https://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Charles+Wood&feedformat=atomA Closer Look On Syria - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T12:06:35ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.35.13https://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/Fraud_allegations&diff=57859Talk:US presidential elections 2020/Fraud allegations2020-11-10T00:54:29Z<p>Charles Wood: /* "Benford law" */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Allegheny, PA==<br />
See full raw data, etc. [[Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/PA_Allegheny|here]]<br />
<br />
Noted, in my view what will make or break it are legal issues, like whether ballots received after deadline, or without proper signatures, etc, should be removed, and whether it is even possible to do so at this stage in the counting. Other information, I think, is circumstantial. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 11:49, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
==="Benford law"===<br />
What follows does not resolve the controversy either way, it basically says that "Benford law" appears by itself insufficient.<br />
<br />
Benford law is presumably to do with dependence of presumed probability distribution on scaling, like counting number of people, or of dozens of people, or hundreds of people. But in case at hand, it may give artifacts. I looked at Allegheny, PA data. Those come as election day votes, absentee ballots, totals for each candidate, and also numbers of registered voters and total numbers of those voted , per voting district. Plots of leading digit histograms of Biden and Trump totals are accurately presented in the [https://theredelephants.com/there-is-undeniable-mathematical-evidence-the-election-is-being-stolen/ article]<br />
<br />
However , leading digits of both Biden on-the day votes and absentee votes (not the totals) look "as expected", falling down . While doing it with numbers of registered voters and total votes received give "wrong" shapes. This may be spurious, however. The thing is , that if we place numbers of total votes per district in boxes (corresponding to ranges of per-district votes), with ranges selected in hundreds of votes, <br />
<br />
[0,99], [100, 199], [200,299],..., <br />
<br />
then '''Trump''' numbers in those range boxes will look like<br />
* 417, 334, 287, 139, 67, 42, 15, 10, 4, 4, 3, 0, 1<br />
(so, in 417 districts Trump totals were in the 0 to 99 votes range, etc)<br />
<br />
while '''Biden''''s <br />
* 57, 246, 428, 325, 169, 53, 29, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0<br />
<br />
So, most Trump district are below hundred votes, followed by 100 to 200 votes; this produces lots of leading ones (in just under-100 boxes, leading digits are roughly equally distributed in Trump case, with 50 having leading 1). While for Biden, his districts mostly produced 200 to 400 votes with considerably less of under-100 districts (and there are just two leading ones in under-100 range). Number of over-1000 districts is small for both and can be ignored. So the apparent meaning is that Biden votes come from larger districts<br />
<br />
As a test, I run counting with different number bases (I tried bases 5, 7, 11, 12,14, 16, 18), and leading numbers distributions tend to become "correct" -shaped for all, with a larger base. I am not sure what it is supposed to be "according to science" in different number bases , but effect of this on the leading digit is also kind of "scaling", so I suppose by the same logic, or its absence, it is supposed to have the same, 1/x kind of shape using any number base before taking leading digit? (Please correct me if I am wrong here...) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:03, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benford%27s_law Benford's law] makes two assumptions:<br />
:# The values are randomly distributed over a range of multiple orders of magnitude.<br />
:# Fraudsters are more likely to change the first digit in a number than other digits, i.e. adding or subtracting even figures like 100 or 200 votes / dollars.<br />
:I looks to me that 100 or 200 votes have been added to most Biden totals.<br />
:''Correction:'' Actually the changes do not have to be even numbers. They can be [https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/apr/excel-and-benfords-law-to-detect-fraud.html random numbers] in a certain range, as long the distribution is not normalized to match Benford's law.<br />
:This is what we need to do:<br />
:* Put Trump and Biden numbers in a spreadsheet in increasing order, both in separate columns. (Ignore which district the came from.)<br />
:* Compare the nth Trump count to the nth Biden count and calculate the %.<br />
:* Plot % and log(n) for both counts.<br />
: We should see some discontinuity in the % plot. <br />
: Another test to do is to calculate the logarithm of each count and plot the distribution. <br />
: P.S. - Can you post a link to the Allegheny, PA data.<br />
: ''Update:'' I found the data [https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Allegheny/106267/web.264614/ here.] Unfortunately I am unable to open the .xls file in LibreOffice. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 01:05, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: ''Progress:'' I converted the .xls file [https://www.zamzar.com/convert/xlsx-to-xls/ online] to .numbers file for macOS. Unfortunately the Apple App Store did not allow me to download the latest version or any version of Numbers as I am still running Mojave. I tried following [https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/376919/old-version-macos-sierra-for-pages-keynote-and-numbers-iwork these] instructions. Actually I may have "purchased" Numbers already in 2019 for some other Mac. Let's see how it works. Or I could use MATLAB, but I would still need to get the numbers out in .csv format. ... ....<br />
: Did not work. The .xlm file is in some Microsoft XML format that none of my applications or converters are able to parse or understand. Where did you get your raw data? -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:47, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: See the data and graphs here: [[Talk:US presidential elections 2020/PA Allegheny]] -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 09:16, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
:: You can convert it here https://www.online-convert.com/ -- [[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]])<br />
:::Yes, I now have it in spreadsheets in Apple ''Numbers'' and MS Excel formats. I downloaded the data in text and slightly edited it before importing it into ''Numbers''. Unfortunately I cannot post text files or spreadsheets here. (Not even .zip files. Only PDFs and media are allowed. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 00:45, 10 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
:::: Google drive? And/Or Google Docs --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:53, 10 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Allegheny, PA, First digit tally, Base 16 ===<br />
'''This is base 16, not base 10 !''' (Write all numbers in base 16, and investigate distribution of the leading digit, which now can be from 0 to 15 , when that digit is written in the usual base-10 way).<br />
<br />
What are we supposed to see here ? ---[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:35, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Column=2 Registered Voters<br />
<br />
{1,288},{2,553},{3,261},{4,102},{5,40},{6,13},{7,12},{8,9},{9,10},{10,3},{11,6},{12,4},{13,7},{14,9},{15,6}<br />
<br />
Column=3 DEM Joseph R. Biden/Kamala D. Harris Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,7},{1,21},{2,44},{3,76},{4,158},{5,211},{6,201},{7,206},{8,143},{9,101},{10,58},{11,42},{12,28},{13,16},{14,4},{15,7}<br />
<br />
Column=4 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,297},{2,46},{3,50},{4,81},{5,59},{6,58},{7,96},{8,102},{9,92},{10,83},{11,84},{12,66},{13,80},{14,66},{15,62}<br />
<br />
Column=5 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{1,668},{2,86},{3,21},{4,14},{5,16},{6,23},{7,25},{8,33},{9,47},{10,50},{11,44},{12,62},{13,89},{14,75},{15,70}<br />
<br />
Column=6 REP Donald J. Trump/Mike R. Pence Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,15},{1,284},{2,115},{3,99},{4,85},{5,78},{6,86},{7,73},{8,67},{9,53},{10,75},{11,69},{12,64},{13,54},{14,56},{15,50}<br />
<br />
Column=7 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,11},{1,356},{2,282},{3,213},{4,105},{5,68},{6,50},{7,41},{8,38},{9,25},{10,23},{11,27},{12,22},{13,16},{14,20},{15,26}<br />
<br />
Column=8 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,386},{2,120},{3,65},{4,96},{5,71},{6,66},{7,68},{8,64},{9,63},{10,49},{11,54},{12,50},{13,60},{14,54},{15,56}<br />
<br />
Column=9 LIB Jo Jorgensen/Jeremy Spike Cohen Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,122},{1,204},{2,212},{3,175},{4,163},{5,135},{6,100},{7,73},{8,47},{9,32},{10,19},{11,13},{12,8},{13,9},{14,8},{15,3}<br />
<br />
===Best Biden places===<br />
{election day, absentee, total} for both. Note that Biden roughly doubles his election day result on the absentee count, while Trump does 1/2. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 23:37, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 1 Biden {292,745,1037}; Trump {286,119,405}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 3 Biden {309,610,919}; Trump {531,176,707}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 5 Biden {251,665,916}; Trump {787,265,1052}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 5 Biden {305,602,907}; Trump {940,267,1207}<br />
<br />
ROBINSON DIST 9 Biden {222,657,879}; Trump {661,252,913}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {255,601,856}; Trump {703,208,911}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 2 Biden {298,552,850}; Trump {700,190,890}<br />
<br />
MCCANDLESS WARD 6 DIST 3 Biden {178,641,819}; Trump {395,220,615}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 6 Biden {290,518,808}; Trump {803,233,1036}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 4 DIST 7 Biden {441,343,784}; Trump {98,27,125}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 2 Biden {150,600,750}; Trump {543,224,767}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 2 Biden {176,557,733}; Trump {168,89,257}<br />
<br />
S FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {353,376,729}; Trump {578,113,691}<br />
<br />
PINE DIST 5 Biden {205,512,717}; Trump {549,180,729}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 31 Biden {152,551,703}; Trump {111,58,169}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 2 Biden {209,494,703}; Trump {537,182,719}<br />
<br />
HAMPTON DIST 11 Biden {245,452,697}; Trump {609,131,740}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 7 Biden {291,399,690}; Trump {47,12,59}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 1 DIST 1 Biden {222,465,687}; Trump {121,59,180}<br />
<br />
EDGEWOOD DIST 1 Biden {221,462,683}; Trump {82,24,106}</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/Fraud_allegations&diff=57858Talk:US presidential elections 2020/Fraud allegations2020-11-10T00:53:43Z<p>Charles Wood: /* "Benford law" */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Allegheny, PA==<br />
See full raw data, etc. [[Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/PA_Allegheny|here]]<br />
<br />
Noted, in my view what will make or break it are legal issues, like whether ballots received after deadline, or without proper signatures, etc, should be removed, and whether it is even possible to do so at this stage in the counting. Other information, I think, is circumstantial. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 11:49, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
==="Benford law"===<br />
What follows does not resolve the controversy either way, it basically says that "Benford law" appears by itself insufficient.<br />
<br />
Benford law is presumably to do with dependence of presumed probability distribution on scaling, like counting number of people, or of dozens of people, or hundreds of people. But in case at hand, it may give artifacts. I looked at Allegheny, PA data. Those come as election day votes, absentee ballots, totals for each candidate, and also numbers of registered voters and total numbers of those voted , per voting district. Plots of leading digit histograms of Biden and Trump totals are accurately presented in the [https://theredelephants.com/there-is-undeniable-mathematical-evidence-the-election-is-being-stolen/ article]<br />
<br />
However , leading digits of both Biden on-the day votes and absentee votes (not the totals) look "as expected", falling down . While doing it with numbers of registered voters and total votes received give "wrong" shapes. This may be spurious, however. The thing is , that if we place numbers of total votes per district in boxes (corresponding to ranges of per-district votes), with ranges selected in hundreds of votes, <br />
<br />
[0,99], [100, 199], [200,299],..., <br />
<br />
then '''Trump''' numbers in those range boxes will look like<br />
* 417, 334, 287, 139, 67, 42, 15, 10, 4, 4, 3, 0, 1<br />
(so, in 417 districts Trump totals were in the 0 to 99 votes range, etc)<br />
<br />
while '''Biden''''s <br />
* 57, 246, 428, 325, 169, 53, 29, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0<br />
<br />
So, most Trump district are below hundred votes, followed by 100 to 200 votes; this produces lots of leading ones (in just under-100 boxes, leading digits are roughly equally distributed in Trump case, with 50 having leading 1). While for Biden, his districts mostly produced 200 to 400 votes with considerably less of under-100 districts (and there are just two leading ones in under-100 range). Number of over-1000 districts is small for both and can be ignored. So the apparent meaning is that Biden votes come from larger districts<br />
<br />
As a test, I run counting with different number bases (I tried bases 5, 7, 11, 12,14, 16, 18), and leading numbers distributions tend to become "correct" -shaped for all, with a larger base. I am not sure what it is supposed to be "according to science" in different number bases , but effect of this on the leading digit is also kind of "scaling", so I suppose by the same logic, or its absence, it is supposed to have the same, 1/x kind of shape using any number base before taking leading digit? (Please correct me if I am wrong here...) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:03, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benford%27s_law Benford's law] makes two assumptions:<br />
:# The values are randomly distributed over a range of multiple orders of magnitude.<br />
:# Fraudsters are more likely to change the first digit in a number than other digits, i.e. adding or subtracting even figures like 100 or 200 votes / dollars.<br />
:I looks to me that 100 or 200 votes have been added to most Biden totals.<br />
:''Correction:'' Actually the changes do not have to be even numbers. They can be [https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/apr/excel-and-benfords-law-to-detect-fraud.html random numbers] in a certain range, as long the distribution is not normalized to match Benford's law.<br />
:This is what we need to do:<br />
:* Put Trump and Biden numbers in a spreadsheet in increasing order, both in separate columns. (Ignore which district the came from.)<br />
:* Compare the nth Trump count to the nth Biden count and calculate the %.<br />
:* Plot % and log(n) for both counts.<br />
: We should see some discontinuity in the % plot. <br />
: Another test to do is to calculate the logarithm of each count and plot the distribution. <br />
: P.S. - Can you post a link to the Allegheny, PA data.<br />
: ''Update:'' I found the data [https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Allegheny/106267/web.264614/ here.] Unfortunately I am unable to open the .xls file in LibreOffice. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 01:05, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: ''Progress:'' I converted the .xls file [https://www.zamzar.com/convert/xlsx-to-xls/ online] to .numbers file for macOS. Unfortunately the Apple App Store did not allow me to download the latest version or any version of Numbers as I am still running Mojave. I tried following [https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/376919/old-version-macos-sierra-for-pages-keynote-and-numbers-iwork these] instructions. Actually I may have "purchased" Numbers already in 2019 for some other Mac. Let's see how it works. Or I could use MATLAB, but I would still need to get the numbers out in .csv format. ... ....<br />
: Did not work. The .xlm file is in some Microsoft XML format that none of my applications or converters are able to parse or understand. Where did you get your raw data? -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:47, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: See the data and graphs here: [[Talk:US presidential elections 2020/PA Allegheny]] -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 09:16, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
:: You can convert it here https://www.online-convert.com/ -- [[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]])<br />
:::Yes, I now have it in spreadsheets in Apple ''Numbers'' and MS Excel formats. I downloaded the data in text and slightly edited it before importing it into ''Numbers''. Unfortunately I cannot post text files or spreadsheets here. (Not even .zip files. Only PDFs and media are allowed. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 00:45, 10 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
:::: Google drive? --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:53, 10 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Allegheny, PA, First digit tally, Base 16 ===<br />
'''This is base 16, not base 10 !''' (Write all numbers in base 16, and investigate distribution of the leading digit, which now can be from 0 to 15 , when that digit is written in the usual base-10 way).<br />
<br />
What are we supposed to see here ? ---[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:35, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Column=2 Registered Voters<br />
<br />
{1,288},{2,553},{3,261},{4,102},{5,40},{6,13},{7,12},{8,9},{9,10},{10,3},{11,6},{12,4},{13,7},{14,9},{15,6}<br />
<br />
Column=3 DEM Joseph R. Biden/Kamala D. Harris Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,7},{1,21},{2,44},{3,76},{4,158},{5,211},{6,201},{7,206},{8,143},{9,101},{10,58},{11,42},{12,28},{13,16},{14,4},{15,7}<br />
<br />
Column=4 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,297},{2,46},{3,50},{4,81},{5,59},{6,58},{7,96},{8,102},{9,92},{10,83},{11,84},{12,66},{13,80},{14,66},{15,62}<br />
<br />
Column=5 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{1,668},{2,86},{3,21},{4,14},{5,16},{6,23},{7,25},{8,33},{9,47},{10,50},{11,44},{12,62},{13,89},{14,75},{15,70}<br />
<br />
Column=6 REP Donald J. Trump/Mike R. Pence Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,15},{1,284},{2,115},{3,99},{4,85},{5,78},{6,86},{7,73},{8,67},{9,53},{10,75},{11,69},{12,64},{13,54},{14,56},{15,50}<br />
<br />
Column=7 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,11},{1,356},{2,282},{3,213},{4,105},{5,68},{6,50},{7,41},{8,38},{9,25},{10,23},{11,27},{12,22},{13,16},{14,20},{15,26}<br />
<br />
Column=8 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,386},{2,120},{3,65},{4,96},{5,71},{6,66},{7,68},{8,64},{9,63},{10,49},{11,54},{12,50},{13,60},{14,54},{15,56}<br />
<br />
Column=9 LIB Jo Jorgensen/Jeremy Spike Cohen Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,122},{1,204},{2,212},{3,175},{4,163},{5,135},{6,100},{7,73},{8,47},{9,32},{10,19},{11,13},{12,8},{13,9},{14,8},{15,3}<br />
<br />
===Best Biden places===<br />
{election day, absentee, total} for both. Note that Biden roughly doubles his election day result on the absentee count, while Trump does 1/2. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 23:37, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 1 Biden {292,745,1037}; Trump {286,119,405}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 3 Biden {309,610,919}; Trump {531,176,707}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 5 Biden {251,665,916}; Trump {787,265,1052}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 5 Biden {305,602,907}; Trump {940,267,1207}<br />
<br />
ROBINSON DIST 9 Biden {222,657,879}; Trump {661,252,913}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {255,601,856}; Trump {703,208,911}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 2 Biden {298,552,850}; Trump {700,190,890}<br />
<br />
MCCANDLESS WARD 6 DIST 3 Biden {178,641,819}; Trump {395,220,615}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 6 Biden {290,518,808}; Trump {803,233,1036}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 4 DIST 7 Biden {441,343,784}; Trump {98,27,125}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 2 Biden {150,600,750}; Trump {543,224,767}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 2 Biden {176,557,733}; Trump {168,89,257}<br />
<br />
S FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {353,376,729}; Trump {578,113,691}<br />
<br />
PINE DIST 5 Biden {205,512,717}; Trump {549,180,729}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 31 Biden {152,551,703}; Trump {111,58,169}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 2 Biden {209,494,703}; Trump {537,182,719}<br />
<br />
HAMPTON DIST 11 Biden {245,452,697}; Trump {609,131,740}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 7 Biden {291,399,690}; Trump {47,12,59}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 1 DIST 1 Biden {222,465,687}; Trump {121,59,180}<br />
<br />
EDGEWOOD DIST 1 Biden {221,462,683}; Trump {82,24,106}</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/Fraud_allegations&diff=57857Talk:US presidential elections 2020/Fraud allegations2020-11-10T00:53:10Z<p>Charles Wood: /* "Benford law" */ Google Drive</p>
<hr />
<div>==Allegheny, PA==<br />
See full raw data, etc. [[Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/PA_Allegheny|here]]<br />
<br />
Noted, in my view what will make or break it are legal issues, like whether ballots received after deadline, or without proper signatures, etc, should be removed, and whether it is even possible to do so at this stage in the counting. Other information, I think, is circumstantial. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 11:49, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
==="Benford law"===<br />
What follows does not resolve the controversy either way, it basically says that "Benford law" appears by itself insufficient.<br />
<br />
Benford law is presumably to do with dependence of presumed probability distribution on scaling, like counting number of people, or of dozens of people, or hundreds of people. But in case at hand, it may give artifacts. I looked at Allegheny, PA data. Those come as election day votes, absentee ballots, totals for each candidate, and also numbers of registered voters and total numbers of those voted , per voting district. Plots of leading digit histograms of Biden and Trump totals are accurately presented in the [https://theredelephants.com/there-is-undeniable-mathematical-evidence-the-election-is-being-stolen/ article]<br />
<br />
However , leading digits of both Biden on-the day votes and absentee votes (not the totals) look "as expected", falling down . While doing it with numbers of registered voters and total votes received give "wrong" shapes. This may be spurious, however. The thing is , that if we place numbers of total votes per district in boxes (corresponding to ranges of per-district votes), with ranges selected in hundreds of votes, <br />
<br />
[0,99], [100, 199], [200,299],..., <br />
<br />
then '''Trump''' numbers in those range boxes will look like<br />
* 417, 334, 287, 139, 67, 42, 15, 10, 4, 4, 3, 0, 1<br />
(so, in 417 districts Trump totals were in the 0 to 99 votes range, etc)<br />
<br />
while '''Biden''''s <br />
* 57, 246, 428, 325, 169, 53, 29, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0<br />
<br />
So, most Trump district are below hundred votes, followed by 100 to 200 votes; this produces lots of leading ones (in just under-100 boxes, leading digits are roughly equally distributed in Trump case, with 50 having leading 1). While for Biden, his districts mostly produced 200 to 400 votes with considerably less of under-100 districts (and there are just two leading ones in under-100 range). Number of over-1000 districts is small for both and can be ignored. So the apparent meaning is that Biden votes come from larger districts<br />
<br />
As a test, I run counting with different number bases (I tried bases 5, 7, 11, 12,14, 16, 18), and leading numbers distributions tend to become "correct" -shaped for all, with a larger base. I am not sure what it is supposed to be "according to science" in different number bases , but effect of this on the leading digit is also kind of "scaling", so I suppose by the same logic, or its absence, it is supposed to have the same, 1/x kind of shape using any number base before taking leading digit? (Please correct me if I am wrong here...) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:03, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benford%27s_law Benford's law] makes two assumptions:<br />
:# The values are randomly distributed over a range of multiple orders of magnitude.<br />
:# Fraudsters are more likely to change the first digit in a number than other digits, i.e. adding or subtracting even figures like 100 or 200 votes / dollars.<br />
:I looks to me that 100 or 200 votes have been added to most Biden totals.<br />
:''Correction:'' Actually the changes do not have to be even numbers. They can be [https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/apr/excel-and-benfords-law-to-detect-fraud.html random numbers] in a certain range, as long the distribution is not normalized to match Benford's law.<br />
:This is what we need to do:<br />
:* Put Trump and Biden numbers in a spreadsheet in increasing order, both in separate columns. (Ignore which district the came from.)<br />
:* Compare the nth Trump count to the nth Biden count and calculate the %.<br />
:* Plot % and log(n) for both counts.<br />
: We should see some discontinuity in the % plot. <br />
: Another test to do is to calculate the logarithm of each count and plot the distribution. <br />
: P.S. - Can you post a link to the Allegheny, PA data.<br />
: ''Update:'' I found the data [https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Allegheny/106267/web.264614/ here.] Unfortunately I am unable to open the .xls file in LibreOffice. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 01:05, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: ''Progress:'' I converted the .xls file [https://www.zamzar.com/convert/xlsx-to-xls/ online] to .numbers file for macOS. Unfortunately the Apple App Store did not allow me to download the latest version or any version of Numbers as I am still running Mojave. I tried following [https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/376919/old-version-macos-sierra-for-pages-keynote-and-numbers-iwork these] instructions. Actually I may have "purchased" Numbers already in 2019 for some other Mac. Let's see how it works. Or I could use MATLAB, but I would still need to get the numbers out in .csv format. ... ....<br />
: Did not work. The .xlm file is in some Microsoft XML format that none of my applications or converters are able to parse or understand. Where did you get your raw data? -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:47, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: See the data and graphs here: [[Talk:US presidential elections 2020/PA Allegheny]] -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 09:16, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
:: You can convert it here https://www.online-convert.com/ -- [[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]])<br />
:::Yes, I now have it in spreadsheets in Apple ''Numbers'' and MS Excel formats. I downloaded the data in text and slightly edited it before importing it into ''Numbers''. Unfortunately I cannot post text files or spreadsheets here. (Not even .zip files. Only PDFs and media are allowed. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 00:45, 10 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
:::: Google drive?<br />
<br />
===Allegheny, PA, First digit tally, Base 16 ===<br />
'''This is base 16, not base 10 !''' (Write all numbers in base 16, and investigate distribution of the leading digit, which now can be from 0 to 15 , when that digit is written in the usual base-10 way).<br />
<br />
What are we supposed to see here ? ---[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:35, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Column=2 Registered Voters<br />
<br />
{1,288},{2,553},{3,261},{4,102},{5,40},{6,13},{7,12},{8,9},{9,10},{10,3},{11,6},{12,4},{13,7},{14,9},{15,6}<br />
<br />
Column=3 DEM Joseph R. Biden/Kamala D. Harris Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,7},{1,21},{2,44},{3,76},{4,158},{5,211},{6,201},{7,206},{8,143},{9,101},{10,58},{11,42},{12,28},{13,16},{14,4},{15,7}<br />
<br />
Column=4 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,297},{2,46},{3,50},{4,81},{5,59},{6,58},{7,96},{8,102},{9,92},{10,83},{11,84},{12,66},{13,80},{14,66},{15,62}<br />
<br />
Column=5 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{1,668},{2,86},{3,21},{4,14},{5,16},{6,23},{7,25},{8,33},{9,47},{10,50},{11,44},{12,62},{13,89},{14,75},{15,70}<br />
<br />
Column=6 REP Donald J. Trump/Mike R. Pence Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,15},{1,284},{2,115},{3,99},{4,85},{5,78},{6,86},{7,73},{8,67},{9,53},{10,75},{11,69},{12,64},{13,54},{14,56},{15,50}<br />
<br />
Column=7 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,11},{1,356},{2,282},{3,213},{4,105},{5,68},{6,50},{7,41},{8,38},{9,25},{10,23},{11,27},{12,22},{13,16},{14,20},{15,26}<br />
<br />
Column=8 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,386},{2,120},{3,65},{4,96},{5,71},{6,66},{7,68},{8,64},{9,63},{10,49},{11,54},{12,50},{13,60},{14,54},{15,56}<br />
<br />
Column=9 LIB Jo Jorgensen/Jeremy Spike Cohen Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,122},{1,204},{2,212},{3,175},{4,163},{5,135},{6,100},{7,73},{8,47},{9,32},{10,19},{11,13},{12,8},{13,9},{14,8},{15,3}<br />
<br />
===Best Biden places===<br />
{election day, absentee, total} for both. Note that Biden roughly doubles his election day result on the absentee count, while Trump does 1/2. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 23:37, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 1 Biden {292,745,1037}; Trump {286,119,405}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 3 Biden {309,610,919}; Trump {531,176,707}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 5 Biden {251,665,916}; Trump {787,265,1052}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 5 Biden {305,602,907}; Trump {940,267,1207}<br />
<br />
ROBINSON DIST 9 Biden {222,657,879}; Trump {661,252,913}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {255,601,856}; Trump {703,208,911}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 2 Biden {298,552,850}; Trump {700,190,890}<br />
<br />
MCCANDLESS WARD 6 DIST 3 Biden {178,641,819}; Trump {395,220,615}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 6 Biden {290,518,808}; Trump {803,233,1036}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 4 DIST 7 Biden {441,343,784}; Trump {98,27,125}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 2 Biden {150,600,750}; Trump {543,224,767}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 2 Biden {176,557,733}; Trump {168,89,257}<br />
<br />
S FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {353,376,729}; Trump {578,113,691}<br />
<br />
PINE DIST 5 Biden {205,512,717}; Trump {549,180,729}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 31 Biden {152,551,703}; Trump {111,58,169}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 2 Biden {209,494,703}; Trump {537,182,719}<br />
<br />
HAMPTON DIST 11 Biden {245,452,697}; Trump {609,131,740}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 7 Biden {291,399,690}; Trump {47,12,59}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 1 DIST 1 Biden {222,465,687}; Trump {121,59,180}<br />
<br />
EDGEWOOD DIST 1 Biden {221,462,683}; Trump {82,24,106}</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/Fraud_allegations&diff=57854Talk:US presidential elections 2020/Fraud allegations2020-11-10T00:32:46Z<p>Charles Wood: /* "Benford law" */ convert data link</p>
<hr />
<div>==Allegheny, PA==<br />
See full raw data, etc. [[Talk:US_presidential_elections_2020/PA_Allegheny|here]]<br />
<br />
Noted, in my view what will make or break it are legal issues, like whether ballots received after deadline, or without proper signatures, etc, should be removed, and whether it is even possible to do so at this stage in the counting. Other information, I think, is circumstantial. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 11:49, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
==="Benford law"===<br />
What follows does not resolve the controversy either way, it basically says that "Benford law" appears by itself insufficient.<br />
<br />
Benford law is presumably to do with dependence of presumed probability distribution on scaling, like counting number of people, or of dozens of people, or hundreds of people. But in case at hand, it may give artifacts. I looked at Allegheny, PA data. Those come as election day votes, absentee ballots, totals for each candidate, and also numbers of registered voters and total numbers of those voted , per voting district. Plots of leading digit histograms of Biden and Trump totals are accurately presented in the [https://theredelephants.com/there-is-undeniable-mathematical-evidence-the-election-is-being-stolen/ article]<br />
<br />
However , leading digits of both Biden on-the day votes and absentee votes (not the totals) look "as expected", falling down . While doing it with numbers of registered voters and total votes received give "wrong" shapes. This may be spurious, however. The thing is , that if we place numbers of total votes per district in boxes (corresponding to ranges of per-district votes), with ranges selected in hundreds of votes, <br />
<br />
[0,99], [100, 199], [200,299],..., <br />
<br />
then '''Trump''' numbers in those range boxes will look like<br />
* 417, 334, 287, 139, 67, 42, 15, 10, 4, 4, 3, 0, 1<br />
(so, in 417 districts Trump totals were in the 0 to 99 votes range, etc)<br />
<br />
while '''Biden''''s <br />
* 57, 246, 428, 325, 169, 53, 29, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0<br />
<br />
So, most Trump district are below hundred votes, followed by 100 to 200 votes; this produces lots of leading ones (in just under-100 boxes, leading digits are roughly equally distributed in Trump case, with 50 having leading 1). While for Biden, his districts mostly produced 200 to 400 votes with considerably less of under-100 districts (and there are just two leading ones in under-100 range). Number of over-1000 districts is small for both and can be ignored. So the apparent meaning is that Biden votes come from larger districts<br />
<br />
As a test, I run counting with different number bases (I tried bases 5, 7, 11, 12,14, 16, 18), and leading numbers distributions tend to become "correct" -shaped for all, with a larger base. I am not sure what it is supposed to be "according to science" in different number bases , but effect of this on the leading digit is also kind of "scaling", so I suppose by the same logic, or its absence, it is supposed to have the same, 1/x kind of shape using any number base before taking leading digit? (Please correct me if I am wrong here...) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:03, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benford%27s_law Benford's law] makes two assumptions:<br />
:# The values are randomly distributed over a range of multiple orders of magnitude.<br />
:# Fraudsters are more likely to change the first digit in a number than other digits, i.e. adding or subtracting even figures like 100 or 200 votes / dollars.<br />
:I looks to me that 100 or 200 votes have been added to most Biden totals.<br />
:''Correction:'' Actually the changes do not have to be even numbers. They can be [https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/apr/excel-and-benfords-law-to-detect-fraud.html random numbers] in a certain range, as long the distribution is not normalized to match Benford's law.<br />
:This is what we need to do:<br />
:* Put Trump and Biden numbers in a spreadsheet in increasing order, both in separate columns. (Ignore which district the came from.)<br />
:* Compare the nth Trump count to the nth Biden count and calculate the %.<br />
:* Plot % and log(n) for both counts.<br />
: We should see some discontinuity in the % plot. <br />
: Another test to do is to calculate the logarithm of each count and plot the distribution. <br />
: P.S. - Can you post a link to the Allegheny, PA data.<br />
: ''Update:'' I found the data [https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Allegheny/106267/web.264614/ here.] Unfortunately I am unable to open the .xls file in LibreOffice. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 01:05, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: ''Progress:'' I converted the .xls file [https://www.zamzar.com/convert/xlsx-to-xls/ online] to .numbers file for macOS. Unfortunately the Apple App Store did not allow me to download the latest version or any version of Numbers as I am still running Mojave. I tried following [https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/376919/old-version-macos-sierra-for-pages-keynote-and-numbers-iwork these] instructions. Actually I may have "purchased" Numbers already in 2019 for some other Mac. Let's see how it works. Or I could use MATLAB, but I would still need to get the numbers out in .csv format. ... ....<br />
: Did not work. The .xlm file is in some Microsoft XML format that none of my applications or converters are able to parse or understand. Where did you get your raw data? -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:47, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
: See the data and graphs here: [[Talk:US presidential elections 2020/PA Allegheny]] -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 09:16, 9 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: You can convert it here https://www.online-convert.com/<br />
<br />
===Allegheny, PA, First digit tally, Base 16 ===<br />
'''This is base 16, not base 10 !''' (Write all numbers in base 16, and investigate distribution of the leading digit, which now can be from 0 to 15 , when that digit is written in the usual base-10 way).<br />
<br />
What are we supposed to see here ? ---[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:35, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Column=2 Registered Voters<br />
<br />
{1,288},{2,553},{3,261},{4,102},{5,40},{6,13},{7,12},{8,9},{9,10},{10,3},{11,6},{12,4},{13,7},{14,9},{15,6}<br />
<br />
Column=3 DEM Joseph R. Biden/Kamala D. Harris Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,7},{1,21},{2,44},{3,76},{4,158},{5,211},{6,201},{7,206},{8,143},{9,101},{10,58},{11,42},{12,28},{13,16},{14,4},{15,7}<br />
<br />
Column=4 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,297},{2,46},{3,50},{4,81},{5,59},{6,58},{7,96},{8,102},{9,92},{10,83},{11,84},{12,66},{13,80},{14,66},{15,62}<br />
<br />
Column=5 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{1,668},{2,86},{3,21},{4,14},{5,16},{6,23},{7,25},{8,33},{9,47},{10,50},{11,44},{12,62},{13,89},{14,75},{15,70}<br />
<br />
Column=6 REP Donald J. Trump/Mike R. Pence Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,15},{1,284},{2,115},{3,99},{4,85},{5,78},{6,86},{7,73},{8,67},{9,53},{10,75},{11,69},{12,64},{13,54},{14,56},{15,50}<br />
<br />
Column=7 Absentee<br />
<br />
{0,11},{1,356},{2,282},{3,213},{4,105},{5,68},{6,50},{7,41},{8,38},{9,25},{10,23},{11,27},{12,22},{13,16},{14,20},{15,26}<br />
<br />
Column=8 Total Votes<br />
<br />
{0,1},{1,386},{2,120},{3,65},{4,96},{5,71},{6,66},{7,68},{8,64},{9,63},{10,49},{11,54},{12,50},{13,60},{14,54},{15,56}<br />
<br />
Column=9 LIB Jo Jorgensen/Jeremy Spike Cohen Election Day<br />
<br />
{0,122},{1,204},{2,212},{3,175},{4,163},{5,135},{6,100},{7,73},{8,47},{9,32},{10,19},{11,13},{12,8},{13,9},{14,8},{15,3}<br />
<br />
===Best Biden places===<br />
{election day, absentee, total} for both. Note that Biden roughly doubles his election day result on the absentee count, while Trump does 1/2. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 23:37, 8 November 2020 (UTC)<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 1 Biden {292,745,1037}; Trump {286,119,405}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 3 Biden {309,610,919}; Trump {531,176,707}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 5 Biden {251,665,916}; Trump {787,265,1052}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 5 Biden {305,602,907}; Trump {940,267,1207}<br />
<br />
ROBINSON DIST 9 Biden {222,657,879}; Trump {661,252,913}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {255,601,856}; Trump {703,208,911}<br />
<br />
N FAYETTE DIST 2 Biden {298,552,850}; Trump {700,190,890}<br />
<br />
MCCANDLESS WARD 6 DIST 3 Biden {178,641,819}; Trump {395,220,615}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 6 Biden {290,518,808}; Trump {803,233,1036}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 4 DIST 7 Biden {441,343,784}; Trump {98,27,125}<br />
<br />
OHIO DIST 2 Biden {150,600,750}; Trump {543,224,767}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 2 DIST 2 Biden {176,557,733}; Trump {168,89,257}<br />
<br />
S FAYETTE DIST 3 Biden {353,376,729}; Trump {578,113,691}<br />
<br />
PINE DIST 5 Biden {205,512,717}; Trump {549,180,729}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 31 Biden {152,551,703}; Trump {111,58,169}<br />
<br />
MOON DIST 2 Biden {209,494,703}; Trump {537,182,719}<br />
<br />
HAMPTON DIST 11 Biden {245,452,697}; Trump {609,131,740}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 14 DIST 7 Biden {291,399,690}; Trump {47,12,59}<br />
<br />
PITTSBURGH WARD 1 DIST 1 Biden {222,465,687}; Trump {121,59,180}<br />
<br />
EDGEWOOD DIST 1 Biden {221,462,683}; Trump {82,24,106}</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:1906_cbrn_threats_su_anthony.pdf&diff=51529File:1906 cbrn threats su anthony.pdf2019-06-16T06:20:38Z<p>Charles Wood: SIPRI: Reassessing CBRN Threats in a Changing Global Environment
Includes a controversial chapter by Sellstrom:
6. The role of the OPCW and the Syrian conflict: How the OPCW can develop its cooperation with states parties</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
SIPRI: Reassessing CBRN Threats in a Changing Global Environment<br />
<br />
Includes a controversial chapter by Sellstrom:<br />
<br />
6. The role of the OPCW and the Syrian conflict: How the OPCW can develop its cooperation with states parties</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Alleged_Chemical_Attack,_April_7,_2018&diff=51469Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 20182019-06-13T00:30:08Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Suppressed OPCW Engineering Report */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|Dr. Morad of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] meeting Ambassador Nikki Haley at the UN Security Council two days before the alleged attack.]]<br />
[[File:Douma gas attack locations by VDC.jpg|thumb|Locations of Douma attacks according to [[VDC]]]]<br />
[[File:Douma chlorine house by Michael Kobs.jpg|thumb|Layout of the building where the victims were first seen.]]<br />
[[File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|thumb|US State Department statement on alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma]]<br />
;Following on...<br />
* [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|multiple explicit warnings]] by the Russian military that they are aware of US plans to stage chemical weapons attacks and use them as justification to bomb Damascus, and their willingness to answer this provocation by targeting not just the missiles but the ships that fire them<br />
* [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal|a completely moronic fairy tale]] about an attack on a British spy with an extravagant Russian nerve agent<br />
* [[:File:East_Ghouta_Frontline.jpg|an exceptionally fast and successful campaign]] of the SAA against the "rebel" pocket in the eastern Ghouta<br />
* [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 a statement] by Trump that the US military will be out of Syria "very soon", which apparently surprised the state department and pentagon establishment<br />
...the Syrian government allegedly launched a new chemical weapons attack in the surrounded and partially evacuated city of Douma.<br />
<br />
7 April witnessed two alleged chemical attacks on Douma; as reported, an aerial chlorine attack in the afternoon sickened some and killed no one. Then at 7:30 to 9:00 PM (accounts differ), a helicopter barrel bomb attack with chlorine and/or sarin (accounts and details vary). This allegedly killed at least 85 civilians, by some reports 180 or more ([https://twitter.com/sahloul/status/982758520738205696 Zaher Sahloul]), with 700-1000 said to be affected and death toll expected to climb. <br />
<br />
The development storms the "western" media, triggering [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982966315467116544 outraged-sounding] [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982967389028569088 tweets] by the US president. Unclaimed airstrikes on Syria's Tiyas or T-4 airbase follow, denied by the US, suspected by Israel, and then [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|the largest US missile attack yet]], with the aid of France and the UK. <br />
<br />
ACLOS core member Adam Larson (Caustic Logic) has taken a first look at the story [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.com/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html over there]. Some 30-40 bodies were shown in one building alone, with most videos and photos being of about 20 bodies piled by the stairs in the basement, mostly women and children. So far the victims seem to be unidentified strangers, for the most part if not totally. They tend to be in grubby street clothes, but tend to have lost their shoes along the way. They have smoke-stained hands and unexplained injuries, including what seems like healing "raccoon eyes" suggesting skull fracture in the prior days. They don't look like normal chlorine or sarin victims, appearing livid (red) more than cyanotic (blue), lacking much for red eyes (a chlorine sign), and some but limited signs of SLUDGE syndrome. The 20 bodies and others seem to be piled and re-arranged like props, and probably exaggerated with "foaming at the mouth" special effects.<br />
<br />
== Sources ==<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/wires/283146/loyalist-chemical-attack-on-douma-city-causes-hundreds-of-suffocation Loyalist chemical attack on Douma city causes hundreds of suffocation cases] - Mohamad Alaa, ''Smart News Agency'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Dozens reported killed in suspected Syria gas attack; Damascus denies] - ''Reuters'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Провокация в Думе] (False-Flag provocation in Douma) - ''Colonel Cassad'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Syria chemical attack: Scores killed in Douma, rescuers say] - ''Al Jazeera'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a Syrian rescuers, medics say gas attack near capital kills 40] - ''AP News'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201804091063349323-russian-military-detects-no-chemicals-douma/ Russian Military Reports No Chemical Weapons Used in Vicinity of Syria's Douma] - ''Sputnik'', April 9, 2018<br />
* [http://tass.com/world/998554 Doctors in Syria's Douma refute reports of patients suffering from chemical poisoning] - ''TASS'', April 9, 2018<br />
* [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-military-police-enters-douma-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack/ VIDEO: Russian Military Police enters Douma to investigate alleged chemical attack] - Zen Adra, ''AMN'', April 9, 2018 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFKkTwa0TBM video])<br />
* [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html The search for truth in the rubble of Douma – and one doctor’s doubts over the chemical attack], Robert Fisk, ''The Independent'', April 17, 2018<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU OAN Investigation Finds No Evidence of Chemical Weapon Attack in Syria], Pearson Sharp, ''One America News Network'', April 16, 2018<br />
<br />
== Nerve agent? ==<br />
* [https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/12/syria-attack-experts-check-signs-nerve-agent Syria attack: nerve agent experts race to smuggle bodies out of Douma] - Martin Chulov, April 12, 2018<br />
*:''Corpses could provide vital clues for US technicians trying to establish which chemicals were used in the deadly bombing<br />
* [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/u-s-has-blood-samples-show-nerve-agent-syria-gas-n865431 U.S. officials: Blood samples show nerve agent, chlorine in Syria gas attack] - ''NBC news'', April 12, 2018<br />
<br />
== Video ==<br />
[[File:20180409 podvitzki syria chemical attack filming.jpg|thumb]]<br />
YouTube playlist by Qoppa Q<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlH4Tg_tXCcB_rkAqj0_zUlcKcZYP4jCj Douma Chemical Massacre, 7 April 2018]<br />
<br />
Videos from Yaser Aldoumani:<br />
* Best video of the main massacre scene by Yaser Aldoumani<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TElceE3aLI<br />
* 1) again main scene, more footage<br />
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajpjrYSOoYM<br />
* 2) from clinic (includes some absurd niqab hosing :)<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpwcV0sup_o<br />
* 3) NEW: massive morgue scene, many more victims!<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIyGJugmGaI<br />
* Douma City (logo): longer video of clinic scene<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNCIRYBhtVs<br />
* longer versions of upstairs scene<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6h6fd0EKg<br />
* Comic relief: Salloum al-Abd & KS WhiteHelmets<br />
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI9QLVDNhlQ<br />
* Qasioun shows victims in main location<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LozZlXcYQ9c<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/media/283333/civil-defense-pulls-out-dozens-of-childrens-bodies-hours-after Civil Defense pulls out dozens of children's bodies hours after chemical massacre of Douma] - ''SMART News Agency'' April 8, 2018<br />
*: [[White Helmets]] remove bodies from Douma ghost house.<br />
* Halab Today TV<br />
** [https://www.facebook.com/HalabTodayTV/videos/2174056405945119/ Video on Facebook]<br />
*** (Use [https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fbdown-video-downloader/fhplmmllnpjjlncfjpbbpjadoeijkogc/ FBDown Video Downloader] Chrome extension to download. [https://www.fbdown.net/index.php?error=private FBDown] won't work for private or "covered" videos)<br />
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a2BhGvvvuo Mid-Day Newscast April 8]<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/album/283334/civil-defense-pulls-out-dozens-of-childrens-bodies-hours-after#65759 CIVIL DEFENSE PULLS OUT DOZENS OF CHILDREN'S BODIES HOURS AFTER CHEMICAL MASSACRE IN DOUMA] - SMART News, April 8, 2018<br />
<br />
===Pro-Government videos===<br />
*[http://anna-news.info/himicheskaya-ataka-v-dume-07-04-18/ ANNA news], April 9, 2018<br />
*:They visit Douma, interview soldiers. They are told that an offensive operation was conducted, without any gas masks. They say that chemical attack did not take place, and moreover would be impossible as they have been advancing<br />
*[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-military-police-enters-douma-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack/ Almadar News], April 9, 2018<br />
