Syrian War: News #14

SeigSoloyvov wrote:SAA Has seized much land from ISIS near the border, they have reached Al bi Jat and are within striking distance of the last major border crossing that is Al-Qaim.

I however would not expect them to attack that area anytime soon has ISIS will fight tooth and nail for it and most of SAA is currently focused on Sukan.

That is acc to Russian MOD, and acc to them SAA is advancing toward Al-Bukamal. But yeah, hard to believe that they will strike IS there. Maybe when SAA get closer to DEZ, forces around this area will attack IS to lover te pressure around DEZ.

Of course Sukhnah first, central homs etc. Then onto Deir Zoir. Probably find that Iraqi PMU will attack from iraqi side while SAA attack from West. But taking the border town soon would of stop ISIS fleeing into Syria from Iraq but Deir is more important

Doubt its secret from the US and Russia.

SouthFront‏ @southfronteng 4h4 hours ago

SDF And Syrian Military Make Secret Deal, Divide Spheres Of Influence In Deir Ezzor, Raqqah Provinces – Media http://dlvr.it/PYLKKd

calm wrote:

SeigSoloyvov wrote:SAA Has seized much land from ISIS near the border, they have reached Al bi Jat and are within striking distance of the last major border crossing that is Al-Qaim.

I however would not expect them to attack that area anytime soon has ISIS will fight tooth and nail for it and most of SAA is currently focused on Sukan.

That is acc to Russian MOD, and acc to them SAA is advancing toward Al-Bukamal. But yeah, hard to believe that they will strike IS there. Maybe when SAA get closer to DEZ, forces around this area will attack IS to lover te pressure around DEZ.

Definitely the truth here is victim of an ongoing information war. Maybe they'll exploit whatever feels as the least painful option at the time. Say if Bukamal looks like it's ready for the taking, why not go for it.

calm wrote:

SeigSoloyvov wrote:SAA Has seized much land from ISIS near the border, they have reached Al bi Jat and are within striking distance of the last major border crossing that is Al-Qaim.

I however would not expect them to attack that area anytime soon has ISIS will fight tooth and nail for it and most of SAA is currently focused on Sukan.

That is acc to Russian MOD, and acc to them SAA is advancing toward Al-Bukamal. But yeah, hard to believe that they will strike IS there. Maybe when SAA get closer to DEZ, forces around this area will attack IS to lover te pressure around DEZ.

According to Russian MOd and I can confirm it. However the SAA doesn't seem to be trying to take Al Bukamal, and I doubt they can right now. There is not enough manpower down there to take that city. That was just a ploy to mess with ISIS in the information sense.

However yes they will not attack al-Qaim until Homs and Deir are cleared.

This moves means should ISIS try and defend Deir if the SAA get there and nothing goes wrong, if ISIS tries to reinforce manpower to defend the SAA can attack Al-Qaim something ISIS cannot afford to lose.

So they will make ISiS choose between the two to which ISIS will defend Al-Qaim over Deir. It's not a bad move the problem is the SAA exposed a ton of flank to ISIs units in Iraq and in Syria, last time they advanced like this, they lost like half of their gains because ISIS attacked and they simply could not hold.

So the SAA will need to be careful with this play. It's a good play but a risky one all the same and the SAA cannot afford many risks right now.

SeigSoloyvov wrote:It's not a bad move the problem is the SAA exposed a ton of flank to ISIs units in Iraq and in Syria

I believe SAA has reached the point when operating vs the IS that, yes, they are exposed to assaults, attacks, shelling and IEDs. But they do not risk their flanks to be permanently lost for weeks and/or months. They don't risk to be defeated and pushed back for tens of miles, like last year in Tabqa outskirts. Gone are the days when IS could pull these stunts off with immunity. They lack kit, manpower and logistics. Now it's back to shooting the random trophy hit video, the possible successful IEDs attack and maybe some gory pics of SAA men dead on twitter. Possibly some snapchat action with Baghdadi in a Bambi nose/ears filter. In essence they can't retaliate and control land for long. That's what the momentum is telling us right now.

