Pentagon denounces any unilateral military action in ‘their’ part of Syria as unacceptable
The US is worried that “unilateral” military action against its proxy forces might jeopardize its foothold in Syria, claiming that the Kurds are vital in the battle against IS, as Turkey vows to get rid of “separatist terrorists.”
Despite major breakthroughs in the battle against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorists and in the ongoing reconciliation process in Syria, the US has repeatedly made clear its intention to remain in the country indefinitely, pledging to continue to back the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to counter Bashar Assad and Iranian influence in the Kurdish-dominated part of Syria. The presence of some 2,000 US military ‘advisers’ in the country has not only angered Damascus, but has also placed Ankara in direct confrontation with its NATO ally, especially after US-backed fighters attempted to set up parallel government structures.
To get rid of what he called a “separatist terrorist organization” east of the Euphrates, where the US-supported YPG Kurdish militia of the SDF now controls much of the territory, the Turkish president earlier this week promised to launch a new military campaign in Syria “within a matter of days.”
Washington, keen to protect its interest in the area, has –somewhat hypocritically– warned Ankara against launching a “unilateral” military campaign that might endanger US soldiers, who have recently established observation posts along the Turkish-Syrian border. Kurds, the Pentagon stressed, remain a “committed partner” in Washington’s fight against Islamic State.
“Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern,” Commander Sean Robertson, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement. “We would find any such actions unacceptable.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, believes that there is not much of a threat from the crippled Islamic State in Syria anymore, and that the Turkish military has the right to act to get rid of what he called a “terrorist corridor” forming alongside its border. “It is time to realize our decision to wipe out terror groups east of the Euphrates,” Erdogan said.
“Our target is not the American soldiers, it is the terror organizations that are active in the region,” Erdogan added in a televised speech, which triggered a strong response from the Pentagon.
Ankara has already conducted two major offensives in northern Syria with the help of the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army. Earlier this year, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria after the US announced its renewed commitment to maintaining support of the predominantly-Kurdish militia with training and weapons. Another cross-border incursion by the Turkish military, called Operation Euphrates Shield, was held from August 2016 to March 2017 with the aim of driving out IS terrorists, and the US-backed forces away from the border.
NORTHEASTERN SYRIA ADMINISTRATION CALLS FOR TOTAL MOBILIZATION FOLLOWING ERDOGAN THREATS
On December 12, the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) in northeastern Syria condemned Turkey’s plan to launch an attack on the region and called for a “total mobilization” to stop any such aggression.
Furthermore, the DAA called on the international community, the US-led coalition and NATO countries to take a stand against “Erdogan’s aggressive plans” and prevent any attack on northeastern Syria.
Erdogan had vowed to launch a military operation in the SDF-held area within a few days. According to Syrian opposition sources, the operation, which will likely be carried out by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA), will target the border city of Tell Abyad.
Since the beginning of this month, the US-led coalition has established several observation posts along the SDF-held part of the Syrian-Turkish border, including a post near Tell Abyad. However, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said that these posts will address Turkey’s “legitimate” concerns, which raises the question if Ankara and Washington had reached an agreement behind the SDF’s back.
Saudi And UAE Forces Roam Northern Syria To Back SDF – Report
Media sources and activists said that forces from the UAE and Saudi Arabia toured with the US-led coalition forces in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) areas in northern Syria.
The Arabian forces visited several military positions of the International Coalition in the villages of Al-Atto, Zawar Maghar, and Sheikh Tahtani, as well as the vicinity of Manbj in the north-eastern Aleppo countryside.
Opposition website said that the roaming forces met local Arab leaders affiliated with SDF in an effort to form and train groups in the area.
Saudi-Emirati delegation met late last November with officials in the (SDF) to discuss logistical support, while the Saudi Embassy in Turkey denied the reports.
The Turkish newspaper “Yeni Shafak”, revealed previously that Saudi Arabia and the UAE had sent military forces towards SDF-held territories in eastern Euphrates, noting that it was occurred under US cover in a parallel with Turkish forces preparations to launch an expanded military operation with the Syrian rebels.
Kurdish website quoted a source in SDF as saying that “Soldiers and heavy vehicles belonging to the Arabian gulf are fighting alongside the forces of “Democratic Syria” in the countryside of Deir al-Zur east of the Euphrates.”
SDF, which enjoys US support, controls large swathes of northern and northeastern Syria after the Da’ash organization has been expelled and Kurdish self-government runs its affairs.