*: Russian military police vehicle arrives somewhere , nothing found.<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV-PpKZA0ZY BREAKING! There Has Been NO Chemical Attack in Douma - “Vesti” Correspondent Reports] - ''Vesti News'', April 10, 2018<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVswvR6G3go Russian MoD Briefing: Syrian Eyewitnesses Reveal How Douma Provocation Was Made] - ''Sputnik'', April 13, 2018<br />
<br />
== Hostages ==<br />
{{Main|Douma hostages}}<br />
* [https://twitter.com/VanessaBeeley/status/983122025593081856 vanessa beeley @VanessaBeeley] on Twitter, April 9, 2018 2:18 am<br />
*:''Thousands of kidnap victims are being released after 6 yrs in Jaish Al Islam ‘repentance’ prisons where they suffered horrific torture & abuse. Emotional scenes as first bus leaves liberated #Douma #EasternGhouta reunited with families in Damascus. Incredible 🇸🇾❤️<br />
<br />
== Witnesses ==<br />
:See [[/Witnesses]]<br />
<br />
== Timeline ==<br />
:See [[/Timeline]]<br />
<br />
== Russian Version ==<br />
On April 13, Russian Defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov gave a briefing to the press ([http://pda.mil.ru/pda/news_main.htm?id=12171238@egNews video incl. English subtitles]) about evidence they had gathered about the staging of the event, pointing at "London" as the organizers. As [http://tass.com/defense/999641 summarized by ''TASS'']: <br />
<br />
{{I||<br />
"Today, the Russian defense ministry has other evidence proving the United Kingdom’s direct involvement in the organization of this provocation in Eastern Ghouta," he said<br />
<br />
In his words, the so-called White Helmets were pressed by London in a period from April 3 to 6 to hurry up with the implementation of the planned provocation. "The White Helmets were told that in a period from April 3 to 6 Jaysh al-Islam militants would conduct a series of massive artillery bombings of Damascus. It would provoke a retaliation operation by government forces and the White Helmets were to use it to stage a provocation with an alleged use of chemical weapons," he said.<br />
<br />
According to Konashenkov, officers of the Russian defense ministry spoke with two Syrians who had taken part in filming the framed-up attack. Both have medical diplomas and work with the emergency department of Douma’s hospital. The two men do not conceal their names. They told Russian officers that all those who had been taken to hospital during the filming had no symptoms of exposure to toxic agents.<br />
<br />
"When the patients were receiving first aid unidentified people burst into the hospital, some were holding video cameras," the spokesman cited them as saying. "These people started shouting, fanning hysteria. They carried hose and douched all present with water crying out that all of them had been exposed to poisonous agents."<br />
<br />
"The patients and their relatives yielded to panic and began to pour water on each other. After this scene was caught on video, these unidentified people fled," he added.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
On the MoD video, we are told (and see a brief, apparently consistent [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHtkc-LI2e0&t=5m05s video fragment]) on which the two Syrians point to themselves shown on the White Helmets video. We are told that a detailed version of this fragment will be given to journalists present at the briefing. The next day Iad Tawil [https://twitter.com/iadtawil/status/984882589088538624 published] on twitter what looks like that promised material, with proper English subtitles. On April 16, Alexandr Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw introduced] this "irrefutable evidence" to the executive council of the OPCW.<br />
<br />
;Sources<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFaSKJQSYQg Lie Upon Lie - Lavrov Chronicles Timeline of Western Duplicity to Strike Against Syria] - ''Vesti News'', April 15, 2018 (video)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/424280-russia-evidence-chemical-attack-staged/ Moscow has ‘irrefutable’ evidence chem attack in Syria’s Douma was staged – Russia’s envoy to OPCW] - ''RT'', April 16, 2018<br />
<br />
== French Version ==<br />
On April 14, the French Defense Ministry released a [https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/528742/9123389/file/180414%20-%20Syrie%20-%20Synth%C3%A8se%20-%20Les%20faits.pdf report] on their "evidence" that the "Syrian regime" did it. Read by someone with rusty French knowledge, the broad line is: It is looking (by unnamed "French experts") at the "rebel"-provided videos and stories, finding they "don't look fabricated"; then trying to create a motive for Assad out of the situation in Douma at the time of the alleged attack, with the Army of Islam surrounded and on its last leg; then some vague claims about undeclared rests of the destroyed Syrian CW program; and then the usual "we know he did it because he did it before" stunt referring to [[Alleged Chemical Attack Khan Sheikhoun 4 April 2017|last year's alleged attack in Khan Sheikhoun]].<br />
<br />
== BBC producer's about turn ==<br />
* [https://twitter.com/aspals/status/1095780721493454856 Riam Dalati @Dalatrm] on Twitter, February 14, 2019 (protected tweet)<br />
*:''Truth is @James__Harkin got the basics right in terms of #Douma's "propaganda" value. The ATTACK DID HAPPEN, sarin wasn't used, but we'll have to wait for @OPCW to prove chlorine or otherwise. However, everything else around the attack was manufactured for maximum effect.<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201902141072399864-syria-douma-gas-attack-vicitms-footage-hoax/ BBC Producer Says Footage of Alleged Gas Attack Victims in Syria's Douma Staged] - ''Sputnik'', February 14, 2019<br />
* [https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-02-14/bbc-shocks-douma-gas-attack-scene-staged-producer-says-after-6-month-syria BBC Producer's Syria Bombshell: Douma "Gas Attack" Footage "Was Staged"] - ''ZeroHedge'', February 14, 2019<br />
* [https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/02/14/588550/BBC-footage-of-alleged-gas-attack-victims-in-Syrias-Douma-theater-of-absurd-Russia-says BBC-staged footage on Syria’s Douma Western media's ‘theater of absurd’: Russia] - ''PressTV'', https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/02/14/588550/BBC-footage-of-alleged-gas-attack-victims-in-Syrias-Douma-theater-of-absurd-Russia-says<br />
* [https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514d7a457a4e32457a6333566d54/index.html Analysis: Was 'staged' gas attack footage used to bomb Syria?] - Abhishek G Bhaya, ''CGTN'', February 15, 2019<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/451538-bbc-douma-chemical-staged/ BBC producer says hospital scenes after 2018 Douma ‘chemical attack’ were staged] - ''RT'', February 15, 2019<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTV-kQwG6f0 "I can prove the Douma hospital scene was staged!" says BBC Producer Riam Dalati] - Gordon Dimmack, February 14, 2019 (video)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/op-ed/451623-bbc-staged-footage-douma-chemical-attack/ Real ‘obscene masquerade’: How BBC depicted staged hospital scenes as proof of Douma chemical attack] - Vanessa Beeley, ''RT'', February 16, 2019<br />
<br />
== Analysis ==<br />
* [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/timelines-of-gas-attacks-in-syria-follow-a-similar-scheme.html Syria - Timelines Of 'Gas Attacks' Follow A Similar Scheme] - ''Moon of Alabama'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://steemit.com/syria/@caitlinjohnstone/new-syrian-chemical-weapons-attack-being-reported-by-all-the-usual-suspects New Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack Being Reported By All The Usual Suspects] - Caitlin Johnstone, April 8, 2018<br />
* [http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/2018/04/ghouta-is-arabic-for-reichstag-fire-by-publius-tacitus.html Ghouta is Arabic for "Reichstag Fire"], Publius Tacitus, ''Sic Semper Tyrannis'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [http://theduran.com/another-jihadi-defeat-in-syria-another-alleged-chemical-attack/ Another Jihadi defeat in Syria; another alleged chemical attack] - Alexander Mercouris, ''The Duran'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://humanrightsinvestigations.org/2018/04/09/easter-ghouta-miracle-chemical-attack/ Eastern Ghouta and the miraculous chemical bombs] - ''Human rights investigations'', April 9, 2018 <br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2018/04/08/douma-chemical-attack-facts-so-far/ Douma Chemical Attack: Timeline of facts so far] - ''OffGuardian'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/ Open Source Survey of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Douma on 7th April 2018] - Bellingcat Investigation Team, April 11, 2018<br />
* [https://climateaudit.org/2018/04/24/douma-videos-and-photos/ Douma Videos and Photos] - Stephen McIntyre, April 24, 2018<br />
* [https://feitoffake.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/a-douma-chemical-attack-false-flag-scenario-does-not-make-sense-at-all-here-is-why/ A Douma chemical attack false flag scenario does not make sense at all. Here is why.] - ''Feit of fake'', May 9, 2018<br />
* [https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_series/2018/en/s-1645-2018_e_.pdf Preliminary OPCW report], July 6, 2018<br />
* OPCW Final report S/1731/2019, 1 March 2019<br />
https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf <br />
<br />
[https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/05/ec90nat41%28e%29.pdf Russian Note Verbale to OPCW with essentially the same analysis as the suppressed engineering assessment]<br />
<br />
=== Suppressed OPCW Engineering Report ===<br />
ACLOS posting: [[ File:Engineering-assessment-of-two-cylinders-observed-at-the-Douma-incident-27-February-2019-1.pdf ]]<br />
<br />
ACLOS Posting: [[ File:Remarks_DG.pdf ]]<br />
<br />
Sources and commentary:<br />
* [http://syriapropagandamedia.org/working-papers/assessment-by-the-engineering-sub-team-of-the-opcw-fact-finding-mission-investigating-the-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-in-april-2018 Assessment by the engineering sub-team of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission investigating the alleged chemical attack in Douma in April 2018] - ''Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media'', May 2019<br />
* [https://timhayward.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/evidence-that-douma-chemical-attack-was-staged-opcws-unpublished-engineers-report/ Tim Hayward]<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201905141075004471-sides-interested-douma-attack-revealed-unpublished-opcw-report-leak/ Sputnik News]<br />
* [https://www.moonofalabama.org/2019/05/syria-opcw-engineering-assessment-the-douma-chemical-weapon-incident-was-staged.html Syria - * OPCW Engineering Assessment: The Douma 'Chemical Weapon Attack' Was Staged] - ''Moon of Alabama'', May 13, 2019<br />
* [https://medium.com/@caityjohnstone/leaked-document-pokes-more-holes-in-establishment-syria-narrative-de27b43e542d Leaked Document Pokes More Holes In Establishment Syria Narrative] - Caitlin Johnstone, May 14, 2019<br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2019/05/14/leaked-report-douma-chemical-attack-likely-staged/ Off-Guardian]<br />
* [https://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2019/05/strange-news-from-the-opcw-in-the-hague-.html Peter Hitchens] asks OPCW about the report, getting confirmation it's a legitimate OPCW product and (obviously) wasn't meant to be published. Their response to him said in part:"Pursuant to its established policies and practices, the OPCW Technical Secretariat is conducting an internal investigation about the unauthorised release of the document in question."<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5KZwaybZ-Q Leaked OPCW memo casts doubt on watchdog’s Douma ‘chemical attack’ conclusions] RT News video, May 18, 2019<br />
* [https://medium.com/@Brian_Whit/leaked-document-revives-controversy-over-syria-chemical-attacks-a40f06a9a13d Leaked document revives controversy over Syria chemical attacks] Brian Whitaker, Medium.com, May 16<br />
:''One story circulating in the chemical weapons community (though not confirmed) is that Henderson had wanted to join the FFM and got rebuffed but was then given permission to do some investigating on the sidelines of the FFM. The suggestion (again, not confirmed) is that this was a way of extending his contract at the OPCW. If true, it might explain how he appeared to be working with the FFM while not (according to the OPCW press office) actually being part of it.''<br />
* [http://www.pressat.co.uk/releases/leaked-report-says-the-chemical-attack-in-syria-in-april-2018-was-staged-5a0a85e931d37d13928bed997efeac10/ Leaked report says the “chemical attack” in Syria in April 2018 was staged.] WGSPM press release, May 20, 2019<br />
* The leak encourages Assad to conduct a chlorine attack in Idlib, allegedly, on May 19, again probably in defiance of all binding laws of physics, besides CW conventions. [https://www.state.gov/alleged-use-of-chemical-weapons-by-the-assad-regime-in-northwest-syria/ US State Department stern warning]<br />
* [http://accuracy.org/release/postol-newly-revealed-documents-show-syrian-chemical-attacks-were-staged Institute for Public Accuracy airs Prof. Ted Postol's thoughts]. Just relating what the Henderson report says, he already sounds quite different from a few months earlier: [https://theintercept.com/2019/02/09/douma-chemical-attack-evidence-syria/ to James Harkin,] Postol "immediately concurred with the analysis of internet investigators like (Bellingcat founder Eliot) Higgins" and thought Assad-dropped chlorine bombs definitely killed those people. Now he's not so sure, and says "I will have a much more detailed summary of the engineering report later this week.") <br />
* [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1905/S00151/us-accuses-syria-of-chemical-attacks-as-narrative-crumbles.htm Caitlyn Johnstone] writes on alleged Idlib attack and Postol's appearance, May 22<br />
* [https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/06/Remarks%20of%20the%20Director-General%20Briefing%20for%20States%20Parties%20on%20Syrian%20Arab%20Republic%20Update%20on%20IIT-FFM-SSRC-DAT.pdf Remarks of the Director-General at the Briefing for States Parties on Syrian Arab Republic: Update on IIT-FFM-SSRC-DAT 28 May 2019 ]<br />
* [https://al-bab.com/blog/2019/05/opcw-replies-russian-and-syrian-critiques-its-douma-report Brian Whitaker tries to spin the OPCW Director General comments on the Henderson Report - suggests the Russians plagiarised it for their note verbale]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Douma hostage massacre (2018)]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Alleged_Chemical_Attack,_April_7,_2018&diff=51468Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 20182019-06-13T00:27:00Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Suppressed OPCW Engineering Report */ Comments by OPCW DG</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|Dr. Morad of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] meeting Ambassador Nikki Haley at the UN Security Council two days before the alleged attack.]]<br />
[[File:Douma gas attack locations by VDC.jpg|thumb|Locations of Douma attacks according to [[VDC]]]]<br />
[[File:Douma chlorine house by Michael Kobs.jpg|thumb|Layout of the building where the victims were first seen.]]<br />
[[File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|thumb|US State Department statement on alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma]]<br />
;Following on...<br />
* [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|multiple explicit warnings]] by the Russian military that they are aware of US plans to stage chemical weapons attacks and use them as justification to bomb Damascus, and their willingness to answer this provocation by targeting not just the missiles but the ships that fire them<br />
* [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal|a completely moronic fairy tale]] about an attack on a British spy with an extravagant Russian nerve agent<br />
* [[:File:East_Ghouta_Frontline.jpg|an exceptionally fast and successful campaign]] of the SAA against the "rebel" pocket in the eastern Ghouta<br />
* [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 a statement] by Trump that the US military will be out of Syria "very soon", which apparently surprised the state department and pentagon establishment<br />
...the Syrian government allegedly launched a new chemical weapons attack in the surrounded and partially evacuated city of Douma.<br />
<br />
7 April witnessed two alleged chemical attacks on Douma; as reported, an aerial chlorine attack in the afternoon sickened some and killed no one. Then at 7:30 to 9:00 PM (accounts differ), a helicopter barrel bomb attack with chlorine and/or sarin (accounts and details vary). This allegedly killed at least 85 civilians, by some reports 180 or more ([https://twitter.com/sahloul/status/982758520738205696 Zaher Sahloul]), with 700-1000 said to be affected and death toll expected to climb. <br />
<br />
The development storms the "western" media, triggering [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982966315467116544 outraged-sounding] [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982967389028569088 tweets] by the US president. Unclaimed airstrikes on Syria's Tiyas or T-4 airbase follow, denied by the US, suspected by Israel, and then [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|the largest US missile attack yet]], with the aid of France and the UK. <br />
<br />
ACLOS core member Adam Larson (Caustic Logic) has taken a first look at the story [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.com/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html over there]. Some 30-40 bodies were shown in one building alone, with most videos and photos being of about 20 bodies piled by the stairs in the basement, mostly women and children. So far the victims seem to be unidentified strangers, for the most part if not totally. They tend to be in grubby street clothes, but tend to have lost their shoes along the way. They have smoke-stained hands and unexplained injuries, including what seems like healing "raccoon eyes" suggesting skull fracture in the prior days. They don't look like normal chlorine or sarin victims, appearing livid (red) more than cyanotic (blue), lacking much for red eyes (a chlorine sign), and some but limited signs of SLUDGE syndrome. The 20 bodies and others seem to be piled and re-arranged like props, and probably exaggerated with "foaming at the mouth" special effects.<br />
<br />
== Sources ==<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/wires/283146/loyalist-chemical-attack-on-douma-city-causes-hundreds-of-suffocation Loyalist chemical attack on Douma city causes hundreds of suffocation cases] - Mohamad Alaa, ''Smart News Agency'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Dozens reported killed in suspected Syria gas attack; Damascus denies] - ''Reuters'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Провокация в Думе] (False-Flag provocation in Douma) - ''Colonel Cassad'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Syria chemical attack: Scores killed in Douma, rescuers say] - ''Al Jazeera'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a Syrian rescuers, medics say gas attack near capital kills 40] - ''AP News'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201804091063349323-russian-military-detects-no-chemicals-douma/ Russian Military Reports No Chemical Weapons Used in Vicinity of Syria's Douma] - ''Sputnik'', April 9, 2018<br />
* [http://tass.com/world/998554 Doctors in Syria's Douma refute reports of patients suffering from chemical poisoning] - ''TASS'', April 9, 2018<br />
* [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-military-police-enters-douma-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack/ VIDEO: Russian Military Police enters Douma to investigate alleged chemical attack] - Zen Adra, ''AMN'', April 9, 2018 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFKkTwa0TBM video])<br />
* [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html The search for truth in the rubble of Douma – and one doctor’s doubts over the chemical attack], Robert Fisk, ''The Independent'', April 17, 2018<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU OAN Investigation Finds No Evidence of Chemical Weapon Attack in Syria], Pearson Sharp, ''One America News Network'', April 16, 2018<br />
<br />
== Nerve agent? ==<br />
* [https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/12/syria-attack-experts-check-signs-nerve-agent Syria attack: nerve agent experts race to smuggle bodies out of Douma] - Martin Chulov, April 12, 2018<br />
*:''Corpses could provide vital clues for US technicians trying to establish which chemicals were used in the deadly bombing<br />
* [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/u-s-has-blood-samples-show-nerve-agent-syria-gas-n865431 U.S. officials: Blood samples show nerve agent, chlorine in Syria gas attack] - ''NBC news'', April 12, 2018<br />
<br />
== Video ==<br />
[[File:20180409 podvitzki syria chemical attack filming.jpg|thumb]]<br />
YouTube playlist by Qoppa Q<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlH4Tg_tXCcB_rkAqj0_zUlcKcZYP4jCj Douma Chemical Massacre, 7 April 2018]<br />
<br />
Videos from Yaser Aldoumani:<br />
* Best video of the main massacre scene by Yaser Aldoumani<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TElceE3aLI<br />
* 1) again main scene, more footage<br />
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajpjrYSOoYM<br />
* 2) from clinic (includes some absurd niqab hosing :)<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpwcV0sup_o<br />
* 3) NEW: massive morgue scene, many more victims!<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIyGJugmGaI<br />
* Douma City (logo): longer video of clinic scene<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNCIRYBhtVs<br />
* longer versions of upstairs scene<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6h6fd0EKg<br />
* Comic relief: Salloum al-Abd & KS WhiteHelmets<br />
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI9QLVDNhlQ<br />
* Qasioun shows victims in main location<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LozZlXcYQ9c<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/media/283333/civil-defense-pulls-out-dozens-of-childrens-bodies-hours-after Civil Defense pulls out dozens of children's bodies hours after chemical massacre of Douma] - ''SMART News Agency'' April 8, 2018<br />
*: [[White Helmets]] remove bodies from Douma ghost house.<br />
* Halab Today TV<br />
** [https://www.facebook.com/HalabTodayTV/videos/2174056405945119/ Video on Facebook]<br />
*** (Use [https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fbdown-video-downloader/fhplmmllnpjjlncfjpbbpjadoeijkogc/ FBDown Video Downloader] Chrome extension to download. [https://www.fbdown.net/index.php?error=private FBDown] won't work for private or "covered" videos)<br />
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a2BhGvvvuo Mid-Day Newscast April 8]<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/album/283334/civil-defense-pulls-out-dozens-of-childrens-bodies-hours-after#65759 CIVIL DEFENSE PULLS OUT DOZENS OF CHILDREN'S BODIES HOURS AFTER CHEMICAL MASSACRE IN DOUMA] - SMART News, April 8, 2018<br />
<br />
===Pro-Government videos===<br />
*[http://anna-news.info/himicheskaya-ataka-v-dume-07-04-18/ ANNA news], April 9, 2018<br />
*:They visit Douma, interview soldiers. They are told that an offensive operation was conducted, without any gas masks. They say that chemical attack did not take place, and moreover would be impossible as they have been advancing<br />
*[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-military-police-enters-douma-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack/ Almadar News], April 9, 2018<br />
*: Russian military police vehicle arrives somewhere , nothing found.<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV-PpKZA0ZY BREAKING! There Has Been NO Chemical Attack in Douma - “Vesti” Correspondent Reports] - ''Vesti News'', April 10, 2018<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVswvR6G3go Russian MoD Briefing: Syrian Eyewitnesses Reveal How Douma Provocation Was Made] - ''Sputnik'', April 13, 2018<br />
<br />
== Hostages ==<br />
{{Main|Douma hostages}}<br />
* [https://twitter.com/VanessaBeeley/status/983122025593081856 vanessa beeley @VanessaBeeley] on Twitter, April 9, 2018 2:18 am<br />
*:''Thousands of kidnap victims are being released after 6 yrs in Jaish Al Islam ‘repentance’ prisons where they suffered horrific torture & abuse. Emotional scenes as first bus leaves liberated #Douma #EasternGhouta reunited with families in Damascus. Incredible 🇸🇾❤️<br />
<br />
== Witnesses ==<br />
:See [[/Witnesses]]<br />
<br />
== Timeline ==<br />
:See [[/Timeline]]<br />
<br />
== Russian Version ==<br />
On April 13, Russian Defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov gave a briefing to the press ([http://pda.mil.ru/pda/news_main.htm?id=12171238@egNews video incl. English subtitles]) about evidence they had gathered about the staging of the event, pointing at "London" as the organizers. As [http://tass.com/defense/999641 summarized by ''TASS'']: <br />
<br />
{{I||<br />
"Today, the Russian defense ministry has other evidence proving the United Kingdom’s direct involvement in the organization of this provocation in Eastern Ghouta," he said<br />
<br />
In his words, the so-called White Helmets were pressed by London in a period from April 3 to 6 to hurry up with the implementation of the planned provocation. "The White Helmets were told that in a period from April 3 to 6 Jaysh al-Islam militants would conduct a series of massive artillery bombings of Damascus. It would provoke a retaliation operation by government forces and the White Helmets were to use it to stage a provocation with an alleged use of chemical weapons," he said.<br />
<br />
According to Konashenkov, officers of the Russian defense ministry spoke with two Syrians who had taken part in filming the framed-up attack. Both have medical diplomas and work with the emergency department of Douma’s hospital. The two men do not conceal their names. They told Russian officers that all those who had been taken to hospital during the filming had no symptoms of exposure to toxic agents.<br />
<br />
"When the patients were receiving first aid unidentified people burst into the hospital, some were holding video cameras," the spokesman cited them as saying. "These people started shouting, fanning hysteria. They carried hose and douched all present with water crying out that all of them had been exposed to poisonous agents."<br />
<br />
"The patients and their relatives yielded to panic and began to pour water on each other. After this scene was caught on video, these unidentified people fled," he added.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
On the MoD video, we are told (and see a brief, apparently consistent [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHtkc-LI2e0&t=5m05s video fragment]) on which the two Syrians point to themselves shown on the White Helmets video. We are told that a detailed version of this fragment will be given to journalists present at the briefing. The next day Iad Tawil [https://twitter.com/iadtawil/status/984882589088538624 published] on twitter what looks like that promised material, with proper English subtitles. On April 16, Alexandr Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw introduced] this "irrefutable evidence" to the executive council of the OPCW.<br />
<br />
;Sources<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFaSKJQSYQg Lie Upon Lie - Lavrov Chronicles Timeline of Western Duplicity to Strike Against Syria] - ''Vesti News'', April 15, 2018 (video)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/424280-russia-evidence-chemical-attack-staged/ Moscow has ‘irrefutable’ evidence chem attack in Syria’s Douma was staged – Russia’s envoy to OPCW] - ''RT'', April 16, 2018<br />
<br />
== French Version ==<br />
On April 14, the French Defense Ministry released a [https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/528742/9123389/file/180414%20-%20Syrie%20-%20Synth%C3%A8se%20-%20Les%20faits.pdf report] on their "evidence" that the "Syrian regime" did it. Read by someone with rusty French knowledge, the broad line is: It is looking (by unnamed "French experts") at the "rebel"-provided videos and stories, finding they "don't look fabricated"; then trying to create a motive for Assad out of the situation in Douma at the time of the alleged attack, with the Army of Islam surrounded and on its last leg; then some vague claims about undeclared rests of the destroyed Syrian CW program; and then the usual "we know he did it because he did it before" stunt referring to [[Alleged Chemical Attack Khan Sheikhoun 4 April 2017|last year's alleged attack in Khan Sheikhoun]].<br />
<br />
== BBC producer's about turn ==<br />
* [https://twitter.com/aspals/status/1095780721493454856 Riam Dalati @Dalatrm] on Twitter, February 14, 2019 (protected tweet)<br />
*:''Truth is @James__Harkin got the basics right in terms of #Douma's "propaganda" value. The ATTACK DID HAPPEN, sarin wasn't used, but we'll have to wait for @OPCW to prove chlorine or otherwise. However, everything else around the attack was manufactured for maximum effect.<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201902141072399864-syria-douma-gas-attack-vicitms-footage-hoax/ BBC Producer Says Footage of Alleged Gas Attack Victims in Syria's Douma Staged] - ''Sputnik'', February 14, 2019<br />
* [https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-02-14/bbc-shocks-douma-gas-attack-scene-staged-producer-says-after-6-month-syria BBC Producer's Syria Bombshell: Douma "Gas Attack" Footage "Was Staged"] - ''ZeroHedge'', February 14, 2019<br />
* [https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/02/14/588550/BBC-footage-of-alleged-gas-attack-victims-in-Syrias-Douma-theater-of-absurd-Russia-says BBC-staged footage on Syria’s Douma Western media's ‘theater of absurd’: Russia] - ''PressTV'', https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/02/14/588550/BBC-footage-of-alleged-gas-attack-victims-in-Syrias-Douma-theater-of-absurd-Russia-says<br />
* [https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514d7a457a4e32457a6333566d54/index.html Analysis: Was 'staged' gas attack footage used to bomb Syria?] - Abhishek G Bhaya, ''CGTN'', February 15, 2019<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/451538-bbc-douma-chemical-staged/ BBC producer says hospital scenes after 2018 Douma ‘chemical attack’ were staged] - ''RT'', February 15, 2019<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTV-kQwG6f0 "I can prove the Douma hospital scene was staged!" says BBC Producer Riam Dalati] - Gordon Dimmack, February 14, 2019 (video)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/op-ed/451623-bbc-staged-footage-douma-chemical-attack/ Real ‘obscene masquerade’: How BBC depicted staged hospital scenes as proof of Douma chemical attack] - Vanessa Beeley, ''RT'', February 16, 2019<br />
<br />
== Analysis ==<br />
* [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/timelines-of-gas-attacks-in-syria-follow-a-similar-scheme.html Syria - Timelines Of 'Gas Attacks' Follow A Similar Scheme] - ''Moon of Alabama'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://steemit.com/syria/@caitlinjohnstone/new-syrian-chemical-weapons-attack-being-reported-by-all-the-usual-suspects New Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack Being Reported By All The Usual Suspects] - Caitlin Johnstone, April 8, 2018<br />
* [http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/2018/04/ghouta-is-arabic-for-reichstag-fire-by-publius-tacitus.html Ghouta is Arabic for "Reichstag Fire"], Publius Tacitus, ''Sic Semper Tyrannis'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [http://theduran.com/another-jihadi-defeat-in-syria-another-alleged-chemical-attack/ Another Jihadi defeat in Syria; another alleged chemical attack] - Alexander Mercouris, ''The Duran'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://humanrightsinvestigations.org/2018/04/09/easter-ghouta-miracle-chemical-attack/ Eastern Ghouta and the miraculous chemical bombs] - ''Human rights investigations'', April 9, 2018 <br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2018/04/08/douma-chemical-attack-facts-so-far/ Douma Chemical Attack: Timeline of facts so far] - ''OffGuardian'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/ Open Source Survey of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Douma on 7th April 2018] - Bellingcat Investigation Team, April 11, 2018<br />
* [https://climateaudit.org/2018/04/24/douma-videos-and-photos/ Douma Videos and Photos] - Stephen McIntyre, April 24, 2018<br />
* [https://feitoffake.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/a-douma-chemical-attack-false-flag-scenario-does-not-make-sense-at-all-here-is-why/ A Douma chemical attack false flag scenario does not make sense at all. Here is why.] - ''Feit of fake'', May 9, 2018<br />
* [https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_series/2018/en/s-1645-2018_e_.pdf Preliminary OPCW report], July 6, 2018<br />
* OPCW Final report S/1731/2019, 1 March 2019<br />
https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf <br />
<br />
[https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/05/ec90nat41%28e%29.pdf Russian Note Verbale to OPCW with essentially the same analysis as the suppressed engineering assessment]<br />
<br />
=== Suppressed OPCW Engineering Report ===<br />
ACLOS posting: [[ File:Engineering-assessment-of-two-cylinders-observed-at-the-Douma-incident-27-February-2019-1.pdf ]]<br />
<br />
ACLOS Posting: [[ File:Remarks_DG.pdf ]]<br />
<br />
Sources and commentary:<br />
* [http://syriapropagandamedia.org/working-papers/assessment-by-the-engineering-sub-team-of-the-opcw-fact-finding-mission-investigating-the-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-in-april-2018 Assessment by the engineering sub-team of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission investigating the alleged chemical attack in Douma in April 2018] - ''Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media'', May 2019<br />
* [https://timhayward.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/evidence-that-douma-chemical-attack-was-staged-opcws-unpublished-engineers-report/ Tim Hayward]<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201905141075004471-sides-interested-douma-attack-revealed-unpublished-opcw-report-leak/ Sputnik News]<br />
* [https://www.moonofalabama.org/2019/05/syria-opcw-engineering-assessment-the-douma-chemical-weapon-incident-was-staged.html Syria - * OPCW Engineering Assessment: The Douma 'Chemical Weapon Attack' Was Staged] - ''Moon of Alabama'', May 13, 2019<br />
* [https://medium.com/@caityjohnstone/leaked-document-pokes-more-holes-in-establishment-syria-narrative-de27b43e542d Leaked Document Pokes More Holes In Establishment Syria Narrative] - Caitlin Johnstone, May 14, 2019<br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2019/05/14/leaked-report-douma-chemical-attack-likely-staged/ Off-Guardian]<br />
* [https://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2019/05/strange-news-from-the-opcw-in-the-hague-.html Peter Hitchens] asks OPCW about the report, getting confirmation it's a legitimate OPCW product and (obviously) wasn't meant to be published. Their response to him said in part:"Pursuant to its established policies and practices, the OPCW Technical Secretariat is conducting an internal investigation about the unauthorised release of the document in question."<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5KZwaybZ-Q Leaked OPCW memo casts doubt on watchdog’s Douma ‘chemical attack’ conclusions] RT News video, May 18, 2019<br />
* [https://medium.com/@Brian_Whit/leaked-document-revives-controversy-over-syria-chemical-attacks-a40f06a9a13d Leaked document revives controversy over Syria chemical attacks] Brian Whitaker, Medium.com, May 16<br />
:''One story circulating in the chemical weapons community (though not confirmed) is that Henderson had wanted to join the FFM and got rebuffed but was then given permission to do some investigating on the sidelines of the FFM. The suggestion (again, not confirmed) is that this was a way of extending his contract at the OPCW. If true, it might explain how he appeared to be working with the FFM while not (according to the OPCW press office) actually being part of it.''<br />
* [http://www.pressat.co.uk/releases/leaked-report-says-the-chemical-attack-in-syria-in-april-2018-was-staged-5a0a85e931d37d13928bed997efeac10/ Leaked report says the “chemical attack” in Syria in April 2018 was staged.] WGSPM press release, May 20, 2019<br />
* The leak encourages Assad to conduct a chlorine attack in Idlib, allegedly, on May 19, again probably in defiance of all binding laws of physics, besides CW conventions. [https://www.state.gov/alleged-use-of-chemical-weapons-by-the-assad-regime-in-northwest-syria/ US State Department stern warning]<br />
* [http://accuracy.org/release/postol-newly-revealed-documents-show-syrian-chemical-attacks-were-staged Institute for Public Accuracy airs Prof. Ted Postol's thoughts]. Just relating what the Henderson report says, he already sounds quite different from a few months earlier: [https://theintercept.com/2019/02/09/douma-chemical-attack-evidence-syria/ to James Harkin,] Postol "immediately concurred with the analysis of internet investigators like (Bellingcat founder Eliot) Higgins" and thought Assad-dropped chlorine bombs definitely killed those people. Now he's not so sure, and says "I will have a much more detailed summary of the engineering report later this week.") <br />
* [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1905/S00151/us-accuses-syria-of-chemical-attacks-as-narrative-crumbles.htm Caitlyn Johnstone] writes on alleged Idlib attack and Postol's appearance, May 22<br />
* [https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/06/Remarks%20of%20the%20Director-General%20Briefing%20for%20States%20Parties%20on%20Syrian%20Arab%20Republic%20Update%20on%20IIT-FFM-SSRC-DAT.pdf Remarks of the Director-General at the Briefing for States Parties on Syrian Arab Republic: Update on IIT-FFM-SSRC-DAT 28 May 2019 ]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Douma hostage massacre (2018)]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File_talk:Remarks_DG.pdf&diff=51467File talk:Remarks DG.pdf2019-06-13T00:16:31Z<p>Charles Wood: OPCW DG remarks on leaked document tie in with date of Henderson report</p>
<hr />
<div>Note the reference to possible release of the (Henderson?) document in March 2019.<br />
<br />
The Henderson Engineering Assessment is dated 27 February 2019</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:Remarks_DG.pdf&diff=51466File:Remarks DG.pdf2019-06-13T00:12:15Z<p>Charles Wood: Remarks of the Director-General at the Briefing for States Parties
on Syrian Arab Republic: Update on IIT-FFM-SSRC-DA
28 May 2019</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
Remarks of the Director-General at the Briefing for States Parties<br />
on Syrian Arab Republic: Update on IIT-FFM-SSRC-DA<br />
<br />
28 May 2019</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Alleged_Chemical_Attack,_April_7,_2018&diff=51356Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 20182019-05-29T00:19:16Z<p>Charles Wood: Added Russian Note Verbale link</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|Dr. Morad of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] meeting Ambassador Nikki Haley at the UN Security Council two days before the alleged attack.]]<br />
[[File:Douma gas attack locations by VDC.jpg|thumb|Locations of Douma attacks according to [[VDC]]]]<br />
[[File:Douma chlorine house by Michael Kobs.jpg|thumb|Layout of the building where the victims were first seen.]]<br />
[[File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|thumb|US State Department statement on alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma]]<br />
;Following on...<br />
* [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|multiple explicit warnings]] by the Russian military that they are aware of US plans to stage chemical weapons attacks and use them as justification to bomb Damascus, and their willingness to answer this provocation by targeting not just the missiles but the ships that fire them<br />
* [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal|a completely moronic fairy tale]] about an attack on a British spy with an extravagant Russian nerve agent<br />
* [[:File:East_Ghouta_Frontline.jpg|an exceptionally fast and successful campaign]] of the SAA against the "rebel" pocket in the eastern Ghouta<br />
* [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 a statement] by Trump that the US military will be out of Syria "very soon", which apparently surprised the state department and pentagon establishment<br />
...the Syrian government allegedly launched a new chemical weapons attack in the surrounded and partially evacuated city of Douma.<br />
<br />
7 April witnessed two alleged chemical attacks on Douma; as reported, an aerial chlorine attack in the afternoon sickened some and killed no one. Then at 7:30 to 9:00 PM (accounts differ), a helicopter barrel bomb attack with chlorine and/or sarin (accounts and details vary). This allegedly killed at least 85 civilians, by some reports 180 or more ([https://twitter.com/sahloul/status/982758520738205696 Zaher Sahloul]), with 700-1000 said to be affected and death toll expected to climb. <br />
<br />
The development storms the "western" media, triggering [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982966315467116544 outraged-sounding] [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982967389028569088 tweets] by the US president. Unclaimed airstrikes on Syria's Tiyas or T-4 airbase follow, denied by the US, suspected by Israel, and then [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|the largest US missile attack yet]], with the aid of France and the UK. <br />
<br />
ACLOS core member Adam Larson (Caustic Logic) has taken a first look at the story [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.com/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html over there]. Some 30-40 bodies were shown in one building alone, with most videos and photos being of about 20 bodies piled by the stairs in the basement, mostly women and children. So far the victims seem to be unidentified strangers, for the most part if not totally. They tend to be in grubby street clothes, but tend to have lost their shoes along the way. They have smoke-stained hands and unexplained injuries, including what seems like healing "raccoon eyes" suggesting skull fracture in the prior days. They don't look like normal chlorine or sarin victims, appearing livid (red) more than cyanotic (blue), lacking much for red eyes (a chlorine sign), and some but limited signs of SLUDGE syndrome. The 20 bodies and others seem to be piled and re-arranged like props, and probably exaggerated with "foaming at the mouth" special effects.<br />
<br />
== Sources ==<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/wires/283146/loyalist-chemical-attack-on-douma-city-causes-hundreds-of-suffocation Loyalist chemical attack on Douma city causes hundreds of suffocation cases] - Mohamad Alaa, ''Smart News Agency'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Dozens reported killed in suspected Syria gas attack; Damascus denies] - ''Reuters'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Провокация в Думе] (False-Flag provocation in Douma) - ''Colonel Cassad'', April 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Syria chemical attack: Scores killed in Douma, rescuers say] - ''Al Jazeera'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a Syrian rescuers, medics say gas attack near capital kills 40] - ''AP News'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201804091063349323-russian-military-detects-no-chemicals-douma/ Russian Military Reports No Chemical Weapons Used in Vicinity of Syria's Douma] - ''Sputnik'', April 9, 2018<br />
* [http://tass.com/world/998554 Doctors in Syria's Douma refute reports of patients suffering from chemical poisoning] - ''TASS'', April 9, 2018<br />
* [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-military-police-enters-douma-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack/ VIDEO: Russian Military Police enters Douma to investigate alleged chemical attack] - Zen Adra, ''AMN'', April 9, 2018 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFKkTwa0TBM video])<br />
* [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html The search for truth in the rubble of Douma – and one doctor’s doubts over the chemical attack], Robert Fisk, ''The Independent'', April 17, 2018<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU OAN Investigation Finds No Evidence of Chemical Weapon Attack in Syria], Pearson Sharp, ''One America News Network'', April 16, 2018<br />
<br />
== Nerve agent? ==<br />
* [https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/12/syria-attack-experts-check-signs-nerve-agent Syria attack: nerve agent experts race to smuggle bodies out of Douma] - Martin Chulov, April 12, 2018<br />
*:''Corpses could provide vital clues for US technicians trying to establish which chemicals were used in the deadly bombing<br />
* [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/u-s-has-blood-samples-show-nerve-agent-syria-gas-n865431 U.S. officials: Blood samples show nerve agent, chlorine in Syria gas attack] - ''NBC news'', April 12, 2018<br />
<br />
== Video ==<br />
[[File:20180409 podvitzki syria chemical attack filming.jpg|thumb]]<br />
YouTube playlist by Qoppa Q<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlH4Tg_tXCcB_rkAqj0_zUlcKcZYP4jCj Douma Chemical Massacre, 7 April 2018]<br />
<br />
Videos from Yaser Aldoumani:<br />
* Best video of the main massacre scene by Yaser Aldoumani<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TElceE3aLI<br />
* 1) again main scene, more footage<br />
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajpjrYSOoYM<br />
* 2) from clinic (includes some absurd niqab hosing :)<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpwcV0sup_o<br />
* 3) NEW: massive morgue scene, many more victims!<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIyGJugmGaI<br />
* Douma City (logo): longer video of clinic scene<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNCIRYBhtVs<br />
* longer versions of upstairs scene<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6h6fd0EKg<br />
* Comic relief: Salloum al-Abd & KS WhiteHelmets<br />
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI9QLVDNhlQ<br />
* Qasioun shows victims in main location<br />
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LozZlXcYQ9c<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/media/283333/civil-defense-pulls-out-dozens-of-childrens-bodies-hours-after Civil Defense pulls out dozens of children's bodies hours after chemical massacre of Douma] - ''SMART News Agency'' April 8, 2018<br />
*: [[White Helmets]] remove bodies from Douma ghost house.<br />
* Halab Today TV<br />
** [https://www.facebook.com/HalabTodayTV/videos/2174056405945119/ Video on Facebook]<br />
*** (Use [https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fbdown-video-downloader/fhplmmllnpjjlncfjpbbpjadoeijkogc/ FBDown Video Downloader] Chrome extension to download. [https://www.fbdown.net/index.php?error=private FBDown] won't work for private or "covered" videos)<br />
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a2BhGvvvuo Mid-Day Newscast April 8]<br />
* [https://smartnews-agency.com/en/album/283334/civil-defense-pulls-out-dozens-of-childrens-bodies-hours-after#65759 CIVIL DEFENSE PULLS OUT DOZENS OF CHILDREN'S BODIES HOURS AFTER CHEMICAL MASSACRE IN DOUMA] - SMART News, April 8, 2018<br />
<br />
===Pro-Government videos===<br />
*[http://anna-news.info/himicheskaya-ataka-v-dume-07-04-18/ ANNA news], April 9, 2018<br />
*:They visit Douma, interview soldiers. They are told that an offensive operation was conducted, without any gas masks. They say that chemical attack did not take place, and moreover would be impossible as they have been advancing<br />
*[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-military-police-enters-douma-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack/ Almadar News], April 9, 2018<br />
*: Russian military police vehicle arrives somewhere , nothing found.<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV-PpKZA0ZY BREAKING! There Has Been NO Chemical Attack in Douma - “Vesti” Correspondent Reports] - ''Vesti News'', April 10, 2018<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVswvR6G3go Russian MoD Briefing: Syrian Eyewitnesses Reveal How Douma Provocation Was Made] - ''Sputnik'', April 13, 2018<br />
<br />
== Hostages ==<br />
{{Main|Douma hostages}}<br />
* [https://twitter.com/VanessaBeeley/status/983122025593081856 vanessa beeley @VanessaBeeley] on Twitter, April 9, 2018 2:18 am<br />
*:''Thousands of kidnap victims are being released after 6 yrs in Jaish Al Islam ‘repentance’ prisons where they suffered horrific torture & abuse. Emotional scenes as first bus leaves liberated #Douma #EasternGhouta reunited with families in Damascus. Incredible 🇸🇾❤️<br />
<br />
== Witnesses ==<br />
:See [[/Witnesses]]<br />
<br />
== Timeline ==<br />
:See [[/Timeline]]<br />
<br />
== Russian Version ==<br />
On April 13, Russian Defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov gave a briefing to the press ([http://pda.mil.ru/pda/news_main.htm?id=12171238@egNews video incl. English subtitles]) about evidence they had gathered about the staging of the event, pointing at "London" as the organizers. As [http://tass.com/defense/999641 summarized by ''TASS'']: <br />
<br />
{{I||<br />
"Today, the Russian defense ministry has other evidence proving the United Kingdom’s direct involvement in the organization of this provocation in Eastern Ghouta," he said<br />
<br />
In his words, the so-called White Helmets were pressed by London in a period from April 3 to 6 to hurry up with the implementation of the planned provocation. "The White Helmets were told that in a period from April 3 to 6 Jaysh al-Islam militants would conduct a series of massive artillery bombings of Damascus. It would provoke a retaliation operation by government forces and the White Helmets were to use it to stage a provocation with an alleged use of chemical weapons," he said.<br />
<br />
According to Konashenkov, officers of the Russian defense ministry spoke with two Syrians who had taken part in filming the framed-up attack. Both have medical diplomas and work with the emergency department of Douma’s hospital. The two men do not conceal their names. They told Russian officers that all those who had been taken to hospital during the filming had no symptoms of exposure to toxic agents.<br />
<br />
"When the patients were receiving first aid unidentified people burst into the hospital, some were holding video cameras," the spokesman cited them as saying. "These people started shouting, fanning hysteria. They carried hose and douched all present with water crying out that all of them had been exposed to poisonous agents."<br />
<br />
"The patients and their relatives yielded to panic and began to pour water on each other. After this scene was caught on video, these unidentified people fled," he added.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
On the MoD video, we are told (and see a brief, apparently consistent [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHtkc-LI2e0&t=5m05s video fragment]) on which the two Syrians point to themselves shown on the White Helmets video. We are told that a detailed version of this fragment will be given to journalists present at the briefing. The next day Iad Tawil [https://twitter.com/iadtawil/status/984882589088538624 published] on twitter what looks like that promised material, with proper English subtitles. On April 16, Alexandr Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw introduced] this "irrefutable evidence" to the executive council of the OPCW.<br />
<br />