KiloGolf wrote:

SeigSoloyvov wrote:It's not a bad move the problem is the SAA exposed a ton of flank to ISIs units in Iraq and in Syria

I believe SAA has reached the point when operating vs the IS that, yes, they are exposed to assaults, attacks, shelling and IEDs. But they do not risk their flanks to be permanently lost for weeks and/or months. They don't risk to be defeated and pushed back for tens of miles, like last year in Tabqa outskirts. Gone are the days when IS could pull these stunts off with immunity. They lack kit, manpower and logistics. Now it's back to shooting the random trophy hit video, the possible successful IEDs attack and maybe some gory pics of SAA men dead on twitter. Possibly some snapchat action with Baghdadi in a Bambi nose/ears filter. In essence they can't retaliate and control land for long. That's what the momentum is telling us right now.

Not correct thinking last time they advanced like this in that region they captured an important station now the one near Baktai (and this was this year 3 months ago I believe), however, lost it and was pushed back a considerable amount and lost more men and vehicles then they openly admitted.

ISIS is less of a threat than last year yes, however, they can still make the SAA pay dearly if they make even the most remotes of errors.

To doubt your enemy is the greatest sin any soldier can make, this is War 101 and I have seen many men pay with their lives for making this error.

SeigSoloyvov wrote:(and this was this year 3 months ago I believe), however, lost it and was pushed back a considerable amount and lost more men and vehicles then they openly admitted.

A lot has changed since 3 months ago. Now you have SDF keeping Raqqa busy, SAA has reached the river, PMUs have reached the border too and Mosul has fallen. IS aint what it used to be. Sure they are still dangerous, but turf-wise, they can't retaliate and keep significant amount of land for prolonged time, as they used to. Salamiyah and Sukhna alone are keeping them super busy. Let alone the Deir Ezzor siege, Tal Afar isolation and the severe lack of that great pool of fighters that Mosul was.

Situation near the border with Lebanon/Arsal area.

Peto Lucem‏
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NEW MAP: #Arsal - #Qalamoun offensive: #SAA and #Hezbollah are advancing swiftly vs. #ISIS and Al- #Qaeda remnants in #Syria and #Lebanon.

Elite force from Syrian Republican Guard, 800th Battalion Commandos going to Suhkan front ,after defeating US backed terrorists in Suwayda CS.





https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/889939351840444416

Their convoy was spotted by Rebels in E. Qalamoun yesterday.

Some maps made by Southfront showing SAA's recent gains...


... in Homs ...

SYRIAN ARMY MAKES PROGRESS IN EASTERN HOMS COUNTRYSIDE, LIBERATES VILLAGE AND NEARBY HILLS EN ROUTE TO UQAYRIBAT

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), the National Defense Forces (NDF) and their allies, backed up by the Russian Aerospace Forces, have liberated the village of Baghliyah and nearby hills from ISIS terrorist sin the eastern Homs countryside. This advance allowed government forces to outlfank Dabat Milli, Taliah Sharqiyah and to deploy in a striking distance from Rasm Hamidah.

The general idea of this advance is to put additional pressure on ISIS terrorists north of the Homs-Palmyra highway and to contribute to a wider effort aimed at isolating and destroying a large ISIS gropping deployed at the town of Uqayribat.

The SAA, the NDF and other pro-government units have been struggling to do this since June. However, ISIS has a strong defense in the area and is determined to prevent this scenario. An intense fighting is ongoing on multiple fronts in the area.

https://southfront.org/syrian-army-makes-progress-in-eastern-homs-countryside-liberates-village-and-nearby-hills-en-route-to-uqayribat/

... in Raqqa province...

TIGER FORCES, TRIBAL FORCES LIBERATE SHINAN VILLAGE IN SOUTHERN RAQQAH COUNTRYSIDE (MAP)

On Tuesday, The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) Tiger Forces and pro-government Tribal Forces liberated the village of Shinan near the Euphrates River in southern Raqqah. Earlier, government forces liberated the villages of Dalhah and Ukayrshah in the nearby area.

At the same time, reports appeared that the SAA and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) made a deal dividing the spheres of influence in the provinces of Raqqah and Deir Ezzor on July 20. If reports are true, government forces have a wide field for actions against ISIS and expanding their sphere of influence along the Euphrates River.

https://southfront.org/tiger-forces-tribal-forces-liberate-shinan-village-in-southern-raqqah-countryside-map/

... at the T-2 Pumping Station ...

