to the S-300PM-2.

The source noted that the automatic control system on the export PMU-2 version does not allow it to interact with Russian air defense systems that have been transferred to the Syrian armed forces.

Earlier this month, debka.com cited US and Israeli intelligence sources as claiming that the S-300PM-2 batteries deployed in Syria would be operated by Iranian teams. They also insisted that Russia had originally planned to entrust the system’s operation to Iranians, that’s why it had allegedly given the Syrians a version of the S-300PMU-2 it had supplied to Iran in 2016.

In early October, Russia donated to Syria three battalion sets of S-300 missile systems of eight launchers each of which had been repaired in Russia where they had been used before being replaced by the more advanced S-400 system.

The Russian Defense Ministry then said that it would take three months to train Syrian specialists to operate the missile system.

Russia announced the supply of S-300 air defense missiles to Syria after a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane was mistakenly shot down by Syrian air defenses during an Israeli air raid on September 17.

The S-300PM-2 system entered service with the Russian army in the 2010s.

In December 2015, the first regiment S-300PM-2 took over combat duty to protect the airspace of the country’s central industrial region.

The regiment was later re-equipped with the most modern domestic anti-aircraft system, the S-400 Triumph, and, according to the source, some of the S-300PM-2s were sent to Syria.


Russian specialists re-equipping S-300 systems delivered to Syria for local operation

According to a military source, the work largely relates to "replacing Russian codes and letter frequencies of the ground interrogator and the letter frequencies of the radar for Syrian versions"

Russian specialists are re-equipping S-300PM air defense missile systems delivered to Syria into S-300PMU-2 ‘Favorit’ complexes for their local operation, a source in military and diplomatic circles told TASS on Friday.

"In October, three battalions of S-300PM systems and their ammunition load were delivered to Syria. Later, a regimental command post was brought to the country. All the hardware makes part of the S-300PM equipment set, except for the reconnaissance and air target detection radar of the regiment’s command post, which is part of the S-300PM-2," the source said.

"Technical specialists of Russian defense enterprises who arrived after that started work to re-equip S-300PM into S-300-PMU-2 systems," the source said.

This work largely relates to "replacing Russian codes and letter frequencies of the ground interrogator and the letter frequencies of the radar for Syrian versions," the source explained.

"The Russian specialists will complete their work in late October, after which they will return home," the source said.

The agreement to deliver S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Syria was signed back in 2010 but was later put on hold. On September 24, 2018, after the loss of Russia’s Il-20 reconnaissance plane in Syria, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia would transfer S-300 systems to the Syrian armed forces to enhance their combat potential. On October 2, Shoigu told Putin that the S-300s had been deployed to Syria.

 

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UK reconnaissance plane spotted spying on Syria’s S-300 system

Improved versions of the S-300 air defense systems were supplied to Syria by Moscow following a lethal incident near Latakia province, when a Russian recon jet was accidently downed by Syrian air defenses repelling an Israeli air raid.

A Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft of the UK’s Royal Air Force has conducted a flight over the territories of Israel and Jordan, near the Syrian border, several flight tracking services reported.

An aircraft with the number ZZ666 took off from Souda Bay Air Base on Crete, flew along the southern border of the Arab Republic and then returned to the air base via the same path.

This is the second time this week that the RAF has flown aircraft near the Syrian border. The previous time, RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance and Sentinel R.1 ground surveillance planes flew a similar path on October 16.

The RC-135W Rivet Joint is capable of detecting emissions produced by radars and thus discovering the locations of enemy air defenses.

The recon flight comes two weeks after the deployment of Russian S-300 air defense systems in Syria, following an incident in Syrian airspace near Latakia, when a Syrian S-200 shot down a Russian recon plane while repelling an attack by Israeli air force.


Shoigu says Russian forces delivered strikes at 122,00 terrorist facilities in Syria

Russian Aerospace Defense Forces have made over 40,000 flights, including 21,000 flight in the nighttime, over the course of the operation in Syria and delivered strikes at around 122,000 terrorist facilities, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Saturday at the fifth council of defense ministers of ASEAN member countries and their dialogue partners.

"Over the course of military actions, strikes were delivered at around 122,000 terrorist facilities. Most militants were eliminated," Shoigu said. "We acquired extensive military experience in Syria, and we are ready to share it," he noted adding that peaceful life is being actively restored in Syria.

"As a result of concerted efforts of the Russian center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides, over 2,500 settlements from all over the country have already joined the reconciliation process," the defense minister said. Special attention is paid now to resolving humanitarian issues in Syria and assisting refegees in returning to their homes, he concluded.