;Sources<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFaSKJQSYQg Lie Upon Lie - Lavrov Chronicles Timeline of Western Duplicity to Strike Against Syria] - ''Vesti News'', April 15, 2018 (video)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/424280-russia-evidence-chemical-attack-staged/ Moscow has ‘irrefutable’ evidence chem attack in Syria’s Douma was staged – Russia’s envoy to OPCW] - ''RT'', April 16, 2018<br />
<br />
== French Version ==<br />
On April 14, the French Defense Ministry released a [https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/528742/9123389/file/180414%20-%20Syrie%20-%20Synth%C3%A8se%20-%20Les%20faits.pdf report] on their "evidence" that the "Syrian regime" did it. Read by someone with rusty French knowledge, the broad line is: It is looking (by unnamed "French experts") at the "rebel"-provided videos and stories, finding they "don't look fabricated"; then trying to create a motive for Assad out of the situation in Douma at the time of the alleged attack, with the Army of Islam surrounded and on its last leg; then some vague claims about undeclared rests of the destroyed Syrian CW program; and then the usual "we know he did it because he did it before" stunt referring to [[Alleged Chemical Attack Khan Sheikhoun 4 April 2017|last year's alleged attack in Khan Sheikhoun]].<br />
<br />
== BBC producer's about turn ==<br />
* [https://twitter.com/aspals/status/1095780721493454856 Riam Dalati @Dalatrm] on Twitter, February 14, 2019 (protected tweet)<br />
*:''Truth is @James__Harkin got the basics right in terms of #Douma's "propaganda" value. The ATTACK DID HAPPEN, sarin wasn't used, but we'll have to wait for @OPCW to prove chlorine or otherwise. However, everything else around the attack was manufactured for maximum effect.<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201902141072399864-syria-douma-gas-attack-vicitms-footage-hoax/ BBC Producer Says Footage of Alleged Gas Attack Victims in Syria's Douma Staged] - ''Sputnik'', February 14, 2019<br />
* [https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-02-14/bbc-shocks-douma-gas-attack-scene-staged-producer-says-after-6-month-syria BBC Producer's Syria Bombshell: Douma "Gas Attack" Footage "Was Staged"] - ''ZeroHedge'', February 14, 2019<br />
* [https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/02/14/588550/BBC-footage-of-alleged-gas-attack-victims-in-Syrias-Douma-theater-of-absurd-Russia-says BBC-staged footage on Syria’s Douma Western media's ‘theater of absurd’: Russia] - ''PressTV'', https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/02/14/588550/BBC-footage-of-alleged-gas-attack-victims-in-Syrias-Douma-theater-of-absurd-Russia-says<br />
* [https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514d7a457a4e32457a6333566d54/index.html Analysis: Was 'staged' gas attack footage used to bomb Syria?] - Abhishek G Bhaya, ''CGTN'', February 15, 2019<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/451538-bbc-douma-chemical-staged/ BBC producer says hospital scenes after 2018 Douma ‘chemical attack’ were staged] - ''RT'', February 15, 2019<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTV-kQwG6f0 "I can prove the Douma hospital scene was staged!" says BBC Producer Riam Dalati] - Gordon Dimmack, February 14, 2019 (video)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/op-ed/451623-bbc-staged-footage-douma-chemical-attack/ Real ‘obscene masquerade’: How BBC depicted staged hospital scenes as proof of Douma chemical attack] - Vanessa Beeley, ''RT'', February 16, 2019<br />
<br />
== Analysis ==<br />
* [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/timelines-of-gas-attacks-in-syria-follow-a-similar-scheme.html Syria - Timelines Of 'Gas Attacks' Follow A Similar Scheme] - ''Moon of Alabama'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://steemit.com/syria/@caitlinjohnstone/new-syrian-chemical-weapons-attack-being-reported-by-all-the-usual-suspects New Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack Being Reported By All The Usual Suspects] - Caitlin Johnstone, April 8, 2018<br />
* [http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/2018/04/ghouta-is-arabic-for-reichstag-fire-by-publius-tacitus.html Ghouta is Arabic for "Reichstag Fire"], Publius Tacitus, ''Sic Semper Tyrannis'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [http://theduran.com/another-jihadi-defeat-in-syria-another-alleged-chemical-attack/ Another Jihadi defeat in Syria; another alleged chemical attack] - Alexander Mercouris, ''The Duran'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://humanrightsinvestigations.org/2018/04/09/easter-ghouta-miracle-chemical-attack/ Eastern Ghouta and the miraculous chemical bombs] - ''Human rights investigations'', April 9, 2018 <br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2018/04/08/douma-chemical-attack-facts-so-far/ Douma Chemical Attack: Timeline of facts so far] - ''OffGuardian'', April 8, 2018<br />
* [https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/ Open Source Survey of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Douma on 7th April 2018] - Bellingcat Investigation Team, April 11, 2018<br />
* [https://climateaudit.org/2018/04/24/douma-videos-and-photos/ Douma Videos and Photos] - Stephen McIntyre, April 24, 2018<br />
* [https://feitoffake.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/a-douma-chemical-attack-false-flag-scenario-does-not-make-sense-at-all-here-is-why/ A Douma chemical attack false flag scenario does not make sense at all. Here is why.] - ''Feit of fake'', May 9, 2018<br />
* [https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_series/2018/en/s-1645-2018_e_.pdf Preliminary OPCW report], July 6, 2018<br />
* OPCW Final report S/1731/2019, 1 March 2019<br />
https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf <br />
<br />
[https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/05/ec90nat41%28e%29.pdf Russian Note Verbale to OPCW with essentially the same analysis as the suppressed engineering assessment]<br />
<br />
=== Suppressed OPCW Engineering Report ===<br />
ACLOS posting: [[ File:Engineering-assessment-of-two-cylinders-observed-at-the-Douma-incident-27-February-2019-1.pdf ]]<br />
<br />
Sources and commentary:<br />
* [http://syriapropagandamedia.org/working-papers/assessment-by-the-engineering-sub-team-of-the-opcw-fact-finding-mission-investigating-the-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-in-april-2018 Assessment by the engineering sub-team of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission investigating the alleged chemical attack in Douma in April 2018] - ''Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media'', May 2019<br />
* [https://timhayward.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/evidence-that-douma-chemical-attack-was-staged-opcws-unpublished-engineers-report/ Tim Hayward]<br />
* [https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201905141075004471-sides-interested-douma-attack-revealed-unpublished-opcw-report-leak/ Sputnik News]<br />
* [https://www.moonofalabama.org/2019/05/syria-opcw-engineering-assessment-the-douma-chemical-weapon-incident-was-staged.html Syria - * OPCW Engineering Assessment: The Douma 'Chemical Weapon Attack' Was Staged] - ''Moon of Alabama'', May 13, 2019<br />
* [https://medium.com/@caityjohnstone/leaked-document-pokes-more-holes-in-establishment-syria-narrative-de27b43e542d Leaked Document Pokes More Holes In Establishment Syria Narrative] - Caitlin Johnstone, May 14, 2019<br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2019/05/14/leaked-report-douma-chemical-attack-likely-staged/ Off-Guardian]<br />
* [https://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2019/05/strange-news-from-the-opcw-in-the-hague-.html Peter Hitchens] asks OPCW about the report, getting confirmation it's a legitimate OPCW product and (obviously) wasn't meant to be published. Their response to him said in part:"Pursuant to its established policies and practices, the OPCW Technical Secretariat is conducting an internal investigation about the unauthorised release of the document in question."<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5KZwaybZ-Q Leaked OPCW memo casts doubt on watchdog’s Douma ‘chemical attack’ conclusions] RT News video, May 18, 2019<br />
* [https://medium.com/@Brian_Whit/leaked-document-revives-controversy-over-syria-chemical-attacks-a40f06a9a13d Leaked document revives controversy over Syria chemical attacks] Brian Whitaker, Medium.com, May 16<br />
:''One story circulating in the chemical weapons community (though not confirmed) is that Henderson had wanted to join the FFM and got rebuffed but was then given permission to do some investigating on the sidelines of the FFM. The suggestion (again, not confirmed) is that this was a way of extending his contract at the OPCW. If true, it might explain how he appeared to be working with the FFM while not (according to the OPCW press office) actually being part of it.''<br />
* [http://www.pressat.co.uk/releases/leaked-report-says-the-chemical-attack-in-syria-in-april-2018-was-staged-5a0a85e931d37d13928bed997efeac10/ Leaked report says the “chemical attack” in Syria in April 2018 was staged.] WGSPM press release, May 20, 2019<br />
* The leak encourages Assad to conduct a chlorine attack in Idlib, allegedly, on May 19, again probably in defiance of all binding laws of physics, besides CW conventions. [https://www.state.gov/alleged-use-of-chemical-weapons-by-the-assad-regime-in-northwest-syria/ US State Department stern warning]<br />
* [http://accuracy.org/release/postol-newly-revealed-documents-show-syrian-chemical-attacks-were-staged Institute for Public Accuracy airs Prof. Ted Postol's thoughts]. Just relating what the Henderson report says, he already sounds quite different from a few months earlier: [https://theintercept.com/2019/02/09/douma-chemical-attack-evidence-syria/ to James Harkin,] Postol "immediately concurred with the analysis of internet investigators like (Bellingcat founder Eliot) Higgins" and thought Assad-dropped chlorine bombs definitely killed those people. Now he's not so sure, and says "I will have a much more detailed summary of the engineering report later this week.") <br />
* [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1905/S00151/us-accuses-syria-of-chemical-attacks-as-narrative-crumbles.htm Caitlyn Johnstone] writes on alleged Idlib attack and Postol's appearance, May 22<br />
<br />
[[Category:Douma hostage massacre (2018)]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:Leaked_UN_report_on_Ghouta_chemicals.pdf&diff=46792File:Leaked UN report on Ghouta chemicals.pdf2018-06-22T05:49:21Z<p>Charles Wood: Copy of an alleged leaked UN preliminary report on Chemical weapons use in Ghouta in 2018. Includes 'Iranian chemical IRAMs'
This version didn't make it to the UN.
Recovered via https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/20/world/middleeast/un-syria-eastern-gho...</p>
<hr />
<div>Copy of an alleged leaked UN preliminary report on Chemical weapons use in Ghouta in 2018. Includes 'Iranian chemical IRAMs'<br />
<br />
This version didn't make it to the UN.<br />
<br />
Recovered via https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/20/world/middleeast/un-syria-eastern-ghouta.html<br />
<br />
The relevant actor seems to be Hanny Megally</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=45704Syria news/Current2018-05-08T01:56:29Z<p>Charles Wood: </p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
7 May. While 171 buses have already left southern Damascus in direction north and the fifth batch [https://sana.sy/en/?p=136748 is prepared] there, the first evacuation buses [https://sana.sy/en/?p=136720 enter Rastan] after the militants [https://southfront.org/militants-their-supporters-start-leaving-rastan-pocket-under-deal-with-government-more-photos-of-weapons/ handed over] huge amounts of weapons including dozens of tanks.<br />
<br />
'' YNET Reports:'' [https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5253557,00.html Steinitz Yuval ] 'If Assad continues allowing Iran to operate out of Syria, it will be his end' <br />
<br />
Lebanon: Preliminary results of the first parliamentary elections since 2009, which took place yesterday, [http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanon-election-hezbollah-strengthened-saad-hariri-weakened-1170461227 see] Hariri's "Future Movement" losing a third of its seats (to 21), while Hezbollah and its allies win an absolute majority (67) of the 128 seats. The Israeli "Education" minister Naftali Bennett [http://english.almanar.com.lb/500370 educates] his twitter followers with the equation "Lebanon = Hezbollah" over this.<br />
<br />
6 May. The Iraqi Air Force [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/iraqi-airstrike-targets-position-used-by-daesh-commanders-in-syria-pm/ bombs] ISIS targets inside Syria.<br />
<br />
After some gangs looted hospitals in al-Bab, the people took to the streets in protest again the Turkish occupation, only to get attacked by the army. In protests against this treatment, today [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/people-of-al-bab-up-in-arms-turkish-army-gangs-kill-civilians-26523 six people die] at the hand of the Turkish army. Also in al-Bab, there is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/intense-battle-breaks-out-between-turkish-backed-rebels-in-northeast-aleppo/ infighting] triggered by the arrival of a group from Qalamoon which had some old beef with another group already in town. Tens of militants are reportedly killed on both sides.<br />
<br />
Reports about the misbehaviour of the Turkish-supported gangs are [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-state-allied-gangs-oppress-people-in-afrin-26519 also coming] out of Afrin, where the UN [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/un-accuses-turkey-of-blocking-refugees-from-returning-to-afrin/ says] Turkey prevents fled inhabitants from returning to. Meanwhile, Erdogan [https://southfront.org/erdogan-turkish-army-is-ready-for-its-next-mission-against-terrorist-organizations/ promises] some more land-grabbing after the early elections on June 24.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Southern Damascus.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Southern Damascus]]<br />
5 May. After having split the southern Damascus ISIS pocket into two, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-entire-southern-pocket-of-hajar-al-aswad-map/ eliminates] the southern part.<br />
<br />
4 May. ''ANF'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/raqqa-a-city-is-being-rebuilt-26451 publishes] a summary on the reconstruction of Raqqa.<br />
<br />
[[File:Homs frontlines.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Rastan pocket]]<br />
The evacuation of the Rastan "rebels" [https://southfront.org/evacuation-of-militants-from-rastan-pocket-delayed/ is delayed] until after the weekend, some thinking because of an actual lack of buses.<br />
<br />
Another [https://southfront.org/u-s-intelligence-services-prepare-new-chemical-weapons-provocation-in-syria-russian-state-media/ specific warning] about the staging of another "chemical attack" appears in Russian media.<br />
<br />
The OPCW [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/opcw-inspectors-finish-fact-finding-mission-in-syrias-douma/ has finished] its fact-finding mission to Douma.<br />
<br />
The US Navy [https://southfront.org/u-s-harry-s-truman-aircraft-carrier-starts-carying-out-sorties-over-syria-from-mediterranean-us-navy/ starts] flights over Syria from the Truman carrier group.<br />
<br />
3 May. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-freezes-funding-for-syrias-white-helmets/ According to] ''CBS'', U.S. freezes funding for Syria's "White Helmets" as well as several other aid programs in Syria<br />
<br />
A Russian SU-30SM plane [http://rusvesna.su/news/1525336082 crashed] at sea shortly after take-off from Khmeimim, both pilots were killed. It is said that enemy fire was not involved, preliminary information blames bird striking an engine ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1525346789 update]).<br />
<br />
While the first Al Qaeda militants from the South Damascus pocket [https://southfront.org/first-batch-of-militants-withdraw-from-southern-damascus-photos/ take the bus north], ISIS [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-splits-isis-pocket-in-southern-damascus-into-two-parts-map/ continues] to take a beating.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-gears-up-for-offensive-in-northern-homs-as-some-militant-factions-refuse-to-leave/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', only the militants in the towns of Rastan and Talbiseh have agreed to the evacuation, while those in the more rural areas of the Rastan pocket (like the Houla plains) refuse.<br />
<br />
2 May. The [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/rebels-to-surrender-in-northern-homs-and-southern-hama/ surrender agreement] with the militants in the Rastan pocket seeks to complete the disarmament and evacuation in three days, after which the Homs-Hama highway will be opened for the first time in several years.<br />
<br />
The US aircraft carrier strike group around the USS Harry S. Truman [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200992.html enters] the Mediterranean armed with over 1,000 cruise missiles.<br />
<br />
1 May. Following a 24-hour ceasefire in the Rastan pocket, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/exclusive-rebels-in-north-homs-declare-their-terms-of-surrender/ according to] ''Al Masdar'' sources the "rebels" are ready to surrender and the terms will be discussed tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Another deal made [https://southfront.org/overview-of-syrian-militarys-operation-in-southern-damascus-on-may-1-2018-map-photos-videos/ is already] in the process of realization: Al Qaeda and other factions in southern Damascus are taking a bus ride north, in exchange for the evacuation of the Shia villages al-Foua and Kefraya in Idlib province. This means there is "only" ISIS left to fight the SAA and allies in Yarmouk camp.<br />
<br />
The SDF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/sdf-relaunches-deir-ez-zor-operation-26401 announces] that it will relaunch its campaign against ISIS in eastern Deir ez-Zor province. It had been halted after Turkey attacked Afrin in late January. The operation will proceed [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/sdf-to-act-in-coordination-with-the-iraqi-army-26430 in coordination] with the Iraqi army.<br />
<br />
[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/05/01/hezbollah-has-accomplished-its-mission-in-syria-and-is-preparing-to-respond-to-an-israeli-war-on-lebanon/ According to] sources speaking to Elijah Magnier, Hezbollah considers its mission in Syria to be accomplished and has already withdrawn most of its forces back to Lebanon.<br />
<br />
30 Apr. [https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Netanyahu-to-address-country-with-dramatic-news-about-Iran-Monday-night-553119 'Netanyahu To Address Israel With 'Dramatic News About Iran' Monday Night'], and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRu-WFit2W4 this is what] he had to say<br />
<br />
[[File:Israeli airstrike on Aleppo 29 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Possible route of Israeli airstrike through US-controlled airspace]]<br />
It is reported in pro-Russia/loyalist sources that in the early morning hours, Israel [https://southfront.org/new-israeli-missile-strike-on-syria-locations-details-casualties/ fires] around a dozen missiles on three targets in Hama and Aleppo where Iranian-backed militias are stationed. There are several dozen casualties, suspected among them Iranian servicemen. Israeli commenters [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#2018|suggest]] a warehouse explosion, ground attack, with some not excluding possible Israeli role. Pentagon spokesman [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5170215 denied] US or coalition role in the attack; Israeli comment so far is not provided. Iranian source [https://en.mehrnews.com/news/133710/No-Iranian-forces-harmed-in-Syria-missile-attacks denies] their forces were harmed. <br />
<br />
29 Apr. Over the weekend the SAA and its Palestinian allies have overcome the ISIS defenses in southern Damascus and are [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pulverizes-isis-terrorists-amid-new-push-in-southern-damascus-video/ on steady advance] towards Yarmouk Camp.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Tiger Forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/large-convoy-of-tiger-forces-travel-to-northern-homs-for-upcoming-offensive/ are on the way] to the Rastan pocket, where a new offensive was announced, bringing [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-rebels-surrender-to-syrian-government-in-north-homs-pocket/ several rebel groups] to surrender in advance.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-snatches-4-towns-from-us-backed-forces-in-deir-ezzor-amid-surprise-offensive-syrian-state-media/ According to] SANA and Al-Masdar sources, loyalist forces on the eastern bank of the Euphrates have taken over a couple of towns north of Deir Ez-Zor from retreating SDF forces in a surprise offensive. In the afternoon they [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-retreats-from-all-new-gains-in-deir-ezzor-following-counter-attack-by-us-backed-forces/ reportedly] [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/04/our-forces-recapture-the-villages-entered-by-the-regimes-army/ retreat] back to their bridgehead. The last time such a "crossing" happened, it led to [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|larger confrontations with "coalition" air support]].<br />
<br />
28 Apr. The self-administration of Rojava [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-policy-of-turkification-and-demographic-change-in-afrin-26339 releases] a detailed report about the policy of "Turkification" pursued in Turkish-occupied Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
A meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Moscow ends with [http://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3202625 a joint statement].<br />
<br />
27 Apr. Syrian MP Fares Shehabi [http://www.syrianews.cc/syrian-mp-fares-shehabi-pummels-bbc-colonialist-sackur/ is interviewed] on BBC's "HARDtalk" show.<br />
<br />
[[File:Douma delegation at OPCW.jpg|thumb|150px|Douma delegation at OPCW]]<br />
26 Apr. At a briefing at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague, Russian envoy Alexandr Shulgin [https://www.rt.com/news/425240-opcw-russia-syria-douma-witnesses/ presents] a number of alleged [[ Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018/Witnesses|witnesses]] to the staging of the [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|Douma chemical attack]], including the boy Hassan Diab who is seen getting hosed with water in the hospital video circulated by the [[White Helmets]] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKil4rhDFW8 video of full briefing]).<br />
<br />
25 Apr. Russian MoD [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524654437 shows] what it says are fragments of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#April 14th missile attack|Western missiles]] shot down over Syria. RU MoD ([https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12172894 text], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8AetEXh80s video]) shows fragments, gives numbers update (13 hits in Barza center), and some details on missiles recovered (claimed to be 1 tomahawk and 1 high precision aerial launch missile; that tomahawk warhead is said to be on one of the photos.).<br />
<br />
The Narcotics Department [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135452 busts] a car with 90,000 Captagon tablets in Homs province.<br />
<br />
24 Apr. It is said that Russia [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524600443 repelled] another drone attack on its airbase in Khmeimim.<br />
<br />
''Kevork Almassian:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKmb0OZwaSg French troops moving into Northern Syria.] To (partially?) replace US troops in Hasakeh.<br />
<br />
23 Apr. ''TASS'' [http://tass.com/world/1001335 publishes] a detailed interview with the Syrian ambassador to China, Imad Moustapha.<br />
<br />
The evacuation of the eastern Qalamoon militants and their families [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/last-convoy-of-militants-leaves-east-qalamoun/ is finished] with a last batch of 35 buses heading north. A large cache of weapons is [https://twitter.com/warsmonitoring/status/988388752111362048 left behind.]<br />
<br />
22 Apr. A first batch of 30 buses [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135161 leaves] the eastern Qalamoon in northern direction. In total, between 5 and 6 thousand people are about to be evacuated.<br />
<br />
The militants in the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-reject-reconciliation-terms-in-northern-homs-syrian-army-prepares-for-battle/ continue] to refuse any deal with the SAA.<br />
<br />
21 Apr. The OPCW fact finding mission finally [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-team-visits-douma-syria/ makes it] to Douma and visits "one of the sites" of the alleged chemical attack to collect samples.<br />
<br />
The militants in the eastern Qalamoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-seizes-an-entire-brigade-of-tanks-and-other-armored-vehicles-from-rebels-in-east-qalamoun-details/ hand over] about 50 heavy military vehicles to the SAA as part of the peace deal made there.<br />
<br />
Syria and the Russian Federation's Republic of Crimea [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135088 sign] an economical cooperation agreement.<br />
<br />
Fights over the Rastan pocket [https://southfront.org/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-repels-another-syrian-army-attack-in-northern-homs-video/ are going on] with fierce resistance by the "rebels" and only moderate success by the SAA.<br />
<br />
20 Apr. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/history-of-us-military-support-for-turkey-26207 publishes] a history of US support to the Turkish military.<br />
<br />
[[File:Assad_renvoie_à_la_France_la_légion_d'honneur.jpeg|thumb|150px|Assad returns légion d'honneur]]<br />
19 Apr. Assad [https://www.rt.com/news/424639-assad-returns-legion-of-honor/ returns] his French Legion of Honor medal, saying he won't wear honors of a "slave country" that bombs Syria. <br />
<br />
The scientific service of the German parliament [https://linksfraktion.de/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_Dokumente/2018_04_19_WD2_Vo__lkerrechtliche_Implikationen_des_US-GB-F_Milita__rschlags_am_14_April_2018_gegen_Chemiewaffeneinrichtungen_in_Syrien.pdf finds] that the [[FUKUS]] strikes on Syria clearly violated international law, dismissing the British attempts at legitimization and contradicting statements by Angela Merkel who called them legitimate.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact finding mission [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/syria-who-holds-up-the-opcw-investigation-in-douma.html has still not visited] Douma.<br />
<br />
18 Apr. U.N. team [https://reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-on-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUKKBN1HP0SY fired on] in Syria while visiting suspected chemical sites, which may delay or jeopardize inspections. It was reported and denied that a Russian officer was wounded, and it is now [http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5138736 said] that a Syrian guard was lightly wounded and Russians were not on the scene of the incident.<br />
<br />
17 Apr. [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134731 Syria ranks first at Arab Sambo and Kurash Championship in Beirut]<br />
<br />
16 Apr. In the afternoon, Israeli Defense Minister Abigdor Lieberman [https://www.albawaba.com/news/defence-minister-avigdor-lieberman-says-israel-will-not-allow-russia-curb-its-activities-syria- states] that his country will not be limited in its actions in Syria by anyone, including Russia. At late night usually trustworthy sources report that Israel [https://twitter.com/WaelAlRussi/status/986018522127044608 attacks] several SAA air bases with missiles fired from jets over Lebanon and from northern Israel, including Dumayr airbase where Russian forces are known to be stationed. All objects are said to have been taken down by air defense. In the morning, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523944810 neither] Israel nor USA confirm the attack which [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-commander-blames-Israel-US-for-air-defense-false-alarm-550066 some claim to be] air defenses false alarm. <br />
<br />
As what he thinks is the first Western journalist, Robert Fisk [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html makes it to Douma] and is allowed to wander around freely - finding no trace of and a lot of skepticism about a chemical attack. Around the same time, an American TV team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU does the same with the same results].<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-develops-advance-in-rastan-pocket-liberates-more-areas/ takes] a couple of villages from Al Qaeda in an offensive in the east of the Rastan pocket that started yesterday. In a second afternoon advance, five towns and several strategic positions [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-scores-major-advance-against-rastan-militants-captures-5-towns-in-southeast-hama/ fall] to the SAA.<br />
<br />
Due to continued Turkish machinations with the water supply, the regions on the upper Euphrates [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/another-war-crime-by-turkey-waters-of-the-euphrates-cut-off-26145 are limited] to 12 hours of electricity the day.<br />
<br />
At a special meeting of the OPCW, Russian Ambassador Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw tells] the group that Russia has "irrefutable evidence" that the alleged Douma chemical attack was staged. <br />
<br />
Syria [https://syria360.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/on-independence-day-syrians-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-their-ancestors/ celebrates] "National Day", commemorating the independence from France 72 years ago.<br />
<br />
15 Apr. The militants in the remaining East Qalamoon pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-rebels-agree-to-leave-last-bastion-in-east-damascus/ accept] a bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-sends-more-troops-to-southern-damascus-thousands-of-soldiers-surround-area/ concentrates] more and more troops around the ISIS-controlled Yarmouk camp in southern Damascus.<br />
<br />
14 Apr. A lively UNSC meeting takes place which ends with the rejection of a Russian draft resolution condemning the obvious violations of the UN Charter [[FUKUS]] committed (live recordings by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjL4Jgc4pn4 Ruptly],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy9LyiFXjBs Russia 24], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkkcI8kCeM Washington Post]).<br />
<br />
According to Lavrov, a Swiss laboratory has determined that the OPCW samples of the Skripals show the usage of [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#BZ|BZ]] in addition to a "Novichok" family substance.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact-finding mission to Douma [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-continues-deployment-to-syria/ continues deployment] and [http://tass.com/world/999824 arrives in Damascus] in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
The Syrian Army General Command [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134412 declares] the eastern Ghouta to be free of terrorists.<br />
<br />
Around 4 AM Damascus time, France, UK, US ([[FUKUS]]) [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|attack Syria]] with approximately [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html 120] cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria (plus four)] UK aircraft attack Homs [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43770102 from well outside Syrian airspace]. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985130802668294144 tweets] ''Mission Accomplished!''<br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
<br />
Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
<br />
Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
<br />
[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
<br />
'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
<br />
The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
<br />
5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=45698Syria news/Current2018-05-07T22:38:06Z<p>Charles Wood: Israeli politician threatens to assassinate Bashar</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
7 May. While 171 buses have already left southern Damascus in direction north and the fifth batch [https://sana.sy/en/?p=136748 is prepared] there, the first evacuation buses [https://sana.sy/en/?p=136720 enter Rastan] after the militants [https://southfront.org/militants-their-supporters-start-leaving-rastan-pocket-under-deal-with-government-more-photos-of-weapons/ handed over] huge amounts of weapons including dozens of tanks.<br />
<br />
'' YNET Reports:'' [https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5253557,00.html Steinitz Yuval ] 'If Assad continues allowing Iran to operate out of Syria, it will be his end' <br />
<br />
6 May. The Iraqi Air Force [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/iraqi-airstrike-targets-position-used-by-daesh-commanders-in-syria-pm/ bombs] ISIS targets inside Syria.<br />
<br />
After some gangs looted hospitals in al-Bab, the people took to the streets in protest again the Turkish occupation, only to get attacked by the army. In protests against this treatment, today [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/people-of-al-bab-up-in-arms-turkish-army-gangs-kill-civilians-26523 six people die] at the hand of the Turkish army. Also in al-Bab, there is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/intense-battle-breaks-out-between-turkish-backed-rebels-in-northeast-aleppo/ infighting] triggered by the arrival of a group from Qalamoon which had some old beef with another group already in town. Tens of militants are reportedly killed on both sides.<br />
<br />
Reports about the misbehaviour of the Turkish-supported gangs are [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-state-allied-gangs-oppress-people-in-afrin-26519 also coming] out of Afrin, where the UN [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/un-accuses-turkey-of-blocking-refugees-from-returning-to-afrin/ says] Turkey prevents fled inhabitants from returning to. Meanwhile, Erdogan [https://southfront.org/erdogan-turkish-army-is-ready-for-its-next-mission-against-terrorist-organizations/ promises] some more land-grabbing after the early elections on June 24.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Southern Damascus.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Southern Damascus]]<br />
5 May. After having split the southern Damascus ISIS pocket into two, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-entire-southern-pocket-of-hajar-al-aswad-map/ eliminates] the southern part.<br />
<br />
4 May. ''ANF'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/raqqa-a-city-is-being-rebuilt-26451 publishes] a summary on the reconstruction of Raqqa.<br />
<br />
[[File:Homs frontlines.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Rastan pocket]]<br />
The evacuation of the Rastan "rebels" [https://southfront.org/evacuation-of-militants-from-rastan-pocket-delayed/ is delayed] until after the weekend, some thinking because of an actual lack of buses.<br />
<br />
Another [https://southfront.org/u-s-intelligence-services-prepare-new-chemical-weapons-provocation-in-syria-russian-state-media/ specific warning] about the staging of another "chemical attack" appears in Russian media.<br />
<br />
The OPCW [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/opcw-inspectors-finish-fact-finding-mission-in-syrias-douma/ has finished] its fact-finding mission to Douma.<br />
<br />
The US Navy [https://southfront.org/u-s-harry-s-truman-aircraft-carrier-starts-carying-out-sorties-over-syria-from-mediterranean-us-navy/ starts] flights over Syria from the Truman carrier group.<br />
<br />
3 May. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-freezes-funding-for-syrias-white-helmets/ According to] ''CBS'', U.S. freezes funding for Syria's "White Helmets" as well as several other aid programs in Syria<br />
<br />
Russian SU-30SM plane [http://rusvesna.su/news/1525336082 crashed] at sea shortly after take-off from Khmeimim, both pilots were killed. It is said that enemy fire was not involved, preliminary information blames bird striking an engine ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1525346789 update]).<br />
<br />
While the first Al Qaeda militants from the South Damascus pocket [https://southfront.org/first-batch-of-militants-withdraw-from-southern-damascus-photos/ take the bus north], ISIS [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-splits-isis-pocket-in-southern-damascus-into-two-parts-map/ continues] to take a beating.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-gears-up-for-offensive-in-northern-homs-as-some-militant-factions-refuse-to-leave/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', only the militants in the towns of Rastan and Talbiseh have agreed to the evacuation, while those in the more rural areas of the Rastan pocket (like the Houla plains) refuse.<br />
<br />
2 May. The [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/rebels-to-surrender-in-northern-homs-and-southern-hama/ surrender agreement] with the militants in the Rastan pocket seeks to complete the disarmament and evacuation in three days, after which the Homs-Hama highway will be opened for the first time in several years.<br />
<br />
The US aircraft carrier strike group around the USS Harry S. Truman [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200992.html enters] the Mediterranean armed with over 1,000 cruise missiles.<br />
<br />
1 May. Following a 24-hour ceasefire in the Rastan pocket, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/exclusive-rebels-in-north-homs-declare-their-terms-of-surrender/ according to] ''Al Masdar'' sources the "rebels" are ready to surrender and the terms will be discussed tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Another deal made [https://southfront.org/overview-of-syrian-militarys-operation-in-southern-damascus-on-may-1-2018-map-photos-videos/ is already] in the process of realization: Al Qaeda and other factions in southern Damascus are taking a bus ride north, in exchange for the evacuation of the Shia villages al-Foua and Kefraya in Idlib province. This means there is "only" ISIS left to fight the SAA and allies in Yarmouk camp.<br />
<br />
The SDF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/sdf-relaunches-deir-ez-zor-operation-26401 announces] that it will relaunch its campaign against ISIS in eastern Deir ez-Zor province. It had been halted after Turkey attacked Afrin in late January. The operation will proceed [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/sdf-to-act-in-coordination-with-the-iraqi-army-26430 in coordination] with the Iraqi army.<br />
<br />
[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/05/01/hezbollah-has-accomplished-its-mission-in-syria-and-is-preparing-to-respond-to-an-israeli-war-on-lebanon/ According to] sources speaking to Elijah Magnier, Hezbollah considers its mission in Syria to be accomplished and has already withdrawn most of its forces back to Lebanon.<br />
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30 Apr. [https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Netanyahu-to-address-country-with-dramatic-news-about-Iran-Monday-night-553119 'Netanyahu To Address Israel With 'Dramatic News About Iran' Monday Night'], and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRu-WFit2W4 this is what] he had to say<br />
<br />
[[File:Israeli airstrike on Aleppo 29 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Possible route of Israeli airstrike through US-controlled airspace]]<br />
It is reported in pro-Russia/loyalist sources that in the early morning hours, Israel [https://southfront.org/new-israeli-missile-strike-on-syria-locations-details-casualties/ fires] around a dozen missiles on three targets in Hama and Aleppo where Iranian-backed militias are stationed. There are several dozen casualties, suspected among them Iranian servicemen. Israeli commenters [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#2018|suggest]] a warehouse explosion, ground attack, with some not excluding possible Israeli role. Pentagon spokesman [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5170215 denied] US or coalition role in the attack; Israeli comment so far is not provided. Iranian source [https://en.mehrnews.com/news/133710/No-Iranian-forces-harmed-in-Syria-missile-attacks denies] their forces were harmed. <br />
<br />
29 Apr. Over the weekend the SAA and its Palestinian allies have overcome the ISIS defenses in southern Damascus and are [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pulverizes-isis-terrorists-amid-new-push-in-southern-damascus-video/ on steady advance] towards Yarmouk Camp.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Tiger Forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/large-convoy-of-tiger-forces-travel-to-northern-homs-for-upcoming-offensive/ are on the way] to the Rastan pocket, where a new offensive was announced, bringing [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-rebels-surrender-to-syrian-government-in-north-homs-pocket/ several rebel groups] to surrender in advance.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-snatches-4-towns-from-us-backed-forces-in-deir-ezzor-amid-surprise-offensive-syrian-state-media/ According to] SANA and Al-Masdar sources, loyalist forces on the eastern bank of the Euphrates have taken over a couple of towns north of Deir Ez-Zor from retreating SDF forces in a surprise offensive. In the afternoon they [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-retreats-from-all-new-gains-in-deir-ezzor-following-counter-attack-by-us-backed-forces/ reportedly] [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/04/our-forces-recapture-the-villages-entered-by-the-regimes-army/ retreat] back to their bridgehead. The last time such a "crossing" happened, it led to [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|larger confrontations with "coalition" air support]].<br />
<br />
28 Apr. The self-administration of Rojava [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-policy-of-turkification-and-demographic-change-in-afrin-26339 releases] a detailed report about the policy of "Turkification" pursued in Turkish-occupied Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
A meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Moscow ends with [http://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3202625 a joint statement].<br />
<br />
27 Apr. Syrian MP Fares Shehabi [http://www.syrianews.cc/syrian-mp-fares-shehabi-pummels-bbc-colonialist-sackur/ is interviewed] on BBC's "HARDtalk" show.<br />
<br />
[[File:Douma delegation at OPCW.jpg|thumb|150px|Douma delegation at OPCW]]<br />
26 Apr. At a briefing at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague, Russian envoy Alexandr Shulgin [https://www.rt.com/news/425240-opcw-russia-syria-douma-witnesses/ presents] a number of alleged [[ Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018/Witnesses|witnesses]] to the staging of the [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|Douma chemical attack]], including the boy Hassan Diab who is seen getting hosed with water in the hospital video circulated by the [[White Helmets]] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKil4rhDFW8 video of full briefing]).<br />
<br />
25 Apr. Russian MoD [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524654437 shows] what it says are fragments of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#April 14th missile attack|Western missiles]] shot down over Syria. RU MoD ([https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12172894 text], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8AetEXh80s video]) shows fragments, gives numbers update (13 hits in Barza center), and some details on missiles recovered (claimed to be 1 tomahawk and 1 high precision aerial launch missile; that tomahawk warhead is said to be on one of the photos.).<br />
<br />
The Narcotics Department [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135452 busts] a car with 90,000 Captagon tablets in Homs province.<br />
<br />
24 Apr. It is said that Russia [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524600443 repelled] another drone attack on its airbase in Khmeimim.<br />
<br />
''Kevork Almassian:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKmb0OZwaSg French troops moving into Northern Syria.] To (partially?) replace US troops in Hasakeh.<br />
<br />
23 Apr. ''TASS'' [http://tass.com/world/1001335 publishes] a detailed interview with the Syrian ambassador to China, Imad Moustapha.<br />
<br />
The evacuation of the eastern Qalamoon militants and their families [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/last-convoy-of-militants-leaves-east-qalamoun/ is finished] with a last batch of 35 buses heading north. A large cache of weapons is [https://twitter.com/warsmonitoring/status/988388752111362048 left behind.]<br />
<br />
22 Apr. A first batch of 30 buses [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135161 leaves] the eastern Qalamoon in northern direction. In total, between 5 and 6 thousand people are about to be evacuated.<br />
<br />
The militants in the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-reject-reconciliation-terms-in-northern-homs-syrian-army-prepares-for-battle/ continue] to refuse any deal with the SAA.<br />
<br />
21 Apr. The OPCW fact finding mission finally [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-team-visits-douma-syria/ makes it] to Douma and visits "one of the sites" of the alleged chemical attack to collect samples.<br />
<br />
The militants in the eastern Qalamoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-seizes-an-entire-brigade-of-tanks-and-other-armored-vehicles-from-rebels-in-east-qalamoun-details/ hand over] about 50 heavy military vehicles to the SAA as part of the peace deal made there.<br />
<br />
Syria and the Russian Federation's Republic of Crimea [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135088 sign] an economical cooperation agreement.<br />
<br />
Fights over the Rastan pocket [https://southfront.org/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-repels-another-syrian-army-attack-in-northern-homs-video/ are going on] with fierce resistance by the "rebels" and only moderate success by the SAA.<br />
<br />
20 Apr. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/history-of-us-military-support-for-turkey-26207 publishes] a history of US support to the Turkish military.<br />
<br />
[[File:Assad_renvoie_à_la_France_la_légion_d'honneur.jpeg|thumb|150px|Assad returns légion d'honneur]]<br />
19 Apr. Assad [https://www.rt.com/news/424639-assad-returns-legion-of-honor/ returns] his French Legion of Honor medal, saying he won't wear honors of a "slave country" that bombs Syria. <br />
<br />
The scientific service of the German parliament [https://linksfraktion.de/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_Dokumente/2018_04_19_WD2_Vo__lkerrechtliche_Implikationen_des_US-GB-F_Milita__rschlags_am_14_April_2018_gegen_Chemiewaffeneinrichtungen_in_Syrien.pdf finds] that the [[FUKUS]] strikes on Syria clearly violated international law, dismissing the British attempts at legitimization and contradicting statements by Angela Merkel who called them legitimate.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact finding mission [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/syria-who-holds-up-the-opcw-investigation-in-douma.html has still not visited] Douma.<br />
<br />
18 Apr. U.N. team [https://reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-on-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUKKBN1HP0SY fired on] in Syria while visiting suspected chemical sites, which may delay or jeopardize inspections. It was reported and denied that a Russian officer was wounded, and it is now [http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5138736 said] that a Syrian guard was lightly wounded and Russians were not on the scene of the incident.<br />
<br />
17 Apr. [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134731 Syria ranks first at Arab Sambo and Kurash Championship in Beirut]<br />
<br />
16 Apr. In the afternoon, Israeli Defense Minister Abigdor Lieberman [https://www.albawaba.com/news/defence-minister-avigdor-lieberman-says-israel-will-not-allow-russia-curb-its-activities-syria- states] that his country will not be limited in its actions in Syria by anyone, including Russia. At late night usually trustworthy sources report that Israel [https://twitter.com/WaelAlRussi/status/986018522127044608 attacks] several SAA air bases with missiles fired from jets over Lebanon and from northern Israel, including Dumayr airbase where Russian forces are known to be stationed. All objects are said to have been taken down by air defense. In the morning, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523944810 neither] Israel nor USA confirm the attack which [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-commander-blames-Israel-US-for-air-defense-false-alarm-550066 some claim to be] air defenses false alarm. <br />
<br />
As what he thinks is the first Western journalist, Robert Fisk [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html makes it to Douma] and is allowed to wander around freely - finding no trace of and a lot of skepticism about a chemical attack. Around the same time, an American TV team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU does the same with the same results].<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-develops-advance-in-rastan-pocket-liberates-more-areas/ takes] a couple of villages from Al Qaeda in an offensive in the east of the Rastan pocket that started yesterday. In a second afternoon advance, five towns and several strategic positions [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-scores-major-advance-against-rastan-militants-captures-5-towns-in-southeast-hama/ fall] to the SAA.<br />
<br />
Due to continued Turkish machinations with the water supply, the regions on the upper Euphrates [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/another-war-crime-by-turkey-waters-of-the-euphrates-cut-off-26145 are limited] to 12 hours of electricity the day.<br />
<br />
At a special meeting of the OPCW, Russian Ambassador Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw tells] the group that Russia has "irrefutable evidence" that the alleged Douma chemical attack was staged. <br />
<br />
Syria [https://syria360.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/on-independence-day-syrians-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-their-ancestors/ celebrates] "National Day", commemorating the independence from France 72 years ago.<br />
<br />
15 Apr. The militants in the remaining East Qalamoon pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-rebels-agree-to-leave-last-bastion-in-east-damascus/ accept] a bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-sends-more-troops-to-southern-damascus-thousands-of-soldiers-surround-area/ concentrates] more and more troops around the ISIS-controlled Yarmouk camp in southern Damascus.<br />
<br />
14 Apr. A lively UNSC meeting takes place which ends with the rejection of a Russian draft resolution condemning the obvious violations of the UN Charter [[FUKUS]] committed (live recordings by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjL4Jgc4pn4 Ruptly],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy9LyiFXjBs Russia 24], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkkcI8kCeM Washington Post]).<br />
<br />