Work on demining buildings in Syria's East Ghouta compeleted by 50% — Syrian sappers
Syrian sappers have found and defused around 50% of the mines planted by militants in residential and commercial buildings in East Ghouta during the war, commander of the sapper unit tasked with demining the suburbs of Damascus Mayas Mahmoud Issa told reporters.
"Syrian sappers have found around 50% of mines and bombs used by militants in East Ghouta during the war. We continue our search, including with the help of Russian military police. One of the main tasks is to look for mines and ammunition in debris," Issa said.
The fact that many houses in East Ghouta are destroyed significantly complicates the work of sappers, he noted. "That's why it is hard to say how much time we will need to finish demining. We will work as long as necessary in order to completely clear East Ghouta of mines and ammunition," he added.
Improvised mines and bombs were found in a commercial building in the city of Harasta, in the vicinity of Damascus, Issa said. "The building where the administration of Rif Damashq governor was headquartered, was seized by militants during the war. There we found a large batch of ammunition - improvised mines, bombs and grenades," Issa said adding that Russian military police assisted in the operation.
He noted that found ammunition was transported to a part of Harasta that will not be renovated.
"We used ammunition to detonate a multi-story building that is supposed to be demolished. Our task is to ensure safety for people returning to their homes, and to help construction workers in demolishing dilapidated and damaged houses," Issa noted.
Assad discusses Syrian constitutional committee with Russian delegation — ministry
Syrian President Bashar Assad has discussed the current state of affairs in Syria and the soonest launch of the constitutional committee with Russian Presidential Special Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergeн Vershinin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
"During the talks, [they] considered in detail the unfolding situation in Syria and in the region," the foreign ministry said. "Particular attention was paid to a goal of the soonest formation and launch of the constitutional committee in line with decisions of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress and Resolution 2254 of the United Nations Security Council," the ministry added.
On January 30, the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, held in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, agreed to set up a constitutional committee that will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Syria. The government and opposition have submitted lists of delegates to the committee. However, the sides failed to agree on a list of independent candidated who are to gain one third of seats in the committee.
Damascene alleys decorated with joy and happiness on occasion of Christmas (photos,video)
The US is worried that “unilateral” military action against its proxy forces might jeopardize its foothold in Syria, claiming that the Kurds are vital in the battle against IS, as Turkey vows to get rid of “separatist terrorists.”
Despite major breakthroughs in the battle against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorists and in the ongoing reconciliation process in Syria, the US has repeatedly made clear its intention to remain in the country indefinitely, pledging to continue to back the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to counter Bashar Assad and Iranian influence in the Kurdish-dominated part of Syria. The presence of some 2,000 US military ‘advisers’ in the country has not only angered Damascus, but has also placed Ankara in direct confrontation with its NATO ally, especially after US-backed fighters attempted to set up parallel government structures.
To get rid of what he called a “separatist terrorist organization” east of the Euphrates, where the US-supported YPG Kurdish militia of the SDF now controls much of the territory, the Turkish president earlier this week promised to launch a new military campaign in Syria “within a matter of days.”
Washington, keen to protect its interest in the area, has –somewhat hypocritically– warned Ankara against launching a “unilateral” military campaign that might endanger US soldiers, who have recently established observation posts along the Turkish-Syrian border. Kurds, the Pentagon stressed, remain a “committed partner” in Washington’s fight against Islamic State.
“Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern,” Commander Sean Robertson, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement. “We would find any such actions unacceptable.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, believes that there is not much of a threat from the crippled Islamic State in Syria anymore, and that the Turkish military has the right to act to get rid of what he called a “terrorist corridor” forming alongside its border. “It is time to realize our decision to wipe out terror groups east of the Euphrates,” Erdogan said.
“Our target is not the American soldiers, it is the terror organizations that are active in the region,” Erdogan added in a televised speech, which triggered a strong response from the Pentagon.
Ankara has already conducted two major offensives in northern Syria with the help of the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army. Earlier this year, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria after the US announced its renewed commitment to maintaining support of the predominantly-Kurdish militia with training and weapons. Another cross-border incursion by the Turkish military, called Operation Euphrates Shield, was held from August 2016 to March 2017 with the aim of driving out IS terrorists, and the US-backed forces away from the border.
NORTHEASTERN SYRIA ADMINISTRATION CALLS FOR TOTAL MOBILIZATION FOLLOWING ERDOGAN THREATS
On December 12, the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) in northeastern Syria condemned Turkey’s plan to launch an attack on the region and called for a “total mobilization” to stop any such aggression.