IS defeated in Syria with Russia's support — defense minister

The Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) has been defeated over the last three years of military actions in Syria with Russia's support, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Saturday at the fifth council of defense ministers of ASEAN member countries and their dialogue partners.

"Over the course of the operation, 87,500 militants were destroyed, 1,141 settlements and over 95% of Syria's territory were liberated," Shoigu said.

"Key settlements were liberated and main communications were unblocked," he noted. "The Syrian armed forces currently control territory where 90% of the populaiton resides," he added.


Russia’s delegation discusses war on terror in Syria with al-Assad

Russia’s delegation has discussed the latest developments and the war on terror in Syria with the country’s President Bashar al-Assad, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

The Russian delegation featuring Russian Presidential Special Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and defense ministry’s officials visited Damascus on October 19. The delegation held talks with Bashar al-Assad.

They "considered in detail a whole range of issues on the scenario unfolding in the Syrian Arab Republic and confirmed their firm determination to eventually eradicate terrorist presence and to go ahead persistently to a long-term political solution in the interests of all the Syrians," says the statement.

Since armed conflict broke out in Syria in March 2011, more than 220,000 people have been killed, according to the United Nations.


US-led coalition’s air strikes kill 62 civilians in Syria, says agency

The US-led coalition’s air strikes have killed at least 62 and wounded dozens of civilians in the eastern part of the Deir ez-Zor province in Syria, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Saturday, adding that the death toll may rise considering that dead bodies might remain strewn among the debris of collapsed buildings.

An airstrike targeted the civilian area of Aliyat in the As Susa settlement located 140 kilometers away from the administrative center Deir ez-Zor province where 15 women and children died. Missiles were also fired at the building of Othman Bin Affan Mosque where 37 civilians were reportedly killed and dozens were wounded. That was followed by an attack targeting a mosque in the Bu Badran settlement, which killed ten people.

On Thursday, the coalition’s air forces attacked those settlements controlled by (the Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in Russia).


Terrorists Send Heavy Arms to Hama, Idlib to Attack Army-Controlled Regions

Field sources in Northern Syria reported that Tahrir al-Sham (the Levant Liberation Board or the Al-Nusra Front) militants and other allied terrorists launched heavy artillery and mortar attacks against the army-controlled positions and towns in Northern Hama and Southeastern Idlib.

They added that the terrorists have also pounded the army points in Northern Lattakia and Sahl al-Qab region, noting that they have dispatched more heavy weapons to the region to attack the army targets.

Meantime, reports said that after heightened tensions in Hama and Idlib, the Syrian army has sent its renowned General Suheil al-Hassan, the commander of the Tiger Forces, to Abu al-Zohour airbase in Eastern Idlib.

The Syrian army will likely use the military option against the terrorists if they still avoid withdrawal from the weapons-free zone.

The Syrian army forces were put on alert in Hama and Idlib on Thursday as terrorists proved adamant to the implementation of the Sochi agreement to set up a weapons-free zone.

Field sources in Northeastern Hama reported that a large number of Syrian army troops were on alert in their positions in Northern Hama and Southern Idlib.

They added that the development came after the terrorist groups avoided implementation of the Russia-Turkey agreement to create a demilitarized zone in Northern Syria.

The report said the Syrian army troops have also attacked the moves of the terrorists in Hama and Idlib, foiling their attempts to infiltrate into the army-held areas.

Other reports said that while the deadline for the terrorists' withdrawal from the arms-free zone in Syria has ended, they have not withdrawn from their strongholds and rather reinvigorated them.


Tiger Forces commander arrives in east Idlib as offensive is reportedly back on

The commander of the Tiger Forces arrived in the eastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate on Thursday, the group’s official media wing reported.

Major General Suheil Al-Hassan of the Tiger Forces reportedly arrived at the Abu Dhuhour Airbase in eastern Idlib on Thursday morning after receiving orders from the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) High Command to deploy to this front.

The Tiger Forces leader reportedly toured the battlefield around the eastern Idlib front along with the commander of the 5th Corps.

According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Army’s offensive in east Idlib is back on for now, but this could change if the jihadist rebels leave the designated buffer zone.

Should the jihadist rebels not withdraw from the buffer zone in the coming days, then the Syrian Arab Army will launch their long-awaited operation in the eastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate.

The Syrian Army has already begun military exercises near the Idlib front-lines, with their air force conducting several reconnaissance flights over the jihadist positions.


Syrian Army Sends More Troops to Aleppo after Terrorists' Attacks on Gov't Forces

The army forwarded a military convoy, including several vehicles, military hardware and a large number of soldiers to its positions in Jam'iyat al-Zahra region in Western Aleppo.