According to Lavrov, a Swiss laboratory has determined that the OPCW samples of the Skripals show the usage of [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#BZ|BZ]] in addition to a "Novichok" family substance.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact-finding mission to Douma [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-continues-deployment-to-syria/ continues deployment] and [http://tass.com/world/999824 arrives in Damascus] in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
The Syrian Army General Command [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134412 declares] the eastern Ghouta to be free of terrorists.<br />
<br />
Around 4 AM Damascus time, France, UK, US ([[FUKUS]]) [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|attack Syria]] with approximately [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html 120] cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria (plus four)] UK aircraft attack Homs [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43770102 from well outside Syrian airspace]. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985130802668294144 tweets] ''Mission Accomplished!''<br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
<br />
Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
<br />
Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
<br />
[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
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'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
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[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
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[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
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The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
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[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
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5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
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''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
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4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
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[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
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Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
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2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
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The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
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1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
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28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
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[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
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27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
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Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
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26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
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Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
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While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
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At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
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Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
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24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
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Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
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[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
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19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
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18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
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17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
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''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
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14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
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Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=45641Syria news/Current2018-05-04T04:03:06Z<p>Charles Wood: It's a proposed freeze on all Syria aid funding, not just White Helmets</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
4 May. ''ANF'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/raqqa-a-city-is-being-rebuilt-26451 publishes] a summary on the reconstruction of Raqqa.<br />
<br />
3 May. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-freezes-funding-for-syrias-white-helmets/ According to] ''CBS'', U.S. freezes funding for Syria's "White Helmets" as well as several other aid programs in Syria<br />
<br />
Russian SU-30SM plane [http://rusvesna.su/news/1525336082 crashed] at sea shortly after take-off from Khmeimim, both pilots were killed. It is said that enemy fire was not involved, preliminary information blames bird striking an engine ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1525346789 update]).<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Southern Damascus.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Southern Damascus]]<br />
While the first Al Qaeda militants from the South Damascus pocket [https://southfront.org/first-batch-of-militants-withdraw-from-southern-damascus-photos/ take the bus north], ISIS [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-splits-isis-pocket-in-southern-damascus-into-two-parts-map/ continues] to take a beating.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-gears-up-for-offensive-in-northern-homs-as-some-militant-factions-refuse-to-leave/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', only the militants in the towns of Rastan and Talbiseh have agreed to the evacuation, while those in the more rural areas of the Rastan pocket (like the Houla plains) refuse.<br />
<br />
[[File:Homs frontlines.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Rastan pocket]]<br />
2 May. The [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/05/rebels-to-surrender-in-northern-homs-and-southern-hama/ surrender agreement] with the militants in the Rastan pocket seeks to complete the disarmament and evacuation in three days, after which the Homs-Hama highway will be opened for the first time in several years.<br />
<br />
The US aircraft carrier strike group around the USS Harry S. Truman [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200992.html enters] the Mediterranean armed with over 1,000 cruise missiles.<br />
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1 May. Following a 24-hour ceasefire in the Rastan pocket, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/exclusive-rebels-in-north-homs-declare-their-terms-of-surrender/ according to] ''Al Masdar'' sources the "rebels" are ready to surrender and the terms will be discussed tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Another deal made [https://southfront.org/overview-of-syrian-militarys-operation-in-southern-damascus-on-may-1-2018-map-photos-videos/ is already] in the process of realization: Al Qaeda and other factions in southern Damascus are taking a bus ride north, in exchange for the evacuation of the Shia villages al-Foua and Kefraya in Idlib province. This means there is "only" ISIS left to fight the SAA and allies in Yarmouk camp.<br />
<br />
The SDF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/sdf-relaunches-deir-ez-zor-operation-26401 announces] that it will relaunch its campaign against ISIS in eastern Deir ez-Zor province. It had been halted after Turkey attacked Afrin in late January. The operation will proceed [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/sdf-to-act-in-coordination-with-the-iraqi-army-26430 in coordination] with the Iraqi army.<br />
<br />
[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/05/01/hezbollah-has-accomplished-its-mission-in-syria-and-is-preparing-to-respond-to-an-israeli-war-on-lebanon/ According to] sources speaking to Elijah Magnier, Hezbollah considers its mission in Syria to be accomplished and has already withdrawn most of its forces back to Lebanon.<br />
<br />
30 Apr. [https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Netanyahu-to-address-country-with-dramatic-news-about-Iran-Monday-night-553119 'Netanyahu To Address Israel With 'Dramatic News About Iran' Monday Night'], and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRu-WFit2W4 this is what] he had to say<br />
<br />
[[File:Israeli airstrike on Aleppo 29 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Possible route of Israeli airstrike through US-controlled airspace]]<br />
It is reported in pro-Russia/loyalist sources that in the early morning hours, Israel [https://southfront.org/new-israeli-missile-strike-on-syria-locations-details-casualties/ fires] around a dozen missiles on three targets in Hama and Aleppo where Iranian-backed militias are stationed. There are several dozen casualties, suspected among them Iranian servicemen. Israeli commenters [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#2018|suggest]] a warehouse explosion, ground attack, with some not excluding possible Israeli role. Pentagon spokesman [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5170215 denied] US or coalition role in the attack; Israeli comment so far is not provided. Iranian source [https://en.mehrnews.com/news/133710/No-Iranian-forces-harmed-in-Syria-missile-attacks denies] their forces were harmed. <br />
<br />
29 Apr. Over the weekend the SAA and its Palestinian allies have overcome the ISIS defenses in southern Damascus and are [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pulverizes-isis-terrorists-amid-new-push-in-southern-damascus-video/ on steady advance] towards Yarmouk Camp.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Tiger Forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/large-convoy-of-tiger-forces-travel-to-northern-homs-for-upcoming-offensive/ are on the way] to the Rastan pocket, where a new offensive was announced, bringing [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-rebels-surrender-to-syrian-government-in-north-homs-pocket/ several rebel groups] to surrender in advance.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-snatches-4-towns-from-us-backed-forces-in-deir-ezzor-amid-surprise-offensive-syrian-state-media/ According to] SANA and Al-Masdar sources, loyalist forces on the eastern bank of the Euphrates have taken over a couple of towns north of Deir Ez-Zor from retreating SDF forces in a surprise offensive. In the afternoon they [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-retreats-from-all-new-gains-in-deir-ezzor-following-counter-attack-by-us-backed-forces/ reportedly] [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/04/our-forces-recapture-the-villages-entered-by-the-regimes-army/ retreat] back to their bridgehead. The last time such a "crossing" happened, it led to [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|larger confrontations with "coalition" air support]].<br />
<br />
28 Apr. The self-administration of Rojava [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-policy-of-turkification-and-demographic-change-in-afrin-26339 releases] a detailed report about the policy of "Turkification" pursued in Turkish-occupied Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
A meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Moscow ends with [http://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3202625 a joint statement].<br />
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27 Apr. Syrian MP Fares Shehabi [http://www.syrianews.cc/syrian-mp-fares-shehabi-pummels-bbc-colonialist-sackur/ is interviewed] on BBC's "HARDtalk" show.<br />
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[[File:Douma delegation at OPCW.jpg|thumb|150px|Douma delegation at OPCW]]<br />
26 Apr. At a briefing at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague, Russian envoy Alexandr Shulgin [https://www.rt.com/news/425240-opcw-russia-syria-douma-witnesses/ presents] a number of alleged [[ Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018/Witnesses|witnesses]] to the staging of the [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|Douma chemical attack]], including the boy Hassan Diab who is seen getting hosed with water in the hospital video circulated by the [[White Helmets]] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKil4rhDFW8 video of full briefing]).<br />
<br />
25 Apr. Russian MoD [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524654437 shows] what it says are fragments of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#April 14th missile attack|Western missiles]] shot down over Syria. RU MoD ([https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12172894 text], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8AetEXh80s video]) shows fragments, gives numbers update (13 hits in Barza center), and some details on missiles recovered (claimed to be 1 tomahawk and 1 high precision aerial launch missile; that tomahawk warhead is said to be on one of the photos.).<br />
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The Narcotics Department [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135452 busts] a car with 90,000 Captagon tablets in Homs province.<br />
<br />
24 Apr. It is said that Russia [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524600443 repelled] another drone attack on its airbase in Khmeimim.<br />
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''Kevork Almassian:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKmb0OZwaSg French troops moving into Northern Syria.] To (partially?) replace US troops in Hasakeh.<br />
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23 Apr. ''TASS'' [http://tass.com/world/1001335 publishes] a detailed interview with the Syrian ambassador to China, Imad Moustapha.<br />
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The evacuation of the eastern Qalamoon militants and their families [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/last-convoy-of-militants-leaves-east-qalamoun/ is finished] with a last batch of 35 buses heading north. A large cache of weapons is [https://twitter.com/warsmonitoring/status/988388752111362048 left behind.]<br />
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22 Apr. A first batch of 30 buses [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135161 leaves] the eastern Qalamoon in northern direction. In total, between 5 and 6 thousand people are about to be evacuated.<br />
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The militants in the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-reject-reconciliation-terms-in-northern-homs-syrian-army-prepares-for-battle/ continue] to refuse any deal with the SAA.<br />
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21 Apr. The OPCW fact finding mission finally [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-team-visits-douma-syria/ makes it] to Douma and visits "one of the sites" of the alleged chemical attack to collect samples.<br />
<br />
The militants in the eastern Qalamoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-seizes-an-entire-brigade-of-tanks-and-other-armored-vehicles-from-rebels-in-east-qalamoun-details/ hand over] about 50 heavy military vehicles to the SAA as part of the peace deal made there.<br />
<br />
Syria and the Russian Federation's Republic of Crimea [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135088 sign] an economical cooperation agreement.<br />
<br />
Fights over the Rastan pocket [https://southfront.org/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-repels-another-syrian-army-attack-in-northern-homs-video/ are going on] with fierce resistance by the "rebels" and only moderate success by the SAA.<br />
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20 Apr. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/history-of-us-military-support-for-turkey-26207 publishes] a history of US support to the Turkish military.<br />
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[[File:Assad_renvoie_à_la_France_la_légion_d'honneur.jpeg|thumb|150px|Assad returns légion d'honneur]]<br />
19 Apr. Assad [https://www.rt.com/news/424639-assad-returns-legion-of-honor/ returns] his French Legion of Honor medal, saying he won't wear honors of a "slave country" that bombs Syria. <br />
<br />
The scientific service of the German parliament [https://linksfraktion.de/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_Dokumente/2018_04_19_WD2_Vo__lkerrechtliche_Implikationen_des_US-GB-F_Milita__rschlags_am_14_April_2018_gegen_Chemiewaffeneinrichtungen_in_Syrien.pdf finds] that the [[FUKUS]] strikes on Syria clearly violated international law, dismissing the British attempts at legitimization and contradicting statements by Angela Merkel who called them legitimate.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact finding mission [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/syria-who-holds-up-the-opcw-investigation-in-douma.html has still not visited] Douma.<br />
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18 Apr. U.N. team [https://reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-on-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUKKBN1HP0SY fired on] in Syria while visiting suspected chemical sites, which may delay or jeopardize inspections. It was reported and denied that a Russian officer was wounded, and it is now [http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5138736 said] that a Syrian guard was lightly wounded and Russians were not on the scene of the incident.<br />
<br />
17 Apr. [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134731 Syria ranks first at Arab Sambo and Kurash Championship in Beirut]<br />
<br />
16 Apr. In the afternoon, Israeli Defense Minister Abigdor Lieberman [https://www.albawaba.com/news/defence-minister-avigdor-lieberman-says-israel-will-not-allow-russia-curb-its-activities-syria- states] that his country will not be limited in its actions in Syria by anyone, including Russia. At late night usually trustworthy sources report that Israel [https://twitter.com/WaelAlRussi/status/986018522127044608 attacks] several SAA air bases with missiles fired from jets over Lebanon and from northern Israel, including Dumayr airbase where Russian forces are known to be stationed. All objects are said to have been taken down by air defense. In the morning, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523944810 neither] Israel nor USA confirm the attack which [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-commander-blames-Israel-US-for-air-defense-false-alarm-550066 some claim to be] air defenses false alarm. <br />
<br />
As what he thinks is the first Western journalist, Robert Fisk [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html makes it to Douma] and is allowed to wander around freely - finding no trace of and a lot of skepticism about a chemical attack. Around the same time, an American TV team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU does the same with the same results].<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-develops-advance-in-rastan-pocket-liberates-more-areas/ takes] a couple of villages from Al Qaeda in an offensive in the east of the Rastan pocket that started yesterday. In a second afternoon advance, five towns and several strategic positions [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-scores-major-advance-against-rastan-militants-captures-5-towns-in-southeast-hama/ fall] to the SAA.<br />
<br />
Due to continued Turkish machinations with the water supply, the regions on the upper Euphrates [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/another-war-crime-by-turkey-waters-of-the-euphrates-cut-off-26145 are limited] to 12 hours of electricity the day.<br />
<br />
At a special meeting of the OPCW, Russian Ambassador Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw tells] the group that Russia has "irrefutable evidence" that the alleged Douma chemical attack was staged. <br />
<br />
Syria [https://syria360.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/on-independence-day-syrians-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-their-ancestors/ celebrates] "National Day", commemorating the independence from France 72 years ago.<br />
<br />
15 Apr. The militants in the remaining East Qalamoon pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-rebels-agree-to-leave-last-bastion-in-east-damascus/ accept] a bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-sends-more-troops-to-southern-damascus-thousands-of-soldiers-surround-area/ concentrates] more and more troops around the ISIS-controlled Yarmouk camp in southern Damascus.<br />
<br />
14 Apr. A lively UNSC meeting takes place which ends with the rejection of a Russian draft resolution condemning the obvious violations of the UN Charter [[FUKUS]] committed (live recordings by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjL4Jgc4pn4 Ruptly],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy9LyiFXjBs Russia 24], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkkcI8kCeM Washington Post]).<br />
<br />
According to Lavrov, a Swiss laboratory has determined that the OPCW samples of the Skripals show the usage of [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#BZ|BZ]] in addition to a "Novichok" family substance.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact-finding mission to Douma [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-continues-deployment-to-syria/ continues deployment] and [http://tass.com/world/999824 arrives in Damascus] in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
The Syrian Army General Command [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134412 declares] the eastern Ghouta to be free of terrorists.<br />
<br />
Around 4 AM Damascus time, France, UK, US ([[FUKUS]]) [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|attack Syria]] with approximately [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html 120] cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria (plus four)] UK aircraft attack Homs [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43770102 from well outside Syrian airspace]. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985130802668294144 tweets] ''Mission Accomplished!''<br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
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Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
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[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
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Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
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Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
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[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
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'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
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[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
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The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
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[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
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5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
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''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
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4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
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[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
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Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
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2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
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[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
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''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
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1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
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31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
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30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
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28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
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[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
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27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
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Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
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26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
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Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:A527248-Chlorine.pdf&diff=45579File:A527248-Chlorine.pdf2018-05-01T23:47:21Z<p>Charles Wood: REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF CHLORINE MAMMALIAN LETHALITY DATA AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HUMAN ESTIMATE R-1</p>
<hr />
<div>REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF CHLORINE MAMMALIAN LETHALITY DATA AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HUMAN ESTIMATE R-1</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:Barrel_Bombs_4.png&diff=45369File:Barrel Bombs 4.png2018-04-28T00:21:44Z<p>Charles Wood: History of 'barrel bombs'</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Weapons]]<br />
<br />
This image from 2012 and couple more are basically the only evidence bombs were carried inside aircraft and dropped with lit fuses (using a cigar due to wind).<br />
I recall at the time hearing they were actually captured IEDs being 'returned to sender'<br />
It soon became abundantly clear that they were ineffective. Either the fuse was too short and they exploded in the air or they hit the ground and were damaged so much before detonating they were ineffective.<br />
<br />
They were replaced by external fabricated bombs using a variety of ad-hoc designs and impact fuses.<br />
These then were ultimately replaced by fairly crude copies of standard Soviet aerial bombs. These are the ones seen being dropped two or four at a time from external helicopter racks.<br />
The same design is also dropped from jet aircraft.<br />
<br />
This didn't stop them being called barrel bombs. Anything dropped from a helicopter or jet was a barrel bomb - much like any jet aircraft in Syria is a MiG. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:20, 28 April 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:Hamoriye_chlorine_cylinder.jpg&diff=45339File:Hamoriye chlorine cylinder.jpg2018-04-26T20:52:55Z<p>Charles Wood: Charles Wood uploaded a new version of File:Hamoriye chlorine cylinder.jpg</p>
<hr />
<div>;Source<br />
* [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5616485/French-MI6-dossier-reveals-44-incidents-toxic-agents-used-combat.html French 'MI6' dossier reveals 44 incidents of toxic agents used in combat]] - ''Daily Mail'', April 14, 2018<br />
*:''AND ANOTHER UNEARTHED NEAR DOUMA - Another gas canister which was found after a Syrian attack in Hamoriye, near Douma, last month. French government officials say the Assad regime has used chemical weapons 12 times in the past 12 months<br />
* Video: http://www.aljazeera.net/news/arabic/2018/4/18/واشنطن-النظام-السوري-ينظف-مكان-الجريمة-بدوما واشنطن: النظام السوري ينظف مكان الجريمة بدوما] - ''Al Jazeera'', April 18, 2018<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chlorine]]<br />
[[Category:Douma hostage massacre (2018)]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=45297Syria news/Current2018-04-25T06:08:33Z<p>Charles Wood: Frogs rush in where fools fear to tread</p>
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<br />
24 Apr. It is said that Russia [http://rusvesna.su/news/1524600443 repelled] another drone attack on its airbase in Khmeimim.<br />
<br />
''Kevork Almassian:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKmb0OZwaSg French troops moving into Northern Syria.] To (partially?) replace US troops in Hasakeh.<br />
<br />
23 Apr. ''TASS'' [http://tass.com/world/1001335 publishes] a detailed interview with the Syrian ambassador to China, Imad Moustapha.<br />
<br />
The evacuation of the eastern Qalamoon militants and their families [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/last-convoy-of-militants-leaves-east-qalamoun/ is finished] with a last batch of 35 buses heading north. A large cache of weapons is [https://twitter.com/warsmonitoring/status/988388752111362048 left behind.]<br />
<br />
22 Apr. A first batch of 30 buses [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135161 leaves] the eastern Qalamoon in northern direction. In total, between 5 and 6 thousand people are about to be evacuated.<br />
<br />
The militants in the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-reject-reconciliation-terms-in-northern-homs-syrian-army-prepares-for-battle/ continue] to refuse any deal with the SAA.<br />
<br />
21 Apr. The OPCW fact finding mission finally [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-team-visits-douma-syria/ makes it] to Douma and visits "one of the sites" of the alleged chemical attack to collect samples.<br />
<br />
The militants in the eastern Qalamoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-seizes-an-entire-brigade-of-tanks-and-other-armored-vehicles-from-rebels-in-east-qalamoun-details/ hand over] about 50 heavy military vehicles to the SAA as part of the peace deal made there.<br />
<br />
Syria and the Russian Federation's Republic of Crimea [https://sana.sy/en/?p=135088 sign] an economical cooperation agreement.<br />
<br />
[[File:Homs frontlines.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Rastan pocket]]<br />
Fights over the Rastan pocket [https://southfront.org/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-repels-another-syrian-army-attack-in-northern-homs-video/ are going on] with fierce resistance by the "rebels" and only moderate success by the SAA.<br />
<br />
20 Apr. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/history-of-us-military-support-for-turkey-26207 publishes] a history of US support to the Turkish military.<br />
<br />
[[File:Assad_renvoie_à_la_France_la_légion_d'honneur.jpeg|thumb|150px|Assad returns légion d'honneur]]<br />
19 Apr. Assad [https://www.rt.com/news/424639-assad-returns-legion-of-honor/ returns] his French Legion of Honor medal, saying he won't wear honors of a "slave country" that bombs Syria. <br />
<br />
The scientific service of the German parliament [https://linksfraktion.de/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_Dokumente/2018_04_19_WD2_Vo__lkerrechtliche_Implikationen_des_US-GB-F_Milita__rschlags_am_14_April_2018_gegen_Chemiewaffeneinrichtungen_in_Syrien.pdf finds] that the [[FUKUS]] strikes on Syria clearly violated international law, dismissing the British attempts at legitimization and contradicting statements by Angela Merkel who called them legitimate.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact finding mission [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/04/syria-who-holds-up-the-opcw-investigation-in-douma.html has still not visited] Douma.<br />
<br />
18 Apr. U.N. team [https://reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-on-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUKKBN1HP0SY fired on] in Syria while visiting suspected chemical sites, which may delay or jeopardize inspections. It was reported and denied that a Russian officer was wounded, and it is now [http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5138736 said] that a Syrian guard was lightly wounded and Russians were not on the scene of the incident.<br />
<br />
17 Apr. [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134731 Syria ranks first at Arab Sambo and Kurash Championship in Beirut]<br />
<br />
16 Apr. In the afternoon, Israeli Defense Minister Abigdor Lieberman [https://www.albawaba.com/news/defence-minister-avigdor-lieberman-says-israel-will-not-allow-russia-curb-its-activities-syria- states] that his country will not be limited in its actions in Syria by anyone, including Russia. At late night usually trustworthy sources report that Israel [https://twitter.com/WaelAlRussi/status/986018522127044608 attacks] several SAA air bases with missiles fired from jets over Lebanon and from northern Israel, including Dumayr airbase where Russian forces are known to be stationed. All objects are said to have been taken down by air defense. In the morning, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523944810 neither] Israel nor USA confirm the attack which [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-commander-blames-Israel-US-for-air-defense-false-alarm-550066 some claim to be] air defenses false alarm. <br />
<br />
As what he thinks is the first Western journalist, Robert Fisk [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html makes it to Douma] and is allowed to wander around freely - finding no trace of and a lot of skepticism about a chemical attack. Around the same time, an American TV team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSXwG-901yU does the same with the same results].<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-develops-advance-in-rastan-pocket-liberates-more-areas/ takes] a couple of villages from Al Qaeda in an offensive in the east of the Rastan pocket that started yesterday. In a second afternoon advance, five towns and several strategic positions [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-scores-major-advance-against-rastan-militants-captures-5-towns-in-southeast-hama/ fall] to the SAA.<br />
<br />
Due to continued Turkish machinations with the water supply, the regions on the upper Euphrates [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/another-war-crime-by-turkey-waters-of-the-euphrates-cut-off-26145 are limited] to 12 hours of electricity the day.<br />
<br />
At a special meeting of the OPCW, Russian Ambassador Shulgin [https://netherlands.mid.ru/en_GB/web/netherlands-en/-/statement-by-a-shulgin-at-the-58th-ec-meeting-of-the-opcw tells] the group that Russia has "irrefutable evidence" that the alleged Douma chemical attack was staged. <br />
<br />
Syria [https://syria360.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/on-independence-day-syrians-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-their-ancestors/ celebrates] "National Day", commemorating the independence from France 72 years ago.<br />
<br />
15 Apr. The militants in the remaining East Qalamoon pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-rebels-agree-to-leave-last-bastion-in-east-damascus/ accept] a bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Southern Damascus.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation Southern Damascus]]<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-sends-more-troops-to-southern-damascus-thousands-of-soldiers-surround-area/ concentrates] more and more troops around the ISIS-controlled Yarmouk camp in southern Damascus.<br />
<br />
14 Apr. A lively UNSC meeting takes place which ends with the rejection of a Russian draft resolution condemning the obvious violations of the UN Charter [[FUKUS]] committed (live recordings by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjL4Jgc4pn4 Ruptly],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy9LyiFXjBs Russia 24], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkkcI8kCeM Washington Post]).<br />
<br />
According to Lavrov, a Swiss laboratory has determined that the OPCW samples of the Skripals show the usage of [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#BZ|BZ]] in addition to a "Novichok" family substance.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact-finding mission to Douma [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-continues-deployment-to-syria/ continues deployment] and [http://tass.com/world/999824 arrives in Damascus] in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
The Syrian Army General Command [https://sana.sy/en/?p=134412 declares] the eastern Ghouta to be free of terrorists.<br />
<br />
Around 4 AM Damascus time, France, UK, US ([[FUKUS]]) [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|attack Syria]] with approximately [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html 120] cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria (plus four)] UK aircraft attack Homs [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43770102 from well outside Syrian airspace]. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985130802668294144 tweets] ''Mission Accomplished!''<br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
<br />
Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
<br />
Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
<br />
[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
<br />
'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
<br />
The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
<br />
5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:Alleged_Chemical_Attack,_April_7,_2018&diff=44884Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 20182018-04-18T07:33:03Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Frost on Cl Cylinder ? Nah. */ compare to propane cylinders.</p>
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<div>At the [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5108518 UN meeting] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te8xKNWn-lY video])(with Russian and the other proposed sessions combined) Nebenzya told that Russian experts went there but were unable to find evidence of attack (no poisonous samples, no bodies in the only hospital or the graveyard, no witness evidence. He invited OPCW to visit immedeately, tomorrow. After all that, some theater of absurd, Dutch and US rep blaming Russia for everything, baby crying and so on. I mean , one of the sides must be very badly lying, on purpose; quite sickening to listen all this Babylonian tower miscommunication --20:13, 9 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
'US wants UN vote' today --to fail and justify [[U.S._missile_strike_on_Syria_(2018)|military strikes]]([[Talk:U.S._missile_strike_on_Syria_(2018)|talk]]) says [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/US-wants-UN-vote-Tuesday-on-Syria-gas-attack-inquiry-549339 Reuters]. Brilliant plan. (Nikki Haley posterior shown out of the UN door with assistants in tow yesterday when Syrian rep got the floor. And she was talking babies photos right after Russian rep told that no traces of attack could be found). --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 04:25, 10 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Frost on Cl Cylinder ? Nah. ==<br />
<br />
The usual suspects are now claiming the whiteish object in the roof hole 'on the day' is frost on a yellow cylinder.<br />
<br />
This document gives some information<br />
<br />
[[File:Removal Of Gaseous Chlorine From Cylinders And Ton Containers.pdf]]<br />
<br />
Reading in general on evaporation of liquids in cylinders, most heat is absorbed into the boiling liquid, not into the gaseous part and not where it exits the cylinder through a valve.<br />
<br />
The position of the cylinder and presumed vent pointing into the room underneath show that the liquid in the cylinder would be at the the bottom of the cylinder. This will result in the liquid being expelled under pressure and not boiling inside the cylinder.<br />
<br />
This results in two effects.<br />
<br />
*The liquid would boil outside the cylinder and presumably some distance from it. As a result the cylinder won't be cooled by heat boiling the chlorine inside the cylinder<br />
*There will be no gas expansion at the vent thus absorbing heat, so no cooling effect from gas coming out and expanding<br />
<br />
There will inevitably be an argument that the chlorine in the cylinder is gas, not liquid. However:<br />
<br />
*Chlorine liquefies at 778kPa at room temperature see [https://www.chlorineinstitute.org/stewardship/chlorine/ Chlorine Data] That's about 112psi.<br />
*112psi in a 40 litre container is naff all. When was the last time your air compressor tank frosted over when you hit the release valve?<br />
<br />
Conclusion:<br />
<br />
*There would not have been frost formed if the cylinder contained only compressed chlorine gas - not liquid.<br />
*If the cylinder had liquid chlorine it would have been jetted out the exit hole and cooled elsewhere - so no frost or minimal frost on the cylinder<br />
*If the cylinder was leaking so slowly that there was significant boiling inside it, it would have taken hours and people would have had plenty of time to escape<br />
<br />
--[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 20:38, 17 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Hi, interesting (in general abstract/knowledge sense), generally agree but maybe slightly trickier (below), do not have time to sort if out now (hopefully later) , but in any case, it is quite irrelevant to the chemical attack situation, whether freezing tank or freezing green men from Mars, it's still a staged fake all the same, so kind of not worth it to put much effort in figuring another theory. On the content, what might be going on is, as you say, there is liquid at the bottom, gas on top, and they are in equilibrium, which means that pressure and temperature are related by Clausius-Clapeyron boiling pressure-temperature relation, P = P_o exp(-H_b /RT (1/T-1/T_0)), H_b specific boiling heat. As it leaks out and pressure tries to drop, it makes liquid above new lower boiling temperature, so just enough of it evaporates quickly to compensate and stay on Clausius-Clapeyron. Cooling occurs because (1) gas expands inside the tank as volume of liquid inside drops (2) whatever is needed to evaporate the liquid still inside to stay on the boiling curve; but as you say, escaping liquid evaporation does not contribute . Gas inside may be taken as ideal but the amount of gas is tricky as it is in equilibrium with (leaking out) liquid. It can be worked out but a bit messy and also not relevant, a fake is still a fake, before or after sorting this out. On practical side I guess it is like charging air conditioner, not like emptying air compressor. In charging AC, tank does freeze a bit at the bottom, I guess for the reasons above, as there is quite a lot of inside the tank evaporation in gas-liquid mix at equilibrium --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 07:11, 18 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:The most suitable reference is BBQ propane cylinders. If run hard enough they cool down at the bottom where the liquid is evaporating - maybe even frosting but I've never seen it.<br />
:And the best test of the Smiggins theory is get a large propane cylinder, invert it, and open the valve. Lots of liquid propane on the ground and nil freezing of the cylinder. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 07:33, 18 April 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:Alleged_Chemical_Attack,_April_7,_2018&diff=44842Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 20182018-04-17T20:38:44Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Frost on Cl Cylinder ? Nah. */ new section</p>
<hr />
<div>At the [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5108518 UN meeting] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te8xKNWn-lY video])(with Russian and the other proposed sessions combined) Nebenzya told that Russian experts went there but were unable to find evidence of attack (no poisonous samples, no bodies in the only hospital or the graveyard, no witness evidence. He invited OPCW to visit immedeately, tomorrow. After all that, some theater of absurd, Dutch and US rep blaming Russia for everything, baby crying and so on. I mean , one of the sides must be very badly lying, on purpose; quite sickening to listen all this Babylonian tower miscommunication --20:13, 9 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
'US wants UN vote' today --to fail and justify [[U.S._missile_strike_on_Syria_(2018)|military strikes]]([[Talk:U.S._missile_strike_on_Syria_(2018)|talk]]) says [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/US-wants-UN-vote-Tuesday-on-Syria-gas-attack-inquiry-549339 Reuters]. Brilliant plan. (Nikki Haley posterior shown out of the UN door with assistants in tow yesterday when Syrian rep got the floor. And she was talking babies photos right after Russian rep told that no traces of attack could be found). --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 04:25, 10 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Frost on Cl Cylinder ? Nah. ==<br />
<br />
The usual suspects are now claiming the whiteish object in the roof hole 'on the day' is frost on a yellow cylinder.<br />
<br />
This document gives some information<br />
<br />
[[File:Removal Of Gaseous Chlorine From Cylinders And Ton Containers.pdf]]<br />
<br />
Reading in general on evaporation of liquids in cylinders, most heat is absorbed into the boiling liquid, not into the gaseous part and not where it exits the cylinder through a valve.<br />
<br />
The position of the cylinder and presumed vent pointing into the room underneath show that the liquid in the cylinder would be at the the bottom of the cylinder. This will result in the liquid being expelled under pressure and not boiling inside the cylinder.<br />
<br />
This results in two effects.<br />
<br />
*The liquid would boil outside the cylinder and presumably some distance from it. As a result the cylinder won't be cooled by heat boiling the chlorine inside the cylinder<br />
*There will be no gas expansion at the vent thus absorbing heat, so no cooling effect from gas coming out and expanding<br />
<br />
There will inevitably be an argument that the chlorine in the cylinder is gas, not liquid. However:<br />
<br />
*Chlorine liquefies at 778kPa at room temperature see [https://www.chlorineinstitute.org/stewardship/chlorine/ Chlorine Data] That's about 112psi.<br />
*112psi in a 40 litre container is naff all. When was the last time your air compressor tank frosted over when you hit the release valve?<br />
<br />
Conclusion:<br />
<br />
*There would not have been frost formed if the cylinder contained only compressed chlorine gas - not liquid.<br />
*If the cylinder had liquid chlorine it would have been jetted out the exit hole and cooled elsewhere - so no frost or minimal frost on the cylinder<br />
*If the cylinder was leaking so slowly that there was significant boiling inside it, it would have taken hours and people would have had plenty of time to escape<br />
<br />
--[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 20:38, 17 April 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:Removal_Of_Gaseous_Chlorine_From_Cylinders_And_Ton_Containers.pdf&diff=44837File:Removal Of Gaseous Chlorine From Cylinders And Ton Containers.pdf2018-04-17T20:10:00Z<p>Charles Wood: Industrial manual on draining chlorine from cylinders and specifically discusses the temperature changes at various locations in the system</p>
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<div>Industrial manual on draining chlorine from cylinders and specifically discusses the temperature changes at various locations in the system</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:FUKUS_smart_missiles_shot_down_in_Syria.jpg&diff=44791File:FUKUS smart missiles shot down in Syria.jpg2018-04-17T00:12:49Z<p>Charles Wood: /* What missile type? */ R40</p>
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<div>;Source<br />
* [https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155726388018717&set=a.10152179439653717.1073741833.627543716 Johnny Achi] on Facebook, April 15, 2018<br />
*:''Out of the 107 ‘smart’ missiles launched on Syria, 71 were shot down or diverted off their targets by the Syrian Air Defense.<br />
*:''It appeared that those ‘smart’ missiles were not so smart after all. They were actually even a bit dumber than the man who sent them! 🤣🤣🤣🚀🚀🚀👎👎👎<br />
<br />
== What missile type? ==<br />
This does not look like any version of the Tomahawk. Strange double air intakes. The red cap on the seeker hints that it has not even been fired.<br />
<br />
They are most likely scrap R40 missiles from Syrian stocks. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:12, 17 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile) Tomahawk] missile has a diameter of 52 cm. These missiles are about 30 cm across. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 18:07, 16 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
*US missiles are [https://sofrep.com/102005/the-jassm-er-a-look-at-lockheed-martins-new-missiles-used-in-syria/ reportedly] 57 Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM), 19 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range ([https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/mfc/pc/jassm/mfc-jassm-er-pc.pdf JASSM-ER])<br />
*Britain [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/14/russia-claims-ally-syria-shot-71-103-missiles-launched-us-britain/ launched] eight [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_Shadow Storm Shadow] cruise missiles<br />
*France [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/14/russia-claims-ally-syria-shot-71-103-missiles-launched-us-britain/ fired] 12 [https://www.thelocal.fr/20180414/french-cruise-missiles-fired-from-med-to-punish-syria cruise missiles], three from a frigate ([https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/syria-airstrikes-weapons-used-intl/index.html said to be] [https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mdcn-missile-croisiere-naval/ Missile De Croisière Naval]) and nine from [https://twitter.com/Elysee/status/984984444623781888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Rafale jets] (which [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/syria-airstrikes-weapons-used-intl/index.html 'could be'] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_Shadow Storm Shadow]). <br />
<br />
[https://bdk.bmcdn.dk/media/cache/resolve/image_1500x/image/94/943768/20660842-france-us-britain-syria-conflict-strike.jpg French missiles] and Tomahawks look like missiles, the rest more like unguided plane, but I do not think any of them looks like what's shown here. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:54, 16 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:FUKUS missile strike on Syria (2018)]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44702Syria news/Current2018-04-14T21:59:19Z<p>Charles Wood: Brit aircraft fired at Homs from Cyprus - very worried about S400 retaliation</p>
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<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
14 Apr. A lively UNSC meeting takes place which ends with the rejection of a Russian draft resolution condemning the obvious violations of the UN Charter [[FUKUS]] committed (live recordings by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjL4Jgc4pn4 Ruptly],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy9LyiFXjBs Russia 24], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkkcI8kCeM Washington Post]).<br />
<br />
According to Lavrov, a Swiss laboratory has determined that the OPCW samples of the Skripals show the usage of [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#BZ|BZ]] in addition to a "Novichok" family substance.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact-finding mission to Douma [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-continues-deployment-to-syria/ continues deployment] and [http://tass.com/world/999824 arrives in Damascus] in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