RUSSIAN MOD: SYRIAN ARMY LIBERATED T2 PUMPING STATION, DEPLOYED IN 26KM FROM AL-BUKAMAL (MAP UPDATE)

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Syrian army and its allies have freed 150km of the border with Iraq including the T2 gas pumping station from ISIS and now they are developing the offensive in the direction of the city of al-Bukamal. Government forces are allegedly deployed within 26km of this strategic ISIS-held city.

https://southfront.org/russian-mod-syrian-army-liberated-t2-pumping-station-deployed-in-26km-from-al-bukamal/

... and in Central Syria in general.

MILITARY SITUATION IN EASTERN ALEPPO AND SOUTHERN RAQQAH ON JULY 25, 2017 (MAP UPDATE)

This map provides a general look at the military situation in eastern Aleppo and southern Raqqah on July 25, 2017.

https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-eastern-aleppo-and-southern-raqqah-on-july-25-2017-map-update/

https://mobile.twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/889980261068398592

This is why i was never worried about Kurds.. YPG..
Russia can talk to them , and they can be convinced to negotiate for peace with Syrian
Government. They are not terrorist ,but just opportunist who wants free land. But Russia
can talk to them . there can be constructive communication and once all terrorist defeated.
And all invaders leave , Russia can negotiate an alliance between Kurds and Syria Government
created a shared Government. and defend mutual interest.vast Majority of Syrian Kurds
are secular and with strong support for equal rights for womens. So Syria government and kurds
have mutual interest .. and mutual enemies..ie.. Turkey.

What are the Big Cards that Syria government needs to play?
An alliance with IRAQ Government to fight ALL foreign backed terrorist. ie.. Alqaeda and ISIS
and others backed by US ,Israel and its coalition. But also Turkey backed Rebels too.
Iran needs to try to make a deal with IRAQ , so that IRAN sends soldiers to IRAN to fight terrorist there.. and for every Iranian real army soldier sent , IRAQ sends one to Syria.

That way Israel cannot justify its aggression on Syria and claim is fighting to "stop IRAN"
,since IRAN will be fighting in IRAQ. and once things get better and stable on Syria ,hezbolah can focus in either Lebanon or IRAQ.

If things works well , on this military cooperation between IRAQ and Syria ,they both can create
a major security block and Formation of 5k soldiers to do special operations in either country.
and Russia train them ,to fight modern warfare and defend against a future NATO ,Turkey or Israel aggression . This security alliance also could be used for IRAQ to deploy air defenses ,Radars and observation points across its entire border with Syria to help protect both sides.
So the Pentagon can't launch Cruise missiles against IRAQ ,claiming they have weapons
of mass destruction again.

The enemies of Syria are using as shield civilians ,Kurds and NATO soldiers , and Syria and IRAQ and Russia can also play same games. Get India to deploy a hundred of special forces in Southern Syria ,to "monitor the cease fire" and that will block Israel from Bombing Syria again in the southern front. Since its good allies the Indias are there.

S-300s inside IRAQ ,in the border near to Syria ,can be used to protect Syria. and extend
the early radar and air defense system, to target foreign plans as soon they enter in Syria airspace. the Tomahawck attack by Trump was partially successful because Syria did not have
a dense and extended air defense system ,with short air defenses deployed all the way to
Syrian borders. so that missiles can be locked for intercept even before they enter Syrian airspace.

Seems like they might want to take their human shield with them. Nice one if you can get away with it.

Ivan Sidorenko‏ @IvanSidorenko1 6h6 hours ago

#Syria #Syrian #Lebanon #Lebanese Border #Arsal - Jabhat al Nusra / Hezbollah Negotiations ongoing. Post by one Arsal Refugee Activist.