The army's decision came after Tahrir al-Sham launched missile attack on safe zones in Western Aleppo and also the group's refusal to leave the demilitarized zone in Western Aleppo under the Sochi Agreement.

In the meantime, local sources reported that Tahrir al-Sham and its allies carried out at least 15 rounds of missile strikes on residential areas in Jam'iyat al-Zahra, New Aleppo and Mogambo districts in Western Aleppo, adding that a civilian was killed and another one was wounded in the terrorists' missile attack on al-Sabil neighborhood in Aleppo city.

They said that the army's artillery and missile units managed to retaliate and shelled terrorists' positions and movements in Northwestern Aleppo, adding that heavy fighting between the army and terrorists erupted in the Western direction of Jam'iyat al-Zahra.


Syrians in Israeli-Controlled Golan Heights Protest Against Tel Aviv - Reports

The protests were preceded by a demonstration against the Israeli occupation, organized by the area’s Druze community, who waved Syrian flags and held portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while standing on the border with Syria.

The Syrian population of the Golan Heights has gathered in the town of Majdal Shams to protest against Israeli policies in the occupied territories, Syria's SANA news agency reported. The protesters waved Syrian flags and burnt election ballots that had been distributed by local Israeli authorities.

Political activist and former prisoner Bashar al-Maqt, quoted by PressTV, slammed the elections that were organized by Tel Aviv as legally void and called on international organizations to pressure Israel to abandon its policies in the Golan Heights. Bashar al-Maqt further vowed to spread the protests to other Syrian communities in the Golan Heights.

The protests in Majdal Shams took place two weeks after a demonstration by the Golan's Druze community, who waved Syrian flags and set up portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad along the border with the Arab Republic.

The Golan Heights were seized by Israel from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967. For a long time the territory was governed by an Israeli military administration, but in 1981 Tel Aviv extended the jurisdiction of its laws to the territory and established a civil administration. The move was condemned by the UN Security Council as illegal from the point of international law. Israel justified its move as aimed at safeguarding its borders from aggressive military acts.

 

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Syria demands international investigation into US-led Coalition’s attacks on its territories

Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said the heinous crime committed by the illegitimate US-led Coalition in al-Sousa and al-Bubadran villages in Deir Ezzor countryside prove once again its disregard for international law.

The ministry demanded a transparent and independent international investigation into this crime and other crimes on its territories.

Syria’s demand came in two letters the ministry addressed to the UN Secretary-General and President of the United Nations Security Council that SANA received a copy of on Saturday.

On Friday October 19 2018, the illegal US-led Coalition targeted with warplanes residential buildings in al-Sousa and al-Bubadran villages in Deir Ezzor southeastern countryside, killing 62 civilians, mostly women and children, and injuring an unidentified number, some are in a critical condition.

The ministry reminded of earlier letters in which it indicated to the Coalition escalating its bloody attacks against innocent civilians and its use of weapons of mass destruction and weapons with an indiscriminate impact such as white phosphorus in bombarding residential areas in Raqqa, Deir Ezzor, Aleppo and Hasaka.

The letters demanded the UN Security Council to take a prompt action to end these crimes and prevent their recurrence.

According to the ministry, yesterday’s crime is a war crime and a crime against humanity which proves once again the Coalition’s disregard for international law and the international humanitarian law, and belies the Coalition’s claims of fighting ISIS terrorism while in reality it is supporting its continuity in Syria.

The ministry demanded that the UN Security Council shoulder its responsibilities in preventing these crimes and conducting a transparent and independent international investigation into them, and terminating the illegal presence of US and other foreign troops on the Syrian territories.


RUSSIA IS BUILDING 18 AIRCRAFT SHELTERS IN HMEIMIM AIRBASE (PHOTOS)

New satellite images released on October 20 revealed that Russian forces are building eighteen hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) in Hmeimim airbase in the coastal Syrian governorate of Lattakia. A local Syrian source said that the construction of these shelters began more than a month ago..

https://twitter.com/x/status/1053653983498166278

The images also show that Hmeimim airbase is currently hosting nine Su-24, four Su-34, four Su-35 warplanes, an A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) plane, an Il-38 maritime patrol and anti-submarine plane, four Il-76 cargo planes and two An-26 transport planes.

Since the beginning of this year, Syrian militants have attempted to attack Hmeimim airbase several times with Grad rockets and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While these attacks didn’t cause any real damage on the airbase, the militants view them as a way to deter the Russian Aerospace Forces.