Around 4 AM Damascus time, France, UK, US ([[FUKUS]]) [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|attack Syria]] with approximately [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html 120] cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria (plus four)] UK aircraft attack Homs [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43770102 from well outside Syrian airspace]. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985130802668294144 tweets] ''Mission Accomplished!''<br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
<br />
Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
<br />
Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
<br />
[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
<br />
'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
<br />
The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
<br />
5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
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28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
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Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
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''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
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[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44699Syria news/Current2018-04-14T21:40:02Z<p>Charles Wood: </p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
14 Apr. A lively UNSC meeting takes place which ends with the rejection of a Russian draft resolution condemning the obvious violations of the UN Charter [[FUKUS]] committed (live recordings by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjL4Jgc4pn4 Ruptly],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy9LyiFXjBs Russia 24], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkkcI8kCeM Washington Post]).<br />
<br />
According to Lavrov, a Swiss laboratory has determined that the OPCW samples of the Skripals show the usage of [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#BZ|BZ]] in addition to a "Novichok" family substance.<br />
<br />
The OPCW fact-finding mission to Douma [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-continues-deployment-to-syria/ continues deployment] and [http://tass.com/world/999824 arrives in Damascus] in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
Around 4 AM Damascus time, France, UK, US ([[FUKUS]]) [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html attack] Syria with approximately 120 cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] UK aircraft attack Homs. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985130802668294144 tweets] ''Mission Accomplished!''<br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
<br />
Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
<br />
Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
<br />
[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
<br />
'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
<br />
The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
<br />
5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44601Syria news/Current2018-04-14T03:36:24Z<p>Charles Wood: Syria attack</p>
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<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
14 Apr. France, UK, US (FUKUS) [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-syria-attack-20180411-story.html attack] Syria with approximately 120 cruise missiles. [http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605 Four] UK aircraft attack Homs. <br />
<br />
13 Apr. Russian defense ministry spokesperson Konashenkov [http://tass.com/defense/999641 tells the press] details about the staging of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. <br />
<br />
Syrian UN ambassador Ja'afari [http://tass.com/world/999486 tells the press] details about how "rebels" got hands on chemical weapons.<br />
<br />
British Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Shaw CB CBE, former commander of Multi-National Division (SE) in Iraq in 2007 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=LrTph2Y-qBU told Sky news] that Assad had no motive to launch a chemical attack at this time at that place; his comments were interrupted. <br />
<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
Christian Blex, head of the German parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria for several days, gives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF6HmvAVmNI a detailed report] of their experiences (German language video).<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
<br />
Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
<br />
Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
<br />
Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
<br />
Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
<br />
Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
<br />
[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
<br />
'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
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[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
<br />
The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
<br />
5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Novichok&diff=44577Novichok2018-04-13T09:01:14Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Lethality? */ spam filters</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Talk}}<br />
[[File:Chemical Warfare Toxicology- Volume 1- Fundamental Aspects - page 19.png|thumb|There was little information on novichoks in 2016]]<br />
== Sources ==<br />
:''See also [[Poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]<br />
*[https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Нервно-паралитические_отравляющие_вещества Нервно-паралитические отравляющие вещества] - Russian ''Wikipedia''<br />
*:''According to unconfirmed officially sources (Lev Fyodorov, Vil Mirzayanov) in the 1970s the work on the creation of a series of third generation nerve agents under the general designation "Novice" began in the '''USSR'''. According to Mirzayanov, this work continued, at least until the 90-s inclusive. There is no reliable information on the structure and properties of these substances.''<br />
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novichok_agent Novichok agent] - ''Wikipedia''<br />
*:''One of the key manufacturing sites was the Soviet State Scientific Research Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology (GosNIIOKhT) in '''Nukus, Uzbekistan'''. Small, experimental batches of the weapons may have been tested on the nearby Ustyurt plateau. It may also have been tested in a research centre in Krasnoarmeysk near Moscow. '''Since its independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has been working with the government of the United States''' to dismantle and decontaminate the sites where the Novichok agents and other chemical weapons were tested and developed.<br />
<br />
:''According to a classified (secret) report by the US Army National Ground Intelligence Center in Military Intelligence Digest dated 24 January 1997,[53] agent designated A-232 and its ethyl analog A-234 developed under the Foliant program "are as toxic as VX, as resistant to treatment as soman, and more difficult to detect and easier to manufacture than VX". The binary versions of the agents reportedly uses acetonitrile and an organic phosphate "that can be disguised as a '''pesticide precursor'''."'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novichok_agent<br />
<br />
<br />
Example of a declared Novichok derivative, researched in Iran in 2016<br />
Mirzayanov gives somewhat different structures for Novichok agents in his autobiography to those which have been identified by Western experts.[54] He makes clear that a large number of compounds were made, and many of the less potent derivatives were reported in the open literature as new organophosphate insecticides,[55] so that the secret chemical weapons program could be disguised as legitimate pesticide research.<br />
* [https://alchetron.com/Novichok-agent Novichok agent] - ''Alchetron''<br />
* [https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/russian-novichok-nerve-agent-linked-to-attack-on-ex-spy/3008773.article What we know about Russia's Novichok nerve agents linked to attack on ex-spy] - Emma Stoye, ''Chemistry World'', March 13, 2018<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/421200-uk-novichok-agent-allegations/ Novichok – toxic questions about chemical at center of Skripal saga] - ''RT'', March 13, 2018<br />
*:''Mirzayanov, who defected to the US several years later, reacted to the British prime minister’s accusations in a notable post on Facebook. “[May] said that ‘Novichok’ has been used in the assassination attempt on Skripal,” Mirzayanov wrote. “Its chemical formula has been published only in my book,” he said. <br />
*:''His book, which allegedly contains the top-secret formula of the deadly nerve agent, is titled ‘State Secrets: An Insider's Chronicle of the Russian Chemical Weapons Program.’ Its paperback edition is available on Amazon and sells for just $30. If the formula is genuine, this is probably the first time a whistleblower has provided free access to a method of producing the highly poisonous weapon.<br />
* [http://syriapropagandamedia.org/doubts-about-novichoks Doubts about “Novichoks”] - Paul McKeigue and Piers Robinson, ''Working Group on Syria, Media and Propaganda'', March 14, 2018<br />
* [https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2018/03/bothered-by-midgies/ Bothered By Midgies] - Craig Murray, March 15, 2018<br />
*:Structure which his opponent highlights in A-232, and shared by A-234, A-262, is essentially the one of [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Estrutura_em_esqueleto_do_Fluoreto_de_Tabun.png tabun fluoride]; tabun is German WW2 era. (I do not think opponent's rightmost N connects to the other N as in Mirzayanov; so have that right N dropped, then comment applies).--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 05:26, 16 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/news/421591-uk-produce-novichok-agent/ UK, Slovakia, Sweden, Czech Republic among most probable sources of ‘Novichok’ – Moscow] - ''RT'', March 17, 2018<br />
* [https://thebell.io/en/the-scientist-who-developed-novichok-doses-ranged-from-20-grams-to-several-kilos/ The scientist who developed “Novichok”:] - ''The Bell'', March 20, 2018<br />
*:Highly plausible description of the development of 'Foliant' agents aka Novichok. (Mirzayanov was not the developer, just a security apparatchnik)<br />
* [https://theconversation.com/novichok-the-deadly-story-behind-the-nerve-agent-in-sergei-skripal-spy-attack-93562 Novichok: the deadly story behind the nerve agent in Sergei Skripal spy attack] - ''The Conversation'', March 20, 2018<br />
* [https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2018/03/21/unknown-newcomer-novichok-was-long-known-a1596490 ‘Unknown’ newcomer novichok was long known] - Karel Knip, ''nrc.nl'', March 21, 2018<br />
* [https://medium.com/insurge-intelligence/former-opcw-official-no-conclusive-proof-of-russian-complicity-in-salisbury-attack-1ae3749ba38e Former OPCW official: no conclusive proof of Russian complicity in Salisbury attack] - Nafeez Ahmed, ''INSURGE intelligence'', March 27, 2018<br />
* [http://russiancouncil.ru/en/analytics-and-comments/analytics/novichok-what-do-we-know/ Novichok: What Do We Know?] - Anton Utkin, ''RIAC'', March 29, 2018<br />
* [https://twitter.com/ClimateAudit/status/980550253916119040 Some thoughts on A-234 and novichoks] - Stephen McIntyre, April 1, 2018<br />
<br />
===Russian sources?===<br />
Apparently details were not published in open Russian sources. What appeared either does not include details, or is derivative from Western publications (Mirzayanov book)<br />
*[http://forum.kpe.ru/showpost.php?p=130471&postcount=35 forum.kpe.ru], 6 July, 2010<br />
<br />
==Mirzayanov==<br />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150824060701/www.stimson.org/images/uploads/research-pdfs/Report17.pdf "Chemical Weapons Disarmament in Russia:] Problems and Prospects; Dismantling the Soviet/Russian Chemical Weapons Complex: An Insider's View" (PDF). Henry L. Stimson Center, Washington, D.C. 17 October 1995<br />
*:p. 28 He worked in GNIIOKhT for 28 years, starting from monitoring air, water, emissions quality. His final position, chief of department of countering foreign technical intelligence <br />
*From his [http://www.bbc.com/russian/features-43429973 interview to BBC], March 16, 2018<br />
*:''VM: I want to say right away that I'm not a synthetic chemist (a specialist who is engaged in chemical synthesis - the BBC). I am not a creator, I am a participant in the creation of this weapon. And it was created by Pyotr Kirpichev, my good friend, with his group in our branch in Shihany (branch of the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology (GNIIOKhT) Shihany in the Saratov Region- BBC). And then, when this substance was synthesized, tests began. And in these tests my graduate students participated, and then myself. At the very end of the trial, the tests were held at the GNIIOKhT in Moscow, I was responsible for all these analyzes, my signature was final. So I participated.<br />
*[http://www.bbc.com/russian/features-43429973 Вил Мирзаянов: "Новичок" можно синтезировать или украсть, но применить его смогут немногие] (Vil Mirzayanov: "Novichok" can be synthesized or stolen, but few can use it) - ''BBC'', March 16, 2018<br />
*:BBC: You know the capabilities of your colleagues around the world in your field. Where, in your opinion, could the "Novichok" be synthesized?<br />
*:VM: Here in the States.<br />
*:BBC: Where exactly, do you think?<br />
*:VM: Well, there are several of these centers. Say, in Edgewall (Delaware) could do this, why not. There are very qualified chemists. It's easy.<br />
*:Moreover, '''information about the fundamental difference between the well-known "Novichok" in the skeleton of this formula has leaked out.''' (Unclear what exactly he means; in Rus. it is "Тем более, просочились сведения о принципиальной разнице между известным "Новичком" в скелете этой формулы.") And then, before me - even before my arrival - not less than five people from GNIIOKHT who knew these secrets came. I never said and will not say that they gave them away. But the probability is always there, so what is it about. They, Americans, also care about their defense, about weapons. About prestige.<br />
*:Where else? In China, of course. There are very strong chemists<br />
<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1zvIW3B_74 Russian State Secrets], book promotion video by Vil Mirzayanov, 2009, from [https://www.youtube.com/user/vilmirza/videos his youtube channel]<br />
* [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/03/clinton-state-department-discouraged-novichok-discussion.html Hillary Clinton Ordered Diplomats To Suppress 'Novichok' Discussions] - ''Moon of Alabama'', March 31, 2018<br />
*:''Details on 'Novichok' nerve agents were published in a 2007 book by Vil Mirzayanaov, a Soviet scientist offered asylum in the United States.<br />
*:''After the publication the U.S. and the UK actively suppressed international discussions about the book and the 'Novichok' chemical weapon agents. Documents from the U.S. State Department published by Wikileaks show that then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton directed her diplomats to not talk about Novichok and to play down the matter should it arise in chemical <br />
<br />
===Lethality?===<br />
*[https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3600889 «В условиях влажности применять это вещество мог только идиот» ]-''Komersant.ru'', 12 April, 2018<br />
*:Mirzayanov: Novichok deteriorates on contact with water. On that day, the weather was wet, calculated concentration dropped, and became insufficient to kill Skripal --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 06:37, 13 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
A note about your comment on spam filters. Shoutwiki doesn't like the 'wrong type of video link'. For instance any link from domain youtu.be gets slammed but youtube.com is fine (and no damned sig button on this page!)<br />
<br />
== Poisoning of Sergei Skripal ==<br />
{{Main|Poisoning of Sergei Skripal}}<br />
* [https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2018/03/boris-johnson-a-categorical-liar/ Boris Johnson A Categorical Liar] - Craig Murray, March 22, 2018<br />
*:Quotes the [https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/sshd-v-skripal-and-another-20180322.pdf judgement at the High Court case] allowing the OPCW to takie blood samples from the Skripals<br />
*::''The Evidence<br />
*::''i) CC: Porton Down Chemical and Biological Analyst<br />
*::''Blood samples from Sergei Skripal and Yulia Skripal were analysed and the findings indicated exposure to a nerve agent or related compound. The samples tested positive for the presence of a '''Novichok class''' nerve agent or '''closely related agent'''.<br />
<br />
==Ukrainian chemical weapons?==<br />
*[https://zn.ua/SCIENCE/homutets_dva_leta_bez_otveta___likvidatsiya_posledstviy_massovogo_himicheskogo_otravleniya_v_sele_po.html Khomutets : two summers without an answer. Liquidation of the consequences of the mass chemical poisoning in the village under the resort of Mirgorod demands interventions at the highest state level]-''zn.ua'', November 24, 2000 (Khomutets is in Poltava region, Ukraine)<br />
*:36 children were hospitalized. ''Immediately after hospitalization of the victims of Mirgorodskaya Sanitary and Epidemiological Station, soil samples were taken at the scene. Their analysis allowed us to conclude that organophosphorus inhalation poisoning.''<br />
*[http://www.novasich.org.ua/index.php?go=News&in=view&id=6627 Secret weapons. Ukraine owns chemical warfare agents] -''Novasich.org.ua'' (Cossack), December 15, 2011<br />
*:''Seven tons of sarin and one ton of VX gas - in violation of all international conventions - are stored in warehouses AH-0312 of the Ministry of Defense in the Poltava region. The Presidents Kuchma and Yushchenko knew about this, but they were silent, hiding from the West. Why?<br />
*[https://tvzvezda.ru/news/vstrane_i_mire/content/201704120838-6wvu.htm Chemical Weapons of Ukraine: Where Kiev Banishes Prohibited Ammunition] -''TV Zvezda'' (Russian MoD media), April 12, 2017<br />
*:Allegation of shipments of ammunition, possibly chemical, from Mariupol to Syria, + some previous claims of Ukraine having chemical weapons. ''Back in 1997, the Taipei edition of The Independent Morning Post published a sensational investigation in which, with reference to a secret report from Taiwanese intelligence, the facts of Kiev's sale of a chemical warfare agent to China were proved. According to reporters, sarin was stored in arsenals of the former Soviet Army in Ukrainian territory, and Kiev was forced to sell it urgently because of fears that international inspectors would detect poison in monitoring compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.''<br />
*[https://rian.com.ua/russia/20180313/1033185926.html Ex-head of the FSB did not rule out the "Ukrainian trace" in the poisoning of Skripal]-''RIA Novosti Ukraine'', March 13, 2018 <br />
*:''...it was stored on territories of republics of the former Soviet Union, thus Ukrainian involvement is not excluded...<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chemical Weapons]]<br />
[[Category:Poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44576Syria news/Current2018-04-13T08:31:45Z<p>Charles Wood: Tulsi asks some awkward questions about Syria</p>
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<br />
12 Apr. Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440 tweets]: ''Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”''<br />
<br />
''Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G2tPs3aZyU asked] extremely pertinent questions to Secretary Mattis about the legality of an attack on Syria. The response was very cautious.<br />
<br />
[[File:NOTAM April 2018.jpeg|thumb|150px|[http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 Russia's NOTAM] ]]<br />
11 Apr. Russia [http://www.interfax.ru/world/607973 issued] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM NOTAM] to close an area next to Syrian territorial waters to conduct missile exercises on 11-12, 17-19 and 25-26 April, 10.00- 18.00 Moscow time. Opponent's unauthorized strikes shall be planned accordingly. Russia called chemical attack in Ghouta a [http://tass.com/defense/999108 staged] fake and expressed hope that irresponsible military adventures will be avoided altogether; the [http://tass.com/politics/999140 latest] by Peskov. Putin [http://tass.com/politics/999194 discussed] Syrian situation [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/in-call-to-netanyahu-putin-urges-israel-not-to-take-action-in-syria-1.5992415 with Netanyahu] and urged to refrain from destabilizing moves. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1523474098 Shamanov](MP, Col.-Gen, ret.): there are direct Russia-USA contacts, at the level of chiefs of staff (his [http://tass.com/politics/998770 earlier warning] here).<br />
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Russian Navy said to take off Tartus base to sea, in anticipation of possible strikes ([https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4114353.html ISI satellite photos])<br />
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Russian military police will be [http://tass.com/defense/999112 deployed] in Douma from 12 Apr. <br />
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Trump [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520 tweets]: ''Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!''<br />
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Forty minutes later he [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513 tweets]: ''Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?''<br />
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Russia is to increase Navy deployment off Syria-[http://rusvesna.su/news/1523430988 Rusvesna]<br />
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[[File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|thumb|150px|Nikki Haley with Dr. Morad at the UNSC]]<br />
10 Apr. As anticipated and warned in advance, at consultation meetings as well as seconds before the vote, Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0LMcw8n0uc '''blocked'''] the US-lead UNSC resolution on 'the new attribution mechanism for the chemical attacks in Syria' (Russia and Bolivia against, China abstained). Russian draft failed as well (6 for, including China, Kazakstan, Bolivia, 7 against, including all the West, 2 abstentions). <br />
<br />
The third draft to condemn chemical weapons use and support the fact-finding mission, without immediately establishing an investigation mechanism, was rejected as well, with 5 in favor (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia) to 4 against (France, Poland, UK, USA), with 6 abstentions (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden). The third draft was tabled by Russia, moved to consultations with the meeting suspended by Sweden, but ultimately failed. The three draft summaries are [https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13288.doc.htm here].<br />
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'OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria', says [https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/ OPCW].<br />
<br />
''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
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[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
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[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
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The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
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[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
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5 Apr. Nikki Haley [[:File:Nikki Haley with Dr Morad of SAMS at the UN on 5 April 2018.jpg|hosts Dr. Morad]] of the [[Syrian American Medical Society]] at the UN Security Council.<br />
<br />
''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
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4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
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[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
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The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
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Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria. The meeting ends with a [http://president.ir/en/103754 joint statement] by the presidents.<br />
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2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
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The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
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[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
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''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
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1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
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31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
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30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
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29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
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28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
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[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
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27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
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Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
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26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
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Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
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At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
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Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
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Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File_talk:USS_Donald_Cook_outside_Tartus_9_April_2018.jpg&diff=44405File talk:USS Donald Cook outside Tartus 9 April 2018.jpg2018-04-11T01:47:15Z<p>Charles Wood: No-Fly Zone?</p>
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<div>USS Donald Cook is only 100 km from Tartus. That is far TOO CLOSE to launch Tomahawks with a 1,500 km range. More likely it is there for missile defense, targeting the Russian anti-ship missiles and counter attacks. Russia cannot attack a ship that *did not* launch missiles at Syria, that would be an escalation. (Sinking the ships that *did* fire missiles at Syria is OK under the rules of the game.) -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 22:48, 10 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
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It could also be there to enforce a literal no-fly zone over Syria. Russia wouldn't be too happy about that. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 01:47, 11 April 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44346Syria news/Current2018-04-10T10:38:15Z<p>Charles Wood: NBC acting as vector for US propaganda again - 'Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria'</p>
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<br />
10 Apr. ''NBC News:'' [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/russia-has-figured-out-how-jam-u-s-drones-syria-n863931 Russia has figured out how to jam U.S. drones in Syria, officials say] (and is doing so according to the report)<br />
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[[File:Frontlines South-East.jpg|thumb|150px|T4 airbase and its broader surroundings]]<br />
9 Apr. Russian MoD ([http://tass.com/world/998481 TASS]): two F-15 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, without entering Syrian airspace, [[Israel_Air_Strikes_in_Syria#Declined_Comments_Comments|struck]] the T-4 airfield with eight guided missiles from the territory of Lebanon. Western part of the airbase where Iranian forces are located was targeted; [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4110301.html photo report] claims moderate damage. Two "US officials" talking to NBC [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-blamed-airstrike-syria-after-suspected-ghouta-chemical-weapon-attack-n863821 say] Israel informed the US in advance of the attack.<br />
<br />
[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-cruise-missiles-target-eastern-homs-airport/ Almasdar news]: 'Cruise missiles' target [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiyas_Military_Airbase T-4 Military Airport], west of Palmyra, in eastern Homs. Loud bangs heard, anti-aircraft systems activated. ([https://twitter.com/AFP/status/983160429034684426 AFP]),([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43694588 BBC]). Pentagon did not confirm or did not comment; White House did not confirm -[http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5105697 TASS]. US officials denied -[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/u-s-officials-deny-reports-of-u-s-strike-on-syria-idUSKBN1HG04Q Reuters]. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=736387 SANA]: 8 missiles shot down, there are killed and injured in the attack. <br />
<br />
The Russian UN ambassador Nebenzia [https://www.rt.com/news/423634-unsc-security-threats-syria-chemical/ says] at the UNSC meeting that the alleged chemical attack in Douma is "no doubt" staged and invites the OPCW to visit the scene on the ground (of which Russia and Syria are in control) as soon as the next day. <br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
7 Apr. [[Jaish al-Islam]] rebels in Douma, aided by the [[White Helmets]] apparently [[Alleged Chemical Attack, April 7, 2018|'''kill 40 hostages''']] with [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, August 21, 2013/Chemical agent#Chlorine?|chlorine]] gas, despite numerous [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)#Russian warnings of U.S. attack|Russian warnings]] of a staged CW provocation. The U.S. [[:File:StateDept statement on Douma chemical weapons attack.jpg|accuses]] the Syrian government and Russia of the alleged attack, renewing fears of yet another [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|U.S. missile strike on Syria]] and further [[World War 3|heightening]] international tensions after the alleged [[poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]. (Reports: [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack/gas-attack-reported-on-syrian-rebel-enclave-damascus-denies-idUSKBN1HE0RR Reuters,] [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/suspected-chemical-attack-kills-dozens-syria-douma-180407202906316.html Al Jazeera,] [https://apnews.com/5f94eff01d004c528060b33c9f59cc9a AP,] [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4106807.html Colonel Cassad,] [http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.fi/2018/04/alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-april.html ACLOS team])<br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
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5 Apr. ''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
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4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
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[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
<br />
After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
<br />
''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
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[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44179Syria news/Current2018-04-07T09:29:10Z<p>Charles Wood: Russians bomb Douma</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-air-force-bombs-douma-after-failed-talks-with-jaysh-al-islam/ Russian indicates it's distinctly displeased] over continued Douma resistance and bombs the insurgents.<br />
<br />
5 Apr. ''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
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1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
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26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
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'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
<br />
[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
<br />
''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
<br />
[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal&diff=44178Talk:Poisoning of Sergei Skripal2018-04-07T00:45:25Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Tetrodotoxin */ What about the Policeman?</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]<br />
{{Mainpage}}<br />
<br />
==Skripal and Steele dossier ==<br />
I do not think Skripal' played a big role in Steele [https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/3259984/Trump-Intelligence-Allegations.pdf dossier]. He is not a 'trusted compatriot', obviously, and even less an insider like 'a former intelligence officer still active in Kremlin', or 'a senior Russian Foreign Ministry figure' , etc (in Steele dossier open version, info is attributed to trusted compatriots who are friends of insiders, or some auxiliary figures like hotel workers with allegedly first-hand knowledge <br />
:''Source E provided an introduction for a company ethnic Russian operative to Source F, a female staffer at the hotel when TRUMP had stayed there, who also confirmed the story.''--here I am not getting the language, what's the 'company' that operative is working for?<br />
::''"Company"'' in the Steele dossier refers to Steele's company "Orbis Business Intelligence". -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 23:40, 8 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
Not being an insider or trusted friend, his role is at most minimal. On top of it, the report is pretty ridiculous and I think nobody took it too seriously. So what's the point going after Skripal, for his (alleged) role in the report? This would create much more damaging to Russia situation than Steele report itself--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 23:23, 8 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
:What would be the point of accusing Trump of murdering Skripal? Gee! Maybe Trump and [[Putin]] murdered him together!<br />
::[https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=139120493 Quote:] ''The dossier has sparked a formal investigation in the US into Russian collusion in the US presidential election, to the fury of both presidents Trump and Putin.<br />
::''If the Kremlin believed that Col Skripal might have helped with the compilation of the dossier, it could explain the motive for the assassination attempt in Salisbury town centre.<br />
:-- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 23:44, 8 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=='Gift'?==<br />
*[https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5750698/russian-spy-poisoning-sergei-skripal-yulia-salisbury-latest-nerve-agent-gift/ Poisoned Russian spy Sergei Skripal’s daughter Yulia could have unwittingly released nerve agent after opening gift ‘from friends’] - ''The Sun'', March 8, 2018<br />
*:A theory not totally without merits, but unlikely. Bringing gifts is traditional; tainting a gift does not require sending operatives; it lowers threshold and may be attempted as personal revenge (say, by somebody directly affected by his actions, as it is said that he passed list of Russian agents to British services). But unlikely, everybody is aware of such possibility, even more so a former intelligence officer, and his daughter is enough of an adult and was with him long enough to know, too. I believe the occasion was anniversary of his son death, who had sudden liver failure, and poisoning suspected. It is unlikely that they will celebrate the event by drinking or eating something of uncertain origin, that would be odd. A gift is most likely opened at home well before the collapse, not taken to a restaurant (where it is said that traces found, and which is a likely place for poisoning to occur). Also, that 'gift' will be found and quite likely traced (assuming no false flagging). If it is traced to Russia, it can be brought to a Russian court, and cooperation is not out of the question. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 08:28, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Let's say there were two gifts, one left at the house and one taken to the restaurant; and Rozzer got poisoned when he inspected the remaining gift, or at least the packaging.<br />
:I'm guessing the gift was opened on the park bench and not before. I'm also guessing the poison wasn't that common as there would have been some official statement - rather that wild-arsed self-publicising guesses by HBG and equally self-serving vacuum filling rambling by Kaszeta. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 08:43, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Flowers?===<br />
*[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5486163/Fears-Russian-spy-poisoned-bouquet-flowers.html Was Russian spy poisoned by flowers?] Chemical experts examine bouquet left by the double agent at his wife's grave -''Daily Mail'', March 10, 2018<br />
*[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/russian-spy-poisoning-probe-focusing-12166570 Russian spy poisoning probe 'focusing on flowers] he took to wife's grave' amid claims nerve agent found at restaurant -''The Mirror'', March 11, 2018<br />
*:That seems unusual, fresh flowers coming from a 'friend'. 'Women's day' (March 8) approaching, could not resist? But it is said that the placed the flowers on the grave some time (few hours) before they collapsed. Not impossible, but not very convincing either, unless confirmed by tests. Tabloids do not say who the 'friend' was, or from which side of the iron curtain. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 15:47, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Litvinenko again ===<br />
One thing that is common to the Skripal and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisoning_of_Alexander_Litvinenko#Polonium_trails Litvinenko cases] is that traces of poison were found in multiple places, all of which could not be explained by a single act of poisoning. Litvinenko met [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Scaramella Mario Scaramella] in a sushi restaurant in Piccadilly ''before'' he met Andrey Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun at the the Millennium Hotel. Both places had traces of Polonium 210.<br />
<br />
Finding traces in multiple places unconnected to the assassination itself may be a sign that the traces were left ''intentionally'' as fake evidence. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 19:49, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Litvinenko case may be different, or whatever, and I do not feel like going into it (not having anything to contribute too). Yet I note the [http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160613090324/https://www.litvinenkoinquiry.org/report official inquiry] position: there were two poisoning incidents with Litvinenko, the first is much weaker, and estimated by hair growth to be some weeks earlier. While on October 16, 2006 he had a business meeting with Tim Reiley and the prime official suspects attending ([http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160613090324/https://www.litvinenkoinquiry.org/report 6.87--6.101]). They minus Reiley went to Itsu after that. Office where they met was found to be contaminated, and the officiial report attributes Itsu contamination to the same source (ie apparently 16 October, not Scaramella meeting of 1 November. Report also claims that a different table was contaminated (table they sat was provided by Scaramella) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 21:22, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
====Matthew Puncher====<br />
*[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3968144/Radiation-expert-46-investigated-assassination-KGB-spy-Alexander-Litvinenko-killed-stabbing-arms-chest-repeatedly-five-months-trip-Russia.html Radiation expert, 46, who investigated the 'assassination' of KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko 'killed himself by stabbing his arms and chest repeatedly five months after a trip to Russia' ] - ''Daily Mail'', November 24, 2016 <br />
*:''A radiation expert who investigated the 'assassination' of Alexander Litvinenko was found dead five months after a trip to Russia, an inquest heard. Matthew Puncher, 46, bled to death at his home from multiple stab wounds inflicted by two knives.''<br />
*[https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/scientist-who-helped-connect-litvinenkos-murder-to-the The Man Who Knew Too Much] - ''BuzzFeed'', June 19, 2017<br />
<br />
====Walter Litvinenko ====<br />
*[https://www.1tv.ru/news/2012-02-02/103618-otets_byvshego_ofitsera_fsb_litvinenko_obvinyavshiy_v_smerti_syna_rossiyu_sozhaleet_o_skazannom Отец бывшего офицера ФСБ Литвиненко, обвинявший в смерти сына Россию, сожалеет о сказанном] ('The father of a former FSB officer, Litvinenko, who blamed Russia for the death of his son, regrets what was said')-''TV 1 (Russia)'' , February 2, 2012<br />
*:Lives in poverty, regrets his words, asks Russia for forgiveness and help returning to Russia<br />
*[https://www.1tv.ru/shows/pust-govoryat/vypuski-i-dramatichnye-momenty/po-sledam-skripalya-chto-to-nechisto-v-solsberi-pust-govoryat-vypusk-ot-20-03-2018 'Something not right in Salisbury'], ПУСТЬ ГОВОРЯТ talk show, ''TV 1 (Russia)'' , March 20, 2018<br />
*: Blames Goldfarb. Prior to that, claims poisoning happened many times, including the hospital (does not specify by whom, at that point). <br />
*: Lugovoi in studio, makes comments on non-transparency prior to public investigation (~35:00). Walter Litvinenko (father) and Maxim (brother) arrive to the studio ('from Italy'). Walter gives Lugovoi a touch on the shoulder, 1/2 embrace; he separates brother from Lugovoi; camera goes off to the presenter who draws our attention to that episode expressing surprise how they met the killer and poisoner. Father smiles, brother stays neutral/Mona Lisa'ish. Father goes ahead to tell that he spent the last 3 days of Alexnder life near him at the hospital. Polonium 210 claim made '1/2 hour after his death', people with respirators/protective suits arrived. A meeting with many people was assembled. Walter Litvinenko tells us that Goldfarb elbowed him for starting to talk too early (blaming Russia for polonium attack, in a passionate manner). They 'walked in' somewhere after the meeting where Walter encountered young Goldfarb wife, weeping 'sitting on a bed'. Walter claims that she said 'Walter, Alex (Goldfarb) killed Alexander (Litvinenko)'<br />
*:A journalist sitting on the same coach as the Litvinenkos and Lugovoi reinforces the message, telling us that nobody in the West, BBC, etc, will reach out to have this sensational recording <br />
*: The program is a regular commercial talk show on a state TV channel. <br />
<br />
For the record. This is different matter from Skripal, they do not have to follow the same pattern. I am not really interested in revisiting Litvinenko case (and do not see how, too), or in expressing any opinion, either way. Technical investigation records are not open, public inquiry presumably had access, while we do not. Human stories are humans' stories, and can change for whatever reason or be inaccurate. I note that Russian television made claims blaming Berezovsky or his people earlier. Berezovsky [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8559543.stm successfully sued for libel] in British court in 2010 --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 09:26, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
*[http://gordonua.com/news/worldnews/goldfarb-posle-ubiystva-litvinenko-ego-otec-neskolko-let-doil-berezovskogo-v-londone-a-kogda-vernulsya-v-rf-pomenyal-pokazaniya-237818.html Goldfarb: After the murder of Litvinenko, his father spent several years milking Berezovsky in London. And when he returned to Russia, he changed his testimony] - ''Gordon.ua'', March 22, 2018<br />
*[https://www.kp.ru/daily/26810.5/3845776/ Father of poisoned in England by polonium Litvinenko named the killers of his son] - ''Komsomolskaya Pravda'', March 23, 2018 <br />
*:(Noted: Walter now lives in Moscow. his claims are in the text form here, otherwise similar to those made on a TV program, above).<br />
*: Here he claims that Goldfarb wife named the killer when they all went to the Goldfarbs' place, after Alexander Litvinenko death. He further says that at that point she was shsh-shshed (told to be quiet) by 'everybody' present, and that '' 'in one month, she was no more... died for some reason' '' (as per source, unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 19:23, 24 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Novichok==<br />
:''Moved to [[Talk:Novichok]]<br />
<br />
===Kholstov===<br />
:''Moved to [[Talk:Novichok#Kholstov]]<br />
<br />
==Yulia Skripal audio==<br />
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmOSCbWFHVQ Телефонный разговор племянницы Скрипаля с его дочкой Юлией - Россия 24] -''Russia 24'', April 5, 2018<br />
** Tape said to be of conversation of Victoria Skripal and Yulia Skripal is played on national Russian TV. We are told that the recording came from Victoria Skripal, but 'we do not know who and under what circumstances made the recording'. Presenters tell us that they have some doubts but decided to use their journalistic right/duty to play the tape. The tape is a clean normal colloquial conversation, with nothing standing out at all. Yulia tells that both herself and the father are fine, recovering, and there are no irreversible effects (which suggests that Sergey is not mentally incapacitated). Yulia controls her answers and is not giving details; it is felt that she understands that this may be recorded (but not definitely so). She is given a phone on a temporary basis (apparently). Victoria offers to fly in immediately if she gets a UK visa. Yulia tells that she will not get UK visa, not offering any theory why. <br />
**It is indeed unclear whether the tape is genuine. The rest is for the sake of the argument, assuming that it is. It seems clear that she was put into medical-induced coma, then woke up. Assuming that Porton Down assessment (Novichok) is correct, this creates an interesting possibility: very low dosage did not kill them at once; they were put on ventilator machine and kept long enough for some ACHE regenerated or re-supplied; then out of the coma. Even without any nerve agent or anything else at all, just medical induced coma for over a week will require lengthy recovery (at least 1 month). They will also have lots of strong drugs and those will be showing on blood tests, even without anything else<br />
**No element is definitely verified. That may be not Yulia. And it may be not Novichok. And Novichok itself remains controversial/undefined. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]])17:52, 6 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
*Victoria Skripal was in ''Russia 24'' studio a day earlier, April 4, 2018 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WKyeeIqLLo video]). Victoria is in contact with the British Consulate in Moscow and BBC, trying to get UK visa. On the eve of Easter break (March 29, 2018), acting on advice from the consulate, she had a conversation with a Russian-speaking woman about her visa, and was told to apply. 20 minutes later, it was announced in the news that Yulia regained conscience. Victoria stated in the program that she has no other information about Skripals condition, etc., apart from what's in the news. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]])18:52, 6 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43671958 Russian spy poisoning: Sergei Skripal 'improving rapidly'] -''BBC'', April 6, 2018 (main page) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]])18:57, 6 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
*:''Meanwhile, the UK has refused to grant a visa to Yulia's cousin, Viktoria Skripal, the BBC has learned. A government source said it appears Russia is "trying to use Viktoria as a pawn". It comes after Russian TV aired a recording of an alleged phone conversation between Viktoria and Yulia on Thursday. Doubts were raised over its authenticity but Viktoria has told Newsnight she was 100% certain it was Yulia.<br />
<br />
== Other poison possibilities==<br />
[[File:No patients with nerve agent - Times letter.jpg|thumb|Doctors see no sign of a nerve agent being used.]]<br />
===Fentanyl===<br />
<br />
[https://www.drugs.com/cdi/fentanyl-transdermal-patch.html Fentanyl transdermal patches] are available for pain control. So it can obviously cross the skin barrier but probably not quick enough to knock people out (incidentally I've had Fentanyl in medical procedures. It's not that active when administered topically)<br />
<br />
There is a chemical derivative of Fentanyl [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolokol-1 Kolokol-1] which is gaseous and is alleged to have been used in the Moscow Hostage Crisis. It's possible, but probably ineffective in an open air setting --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 08:53, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
A recent case of death from exposure to fentanyl in the United States: -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 03:08, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
* [http://abc7.com/2-dead-in-possible-fentanyl-exposure-in-fontana-home/3197127/ 2 dead, 1 critically injured in possible fentanyl exposure in Fontana home] - ''ABC7'', March 9, 2018<br />
<br />
===Parathion===<br />
<br />
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parathion Parathion], an agricultural chemical, was used as a nerve agent in Rhodesia when it was impregnated on clothing to be picked up and worn by insurgents. Along with Thallium an estimated [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodesia_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction#Effectiveness 1000+ insurgents were killed by these means.] It works slowly enough to be considered a possible poison in the Skripal case - though what it was carried on is yet to be determined. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 18:28, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Thallium ===<br />
*[http://www.businessinsider.com/investigators-suspect-sergei-skripal-poisoned-thalium-report-2018-3 Investigators suspect ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal was poisoned with a rare heavy metal] -''Business Insider'', March 7, 2018<br />
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thallium(I)_sulfate#Toxicity Thallium sulfate], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thallium Thallium], toxic, similar to K and interferes with Na/K pump, so kind of 'nerve agent', formerly known as 'rat poison'. <br />
*:--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 15:47, 11 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Botulinum toxin ===<br />
See also [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#Botulinum_toxin| main page]]<br />
<br />
I now suspect that Sergei Skripal and her daughter are suffering from botulism, caused by the "Risotto Pesce" they ate at the Zizzi restaurant. There was no "novichok agent" involved. The British investigators seem not to have a sample on the nerve agent. They do not know when and where it was administered to the Skripals. They have not identified the container used to transport it into the country or to the attack site. They have no suspects for the assumed attack. Maybe Yulia Skripal brought the nerve agent from Russia, but then it would need to have been in some container the police would have found by now.<br />
<br />