Vann7 wrote:

This is why i was never worried about Kurds.. YPG..
Russia can talk to them , and they can be convinced to negotiate for peace with Syrian
Government. They are not terrorist ,but just opportunist who wants free land. But Russia
can talk to them . there can be constructive communication and once all terrorist defeated.
And all invaders leave , Russia can negotiate an alliance between Kurds and Syria Government
created a shared Government. and defend mutual interest.vast Majority of Syrian Kurds
are secular and with strong support for equal rights for womens. So Syria government and kurds
have mutual interest .. and mutual enemies..ie.. Turkey.

Alliance between Kurds and Syria Government? Hafez Assad didn't even give an identity card to the Kurds in Syria and He made a Arabization policy against Kurds, Turkmens and other non-Arab races during his life. What the hell are you talking about? Do you really think that they will listen to Russia? Have you ever heard of Brett McGurk before? Who is one of the biggest fan of YPG and Kurds really like him too. YPG is the dog of USA. YPG serves only the USA. When the time comes, YPG will ask for Independence, just as Iraqi Kurdistan is doing.

This is even more absurd than the dream of rebuilding Ottoman Empire.

How long before the SDF joins the Arabs and exits Raqqa?

Hugo Kaaman‏ @HKaaman 48m48 minutes ago

4 up-armored SVBIEDs used against YPG in Raqqah today. All are white SUVs & likely also have the armor camouflaged - h/t @SaladinAlDronni

Hugo Kaaman‏ @HKaaman 45m45 minutes ago
Replying to @HKaaman @SaladinAlDronni

3 of them have been geolocated to an area in Southern Raqqah

Within Syria‏ @WithinSyriaBlog 1h1 hour ago

5 ISIS VBIED hit SDF in the last 24 hours in #Raqqah at least 21 SDF militiaman got killed

Two more episodes of Robert Fisk's reports for the Independent. Excellent writing.

Second

The crumpled heap of stones, all that is left of the minaret of the Great Mosque of Aleppo, asks questions of us all. How do we “restore” or “repair” or “rebuild” a jewel of Seljuk civilization from which millions of Muslims – perhaps even Saladin himself – were called to prayer five times each day for 900 years in one of the oldest cities of the world? I run my hands over these great blocks of masonry, chipped, gashed, some perhaps reusable, others hopelessly broken, fitted together with infinite care in 1090, less than 25 years after the Battle of Hastings. I notice others doing the same.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-great-mosque-of-aleppo-ummayad-rebuild-the-city-a7858846.html

Third

Two officers tell me a creepy story, which might – given the nature of the Isis mind – have some pathetic truth. Several suicide bombers, they say, were found with women’s underclothes in their pockets, for the virgins they would meet in paradise



Then there is this interesting bit, maybe those badges on the doors of those BM-30s we were commenting on a week ago in the other thread were for real, my highlight, this guy is no amateur when it comes to military gear, he will know what the word battery means. I copy a photo from the other thread.


Only when we pass the batteries of Russian army BM-30 SMERTCH “Whirlwind” multiple rocket launchers, their Russian crews beside them, magenta and blue camouflage amid the sand, does a Syrian officer ask us not to take pictures. No problem with Syria’s weapons. We can shoot photographs of as many guns as we like, as many mortar batteries, although they appear dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape.




http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-army-isis-fighters-russia-bashar-al-assad-propaganda-radio-deir-ez-zour-a7860586.html

Map not 100% accurate. But to make sense of what is left of IS.


Sukhan not captured

That is a good map.

Reports that SAA is at the outskirts of Sukhan, may have already started an assault.

franco wrote:Reports that SAA is at the outskirts of Sukhan, may have already started an assault.

They have seized the key hills they needed to take Sukan the Assault hasn't started yet but it should tomorrow.

The hills give them fire control and they can bombard any ISiS forces trying to leave or reinforce.

Just a confirmation

Ivan Sidorenko‏ @IvanSidorenko1 9h9 hours ago

#Syria #SyrianDesert #Syrian_Desert #EasternHoms ANNA NEWS Reporter Oleg Said 13 Hours ago they are 9 KM (5.6 Miles) away from #Sukhnah

@Suriyak‏ @Suriyakmaps 2h2 hours ago
Replying to @Suriyakmaps

After impose fire-control over the city #SAA liberated Bi’r Abbūd al Mashī, Pomona Orchards, al-Thania Checkpoint & enter S & W #Sukhnah (2)