In most cases, Russian air defense systems deployed in Hmeimim foiled the militants attacks by intercepting their rockets or shooting down their UAVs. Despite the success of this method, the hardened shelters will for sure provide an extra protection for Russian Aerospace Forces personnel and assets that are deployed in the airbase.


Russian, Qatari representatives hold talks on Syria

Russia’s delegation headed by Presidential Special Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev has discussed the Middle East issues with the Qatari government focusing on Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

"The sides held detailed talks about the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the Syrian settlement," the statement says.

Russian and Qatari representatives "underscored that a political solution to the conflict has no alternatives." They expressed their support to Syria’s territorial unity and sovereignty and to further efforts against terrorism in the region.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and senior defense officials were among members of the Russian delegation.


Russian servicemen deliver 500 food packages to residents of Syria's Quneitra province

Russian servicemen have delivered and handed over 500 food packages to residents of the Beer Ajam settlement in the Syrian province of Quneitra, head of the group on humanitarian aid delivery Vladimir Vadeynov told reporters on Sunday.

Around 200 people residing in the settlement received humanitarian aid. Before the war, Beer Ajam was home to around 1,800 people. "Food packages include flour, rice, sugar and canned meat," Ladeynov said.

Russian servicemen also brought a wheelchair for a senior resident who lost his legs to diabetes three years ago.

According to the Center of reception, distribution and accommodation of refugees in Syria, the Russian side has organized over 1,900 humanitarian operations as of October 14. Over 3,000 tonnes of food, necessities and bottled water were delivered and distributed. Doctors with the Russian Defense Ministry have provided medical assistance to over 95,000 people in Syria.


Russian Pacific Fleet's ships arrive with visit to Chinese port Qingdao

The Russian Pacific Fleet's ships have arrived in the Chinese port of Qingdao, the fleet's official spokesman Captain 2nd Rank Nikolay Voskresensky told reporters on Sunday.

Among the ships that arrived in Qingdao are the Varyag cruiser, the Admiral Panteleyev destroyer and the Boris Butoma replenishment vessel.

"Visits of Commander Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhaylovsky and ship commanders to the commander of the Northern Fleet of China's People's Liberation Army and Qingdao leadership are planned for today. Russian and Chinese sailors will also visit each other's military ships," Voskresensky said.

The visit of Russian military ship to China will last until October 25.

Russian Pacific Fleet's ships have started their three-month voyage from Vladivostok on October 1. Over this time, they held several drills and trainings at sea and visited ports in Japan and South Korea.


Militants shell western outskirts of Aleppo over last 24 hours

Militants from the Idlib deesclation zone in Syria have shelled the province of Latakia and western outskirts of the city of Aleppo over the last 24 hours, head of the Russian center for reconciliation of conflicting sides Gen. Lt. Vladimir Savchenko told reporters on Saturday.

"Despite the established ceasefire regime, illegal armed groups operating in the Idlib deescalation zone continue violations. Over the last 24 hours, shellings were registered in the Roys Usleiman settlement in the province of Latakia and in the western outskirts of the city of Aleppo," Savchenko said.

He reported that servicemen from the Russian reconciliation center did not hold anu humanitarian operations over the last 24 hours, but they have held 1,969 humanitarian operations since the start of the reconciliation process. The cumulative weight of humanitarian cargoes reached around 3,080 tonnes. Savchenko also called on the commanders of illegal armed groups to stop provocations and to embark on the path of reconciliations in the areas under their control.


ISIS ATTACKS FORCE SDF TO MOVE FROM OFFENSE TO DEFENSE IN EUPHRATES VALLEY

The remaining ISIS fighters in the Euphrates Valley launched more attacks on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the region on October 20 forcging US-backed forces to move from offense to defense.

In details, five suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and dozens of fighters of the terrorist group attacked key positions of the SDF north of the town of al-Baghuz al-Fawqani. However, SDF fighters, backed by US-led coalition warplanes, destroyed the VBIEDs and recaptured a position they had lost earlier.

Around the town of Hajin, north of al-Baghuz al-Fawqani, a group of ISIS suicide bombers attacked a position of the US-backed forces. According to the SDF, the attack failed and a tunnel, which had been used by the attackers, was uncovered and destroyed.

The SDF media center claimed in a press release that more than 31 ISIS fighters were killed during the clashes in the last 24 hours.Furthermore, many vehicles and positions of the terrorist groups were destroyed.

The SDF military operation against ISIS in the Euphrates Valley has been ongoing for more than a month now. However, US-backed forces are yet to make any significant advance despite a clear advantage in the manpower and firepower.