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein with effects somewhat similar to those of nerve agents. It is the most acutely lethal toxin known, with an estimated LD50 of under 2 ng/kg intravenously. There is no evidence for the use of a nerve agent except the words of politicians, and maybe a reading on some mass spectrometer in Porton Down. For all I know the blip can be the result of random impurities, contamination of the environment around Porton Down or simple mass hysteria. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 21:06, 17 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Tetrodotoxin ===<br />
:''See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrodotoxin Tetrodotoxin] on Wikipedia<br />
Tetrodotoxin would fit the timeframe of eating seafood risotto at the Zizzi restaurant and getting paralyzed on the park bench.<br />
* [http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/dog-deaths-caused-by-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-1-5374963 Dog deaths across Suffolk and Norfolk coastline confirmed as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning] - Eleanor Pringle, ''Ipswich Star'', January 30, 2018<br />
*:''The authority confirmed that the death of a seven-year-old Siberian Husky after eating a shore crab at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk earlier this month is likely to have been caused because of this poisoning. Owner Chris Poole, from Kirton, said his dog died within '''90 minutes''' of leaving the beach.<br />
<br />
:: Question #1 on the MOA piece about the Policeman effectively demolishes the teterodotoxin argument. Despite lots of other comments trying to work him in somehow. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:45, 7 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Wrong Identification? ===<br />
IMO, Botulinum toxin quite unlikely [[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#Botulinum_toxin|different mechanism and speed]] of onset, so I guess different symptoms, severity, treatment. Molecule is a protein monster compared to nerve agents, ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulinum_toxin here]), and result is muscle tone weakness while for nerve agent a spasm. It also likely needs incompetence or outright falsification at Porton, and it's unlikely. I'd think there may be false positive bump on GC, less likely on mass spectrometry, ions mass to charge measurement is accurate and a misinterpretation or malfunction needed for this to go wrong; and spectroscopy is very accurate, so it will need a serious misinterpretation. But once they are serious onto confirming the theory, they can do all those tests, and failing them all is not going to happen. Also, they will test for everything, including bacteria, and will find botulinum bacteria. Does not mean that it's definitely fool-proof though, but needs something like this: (1) there is a pesticide out there with chemical structure close enough to pass all the tests which they actually had time to do, and it may be less testing then everything available as they were pressed with time and conclusions Seafood, especially farmed one, is the most polluted food out there, collecting everything. (Or maybe, as a theory, Porton Down somehow produces enough pollution to be detectable by Porton Down itself--Mirzayanov job in the USSR was to guard against similar issues) (2) bacterial test did not come back yet. That may take weeks, up to a month, farming bacteria in a dish and counting. (3) something else, apparently more sudden and violent then 'normal' botulism, put the victims in their jeopardy, and (4) pretty many of people are eating stuff that looks like a nerve agent to the chemlab nerds --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 22:19, 17 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== “Highly complex” ==<br />
<br />
The [https://www.ft.com/content/10d8a266-2b99-11e8-9b4b-bc4b9f08f381?segmentid=acee4131-99c2-09d3-a635-873e61754ec6 ''Financial Times''] writes:<br />
:''Clips of Mr Skripal’s car driving through Salisbury have been released, but no pictures of any individuals that are being sought.<br />
:''A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said nothing should be read into this and that no information would be released unless it helps the '''“highly complex”''' inquiry.<br />
<br />
“Highly complex” is a code word and means that normal legal and investigative procedures are not followed and the investigation should not endanger the predetermined outcome. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 12:06, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Who is Ross Cassidy? ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Skripals in pub with handler - maybe Pablo Miller.jpg|thumb|Skripals in an Italian restaurant with "friend" Ross Cassidy]]<br />
The name sounds awfully American. But other sources hint that Cassidy was Skripal's MI6 or MI5 handler in Britain. He was "a close friend of Sergei Skripal" and a close neighbor when Skripal rented his first house Salisbury.<br />
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/19/vehicle-used-pick-yulia-skripal-airport-taken-forensic-tests/ Vehicle used to pick up Yulia Skripal from airport seized for forensic tests] - ''The Telegraph'', March 19, 2018<br />
Ross Cassidy picked Yulia from the airport with his Japanese pick-up truck. Some sources said that this was his fists car after he arrived in the country. Where did he come from? Ireland [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassidy_(surname) or] America? When?<br />
* [https://theworldnews.net/uk-news/did-treacherous-past-of-russian-colonel-finally-catch-up-with-him-in-salisbury Did treacherous past of Russian colonel finally catch up with him in Salisbury?] - ''The Telegraph'', March 6, 2018 ([https://firenewsfeed.com/news/1246366 with photos,] [https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-daily-telegraph/20180307/281556586333628 print version])<br />
*:''The colonel’s close friend Ross Cassidy, who lives just a few doors from the property the Russian rented when he first arrived in Salisbury, said he “was not at liberty to talk.”<br />
*:''He declined to say whether his friend had spoken of fears for his life, adding: “It’s a very sensitive investigation of some gravitas. I really am unable to divulge any information at the moment.”<br />
Note the formal and evasive language. Sounds like a police officer or an MI5 operative. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 15:56, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Who was Joseph Edward Cassidy? ===<br />
This may be just an odd coincidence, but is related to our study anyway.<br />
<br />
In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Shocker Operation Shocker] started in 1959 U.S. Army First Sergeant Joseph Edward Cassidy [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-05-31/features/0005310028_1_soviet-spies-soviet-embassy-nerve-gas leaked disinformation] to the Soviets about U.S. chemical weapons programs. This might be [https://billiongraves.com/grave/Joseph-Edward-Cassidy/10173877 his grave:] command sergeant major (CSM) Joseph Edward Cassidy (1920-2011). Is Joseph Edward Cassidy in any way related to Ross Cassidy?<br />
<br />
==Suspects?==<br />
*'Teresa May'-type version<br />
**USSR/Russia developed or produced Novichok, has expertise<br />
**Involved in hit jobs in the past<br />
**Revenge for a treason is a motive<br />
**[[Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#..._not|'Putin did it']]<br />
<br />
* 'Walter Litvinenko'-type version<br />
**Enemy of Putin or Russia did it, possibly an alliance of a non-public oligarch ('Berezovsky-2' or non-Russian anti-Russians) + special services, in any mix of those, or alone.<br />
<br />
*[http://valet.ru/user/95338/ Denis Dementyev] Julia Skripal's boyfriend and [https://off-guardian.org/2018/03/23/closely-related-agent-claim-closely-examined/ alleged Russian Intelligence operative - see comment by Richard Compton]. Possibly it was Dementyev's mother instead - see comment also about allegations by Viktori Skripal. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:59, 25 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Also noted (about non-suspects)===<br />
*Also noted: scientists involved or knowledgeable about CW are underfunded; some may be seeking income ('Leonid Rink'-type), others may have left science for some sort of small business. Likely majority of them, apart from the top brass, are in non-system opposition to the state, pro-Western, and pro-Ukrainian ('Vladimir Uglev'-type). Reported storage of the research quantities of various substances is OK for expert handling but not super-secure. I am not at all saying that scientists has anything to do with it, --they are not , and they are surely disgusted and horrified by what has happened; but all the above creates a lax environment which may be exploited by a determined enemy or criminal (there was one well-known case of crime committed using those substances). <br />
<br />
--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 18:49, 24 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Nerve agent samples? ==<br />
<br />
[[File:IMPA isopropyl methylphosphonic acid.png|thumb|IMPA is not sarin but has a similar molecule structure]]<br />
Do the investigators have any samples of the alleged nerve agent?<br />
<br />
The press coverage gives the impression that there are traces of the nerve agent everywhere, but I think it is more likely that the investigators have not been able to recover a single sample from the environment. Michael Kobs [https://twitter.com/MichaKobs/status/977551757273436162 sums up] the argument on Twitter:<br />
:''In fact all these alleged traces are debunked by the strange MI5 theory of a mini drone hovering above the bench. Any earlier trace would 100% exclude the drone theory while the drone theory excludes any knowledge of any earlier trace.''<br />
<br />
It seems that the determination of a [[novichok]] type of nerve agent is made solely based on blood samples. These show a breakdown product that can be linked to some novichok type. Most likely this marker is similar to [[:File:IMPA isopropyl methylphosphonic acid.png|IMPA]], having lost its lethality and fluoride atom but maintaining the [[Talk:Novichok#What is "Novichok class or closely related agent?|skeletal molecule structure]] of the original agent. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 19:20, 24 March 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44162Syria news/Current2018-04-06T19:12:40Z<p>Charles Wood: Douma isn't over yet.</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
6 Apr. ''Hadi Nasrallah:'' [https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/982332918709223425 13 mortars fired from "rebel"-held Douma stroke the city killing 4 including a child]<br />
<br />
5 Apr. ''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
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Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
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''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
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11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
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10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
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[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
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9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
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Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
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'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
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A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
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6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
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''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
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The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
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5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
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Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
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[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
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4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
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''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
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[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
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A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
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2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
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[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
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''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
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''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
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''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
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27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
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It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
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''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
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25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
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''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
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24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
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Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
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''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
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[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
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19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=File:ISIS-MAP-2016-2018.jpg&diff=44155File:ISIS-MAP-2016-2018.jpg2018-04-06T09:09:00Z<p>Charles Wood: Sourced from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/04/04/world/middleeast/isis-documents-mosul-iraq.html</p>
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<div>Sourced from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/04/04/world/middleeast/isis-documents-mosul-iraq.html</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44149Syria news/Current2018-04-05T12:00:20Z<p>Charles Wood: War in Syria over - almost</p>
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<br />
5 Apr. ''Elijah J Magnier:''[https://ejmagnier.com/2018/04/05/three-leaders-in-ankara-the-syrian-war-is-over-but-the-us-remains-dangerous/ The war is Syria is over] but the US forces and the consequences of their dangerous presence remain.<br />
<br />
''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
<br />
After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44148Syria news/Current2018-04-05T05:54:14Z<p>Charles Wood: Qalamoun to be cleaned up</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
5 Apr. ''Emanuel G May:'' Battle of Qalamoun about to start. [https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGMay/status/981622470611492869 Twitter Report and Map]<br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
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[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
<br />
[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
<br />
''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
<br />
[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
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[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
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[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
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1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44131Syria news/Current2018-04-04T08:15:05Z<p>Charles Wood: Attacks on US SOCOM in syria result in casualties</p>
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<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
4 Apr. ''SMM Syria:'' [https://smmsyria.com/2018/04/04/breaking-us-socom-under-massive-attacks-in-syria/ US SOCOM UNDER MASSIVE ATTACKS IN SYRIA] - Multiple vehicles destroyed. Many US casualties after attack by pro-Government forces starting April 2 to now.<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines Deir Ezzour.jpg|thumb|150px|ISIS desert pocket]]<br />
3 Apr. The SAA supported by the Russian Airforce [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-warplanes-join-in-on-syrian-army-offensive-against-isis-in-deir-ezzor/ apparently] starts an offensive against the ISIS desert pocket between Palmyra and the lower Euphrates.<br />
<br />
The resettlement of "rebels" from Douma to the north is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/more-than-1100-militants-leave-syrias-douma-in-one-day/ in full swing].<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=88451 According to] [[SOHR]], "ten of thousands" of Faylaq Al-Rahman fighters and their families, who were evacuated from Jobar, Ain Terma, Arbin and Zamalka, have over recent days arrived per bus in Afrin, where they settle in the homes of the (mostly Kurdish) people who fled the town during the Turkish "Operation Olive Branch".<br />
<br />
Iran, Russia, Turkey: While the defense ministers [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iranian-defense-minister-arrives-in-moscow-for-upcoming-security-meeting/ meet] in Moscow, the presidents [https://twitter.com/RudawEnglish/status/981148282708688896 meet] in Ankara to discuss Syria.<br />
<br />
2 Apr. The last of the PKK-affiliated militias who saved the Yezidis from ISIS in 2014 [https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/farewell-to-the-guerrillas-in-shengal-with-glorious-ceremony-25872 leave] Sinjar/Shengal after a ceremony on the mountain ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/kurdistan/guerrilla-commander-mission-accomplished-ezidis-are-organized-25855 interview with a commander]).<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://southfront.org/syrian-military-releases-video-confirming-gains-in-rastan-pocket/ takes over] a handful of villages in the north of the Rastan pocket after apparently the residents protested against the local gangs, who then left the villages.<br />
<br />
[http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
30 Mar. After Macron [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/what-did-macron-and-representatives-of-northern-syria-talk-about-25830 received] a delegation from the SDF in Paris the day before, Erdogan [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/erdogan-threatens-macron-25825 reminds him] that he shouldn't "bite off more than he can chew". Shortly after, loyalist Turkish Anadolu Agency [http://www.voltairenet.org/article200488.html publishes] a map showing five French bases on Syrian territory, all near Kobane. The Parachutist Regiment of the Navy’s Infantry is deployed there according to the paper.<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
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28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
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22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
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''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
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19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
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18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
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17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
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10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
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'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
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4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
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A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
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It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
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25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
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24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
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Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44091Syria news/Current2018-04-02T11:12:12Z<p>Charles Wood: Turks now in Khan Shekhoun. I wonder what they will 'discover'?</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
2 Apr. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1522625825 Rusvesna]: 'Syrian partisans attacked the US base in Raqqa' (report, leaflet, video)<br />
<br />
''Twitter:'' [https://twitter.com/MGhorab3/status/980763650595147781 Turks now entering Khan Shekhoun]<br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
[https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803281062971621-syria-usa-russia-pentagon-guidance/ ''Pentagon]: Russian Guidance Prevented Clash With Coalition Forces in Syria''<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
<br />
After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
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It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
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''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
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25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
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''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
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24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
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Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
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''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
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[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
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19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
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18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
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According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
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[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
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Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
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Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
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16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
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''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
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''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
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A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
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''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
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''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
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15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
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[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
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14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
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13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
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The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
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More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
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12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
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The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
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After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
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Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
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Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
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The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
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10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
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[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
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Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
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<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
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[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
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So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
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Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
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[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
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RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44086Syria news/Current2018-04-02T00:11:05Z<p>Charles Wood: </p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
1 Apr. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
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Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
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Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
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''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
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11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
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10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
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[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
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9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
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Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
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'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
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A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
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6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
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''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
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The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
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5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
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Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
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[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
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4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
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''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
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[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
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A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
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2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
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[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
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''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
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''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
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''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
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27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
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It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
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''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
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25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
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''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
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24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
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Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
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[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
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19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
<br />
[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:Novichok&diff=44076Talk:Novichok2018-04-01T18:35:37Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Did the Novichok program exist? */ Perhaps not?</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:Poisoning of Sergei Skripal]]<br />
[[Category:Chemical Weapons]]<br />
{{Mainpage}}<br />
==Novichok==<br />
*A-230 Substance 84 the first one synthesized in 1981 by Petr Kirpichev, <s>formula</s> molecule drawing in [https://www.amazon.com/State-Secrets-Insiders-Chronicle-Chemical/dp/1432725661 Mirzayanov's book] (2009)<br />
*A-232 (Novichok -5), synthesized in 1987, molecule drawing in Mirzayanov's book, said to [https://www.svoboda.org/a/29096697.html accidentally poison scientist Zhelezhnyakov], said to be binary, and the only binary agent developed in the USSR<br />
Mirzayanov book also has molecule drawings of<br />
*A-208 ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VR_(nerve_agent) substance 33]), VR gas, Russian version of VX;<br />
*A-234 [http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.64808787.html Chemspider]; [https://twitter.com/MichaKobs/status/978255908588392448 info about NIST98] (this is presently [https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?Formula=C8H18FN2O2P&NoIon=on&Units=SI not on NIST webbok]<br />
*A-242<br />
*A-262<br />
*Also, he gives Russian code names of Sarin (A-235); Soman (A-255) (no drawings for those). <br />
<br />
Mirzayanov [https://www.svoboda.org/a/29096697.html arrest] date, 22 October, 1992.<br />
<br />
Early 1990's developments are said to be<br />
*Novichok 7, [https://ria.ru/spravka/20180313/1516229654.html 'based on A-230 but 10 times more toxic'];<br />
*Novichok -8, Novichok-9 synthesized in 1990's, [https://www.svoboda.org/a/29096697.html tested] at the testing grounds in Shihan, not far from Saratov, and in Nukus in Uzbekistan. <br />
<br />
Sources for Novichok 7,8,9:<br />
*[https://ria.ru/spravka/20180313/1516229654.html Нервно-паралитическое вещество под кодовым названием "Новичок"]-''RIA'', March 13, 2018<br />
*[https://www.svoboda.org/a/29096697.html Жертвы "Новичка". История яда, фигурирующего в деле об отравлении в Солсбери] -''Svoboda.org'', March 13, 2018<br />
<br />
Original sources for Novichok 7,8,9 claims are unclear, molecular formulas or drawings not known to us. <br />
<br />
--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 18:25, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Some useful information on [https://www.reddit.com/r/NeutralPolitics/comments/84hye1/what_are_the_facts_surrounding_the_nerve_agent/dvqgml6/ Reddit.] -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 11:34, 18 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
[https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/138477 First murder using Foliant (Novichok) agents - in 1995]<br />
<br />
Russian FM press briefing, MOD representative (Gen. Kirillov--chemical control-- presentation): in Mirzayanov book, not only formulas (correct) but also synthesis procedures (have not seen the latter myself) [https://live.russia.tv/index/index/channel_id/3 Live stream, Russia 24] --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 12:55, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:The synthesis procedures are given in great detail in the 2016 Iranian paper referenced elsewhere in this page --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 13:16, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
::Yes, that's for sure, but according to presentation, (some) synthesis details were already in Mirzayanov book of 2008--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]])<br />
<br />
*[https://russian.rt.com/world/news/496187-minoborony-solsberi-veschestvo-ssha Russian Ministry of Defense: 'the formula of the substance used in Salisbury published in the US back in 1998'] -''RT'', March 25, 2018<br />
*: Rybalchenko, the chief of analytical chemistry laboratory, RU MoD, says that they got interested in the spectral data of an organophosphate compound published by the [https://www.nist.gov/pml/molecular-spectroscopic-data National Bureau of Standards], USA in 1998, believing it must be very poisonous; and now based on the chemical name (presumably the long standardized chemical name) of this compound they believe it is Novichok A 234. (No further details, really; somebody who can correctly name A 234 may be able to check the assertion; it may be online, but perhaps not everything they publish is online) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 19:42, 25 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Other investigators===<br />
Several names of scientists (or whistle-blowers) have been mentioned on our pages already, scattered somewhere. More names:<br />
*[https://ria.ru/world/20180320/1516727641.html RIA Novosti interview with Professor Leonid Rink], March (21?), 2018<br />
**Did you have anything to do with creating what the British authorities call the "Novichok"?<br />
*:Yes. This was the basis of my doctoral dissertation. At that time I worked in Shikhany, in the branch of GosNIIOKhT (State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology, during Soviet times was engaged in the development of chemical weapons), was a leading researcher and a head of the laboratory. Mirzayanov was simply a chromatographer (a chemist who deals with the separation and analysis of various mixtures of substances.) - Ed.). Analytic tasks in this field were not even connected with him. But he headed the department of countering foreign technical intelligence, defended our developments, so he had all the permissions. He did not take part in discussing the systems that were being created, he had no relation to the development of the system. Nevertheless, since among themselves the scientists are discussing everything, he was aware.<br />
**Kivelidi murder; Chechens. ''It was Rink who sold the ampoule with the poisonous substance to the mediator who gave it to the murderer. The poison was applied to the telephone in the office of Kivelidi, and his secretary also died. Igor Rink was given a conditional year (he also sold the substance to certain Chechens).''[http://www.mk.ru/politics/2018/03/20/sozdatel-novichka-privel-dokazatelstva-neprichastnosti-rossii-k-otravleniyu-skripalya.html 1],[http://www.mk.ru/incident/2018/03/14/ob-istorii-otravleniya-predshestvennika-skripalya-kivelidi-rasskazal-advokat.html 2].<br />
**[https://echo.msk.ru/blog/openmedia/2169922-echo/ The mystery of the Rinks] -''Echo Moskvy'', March 21, 2018<br />
*::Leonid Rink, doctor of chemical sciences said to be one of the developers, confirmed that Nikolai Rink (who was accused of smuggling poisonous substance from the lab and a role in Kiveldi murder) is his father.<br />
*Vladimir Uglev (The Bell [https://thebell.io/en/the-scientist-who-developed-novichok-doses-ranged-from-20-grams-to-several-kilos/ Eng.], [https://thebell.io/razrabotchik-novichka-vladimir-uglev-partii-sostavlyali-ot-20-grammov-do-neskolkih-kilogrammov/ Rus.] , March 20, 2018), see also [[Talk:Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#Did_the_Novichok_program_exist.3F|this section]]<br />
<br />
[http://polpred.com/free/vmk/book.pdf Военные мафии Кремля ] (Military Mafias of Kremlin, Georgy Vachnadze, pp 119-120, Moscow 'Mir' and Marburg Blau Herner (1994)<br />
<br />
Kuntsevich was accused of a deliberate lie by one of the real, but robbed by the rogue authorities authors of this binary chemical weapons, Vladimir Uglev. The widely publicized "Mirzayanov's case" was a continuation of the "Interview with a Loop on the Neck" story in the weekly Novoye Vremya (No. 6, 1993; we referenced below a [http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a333126.pdf translation], pp. 18-19). According to Uglev, Lenin's award to A. Kuntsevich, V. Petrunin (director of the head military chemical research center of the State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology) and S. Golubkov (first deputy minister of the chemical industry of the USSR) could be issued only after the production of a pilot binary industrial batch weapons, "components of which are now stored on a secret base in the Bryansk region."<br />
<br />
Uglev has the dubious honor of authorship of three out of five "combat options" of binary weapons, code-named "Novichok". Nothing of the kind has ever been done in the world after the most powerful poisonous gas, synthesized by the Swedish scientist in 1956(inaccurate attribution?), the VX gas. The discovery of Uglev and his colleagues is 5 to 8 times more deadly than VX, not to mention other phosphoric gases - Sarin and Soman.<br />
<br />
"The substance synthesized by me," says Uglev, "can be relatively easily" disguised "as a product of peaceful chemistry in the event of an international inspection. Uglev confirmed Mirzayanov's statement in the press that in the list of chemicals and dual-use technologies published in September 1992, under Yeltsin's signature, almost all components of both the new binary and the former VX gas are missing, ...<br />
<br />
[https://fas.org/irp/ops/ci/docs/ci4/ch2.pdf Federation of American scientists publication], Ch.2, Russia, p.133, date not supplied<br />
<br />
But in the fall of 1992, the MBR detained Vil Mirzayanov on the charge of disclosing state secrets. Mirzayanov had publicly written that Russia was<br />
working on a nerve gas weapon, which questioned Yeltsin’s statement in January 1992 that Russia would comply with the US-Soviet agreement on<br />
nonproliferation of chemical weapons. Vladimir Uglev, who was one of the chief chemical weapons designers, corroborated Mirzayanov’s allegations<br />
though no charges were filed against Uglev for revealing state secrets because he had deputy’s immunity as an elected official.<br />
<br />
:--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 16:29, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
===Kholstov===<br />
Victor Kholstov, chemical defense chief, talking after a question of lower-level UK representative woman (Ambassador not attending):<br />
<br />
No formulas in Mirzayanov claims in 1990's, or in his book first published in Russian in early 2000. However, Czech(oslovakia) professor Matoushek (Jiri Matoushek [https://books.google.com/books?id=G3wckY9j3nAC&pg=PR13&lpg=PR13&dq=Matoushek++chemistry&source=bl&ots=OInBSm4CH1&sig=3RLKbW6TkMsRYeSYe2IJ3j5Woy0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj7ttGywf3ZAhUjOsAKHbM1BTkQ6AEINDAC#v=onepage&q=Matoushek%20%20chemistry from Brno], Czech republic?) around 1994 published (toxicology) details of several chemicals (for the purpose of defense against those). Another professor from Czech(oslovakia) whose name is Ivan Masek ([https://books.google.com/books?id=07zG4_sWGRoC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=Ivan+Masek+chemistry&source=bl&ots=GH8j_xRpUB&sig=JrPgycdywLoEpx8nIGtqhlOUai8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiU3_SSw_3ZAhWZHsAKHbLbDdMQ6AEIPDAC#v=onepage&q=Ivan%20Masek%20chemistry this?]) published toxicology and spectroscopy data in 1994 of 'several dozen' chemicals (also for defense purposed). Kholstov flashed several pages presumably with formulas and related information.<br />
<br />
Studies, according to Kholostov, were conducted by Edgewood Arsenal (USA). <br />
<br />
Information on new substances was received at OPCW; however chemical convention was already signed, in the processs of implementation, and amending documents will slow this down.<br />
<br />
Presenters earlier stated that in 1996/1997 Russia destroyed its chemical weapons under international control<br />
<br />
When Mirzayanov book (the US one, on Amazon) appeared and was about to appear, it was sent to OPCW , and OPCW technical council/secretariat/commission seriously studies it . Their conclusion is that (it may need further study in case of concern but there is no definite data confirming its properties at this stage). <br />
<br />
Kholstov alleges that publication of Mirzayanov was (1) for financial reasons (2) possibly coordinated with Edgewood Arsenal.<br />
<br />
(PS. Quoted as briefly scribbled/remembered from live stream; for exact phrasing see transcript, hope they will issue one, or video at least)--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 13:44, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
*Transcript: Briefing by Director of the Foreign Ministry Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov, Moscow, March 21, 2018, [http://www.mid.ru/en/press_service/spokesman/briefings/-/asset_publisher/D2wHaWMCU6Od/content/id/3134581 Eng.],[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/spokesman/briefings/-/asset_publisher/D2wHaWMCU6Od/content/id/3134581 Rus.]<br />
<br />
==Making Novichok==<br />
[[File:Sigma-Aldrich ad feed.png|thumb|Some organophosphates that are easily available.]]<br />
Novichok/derivatives synthesised at laboratory scale by CW researchers in 2016. Samples used to calibrate Mass Spectrometer equipment for later detection of field use of the agents.<br />
<br />
[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.7757/full Fragmentation pathways and structural characterization of organophosphorus compounds related to the Chemical Weapons Convention by electron ionization and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry]<br />
<br />
The paper includes precise synthesis instructions including where to source the raw materials (Sigma Aldrich)<br />
<br />
Citation:<br />
<br />
*Hosseini, S. E., Saeidian, H., Amozadeh, A., Naseri, M. T., and Babri, M. (2016) [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.7757/pdf Fragmentation pathways and structural characterization of organophosphorus compounds related to the Chemical Weapons Convention by electron ionization and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry]. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 30: 2585–2593. doi: 10.1002/rcm.7757.<br />
<br />
(Someone with more skills than me may care to make it a proper citation entry)<br />
--[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 18:13, 16 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
:Resembles A-230, A-242 from the book but different chain following N of P-N (unclear how derivative is the derivative...). Noted, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphosphonyl_difluoride Methylphosphonyl difluoride] (cpd 1 in the article) is not from the shop and is a CW precursor --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:14, 16 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:As resup notes. it is not entirely clear if they are making actual Novichok compounds or compounds with the same building blocks. We need a chem expert to comment. Irrespective, the syntheisis seems straightforward so making actual Novichok compounds should be equally as easy --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 20:10, 16 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
A summary of the state of affairs<br />
*Ryan De Vooght-Johnson, [http://www.spectroscopynow.com/details/ezine/1591ca249b2/Iranian-chemists-identify-Russian-chemical-warfare-agents.html Iranian chemists identify Russian chemical warfare agents], ''Spectroscopy now'', Jan. 1, 2017 <br />
*:''The Iranian researchers synthesised five ‘Novichok’ agents, along with four deuterated analogues. They were all O-alkyl N-[bis(dimethylamino)methylidene]-P-methylphosphonamidate compounds (i.e. molecules with the typical nerve agent phosphorus group coupled to N,N,N’N’-[https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/aldrich/241768 tetramethylguanidine]). The O-[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkyl alkyl] group was varied, with the methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, phenoxy, and 2,6-dimethylphenoxy derivatives being prepared. The syntheses were carried out on a micro-scale in order to minimize exposure.<br />
*:''The data have been added to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ Central Analytical Database (OCAD). <br />
*: --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:39, 16 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Craig Murray has taken note of the Iranian research.<br />
* [https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2018/03/first-recorded-successful-novichok-synthesis-was-in-2017-by-iran-in-cooperation-with-the-opcw/ First Recorded Successful Novichok Synthesis was in 2017 – By Iran, in Cooperation with the OPCW] - <br />
*:''I have now been sent the vital information that in 2017, Iranian scientists set out to study whether novichoks really could be produced from commercially available ingredients. Iran succeeded in synthesising a number of novichoks. Iran did this in full cooperation with the OPCW and immediately reported the results to the OPCW so they could be added to the chemical weapons database.<br />
The year is wrong. The original paper appeared in 2016, the summary in ''Spectroscopy now'' is dated January 1, 2017. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 21:28, 17 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Did the Novichok program exist? ==<br />
<br />
A [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/03/theresa-mays-45-minutes-claim.html#c6a00d8341c640e53ef01b8d2e1ffa3970c comment by ''yoffa''] on ''Moon of Alabama'':<br />
<br />
:''I think the underlying assumption of your post - that a Novichok programme existed - is open to serious doubt.<br />
<br />
:''The only source for the story of a Soviet/Russian programme to develop a new class of military nerve agents codenamed Novichoks is a defector in the 1990s named Vil Mirzayanov. He claimed that one of these compounds was 5 to 8 times more toxic than VX and that production of these compounds had continued after the Chemical Weapons Convention came into effect. He explained the many publications in the open literature by Soviet chemists on compounds with similar structures as a deception to provide cover for secret research on other more toxic compounds, and gave structures for these compounds.<br />
<br />
:''A review of chemical warfare agents in 2016 (http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/chapter/bk9781849739696-00001/978-1-84973-969-6) by Robin Black, who had just retired as head of the detection lab at Porton Down, states that there is no independent confirmation of Mirzayanov's claims about the chemical properties of Novichok compounds.<br />
<br />
:''The report of the OPCW's Scientific Advisory Board's meeting in April 2013 made a similar statement, and did not recommend adding these compounds or their precursors to the list of scheduled chemicals banned or restricted under the CWC. The members of the scientific advisory board included people who, like Black, were heads of western chemical defence labs. These labs would almost surely have undertaken experimental tests of Mirzayanov's claims about the toxicity of these compounds. So if members of the scientific advisory board who were in a position to know the results of these experiments did not recommend adding these compounds to the list of scheduled chemicals, we can reasonably infer that they were not found to be military grade nerve agents.<br />
<br />
:''The British government is now demanding that Russia make a full disclosure of its Novichok programme by Tuesday evening. A Russian denial that such a programme existed will be taken as proof of guilt.<br />
<br />
-- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 03:05, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
'Novichok' is a word, not a weapon. Anything not seen before out of a broad class of chemicals, pesticide or nerve agent, may be called 'Novichok' and used for propaganda. It needs to be (1) specific chemical (2) detailed signature of the recovered sample. There could be a program called 'Novichok' back from Soviet days, or maybe there was no such thing, in any case this is classified. They are not going to declassify it on the basis of a magic word pronounced, this is not serious. Give them sample details, and not through May-media. Otherwise this is is really justification for whatever measures they have already prepared. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 09:20, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
:[http://tass.ru/politika/5025564 Lavrov]: Russia did not receive a request by the official channels (2) Russia 'immediately' (сразу же) officially requested access to the chemical [sample], and to all facts concerning the investigation, since Yulia Skripal is a Russian citizen. We have received 'an inarticulate answer' (невнятный ответ), and the request was 'denied' (отказано) --[[User:Resup|Resup]]([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 12:37, 13 March 2018 (UTC) <br />
::An amendment: it is said (see below) that 'Novichok' has over a 100 variants, with chemicals composing a few of them [[Talk:Poisoning_of_Sergei_Skripal#Novichok|published]] by Mirzayanov (who was out of the program in the 1990's and since emigrated and works in academia in USA). Thus, a few (alleged) compounds are known, but with details openly published by 2009, others can figure out how to synthesize those; also with the development being Soviet, not Russian, other former USSR republics may have it too. For the unpublished versions of Novichok, the above comment applies, one can say that anything not seen or rare, of a broad class, is Novichok, in one of those many unpublished versions. And no leaks on Russian (i.e developed after 1991), not Soviet compounds. Compare with Theresa May [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-full-statement-russia-12173387 statement], 'military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia', etc. Peter Wilson later [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/organisation-for-the-prohibition-of-chemical-weapons-87th-executive-council-session-statement-on-the-salisbury-incident statement] uses same language. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 05:33, 14 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
There is a good description of the alleged chemical weapons program in [http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a333126.pdf this document] on pages 18-20. The Interview with Vladimir Uglav originally appeared in Novoye Vremya in February 1993 and was translated into English be the U.S. Department of Commerce. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 13:11, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Uglev, p.18: ''During the entire 15 years of my work in the laboratory, more than a hundred substances of this class were synthesized. Only five of them representing a significant "war interest" went through the full investigation. The dubious honor of discovering three of them belongs to me.''<br />