“Erdogan’s [Turkish President] goal is not the north and east of Syria, but the Syrian territorial unit. At the time when IS utter their last breath in Deir ez-Zor, Erdogan is trying, through his threats, to invade Syria to ease them and prolong their life,” the DAA, which govern the areas held by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said in an official statement.
Furthermore, the DAA called on the international community, the US-led coalition and NATO countries to take a stand against “Erdogan’s aggressive plans” and prevent any attack on northeastern Syria.
“We also call on the Syrian government to take the official position against this threat because Erdogan wants to occupy a part of Syria and this means an attack on the Syrian sovereignty,” the DAA added.
Erdogan had vowed to launch a military operation in the SDF-held area within a few days. According to Syrian opposition sources, the operation, which will likely be carried out by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA), will target the border city of Tell Abyad.
Since the beginning of this month, the US-led coalition has established several observation posts along the SDF-held part of the Syrian-Turkish border, including a post near Tell Abyad. However, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said that these posts will address Turkey’s “legitimate” concerns, which raises the question if Ankara and Washington had reached an agreement behind the SDF’s back.
Saudi And UAE Forces Roam Northern Syria To Back SDF – Report
Media sources and activists said that forces from the UAE and Saudi Arabia toured with the US-led coalition forces in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) areas in northern Syria.
The Arabian forces visited several military positions of the International Coalition in the villages of Al-Atto, Zawar Maghar, and Sheikh Tahtani, as well as the vicinity of Manbj in the north-eastern Aleppo countryside.
Opposition website said that the roaming forces met local Arab leaders affiliated with SDF in an effort to form and train groups in the area.
Saudi-Emirati delegation met late last November with officials in the (SDF) to discuss logistical support, while the Saudi Embassy in Turkey denied the reports.
The Turkish newspaper “Yeni Shafak”, revealed previously that Saudi Arabia and the UAE had sent military forces towards SDF-held territories in eastern Euphrates, noting that it was occurred under US cover in a parallel with Turkish forces preparations to launch an expanded military operation with the Syrian rebels.
Kurdish website quoted a source in SDF as saying that “Soldiers and heavy vehicles belonging to the Arabian gulf are fighting alongside the forces of “Democratic Syria” in the countryside of Deir al-Zur east of the Euphrates.”
SDF, which enjoys US support, controls large swathes of northern and northeastern Syria after the Da’ash organization has been expelled and Kurdish self-government runs its affairs.
Work on demining buildings in Syria's East Ghouta compeleted by 50% — Syrian sappers
Syrian sappers have found and defused around 50% of the mines planted by militants in residential and commercial buildings in East Ghouta during the war, commander of the sapper unit tasked with demining the suburbs of Damascus Mayas Mahmoud Issa told reporters.
"Syrian sappers have found around 50% of mines and bombs used by militants in East Ghouta during the war. We continue our search, including with the help of Russian military police. One of the main tasks is to look for mines and ammunition in debris," Issa said.
The fact that many houses in East Ghouta are destroyed significantly complicates the work of sappers, he noted. "That's why it is hard to say how much time we will need to finish demining. We will work as long as necessary in order to completely clear East Ghouta of mines and ammunition," he added.
Improvised mines and bombs were found in a commercial building in the city of Harasta, in the vicinity of Damascus, Issa said. "The building where the administration of Rif Damashq governor was headquartered, was seized by militants during the war. There we found a large batch of ammunition - improvised mines, bombs and grenades," Issa said adding that Russian military police assisted in the operation.
He noted that found ammunition was transported to a part of Harasta that will not be renovated.
"We used ammunition to detonate a multi-story building that is supposed to be demolished. Our task is to ensure safety for people returning to their homes, and to help construction workers in demolishing dilapidated and damaged houses," Issa noted.
Assad discusses Syrian constitutional committee with Russian delegation — ministry
Syrian President Bashar Assad has discussed the current state of affairs in Syria and the soonest launch of the constitutional committee with Russian Presidential Special Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergeн Vershinin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
"During the talks, [they] considered in detail the unfolding situation in Syria and in the region," the foreign ministry said. "Particular attention was paid to a goal of the soonest formation and launch of the constitutional committee in line with decisions of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress and Resolution 2254 of the United Nations Security Council," the ministry added.
On January 30, the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, held in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, agreed to set up a constitutional committee that will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Syria. The government and opposition have submitted lists of delegates to the committee. However, the sides failed to agree on a list of independent candidated who are to gain one third of seats in the committee.
Damascene alleys decorated with joy and happiness on occasion of Christmas (photos,video)