<br />
:Also: according to the Russian [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Новичок_(химическое_оружие) Wikipedia] it is a family which consists of more than a hundred similar compounds, not one thing. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 13:36, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
[https://web.archive.org/web/20071013153752/http://www.sakharov-center.ru/exhibitionhall/mirzajanov.htm Sakahrov center]: Mirzayanov was charged for treason in Russia, but then released and the criminal case dropped. He then emigrated to USA, where he works at university as has his chemical lab there. He posted some twits on Syrian chemical weapons (opposing Syrian and Russian governments), reproduced on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4047044.html Cassad] . [https://www.rbc.ru/politics/13/03/2018/5aa7affc9a794730b26451fb Supports] British version on Skripal --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 17:34, 13 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
''Moon of Alabama'' brings closure to this issue: -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 19:45, 31 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
* [http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/03/clinton-state-department-discouraged-novichok-discussion.html Hillary Clinton Ordered Diplomats To Suppress 'Novichok' Discussions] - ''Moon of Alabama'', March 31, 2018<br />
*:''Until 2016 the OPCW's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) as well as scientists at the UK weapon laboratory in Porton Down sowed doubts about the very existence of 'Novichoks'. We fell for this when we asked if 'Novichocks' exist at all. Until late 2016 the OPCW did not list the substances and their precursors. This was no oversight but intent. Active U.S. suppression efforts against any mentioning of 'Novichoks' in the OPCW already occurred in 2006.<br />
<br />
===Soviets made GV not Novichoks===<br />
[https://timhayward.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/update-to-briefing-note-doubts-about-novichoks/ Update to briefing note ‘Doubts about Novichoks’]<br />
:''Other than Mirzayanov’s story, there is no evidence that these compounds were ever synthesized in either the Soviet Union or Russia, or that the “Novichok” programme ever existed. The use of the term “Novichoks” to describe this A-230 series of compounds, which are real chemical structures, is therefore tendentious. An account by another Russian chemist Vladimir Uglev, often cited as corroboration of Mirzayanov’s story, appears on close examination to be about the development of a class of nerve agents denoted GV and which has been studied in several countries including Czechoslovakia and the US.'' --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 18:35, 1 April 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Disinformation operation? ===<br />
Andrey Lazarchuk writes on [https://www.facebook.com/lazarchuk.andrey/posts/2054379401482631 Facebook] and also reposted here:<br />
* [https://news-front.info/2018/03/17/hvost-vilnul-sobakoj-originalnaya-versiya-dela-skripalya/ Хвост вильнул собакой: оригинальная версия «дела Скрипаля»] (Tail wagging the dog: the original version of the "Skripal case") - Andrey Lazarchuk, ''News Front'', March 17, 2018<br />
*:''Brief Summary: "Novicock" is not the name of the CW, but the cipher of the KGB operation to detect the channel of information leaks, as well as the supply of disinformation<br />
-- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:23, 18 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I have seen this, but my impression is that this is essentially denial PR. Several people came forward, Mirzayanov not the only one; one scientist, Zheleznyakov, received accidental poisoning (and said to support those coming forward), two more people said to die after unauthorized use. Most of it is coming from Mirzayanov, but I do not have an impression that he is intentionally lying. Disinfo campaign, a possibility in principle, but with the development running for many years with many people involved, colleagues, students, etc not likely. The attitude at the time of his publications was that CW program is going to be abandoned and convention implemented (thus Merzayanov was released and allowed to leave to the West); and KGB was in weak position overall, seen as repressive. So over-the top major disinfo effort, with massive staging, is not very likely, and if it was felt that CW are to be abandoned, -not very meaningful. -[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 03:38, 18 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I also found this interesting:<br />
* [https://natsouth.livejournal.com/4629.html The curious case of the Salisbury poisonings] - natsouth, March 17 2018<br />
*:''Maybe there is a possible connection between the development of Novichok as part of a Soviet CW programme, codenamed 'Foliant' and an long-defunct US FBI counter-intelligence project, codenamed “Operation Shocker”. This was a long-running US operation aimed at wasting Soviet resources & money in trying to develop a new super nerve gas the US believed unweaponizable, known as GJ, deemed to be an hopeless unachievable programme. The aim of the US operation was to misinform the Soviets about the US CW and BW programmes, through a fake 'defector'.<br />
<br />
Wikipedia has an article on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Shocker "Operation Shocker",] but no one has linked it to novichoks.<br />
<br />
Disinformation both ways? Or maybe the information was all real, and the story about the disinformation operation was invented after the real information had been leaked. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 14:33, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Detection?==<br />
Novichok 5, and likely 7,8,9 are binaries, presumably mixed on the spot from precursors. Detecting presence of the agent as such should be doable (GC; MS; spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, NMR), and there may be tests developed to do it quickly, but detailed signature pointing to the origin (purity, impurities, by-products, etc) is difficult as it is mixed locally and detailed composition depend on the local mix. So they need to find a way to do it despite those local mix variations (and essentially detailing precursors, not the mix) , and it is not clear whether they are capable of doing it reliably (and quickly enough). Also, this needs to be done on real samples taken from victims or the scene and so containing lots of contaminants not just the agent (unless they found true source of poisoning, unclear they did). --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 20:37, 15 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
<br />
The convention [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/chemical-weapons-convention-guidance says]: ''synthesis of Schedule 1 chemicals for research, medical or pharmaceutical purposes, but not for protective purposes, may be carried out at laboratories in aggregate quantities of less than 100g per facility''. But 100g should be enough for what happened, and those 100g may be produced afresh, not taken from a big batch of CW in industrial quantities. In that case, no signature, or it is at least very difficult, or impossible if there are no further clues to help. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 18:26, 17 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
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== What is "weapons grade?" ==<br />
<br />
The key factor in a weapons grade nerve agent is persistence, it does not evaporate - or as Vladimir Uglev [https://thebell.io/en/the-scientist-who-developed-novichok-doses-ranged-from-20-grams-to-several-kilos/ describes them here,] the chemical agents in the novichok series are "extremely tenacious." If the poison was a novichok or "weapons grade", then there should be residue where it was applied. How come the investigators have not found the spot of contamination? -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 16:41, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
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If it evaporates slowly, its concentration in the air is low, so it has to be effective at low concentration (and pure, as part of this). They also talk about cumulative effect with low exposure over long periods (so healing is slow/none). (But also, weapons grade may be not really defined, its whatever fits requirements set by the 'customer', and also not a DIY version of something better) --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 17:07, 21 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
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The key factors of weapons grade agents are that there must be a repeatable manufacturing process, a safe way of storing the chemicals with a militarily useful storage period, minimal risk to operators before deployment, a reliable means of delivery, and then depending on application either a long or short duration of activity after deployment. Nice to haves would be effective prophylactics and/or antidotes. Also, the agent should ideally create mass panic in victims or potential victims so as to multiply the casualties - psychological as well as physical. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:59, 22 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
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I guess this issue originates with Theresa May claim, ''It is now clear that Mr Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia.'' But Russia destroyed its military-grade CW under OPCW control, around 1996. Claims of scientist were, if accurate at all, about development of CW, not mass production; they at most point at some other people having to do with mass production. But that mass production, even if it happened, was abandoned and destroyed. So Russia does not have weapon-grade nerve agents; as for small quantities, many countries could do it; but saying a small quantity is military-grade is meaningless --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 04:01, 22 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
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== What is "Novichok class or closely related agent?" ==<br />
[[File:IMPA isopropyl methylphosphonic acid.png|thumb|Sarin degrades to IMPA with an exchange of fluoride (F) for a -OH group]]<br />
What breakdown products would the scientists be testing for in blood samples to find a "Novichok class nerve agent or closely related agent?" <br />
<br />
When sarin degrades to IMPA is retains its skeletal molecular structure with the fluoride (F) atom exchanged for a -OH group. Would novichok agents have similar fluoride-less analogs? -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 06:38, 24 March 2018 (UTC)<br />
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Iranian paper discusses pathways of their compounds. Their cp4 has O=P-OH (they say OR), and that P also links CH3 and -N-....So I guess you need to knock off -N-... and replace by the -O-<C*H* that you show. Is it going to occur naturally in vivo, do not know, do not know chemistry well (but does not seem to be hugely impossible, no alchemistry required, just chemistry). <br />
I do not remember all Mirazaynov's straight away but I recall those with 0=P-O (P also links two other things, often F, and some CH's or N's). So I guess it's a similar answer, can be made to happen but unclear to me whether naturally happens. Maybe there are chemist reading this who can answer, I am not.--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 14:34, 24 March 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44073Syria news/Current2018-04-01T10:40:06Z<p>Charles Wood: </p>
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1 May. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
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31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
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28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
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[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
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27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
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Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
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26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
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IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
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Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
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[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
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At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
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Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
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24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
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Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
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22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
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21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
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''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
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19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
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18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
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VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
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17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
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''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
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14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
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''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
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12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
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''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
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Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
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Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
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''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
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11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
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10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
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[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
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9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
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Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
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'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
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A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
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6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
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''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
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The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
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5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
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Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
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[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
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4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
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[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
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A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
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2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
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[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
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''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
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''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
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28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
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''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
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27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
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It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
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''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
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25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
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''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
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24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
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''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
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Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
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''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
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[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
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19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
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18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
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According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
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[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
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Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
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Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
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16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
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''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
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''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
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A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
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''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
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''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
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15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
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[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
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14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
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13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
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The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
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More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
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12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
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The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
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After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
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Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44072Syria news/Current2018-04-01T10:39:34Z<p>Charles Wood: Douma defeated</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
1 May. ''al-Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-douma-rebels-reach-agreement-with-syrian-government-russian-forces-to-enter-city-details/ Douma surrenders after all.] <br />
:''Some Jaysh al-Islam militants from Douma will be evacuated to the town of Jarablus (under the control of Turkish-backed rebels) in northeast Aleppo province whilst other fighters will reconcile''<br />
<br />
31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
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[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
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19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
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18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
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According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
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[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
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Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
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Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
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16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
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''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
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''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
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A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
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''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
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''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
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15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
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[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
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14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
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13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
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The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
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More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
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12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
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The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
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After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
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Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
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Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
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The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
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10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
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[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
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Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
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<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
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[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
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So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
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Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
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[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
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RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
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8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
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7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
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Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
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RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
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Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
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6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
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Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
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Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
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Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
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[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
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1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44071Syria news/Current2018-04-01T03:49:51Z<p>Charles Wood: Ghouta liberated - but not a mention of Douma</p>
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31 Mar. ''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/422867-syria-ghouta-cities-liberated/ All East Ghouta towns liberated,] All E. Ghouta towns liberated (but no mention of Douma!)<br />
<br />
29 Mar. Trump [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/29/trump-syria-military-isis-491856 says] the US will end its military presence in Syria "very soon".<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there. Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/03/29/photo-and-video-diary-from-eastern-ghouta-by-vanessa-beeley/ reports] from the IDP camps outside Douma.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
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26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
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Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
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Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
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22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
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21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
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''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
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19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
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18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
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17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
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''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
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14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
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''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
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12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
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''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
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''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
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11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
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10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
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9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
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'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
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A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_oGho2hxA out of context and butchered quote], trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
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6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
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Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
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[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
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4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
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[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
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A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
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2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
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''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
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It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
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24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
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[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
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20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
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[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
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Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
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16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
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A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
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''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
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''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
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The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
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More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Russian_information_war&diff=44040Russian information war2018-03-29T22:13:12Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Western response */ non paywall version</p>
<hr />
<div>:''See also [[Putin's Troll Factory]]<br />
[[File:Kremlin stokes discord.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Putin's lying machine: Revealed, how Russia is spewing out ruthless propaganda]]<br />
[[File:Cover spec 22-oct issues.jpg|thumb|Emperor Putin attacks Truth]]<br />
[[File:Delusional bimbo.jpg|thumb|Jessikka Aro: drug addict or delusional bimbo?]]<br />
[[File:TIME Russia cover.jpg|thumb|Russian trolls [http://time.com/magazine/us/4783906/may-29th-2017-vol-189-no-20-u-s/ rule America!]]]<br />
<br />
== Sources ==<br />
* [http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/?fa=64895 Judy Asks: Should the West Impose More Sanctions on Russia?] (John Lough), Carnegie Europe, October 19, 2016<br />
*:''There are strong grounds for expanding sanctions to target key individuals in the Russian propaganda effort designed to misinform both domestic and foreign audiences about Western goals and behavior toward Russia. This is consolidating support for a system and set of policies that are becoming increasingly dangerous and threatening to Western security interests.<br />
*:''The United States and the EU should move together to impose asset freezes and travel bans on the heads of state media organizations as well as editors, presenters, and reporters involved in official disinformation efforts.<br />
* [https://southfront.org/southfront-is-run-by-the-russian-military/ Revealed! SouthFront Is Run by 'the Russian Military'] - ''SouthFront'', May 24, 2016<br />
<br />
== USA ==<br />
* [https://www.buzzfeed.com/maxseddon/documents-show-how-russias-troll-army-hit-america Documents Show How Russia’s Troll Army Hit America] - Max Seddon, ''BuzzFeed'', June 2, 2014<br />
* [http://www.interpretermag.com/the-menace-of-unreality-how-the-kremlin-weaponizes-information-culture-and-money/ The Menace of Unreality: How the Kremlin Weaponizes Information, Culture and Money] - Peter Pomerantsev, Michael Weiss, ''The Interpreter'' and the ''Institute of Modern Russia'', November 22, 2014 ([http://www.interpretermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The_Menace_of_Unreality_Final.pdf PDF])<br />
* [https://pando.com/2015/04/02/the-kremlins-social-media-trolls-are-real-as-is-the-medias-amnesia-about-them/ The Kremlin's comment trolls are real — as is the media's amnesia about them] - Mark Ames, ''Pando'', April 2, 2015 <br />
* [http://www.thedailybeast.com/russias-long-history-of-messing-with-americans-minds-before-the-dnc-hack Russia’s Long History of Messing With Americans Minds Before the DNC Hack] - Michael Weiss, ''The Daily Beast'', July 26, 2016<br />
*:''Russia’s intelligence services have a long history of mingling sinister fiction with shards of fact and leaking through third parties to cover their tracks.<br />
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/29/world/europe/russia-sweden-disinformation.html A Powerful Russian Weapon: The Spread of False Stories] - ''The New York Times'', August 28, 2016<br />
* [http://newsweek.com/russia-propaganda-site-sputnik-donald-trump-sidney-blumenthal-vladimir-putin-512271 How I Got Slimed By Russian Propagandist Site Sputnik], by Kurt Eichenwald, - "Newsweek", October 20, 2016<br />
*:[[US_presidential_elections#Trump_conspires_with_Putin|More here]].<br />
* [http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/bausman-and-fraud-at-russia-insider.html Bausman and fraud at Russia Insider? Lavelle blows the whistle] - ''Fort Russ'', April 11, 2016<br />
* [http://observer.com/2016/11/clinton-distraction-circus-hits-panic-mode-over-russia-and-fake-news/ Clinton Distraction Circus Hits Panic Mode Over Russia And ‘Fake News’] - Michael Sainato, ''Observer'', November 25, 2016<br />
* [https://consortiumnews.com/2016/12/01/the-orwellian-war-against-skepticism/ The Orwellian War on Skepticism], Robert Parry, December 1, 2016<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/335885421/Declassified-Intelligence-Community-Assessment-of-Russian-Activities-and-Intentions-in-Recent-U-S-Elections#from_embed Russia’s Influence Campaign Targeting the 2016 US Presidential Election] - ''ODNI'', January 6, 2016<br />
** [https://www.rt.com/usa/372864-odni-report-russia-hacking/ RT stars in ODNI report on 'Russian activities and intentions' in US presidential election] - ''RT'', January 6, 2016<br />
**For the record, RT and Sputnik Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan response, ([https://sputniknews.com/russia/201701071049356450-sputnik-simonyan-report/ Engl.])([https://ria.ru/analytics/20170107/1485231377.html Rus.])<br />
* [http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politica/2017/03/how_russia_capitalizes_on_american_racism_and_xenophobia.html Hate Makes Us Weak - How Russia exploits American racism and xenophobia for its own gain] - William Saletan, ''Slate'', March 31, 2017<br />
* [http://time.com/magazine/us/4783906/may-29th-2017-vol-189-no-20-u-s/ Inside Russia’s Social Media War on America] - Massimo Calabresi, ''TIME'', May 29, 2017<br />
* [https://cdn.americanprogress.org/content/uploads/2017/06/01114545/RussiaDisinformation-report.pdf War by Other Means - Russian Active Measures and the Weaponization of Information] - Max Bergmann and Carolyn Kenney, ''Center for American Progress'', June 2017 ([https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/reports/2017/06/06/433345/war-by-other-means/ PDF])<br />
* [http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/11/forget-comey-the-real-story-is-russias-war-on-america-215245 Forget Comey. The Real Story Is Russia’s War on America] - Molly K. McKew, ''Politico'', June 12, 2017<br />
* [http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/12/how-russia-targets-the-us-military-215247 How Russia Targets the U.S. Military] - Ben Schreckinger, ''Politico'', June 12, 2017<br />
* [http://www.newsy.com/stories/how-trolls-can-damage-lives-and-democracies/ Online Trolling Wreaks Havoc On People — And On Democracies] - Liz Wahl, ''Newsy'', June 29, 2017<br />
* [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-the-russians-won-world-war-iii-a-short-history_us_59943db7e4b0afd94eb3f650 How The Russians Won World War III - A Short History] - Michael Rosenblum, ''Huffington Post'', August 16, 2017<br />
* [http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/08/23/russia-propaganda-network-kremlin-bots-215520 Here’s What Russia’s Propaganda Network Wants You to Read] - J.M. Berger, ''Politico'', August 23, 2017<br />
*:''How a new system for tracking Kremlin influence operations reveals what Moscow is thinking.<br />
* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2017/09/13/will-america-finally-wise-up-to-the-russian-media-war-on-our-democracy/ Will America finally wise up to the Russian media war on our democracy?] - Sarah Posner, ''Washington Post'', September 13, 2017<br />
*:''This propaganda war, Rutenberg reports, is a different sort of attack on our democracy from the Russian cyber-attacks and computer hacking we’ve heard so much about. It demonstrates how the Russian assault is multi-faceted and often opaque to American news consumers. By injecting a barrage of “news” into the social media ecosystem, the goal is to manipulate and confuse American viewers and readers, sowing division and chaos in American politics and society.<br />
* [https://www.alternet.org/grayzone-project/clint-watts-fake-russia-expert Meet Clint Watts, a Dubious Russia Meddling 'Expert' Lobbying the U.S. Government to 'Quell Information Rebellions'] - Max Blumenthal, ''AlterNet'', November 8, 2017<br />
*:''“Civil wars don’t start with gunshots, they start with words,” he proclaimed. “America’s war with itself has already begun. We all must act now on the social media battlefield to quell information rebellions that can quickly lead to violent confrontations and easily transform us into the Divided States of America.”<br />
*:''Next, Watts suggested a government-imposed campaign of media censorship: “Stopping the false information artillery barrage landing on social media users comes only when those outlets distributing bogus stories are silenced: silence the guns and the barrage will end.”<br />
* [https://www.buzzfeed.com/jasonleopold/secret-finding-60-russian-payments-to-finance-election Secret Finding: 60 Russian Payments "To Finance Election Campaign Of 2016”] - ''BuzzFeed News'', November 14, 2017<br />
*:[http://tass.ru/politika/4729417 TASS] quotes Russian Embassy response, indicates that this has to do with funding for overseas voting in Russian Duma elections, September 18, 2016 <br />
* [https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2017/11/21/is-the-u-s-serious-about-countering-russias-information-war-on-democracies/ Is the U.S. serious about countering Russia’s information war on democracies?] - Thomas M. Hill, ''Brookings'', November 21, 2017<br />
* [https://www.counterpunch.org/2017/11/28/suddenly-im-a-russian-agent-2/ Suddenly, I’m a ‘Russian Agent’!] - Dave Lindorff, ''Counterpunch'', November 28, 2017<br />
* [https://archive.is/mhdlg Kremlin trolls burned across the Internet as Washington debated options] - ''Washington Post'', December 25, 2017<br />
** [https://archive.is/eqOqZ Report: Kremlin Troll Wrote for Far-Left U.S. Sites] - ''Daily Beast'', December 28, 2017<br />
** [https://archive.is/lIUQ4 Go Ask Alice: the Curious Case of “Alice Donovan”] - ''CounterPunch'', December 25, 2017<br />
** [https://medium.com/@caityjohnstone/msm-uses-russiagate-to-punch-left-8ebda8fabb75 MSM Uses Russiagate To Punch Left] - Caitlin Johnstone, December 28, 2017<br />
<br />
===Fake news ===<br />
* ''Wikipedia:'' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fake_news_website Fake news website]<br />
** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fake_news_websites List of fake news websites]<br />
* [http://www.unz.com/akarlin/fake-news-fizzles-on-arrival/ "Fake News" Fizzles on Arrival] - Anatoly Karlin, ''UNZ Review'', November 29, 2016<br />
* [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/12/09/washington-post-on-the-fake-news-hot-seat.html Washington Post on the ‘Fake News’ Hot Seat] At least one of the websites blamed in a story for supposedly circulating Russian propaganda is threatening to sue the storied newspaper. Lloyd Grove, The Daily Beast, December 9, 2016<br />
* [http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2017/01/05/russia_used_fake_news_to_influence_the_election_james_clapper_says.html Russia Used Fake News to Influence the Election, Says U.S. Intelligence Chief] - Will Oremus, ''Slate'', January 5, 2017<br />
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/13/opinion/cia-fake-news-russia.html The C.I.A.’s Fake News Campaign] - ''NY Times'', October 13, 2017.<br />
:''..Sure, secret agents and front groups have hacked email systems, dumped documents on WikiLeaks, paid an army of internet trolls and spent thousands buying political ads on social media ...'' ''K.G.B. officer, Mr. Putin...''...''If so, it’s payback indeed.''<br />
<br />
=== PropOrNot ===<br />
* [http://propornot.com/ Is It Propaganda Or Not?]<br />
* [https://surveillancevalley.com/blog/on-russia-hacking-american-democracy On Blacklists and Russia 'Hacking' American Democracy], Yasha Levine, November 25, 2016<br />
* [http://www.alternet.org/media/washington-post-promotes-shadowy-website-accuses-200-publications-russian-propaganda-plants Washington Post Promotes Shadowy Website That Accuses 200 Publications of Being Russian Propaganda Plants], Max Blumenthal, November 25, 2016<br />
* [https://theintercept.com/2016/11/26/washington-post-disgracefully-promotes-a-mccarthyite-blacklist-from-a-new-hidden-and-very-shady-group/ Washington Post Disgracefully Promotes a McCarthyite Blacklist From a New, Hidden, and Very Shady Group], Ben Norton and Glenn Greenwald, November 26, 2016<br />
* [https://consortiumnews.com/2016/11/27/washington-posts-fake-news-guilt/ Washington Post’s ‘Fake News’ Guilt], Robert Parry, November 28, 2016<br />
* [http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2016/11/28/major-purveyor-fake-news-cia-corporate-complex.html The Major Purveyor of ‘Fake News’ is the CIA-Corporate Complex] - Wayne Madsen, ''Strategic Culture'', November 28, 2016<br />
* [https://off-guardian.org/2016/11/30/bait-switch-fake-news-propornot-the-real-inform-influence-operation/ Bait & Switch – Fake News, propornot, the Real Inform & Influence Operation] - GH Eliason, ''offGuardian'', November 30, 2016<br />
* [http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-propaganda-about-russian-propaganda The Propaganda About Russian Propaganda] - Adrian Chen, ''The New Yorker'', December 1, 2016<br />
*:''A report from a group called PropOrNot has accused hundreds of Web sites of spreading Russian propaganda. But its methodology is a mess.<br />
* [http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-02/house-quietly-passes-bill-targeting-russian-propaganda-websites House Quietly Passes Bill Targeting "Russian Propaganda" Websites] - ''ZeroHedge'', December 2, 2016<br />
* [http://www.alternet.org/media/anonymous-blacklist-promoted-washington-post-has-shocking-roots-ukrainian-fascism-eugenics-and The Anonymous Blacklist Promoted by the Washington Post Has Apparent Ties to Ukrainian Fascism and CIA Spying] - Mark Ames, ''Alternet'', December 7, 2016<br />
<br />
=== Influencing presidential elections ===<br />
* [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/06/facebook-political-ads-russia-us-election-trump-clinton Facebook says likely Russia-based group paid for political ads during US election] - ''The Guardian'', September 7, 2017<br />
*:''The social media network said that many of the ads promoted 470 “inauthentic” accounts and pages that it has now suspended. The ads spread polarizing views on topics including immigration, race and gay rights, instead of backing a particular political candidate, it said. Facebook announced the findings in a blog post by its chief security officer, Alex Stamos, and said that it was cooperating with federal inquiries into influence operations during the 2016 US presidential election.<br />
*:''The company said it found no link to any presidential campaign. Three-fourths of the ads were national in scope, and the rest did not appear to reflect targeting of political swing-states as voting neared. Facebook did not print the names of any of the suspended pages, but some of them included such words as “refugee” and “patriot”.<br />
*:''The findings buttress US intelligence agency conclusions that Russia was actively involved in shaping the election.<br />
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/us/politics/russia-facebook-twitter-election.html The Fake Americans Russia Created to Influence the Election] - Scott Shane, ''The New York Times'', September 7, 2017<br />
*:''The DCLeaks site had gone live a few days earlier, posting the first samples of material, stolen from prominent Americans by Russian hackers, that would reverberate through the presidential election campaign and into the Trump presidency. The site’s phony promoters were in the vanguard of a cyberarmy of counterfeit Facebook and Twitter accounts, a legion of Russian-controlled impostors whose operations are still being unraveled.<br />
*:''The Russian information attack on the election did not stop with the hacking and leaking of Democratic emails or the fire hose of stories, true, false and in between, that battered Mrs. Clinton on Russian outlets like RT and Sputnik. Far less splashy, and far more difficult to trace, was Russia’s experimentation on Facebook and Twitter, the American companies that essentially invented the tools of social media and, in this case, did not stop them from being turned into engines of deception and propaganda.<br />
*:''An investigation by The New York Times, and new research from the cybersecurity firm FireEye, reveals some of the mechanisms by which suspected Russian operators used Twitter and Facebook to spread anti-Clinton messages and promote the hacked material they had leaked. On Wednesday, Facebook officials disclosed that they had shut down several hundred accounts that they believe were created by a Russian company linked to the Kremlin and used to buy $100,000 in ads pushing divisive issues during and after the American election campaign.<br />
<br />
===Congress===<br />
House bill H.R. 6393 ([https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/6393/actions passed House]), [http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20161128/HR____.pdf ‘‘Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017’’]: Sec. 501. Committee To Counter Active Measures By The Russian Federation To Exert Covert Influence Over Peoples And Governments, 22 Nov 2016<br />
<br />
* [http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-10/senate-quietly-passes-countering-disinformation-and-propaganda-act Senate Quietly Passes The "Countering Disinformation And Propaganda Act"] - ''ZeroHedge'', December 12, 2016<br />
* [http://alexanderhiggins.com/2016-ndaa-targets-alternative-media-for-treason/ SCARED SHITLESS: 2016 NDAA Targets Alternative Media For Treason] - Alexander Higgins, December 12, 2016<br />
<br />
===Inaugural benedictions were '''not''' Russian===<br />
A number of religious benedictions or similar pronouncements were delivered at President Trump inauguration. In particular the one delivered by Rabbi Hier of Simon Wiesenthal Center,Psalm 137 based, was the first of its kind and quite widely discussed. In particular, it was speculated that it may have to do with a theory that President Putin considers Israel a Russian Federation dominion, with about 1 million or so of its citizens holding a Russian passport. That theory is not quite true as it stands, despite the quotations, but in any case, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Hier Rabbi Hier] is of Polish origin and there is nothing 'Russian' about him at all. --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 13:36, 21 January 2017 (UTC)<br />
:“My parents escaped in the ’20s from Poland ", Rabbi Hier [http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20170120/rabbi-hier-of-simon-wiesenthal-center-to-deliver-reading-at-donald-trump-inauguration was quoted] saying.<br />
<br />
== Europe ==<br />
* [https://haneulnaavisite.wordpress.com/2016/12/08/the-white-whale-why-europe-is-obsessed-with-fighting-russian-propaganda/ THE “WHITE WHALE”: WHY EUROPE IS OBSESSED WITH FIGHTING ‘RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA’] - ''HANEUL'S RED STAR RANTS'', December 8, 2016<br />
* [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-13/fake-news-nearly-overwhelming-eu-says-as-it-weighs-fightback Tide of Fake News Is `Almost Overwhelming,' EU Warns] - Aoife White, ''Bloomberg'', November 13, 2017<br />
<br />
=== UK ===<br />
*[http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/comment/its-time-we-turned-the-heat-up-on-putins-lie-machine-p8hpp36kl It’s time we turned the heat up on Putin’s lie machine]. The news service RT has got a nerve complaining about the closure of its bank account. Oliver Kamm - "The Times", October 18, 2016<br />
*[http://henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Putins-Useful-Idiots.pdf "Putin’s Useful Idiots: Britain’s Left, Right and Russia"], Russia Studies Centre Policy Paper No. 10 (2016), Dr Andrew Foxall, The Henry Jackson Society, October 2016<br />
* [https://www.facebook.com/skynews/videos/1827674913913764/ The Putin Problem] - ''Sky News'', July 8, 2017 (video)<br />
* [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/13/theresa-may-accuses-russia-of-interfering-in-elections-and-fake-news Theresa May accuses Russia of interfering in elections and fake news] - Rowena Mason, ''The Guardian'', November 14, 2017<br />
* [http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/13/europe/theresa-may-russia/index.html British PM to Russia: 'We know what you are doing'] - ''CNN'', November 14, 2017<br />
*:''In a significant escalation of rhetoric, May accused Moscow of attempting to "weaponize information" as part of a "sustained campaign of cyberespionage and disruption." Russia's actions were "threatening the international order," she said.<br />
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41983091 Russian politicians dismiss PM's 'election meddling' claims] - ''BBC'', November 14, 2017<br />
* [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5083185/Putin-s-lying-machine-Russia-s-spewing-propaganda.html How Russia's spewing out propaganda from Moscow TV station] - ''Daily Mail'', November 14, 2017<br />
* [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/how-400-russia-run-fake-accounts-posted-bogus-brexit-tweets Russia used hundreds of fake accounts to tweet about Brexit, data shows] - ''The Guardian'', November 14, 2017<br />
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/15/world/europe/russia-brexit-twitter-facebook.html Signs of Russian Meddling in Brexit Referendum] - David D. Kirkpatrick, ''The New York Times'', November 15, 2017<br />
* [https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-facebook/facebook-says-russian-linked-accounts-spent-just-97-cents-on-ads-over-brexit-idUSKBN1E72AL Facebook says Russian-linked accounts spent just 97 cents on ads over Brexit] - ''Reuters'', December 13, 2017<br />
* [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/13/facebook-criticised-response-questions-russia-brexit Facebook criticised for response to questions on Russia and Brexit] - ''The Guardian'', December 13, 2017<br />
* [https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/13/facebooks-brexit-probe-unearths-three-russian-bought-immigration-ads/ Facebook’s Brexit probe unearths three Russian-bought “immigration” ads] - ''Tech Crunch'', December 13, 2017<br />
*:''Further to your request, we have examined whether any of the identified [[Internet Research Agency]] (IRA) pages or account profiles funded advertisements to audiences in the United Kingdom during the regulated period for the EU Referendum. We have determined that these accounts associated with the IRA spent a small amount of money ($0.97) on advertisements that delivered to UK audiences during that time. This amount resulted in three advertisements (each of which were also targeted to US audiences and concerned immigration, not the EU referendum) delivering approximately 200 impressions to UK viewers over four days in May 2016.<br />
<br />
=== Germany ===<br />
*[http://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/wladimir-putin/warum-darf-dieser-putin-scherge-mit-an-merkels-tisch-48365950.bild.html Warum darf dieser Putin - Scherge an Merkels Tisch sitzen?]- "Bild", October 19, 2016 <br />
<br />
=== Finland ===<br />
* [http://www.norden.org/en/news-and-events/news/countering-the-information-war-from-the-east-with-robust-cooperation Countering the information war from the East with robust cooperation] - Nordic Council, January 22, 2015<br />
* [http://kioski.yle.fi/omat/this-is-what-pro-russia-internet-propaganda-feels-like This is What Pro-Russia Internet Propaganda Feels Like – Finns Have Been Tricked into Believing in Lies] - ''YLE Kioski'', June 24, 2015<br />
* [https://www.kyivpost.com/article/opinion/op-ed/jessikka-aro-my-year-as-a-pro-russia-troll-magnet-401686.html Jessikka Aro: My year as a pro-Russia troll magnet] - Jessikka Aro, ''Kyiv Post'', November 9, 2015 ([http://kioski.yle.fi/omat/my-year-as-a-pro-russia-troll-magnet original])<br />
* [http://bunews.com.ua/interviews/item/targeted-by-kremlin-trolls Targeted by the Kremlin troll army] - ''Business Ukraine'', December 5, 2015<br />
* [http://mvlehti.net/2016/02/24/natos-information-expert-jessikka-aro-turned-out-to-be-a-convicted-drug-dealer/ NATO’s information expert Jessikka Aro turned out to be a convicted drug dealer] - Ilja Janitskin, ''MV-lehti'', February 24, 2016 <br />
* [http://www.smh.com.au/world/finnish-journalists-jessikka-aros-inquiry-into-russian-trolls-stirs-up-a-hornets-nest-20160310-gng8rk.html Finnish journalist Jessikka Aro's inquiry into Russian trolls stirs up a hornet's nest] - Nick Miller, ''Sidney Morning Herald'' March 13, 2016<br />
* [http://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/aro_and_kankkonen_win_bonnier_journalism_prizes/8748609 Aro and Kankkonen win Bonnier journalism prizes] - ''YLE Uutiset'', MArch 16, 2016<br />
* [http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12290-016-0395-5 The cyberspace war: propaganda and trolling as warfare tools] - Jessikka Aro, ''European View'', June 2016, Volume 15, Issue 1, pp 121–132 (May 10, 2016)<br />
* [https://toinformistoinfluence.com/2016/05/26/mv-lehti-russian-trolls-in-finland/ MV Lehti – Russian Trolls In Finland] - Joel Harding, May 26, 2016<br />
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/31/world/europe/russia-finland-nato-trolls.html Effort to Expose Russia's 'Troll Army' Draws Vicious Retaliation] - Andrew Higgins, ''The New York Times'', May 30, 2016<br />
* [http://rbth.com/international/2016/06/10/how-finland-became-a-battleground-in-the-russia-nato-information-war_602129 How Finland became a battleground in the Russia-NATO information war] - Nikolai Shevchenko, ''RBTH'', June 10, 2016 <br />
* [https://toinformistoinfluence.com/2016/09/14/the-kremlins-voice-johan-backman/ THE KREMLIN’S VOICE: JOHAN BÄCKMAN] - Joel Harding, September 14, 2016<br />
* [https://toinformistoinfluence.com/2016/10/15/infiltration-of-yle-revealed-when-the-defamation-campaign-against-the-award-winning-journalist-jessikka-aro-rolled-up-by-prosecutors-and-police/ Infiltration of YLE revealed when the defamation campaign against the award-winning journalist Jessikka Aro rolled up by prosecutors and police] - Joel Harding, October 15, 2016<br />
* [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-finland-russia-informationattacks-idUSKCN12J197 Finland sees propaganda attack from former master Russia] - Reuters, October 19, 2016<br />
<br />
== Western response ==<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/op-edge/399344-stratcom-propaganda-facts-eu-media/ Total fact-fail by EU’s favorite fact-checkers] - ''RT'', August 2017<br />
* [https://www.rt.com/usa/420703-statedept-anti-russia-money-mcfaul/ State Dept has $120mn war chest for Russia-bashing – and ex-envoy McFaul wants to spend it] - ''RT'', March 7, 2018<br />
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/03/27/britain-launch-counter-propaganda-war-against-russia-theresa/ Britain to launch counter-propaganda war against Russia as Theresa May unveils 'Fusion Doctrine' defence plan] - ''The Telegraph'', March 27, 2018 ([https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/uk-to-fight-back-against-russia-in-information-war-20180328-p4z6mc.html Same Telegraph story but not paywalled])<br />
*:''British spies will launch a counter-propaganda war against the Russians as part of a major overhaul of the UK's security capabilities announced by Theresa May.<br />
*:''The Prime Minister has instructed the intelligence services to use social media to disrupt misinformation as she promised to use "every capability at our disposal" to defeat the new threat facing Britain.<br />
<br />
==Russia==<br />
"Kremlin" produced [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urt4fifrsls anti-Navalnyi "hips-don't lie" video], telling a little schoolboy to stay away from politics, 'start with yourself", "go study the basics". Navalnyi [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xitxJb_v8qQ admits] all is lost, produces with NATO psy-ops help a response [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MXdZI6t0b8 pro-Putin video]<br />
:Some identified sources used in Navalnyi's psy-op video: one is [http://www.budaev.ru/gallery/28 Budaev's re-rendering] (going several years back) of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Sun_of_the_Desert 'White Sun of the Desert"]; there is also graphics resembling scenes from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhAdJ62dx4&t=43m46s "Master and Margarita"]; other stuff of unknown origin meshes quite well with those. "Putin with Snowden" is from Budaev too, second pic [http://www.budaev.ru/gallery/27 here] (+ more in this album is on video); "with Yanukovich on Maidan", 4th pic [http://www.budaev.ru/gallery/19 here]. Title pic is [http://www.budaev.ru/gallery/9 Budaev again]. <br />
<br />
===Social media===<br />
Certain Valentin Ivanovich Turchinov (DOB 1909), namesake of father of Alexander Turchinov (DOB 1964), [http://www.bolshoyvopros.ru/questions/938970-kem-byl-otec-i-o-prezidenta-ukrainy-turchinova.html served in 1942 in a German army's prisoners work battalion in Lannion, France], and was punished and served in a Russian camp after the war. Further [http://www.kp.ru/daily/26262/3142511/ claimed] that actually he later served in 447 punishers battalion committing war crimes in anti-partisan operations in Bryansk region; but interrogation page document appears quite new and at least not the original. Used to make a case against Alexander Turchinov (though a bit late for fatherhood, and a different wife). Here the story [https://twitter.com/Zn_Portnova/status/875225676235853825 pretty-presented] and cheered up, sort of, by pro-Bandera users, part mockery, part extra admiration of the "Bloody Pastor' image. <br />
<br />
== Analysis ==<br />
* [http://www.fort-russ.com/2018/01/in-depth-why-us-is-losing-information.html IN DEPTH: Why the US is losing the information war - the medium is the message] - Joaquin Flores, ''Fort Russ News'', January 7, 2018<br />
* [https://disobedientmedia.com/2018/01/meet-the-cabal-that-are-framing-domestic-american-activism-as-russian-influence-and-fake-news/ Meet The Cabal That Are Framing Domestic American Activism As “Russian Influence” and “Fake News”] - Adam Carter, ''Disobedient Media'', January 29, 2018<br />
* [https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2018/01/30/threads-of-establishment-russia-narrative-trace-back-to-neocon-think-tanks/ Threads Of Establishment Russia Narrative Trace Back To Neocon Think Tanks] - Caitlin Johnstone, January 30, 2018<br />
* [https://www.thenation.com/article/the-fbi-is-setting-up-a-task-force-to-monitor-social-media/ The FBI Is Setting Up a Task Force to Monitor Social Media] - Chip Gibbons, ''The Nation'', February 1, 2018<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Attacks]]<br />
[[Category:WW3]]<br />
[[Category:Russia]]<br />
[[Category:Humor]]<br />
[[Category:International]]<br />
[[Category:USA]]<br />
[[Category:Propaganda]]</div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44026Syria news/Current2018-03-29T08:05:33Z<p>Charles Wood: Douma assault canceled? Or at least postponed.</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
29 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-military-operation-in-douma-source/ The SAA will not assault Douma] due to large number of prisoners held there.<br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an out of context and butchered quote, trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
<br />
After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
<br />
[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
<br />
''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
<br />
[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44025Syria news/Current2018-03-29T00:15:48Z<p>Charles Wood: Douma battle not over? Wait for the Western Media Front to reopen as well.</p>
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<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/oulosP/status/979109546676359169 Reports] that Jaish al-Islam intends to fight it out in Douma.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
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25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
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22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
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Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
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21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
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19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
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18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
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17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
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''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
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14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
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''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an out of context and butchered quote, trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
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Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
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4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
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''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
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25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
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PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44011Syria news/Current2018-03-28T06:35:39Z<p>Charles Wood: South Syria insurgents vow to fight (or at least while they have Israeli airforce unilateral 'deconfliction' zone cover)</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
28 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-in-southern-syria-reject-reconciliation-with-government-vow-to-fight/ Rebels in southern Syria reject reconciliation] with government, vow to fight.<br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tal Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is its ultimate target in the present operation.<br />
<br />
Fresh reconciliation talks over the Rastan pocket [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/north-homs-update-syrian-government-russian-military-set-4-key-terms-for-rastan-pocket-reconciliation-details/ are going on] on initiative of "rebel" groups.<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an out of context and butchered quote, trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
<br />
After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
<br />
[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
<br />
''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
<br />
[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=44004Syria news/Current2018-03-27T22:37:21Z<p>Charles Wood: Tal Rifaat will become focus of major action soon?</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
27 Mar. [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018)] includes the detail that 140,000 people from Afrin have sought refuge in Tall Rifaat. Meanwhile [https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/978518240413585408 Turkey has announced] that Tal Rifaat is it's ultimate target in the present operation<br />
<br />
26 Mar. Saudi Arabia: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region ([http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sinjars-yazidi-forces-gear-threatened-turkish-invasion-1438429563 background report]) .<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
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23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
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20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
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19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
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18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
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17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
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14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
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''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
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8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
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7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an out of context and butchered quote, trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
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3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
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''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
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23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
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[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
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''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=43978Syria news/Current2018-03-26T19:35:56Z<p>Charles Wood: IS controlled areas a bit uncertain - just stick with Yarmouk Camp and environs for now.</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
26 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
Syria: IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and environs.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region.<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
<br />
"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
<br />
''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
<br />
16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
<br />
Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
<br />
[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
<br />
''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
<br />
13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
<br />
[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
<br />
12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an out of context and butchered quote, trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
<br />
1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
<br />
After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
<br />
26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
<br />
22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
<br />
21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
<br />
[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
<br />
Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
<br />
[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
<br />
''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
<br />
[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
<br />
17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
<br />
A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Syria_news/Current&diff=43977Syria news/Current2018-03-26T19:31:45Z<p>Charles Wood: IS has expanded hold on territory in South Damascus while SAA is occupied with East Ghouta.</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="padding:5px;padding-top:0px;"><br />
<br />
26 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-saudi-air-defense-intercepts-missile-near-riyadh-video/ Several] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/watch-saudi-air-defence-intercepts-ballistic-missile-over-riyadh-reports/ reports] that in the night the Saudi capital Riyadh has been targeted by a ballistic missile fired from 1100 km away Yemen, which was intercepted. According to ''Al Sura'' it has been three missiles and on one, the Saudi air defense not only failed to intercept, but the defense missile turned onto the city, with both impacts causing at least 17 injured ([https://al-sura.com/footage-of-saudi-patriot-missile-failure-hits-capital-city-riyadh/ report with video allegedly showing the failed intercept]).<br />
<br />
Syria: IS / associates [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinian-syrian-army-commander-beheaded-by-isis-after-capture-in-south-damascus/ now control the majority of al-Qadam suburb] in South Damascus. This is in addition to their existing control of Yarmouk Camp and al-Bab.<br />
<br />
Iraq: [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-forces-take-control-of-entire-sinjar-region-after-pkk-withdrawal/ According to] ''Al Masdar'' citing local activists, the PKK-affiliated Kurdish militias have withdrawn from Sinjar and been replaced by the [[PMU|Hashd al-Sha'abi]] following Erdogan's threat to invade the region.<br />
<br />
25 Mar. Erdogan announces new military operations to capture [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-erdogan-announces-military-operation-to-capture-tal-rifaat-in-northern-aleppo/ Tal Rifaat in Syria] and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-announces-start-of-military-campaign-in-northern-iraq/ Sinjar in Iraq]. Both are controlled by Kurdish militias Turkey sees as PKK proxies. In Tal Rifaat the Russian military has a presence. The Iraqi Defense Minister [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/baghdad-to-erdogan-on-shengal-we-won-t-sit-with-our-hands-tied-25728 reacts] stating that “Iraq will not be sitting with its hands tied against attacks against its territory.”<br />
<br />
[[File:East Ghouta Frontline.jpg|thumb|150px|Situation in East Ghouta]]<br />
While the evacuations of Harasta and the Damascus suburbs in the south of the eastern Ghouta [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ are on their way] ([https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/977941215130849280 video talking with some passengers]), Jaish al-Islam is still refusing to surrender, but [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-evacuates-more-than-1000-civilians-from-douma-photos/ has opened humanitarian corridors] out of Douma again while negotiations [https://southfront.org/jaysh-al-islam-may-withdraw-from-eastern-ghouta-to-eastern-qalamun-report/ brokered by Russia] are going on.<br />
<br />
At a cabinet meeting, the Syrian government [https://sana.sy/en/?p=131821 sets up] a reconstruction and investment plan for the Ghouta.<br />
<br />
Turkish-backed "FSA" groups [https://southfront.org/clashes-erupt-between-two-free-syrian-army-groups-in-afrin-city/ are fighting each other] over the loot in Afrin city.<br />
<br />
24 Mar. Former PYD-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/moslem-turkey-entered-afrin-along-with-3-000-isis-members-25689 speaks] at a seminar in the Swedish parliament about the situation in Afrin. According to him, there are 3,000 fighters among the Turkish proxy forces who had fought for ISIS before fleeing to Turkey from Raqqa and Kobane.<br />
<br />
Tens of thousands [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/tens-of-thousands-take-it-to-the-streets-on-world-afrin-day-25710 take it to the streets] in many European capitals and cities on what was planned as "World Afrin Day" by Kurdish organizations.<br />
<br />
23 Mar. ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-six-year-long-war-in-4-east-ghouta-suburbs-ends/ reports] that the SAA has struck a deal with Faylaq Al-Rahman, the group dominating the south-west of the Ghouta pocket, about giving up four suburbs and accepting a bus ride to Idlib. The four are the notorious strongholds Ain Terma, Arbin, Jobar and Zamalka who have been under "rebel" control for six years. The evacuation is scheduled to start tomorrow at noon. With a deal in Harasta already realized, this would essentially leave Douma, controlled by the Alloush's [[Army of Islam]], as last remain of the former Eastern Ghouta pocket.<br />
<br />
22 Mar. ''Elijah J Magnier:'' [https://twitter.com/ejmalrai/status/976702393323843584 The Turkish army and the Syrian army exchange fire artillery all night around the city of Nub'bul] where the Turkish Army and its allies advanced and occupied 3 villages in rural Aleppo previously under SAA control.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of insurgents and their families [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVkr3nLdJQ leave Harasta on buses.] (but mostly not green ones)<br />
<br />
21 Mar. The Kurds are celebrating [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/the-story-of-kawa-and-newroz-25623 Newroz], the beginning of Spring and the new year.<br />
<br />
''Southfront / Hezbollah Media:'' [https://southfront.org/1500-fighters-of-ahrar-al-sham-to-leave-east-ghouta-within-24-hours-under-agreement-with-government/ 1,500 FIGHTERS OF AHRAR AL-SHAM TO LEAVE EAST GHOUTA WITHIN 24 HOURS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT]<br />
<br />
20 Mar. ''Peto Lucem:'' [https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/976161088818565120 SAA forces are advancing] in the Damascus suburb of Hazeh and have secured the heavily fortified Ain Terma valley.<br />
<br />
19 Mar. U.S. and NATO forces [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201803191062696904-us-syria-army-attack-iraq/ are said] to be planning a [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|large-scale land invasion]] of Syria.<br />
<br />
18 Mar. Turkish-led FSA forces [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/975258537684123648 capture] Afrin city ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-administration-the-war-has-moved-to-another-stage-25570 Afrin Administration statement]).<br />
<br />
VV Putin [https://www.rt.com/russian-presidential-election-2018/ wins] his fourth presidential election with over 75% of the votes from around 67% turnout.<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-rebel-faction-in-east-damascus-ceases-hostilities-with-syrian-army-begins-talks-with-russia/ Major rebel faction in east Damascus ceases hostilities with Syrian Army, begins talks with Russia]<br />
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"Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham" militants shot down with MANPADS a Su-24 plane (apparently Syrian AF) over the mountains of Eastern Kalamun in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon ([https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-rebels-shoot-down-fighter-jet-in-east-qalamoun-video/ report]),([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3BWRL28EVo video]). <br />
<br />
17 Mar. Russia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdqJOPMV2k&t=4m35s again] accuses the U.S. of [[U.S. missile strike on Syria (2018)|preparing a military strike]] against Syria ([https://www.rt.com/news/421589-us-preparing-syria-provocations-airstrikes/ RT Eng.]). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&t=5m00s Threatens] to retaliate to any cruse missile attack by sinking U.S. ships. According to RT, a Pentagon spokesperson called the statements "extremely absurd".<br />
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''RT:'' [https://www.rt.com/news/421559-ghouta-live-feed-civilians-evacuated/ Over 30,000 leave militant-controlled E. Ghouta] as people continue to flee for safety.<br />
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16 Mar. ''Sayed Hassan Ridha:'' [https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/974606601859379200 Tens of thousands of people have now evacuated Eastern Ghouta]<br />
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Russian MoD mocks EU document on new sanctions on Syria dated Mar. 19, released in error, and allegations of chemical weapons use by pro-Assad forces in Hamouriyah, East Ghouta ([https://sputniknews.com/europe/201803161062587610-eu-secret-document-syria-sanctions/ Sputnik, Eng.])([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5037234 TASS]).<br />
<br />
''Commander of U.S. Central Command:'' [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/03/13/syrian-regime-has-won-civil-war-centcom-commander-says.html Syrian Regime Has Won Civil War]<br />
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[[File:Battle for Afrin.jpg|thumb|150px|Battle for Afrin]]<br />
15 Mar. The Turkish army is indiscriminately shelling and bombarding civilian neighbourhoods in Afrin city center where hundreds of thousands of people are under siege. According to Kurdish sources, since yesterday alone 13 people died and dozens were injured (ANF [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkish-airstrikes-on-afrin-continue-25490 1][https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-challenges-humanity-in-afrin-25496 2], ANHA [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-escalates-its-barbarity-against-afrins-civilians/ 1][http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-occupation-bombing-reaches-pharmacies-in-afrin/ 2] (all with videos)).<br />
<br />
14 Mar. ''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-towards-east-ghouta-suburbs-amid-latest-push-map/ SAA closing on East Douma,] taking remaining farms on Eastern border of Douma urban area.<br />
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''Syria Glory:'' [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=CgxhW_1521042235 Reports of shelling by the SAA] on Turkish military positions in the town of Mare’. This is in retaliation for a Turkish air attack on troops loyal to the Syrian government at al-Zyara crossing which killed 8 fighters and wounded 10 others.<br />
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13 Mar. Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, [https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/973540316656623616 will become] the new Secretary of State. Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA.<br />
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[http://tass.com/world/993678 TASS]: Militants are preparing a provocation with poisonous substances in Syria to justify a massive US blow to the government districts of Damascus. This was stated on Tuesday by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5mCGM7vPoo 1,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UCJE3cXOZg&t=1m16s 2,] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8VkrPDct9U&feature=youtu.be&t=3m6s 3]). The RF Ministry of Defense is ready to take retaliatory measures "to target both the missiles and their delivery vehicles" if there is a threat to the Russian military Gerasimov said. Later Lavrov [http://tass.com/politics/993724 echoes] the statement warning Nikki Haley that it is one thing "to exploit the microphone at the UNSC" but real life military actions are a whole other thing.<br />
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12 Mar. ''Within Syria:'' Suggests that [https://twitter.com/WithinSyriaBlog/status/973223625502461952 Syrian forces are moving into Afrin ] without an agreement with the YPG, taking South Eastern parts by force including Tell Rifat and Mingh airbase.<br />
<br />
''ANNA News:'' [http://anna-news.info/svodka-sobytij-v-sirii-i-na-blizhnem-vostoke-za-12-marta-2018-goda/ According to reports,] the National Defense Forces are now in control of : Tell Rifaat, Deir Jamal, Kimar, Al-Ziyara, Burj al-Qass, Bashmara, Busufan, Menagh and the Menagh Military Airbase. <br />
<br />
Following [https://fight4afrin.noblogs.org/if-afrin-falls-it-will-have-been-too-late/ a call] published in eight languages on an anonymous blog called "fight4afrin" last week, which asks to start today with militant actions against Turkish state institutions and their perceived helpers in NATO countries, a series of arson attacks seems to have begun in Germany with [https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/polizei/attentate-in-ganz-deutschland-brandanschlag-auf-ditib-moschee-war-einer-von-vielen-29851804 at least two Ditib mosques in Berlin alone] attacked, in addition to several other targets through-out the country. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish-Islamic_Union_for_Religious_Affairs Ditib] is the umbrella organization of Turkish mosques in Germany, which is directly run by the Turkish state.<br />
<br />
Andre Vltchek [https://journal-neo.org/2018/03/12/nato-air-force-is-moving-from-turkey-to-jordan/ reports] from Al-Azraq in Jordan, which is a refugee camp as well as home to the Air Force base NATO seems to have chosen as replacement for Incirlik in Turkey, with the Germans and Dutch pioneering the move.<br />
<br />
''@Suriyak:'' [https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/973310588100194304 Parts of Yarmouk Camp to be evacuated of fighters] - without any fighting! Not sure if this includes ISIS.<br />
<br />
11 Mar. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/russian-hmeimim-military-airport-in-latakia-attacked-by-terrorist-drone-reports/ Hmeimin military airport attacked] again by single insurgent UAV. UAV shot down.<br />
<br />
10 Mar. The SAA has progressed so far into the heart of the Eastern Ghouta that it has [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-splits-east-damascus-pocket-3-ways-with-fire-control-after-laying-siege-to-another-islamist-stronghold/ effectively split it] into three parts, with Douma and Harasta respectively under close siege and a larger urban sprawl to the south. Meanwhile, the Kurdish defenses in Afrin [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-collapse-as-turkish-backed-rebels-push-within-800m-of-afrin-city/ are collapsing] and the Turkish-backed Islamists are reportedly only a couple of hundred meters away from the canton's name-giving city. <br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-10-03-2018/ ANNA news], several text updates on Turkish forces advances in Afrin, and pro-government advances in East Ghouta. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Cassad]: [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4041850.html Afrin report and photos].<br />
<br />
9 Mar. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-large-pro-govt-demonstration-takes-place-in-east-ghouta-video/ Several] [https://southfront.org/pro-government-protests-erupt-in-eastern-ghouta-videos/ sources] [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/anti-militant-protests-erupt-in-syrias-east-ghouta-in-support-of-syrian-army/ report] [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129903 pro-government demonstrations] in the "rebel"-controlled cities of the Eastern Ghouta.<br />
<br />
8 Mar. The main water pumping station for Afrin city [http://en.hawarnews.com/turkish-shelling-cut-off-water-for-hundreds-of-thousands-peoples-municipality-seeks-solutions/ is out of service] after being damaged by Turkish bombing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without sufficient drinking water supply.<br />
<br />
Russia [https://southfront.org/russian-defense-ministry-once-again-offers-militants-safe-route-out-of-east-ghouta/ unsuccessfully continues] to try to persuate the Ghouta gangs to take a green bus ride to Idlib.<br />
<br />
7 Mar. The general command of YPG releases [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/03/statement-to-the-media-and-public-opinion/ a statement] calling on Russia "to undo its decision of allowing the Turkey’s invasion on Afrin and stop participating in killing the people in Afrin and destroying its towns and villages." (Among Russian mainstream and internet media, [http://anna-news.info/blizhnij-vostok-operativnaya-lenta-voennyh-sobytij-7-03-2018/ ANNA News] is one of the few with some current news from Afrin, with most of attention to East Ghouta, or PMC and losses reports. It is also covered [http://frontinfo.media/7-marta-2018-voennaya-video-svodka-po-sirii/ here], but with the attention to the effect of it on Deir ez-Zor. This source is listed as a 'special project' of ANNA news; another one apparently is [http://kurdistan-insider.com/ 'Kurdistan Insider'] ).<br />
<br />
'US military intelligence has no information indicating that the February offensive against the Syrian opposition forces near the settlement of Hashsham in the province of Deir ez Zor was directed by the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported on Mar. 6 by the director of the Intelligence Directorate of the US Department of Defense, Lieutenant-General Robert Ashley' ([http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/5013428 ''TASS''] ).<br />
<br />
A German parliamentary delegation of the "populist" AfD (Alternative for Germany) party has been visiting Syria in recent days. After a meeting with reconciliation minister Haidar, the leader of the delegation [https://sana.sy/en/?p=129586 complains] at a press conference that the image of Syria in German media is seriously distorted. Meanwhile, on prime time German public TV, Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun, with whom the delegation met the day before, [https://propagandaschau.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/die-ard-verleumdet-mit-einem-verkuerzten-zitat-den-liberalen-syrischen-mufti-hassun-um-die-afd-zu-treffen/ is smeared] with an out of context and butchered quote, trying to make it seem as if he had threatened Europe with a wave of suicide bombers, thus making the AfD delegates "terrorist supporters".<br />
<br />
6 Mar. [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012588 Report]: Russian military transport aircraft An-26 crashed at Khemeymim airbase on the approach to landing Six crew members and 33 passengers were [http://tass.ru/proisshestviya/5012629 killed], all military, [http://rusvesna.su/news/1520368536 including] a Major-General. The causes are investigated, but said to be not due to enemy fire. A technical fault is blamed. [https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=uLqtL_1520363610&p=1 Video of the crash]<br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurds-pull-back-from-isis-fight-in-syria-say-they-are-let-down-by-us/2018/03/06/3fd2c2ca-2173-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html SDF forces withdrawing] from Deir ez-Zour to fight in Afrin. Notably this latest tranche of around 2,000 fighters are ethnic Arabs.<br />
<br />
The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-40-percent-east-ghouta-pocket-map/ has captured] 40 percent of the Eastern Ghouta pocket in their recent offensive. While these are the more rural areas, [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-civilians-raise-syrian-flags-major-east-ghouta-city/ reports] from the cities remaining under "rebel" control show raised Syrian flags and civilian protests against the gangs.<br />
<br />
Director LT. Gen Robert Ashley gives [https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4717437/defense-intelligence-agency-director-lt-gen-robert-ashley testimony] before Senate Armed Services Committee On Emerging Worldwide Threats Facing The U.S. <br />
<br />
5 Mar. The US Embassy in Turkey [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey/ is closed] "due to a security threat" and [https://tr.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-diplomatic-mission-turkey-2/ will stay closed] for at least another day.<br />
<br />
Turkish government officials demand that Germany arrests and extradites PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim, who according to them has been in the country over the weekend taking part in demonstrations against "Operation Olive Branch" ([https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/huge-ocalan-poster-in-berlin-25256 ~20,000 on Saturday in Berlin alone]). [http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/salih-muslim-tuerkei-fordert-auslieferung-von-chef-der-syrischen-kurdenpartei-a-1196593.html According to] SPIEGEL, the German government refuses to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
[http://en.hawarnews.com/2nd-heaviest-attack-on-afrin-on-45th-day-of-resistance-of-the-age/ According to] Kurdish sources, Turkey flies air raids with more than 50 warplanes on several city centers and villages in Afrin canton, killing and injuring scores of civilians. The agency calls it the "second heaviest" attack of this kind since the beginning of the Turkish aggression.<br />
<br />
4 Mar. A large Turkish army convoy with over 100 military vehicles [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/100-turkish-army-vehicles-travel-syrias-afrin-2nd-phase-operation-olive-branch/ is spotted] on its way to Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
3 Mar. ''Lucem'' Significant advances by SAA in East Ghouta since the start of the offensive<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces [https://southfront.org/syrian-army-achieves-significant-success-in-east-ghouta-as-jaysh-al-islams-defense-collapses-video-map/ advanced in the heart of the East Ghouta pocket] and captured the al-Oabb farms between the districts of Duma and Misraba and the town of al-Shaffoniya.<br />
<br />
[http://anna-news.info/nalyot-turetskoj-aviatsii-snova-ubil-15-sirijskih-voennyh-bliz-afrina/ ANNA news report and video]: ''At least 15 Syrian pro-government militiamen were killed in an air strike of the Turkish Air Force on Kafr Jana airbase in the Afrin district. Earlier, a checkpoint of Russian military police was located there. After Russians withdrawal, it was taken over by the Kurds, who gave it to Syrian pro-government forces with the start of Turkish invasion''.<br />
<br />
A [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4026816.html video] (allegedly) showing 2 children escaping from East Ghouta and running to a government checkpoint, published by a Telegram channel linked to Russian military sources.<br />
<br />
2 Mar. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/47-fsa-members-died-in-one-day-in-afrin-25236 publishes] a document described as internal FSA report to Turkish intelligence MIT about the deaths of a single day, February 24. The 47 people listed are said to be mostly Syrians from villages around Aleppo. The night before, they [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/names-of-the-turkish-soldiers-killed-and-wounded-in-afrin-25227 published] a list of 40 names of Turkish soldiers who had been delivered to one single hospital after events in a village near Rajo on March 1. 13 of them are said to have been dead on delivery. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/03/41-turkish-troops-killed-operation-north-syria-minister/ According to] the Turkish state, the total losses in the over 40 days of Operation Olive Branch are 41 Turkish soldiers and 116 FSA fighters.<br />
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1 Mar. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1519914402 Shoigu]: SU-57 [https://www.rt.com/news/420188-russian-su57-fighter-jets-syria/ left Syria] after two days there, some photos on internet are fake (never in the open together). <br />
<br />
[[Putin]] delivered yearly [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957 address] to the Federal Assembly, unveiling Russia's new [[Russia's doomsday weapons|doomsday weapons]].<br />
<br />
''al-Akhbar'', 22 Feb. 2018 [http://al-akhbar.com/node/291239 Washington to its allies: Let us divide Syria] ('divide' used 4 times, 'Iran' used 2 times, auto-translated date of event appears to be 11 Oct. 2017). Apparently independent [http://prochetmoyen-orient.ch/syrieleaks-un-cable-diplomatique-britannique-devoile-la-strategie-occidentale/ ''Near & Moyen-Orient''] publication, [https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/syrieleaks-a-diplomatic-cable-reveals-western-strategy-in-syria.545627/ appeared on or before 22 Feb. 2018], but dated 26 Feb. 2018, with a reference made to the Security Conference in Munich, 17 February; 'Iran' used 4 times, 'divide' used 0 times; the claim is about a diplomatic telegram allegedly sent by Benjamin Norman on 12 January, 2018, reporting on the first meeting of the "Small American Group on Syria" (United States, Great Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and Jordan), held in Washington on January 11, 2018. Tillerson policy address is 17 Jan. 2018. ([https://www.rubikon.news/artikel/lasst-uns-syrien-aufteilen professional German translation of Al Akhbar article])<br />
<br />
''Southfront:'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDlr9_Pcj5o Fighting continues in many places in Syria.] Insurgents in Idlib keep fighting each other. SAA moving slowly into Ghouta. Humanitarian Pause isn't working. Turkish backed forces slowly advancing into Afrin despite resistance by Kurdish forces. No mention of NDF and militias in fighting in Afrin.<br />
<br />
28 Feb. Lavrov: [http://tass.ru/politika/4994728 'US accusations of Damascus using chemical weapons are unfounded']. Meanwhile, Western mass media [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report leak] a UN report claiming that 'North Korea sent Syria missile and chemical weapon items'.<br />
<br />
''Independent'' [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/putin-blames-rebels-as-no-civilians-leave-eastern-ghouta-during-second-pause-36655179.html Putin blames rebels as no civilians leave eastern Ghouta during second ‘pause’]<br />
<br />
27 Feb. ''BBC'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43208705 Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.] Seemingly no aid entered Ghouta and no refugees left.<br />
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After two days of detainment, Czech authorities [http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/world/419023 release] PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim under protest of Turkey which demands his extradition.<br />
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26 Feb. Russian DM Shoigu: ([http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4988783 Rus.])([http://tass.com/world/991625 Eng]): ''a humanitarian pause is being introduced on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Eastern Ghouta from February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 every day, a humanitarian corridor will open for civilians to exit.'' It is also proposed to ''establish humanitarian corridors, humanitarian pauses in the area of El Tanf and Rukban refugeee camp (in the US controlled area), so that peaceful citizens can freely return to their homes and begin to restore peaceful life.''<br />
<br />
''Walid:'' [https://twitter.com/walid970721/status/968078209995694080 Zinki vs HTS fight in Idlib continues unabated]<br />
<br />
It is said that HTS captured lots of military hardware of Ahrar al-Sham in north-eastern Idlib: over 10 tanks, Grad, several 'Shilka's, a repair vehicle [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%A0%D0%AD%D0%9C-2 БРЭМ-2] ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519657342 report and photos]).<br />
<br />
''Kommersant'' [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3558440?query=%D1%81%D1%83-57 Russian 5th-gen fighter deployed to Syria for radar test]. A Western take on the same matter [http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-looks-to-have-deployed-su-57-to-syria-posing-problem-for-f-22-2018-2 here]. Some account of India's participation in the project [https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-wants-out-of-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-with-russia/ here]. There are many high-maneuverability videos, [https://my.mail.ru/mail/tat73yana/video/5/7984.html sample]. <br />
<br />
25 Feb. ''Muraselon:'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/breaking-map-elite-syrian-troops-begin-storming-eastern-ghouta-region/ The SAA is attacking] on the Al-Nashabiyah axis - which is in the South-East part of Ghouta and the more rural part. [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/syrian-army-storms-gains-large-neighborhood-raging-district-eastern-ghouta/ In North West Ghouta combat troops entered the Al-Ajami neighborhood] after breaking through Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s defenses at the western flank of Harasta.<br />
<br />
''Reuters:'' [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-attack/chlorine-gas-symptoms-seen-after-blast-near-damascus-opposition-health-authorities-idUSKCN1G90ZF Insurgents report Chlorine attack in Ghouta. 1 Dead.]<br />
<br />
PYD ex-co-chair Salih Muslim [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/saleh-moslem-detained-in-prague-on-turkey-s-demand-25132 is detained] by Czech police in a hotel in Prague where he was to attend a conference. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/police-of-czech-republic-moslem-was-arrested-at-turkey-s-request-25139 According to] the police, that happened because of a Turkish Interpol request.<br />
<br />
24 Feb. Turkey [http://en.hawarnews.com/cutting-water-of-euphrates-river-results/ is messing around] with the Euphrates water supply again.<br />
<br />
''BBC:'' [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43183903 UN Security council votes for ceasefire in all of Syria. ] BBC states with authority there are precisely 393,000 people trapped in East Ghouta. [<br />
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13221.doc.htm UNSC resolution 2401] does not specify exact time for the ceasefire to start, and states that '' “2. ...cessation of hostilities shall not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council''<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/no-syrian-army-troops-entered-afrin/ No Syrian Army troops have entered Afrin. Official.]<br />
<br />
''al-Masdar:'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-two-russian-su-57-jets-land-hmeymim-airbase-syria/ Another two Russian Su-57 jets land at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria.] Making a total of four now in Syria.<br />
<br />
23 Feb. [https://twitter.com/Syria_Hezb_Iran/status/967006044240203781 Reports of an attack on a convoy] in Afrin. Turkish apologists say it was an armaments convoy. Most reports say it was a humanitarian aid convoy. ''Ruptly'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbSx6NdRXXk has footage] of Afrin convoy casualties and aftermath. ''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/footage-from-the-civilian-convoy-turkey-bombed-in-afrin-25098 has footage] of the convoy itself, which doesn't look like it's the same as shown on the twitter account. About a dozen clearly civilian minibuses are seen in different states of destruction. One dead and at least 12 wounded civilians are reported.<br />
<br />
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 SOHR Reports] killing of civilians including women by Olive Branch insurgents at Jendires Township southwest of Afrin. [https://twitter.com/mutludc/status/966823020621942784 Video] shows dead civilians seemingly shot in a group.<br />
<br />
''Fort Russ'' [https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/02/syrian-army-drop-leaflets-over-east.html Leaflets instructing use of safe-routes] for certan non-combatants dropped on Ghouta.<br />
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22 Feb. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/966665264468250624 Reports Russian military police have entered Afrin], heading towards Tall Rifaat right now. With portraits of Assad and some folks in Russian uniforms on [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4010926.html social media display]. <br />
<br />
Bashar al-Jaafari [https://sana.sy/en/?p=128290 speaks] at the UNSC about the situation in East Ghouta.<br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/isis-and-al-nusra-command-the-turkish-army-in-the-war-in-afrin-25079 According to] a ''Firat News Agency'' report from the frontlines in Afrin, the "FSA" cannon fodder and Turkish army foot soldiers have been replaced by battle-hardened Nusra and ISIS fighters, under command of Emirs released from Turkish prisons in a deal promising them control over the conquered lands. In recent days the Kurds had to retreat from more villages in the regions immediately at the border with Turkey. <br />
<br />
[https://anfenglishmobile.com/news/operation-cizire-storm-1776-jihadists-were-killed-in-20-days-25070 According to] the SDF, in the still-ongoing Operation Cizire Storm to free the lower east bank of the Euphrates and the desert at the Iraqi border from ISIS remains, 1776 Jihadis were killed during the last twenty days.<br />
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21 Feb. [[Russian deployment in Syria|Russia deploys]] two [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/966456661308248065 Su-57] [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-5th-generation-stealth-fighters-arrive-syria/ stealth fighters] to Syria, along with a batch of four Su-35s and four Su-25s. ([http://theduran.com/syria-new-king-sukhoi-su-57-enters-combat/ analysis])<br />
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[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4894186 Shoigu]: ''two S-400 complexes are deployed and are on duty around the clock in Syria'' (in Khmeimim and Tartous).<br />
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[https://twitter.com/Suriyakmaps/status/966385388171513858 Reports of fighting] in Idlib between JTS - a new alliance of Zinki ( حركة نور الدين الزنكي ) and Ahrar ash-Sham ( حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية ) - versus HTS ( هيئة تحرير الشام ) (formerly Nusra / al-Qa'ida). JTS is now [https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/966412910191783936 reported] to have completely taken Ma'arat an-Nu'man ( مَعَرَّة النُّعْمَان )<br />
<br />
20 Feb. A column of <del>Syrian troops</del> NDF and militias from Aleppo entered Afrin to protect the Kurds from the Turkish army ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yMyN_S55hw video]), came under Turkish fire ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=dCEOfUz_HTg video]). This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In49jSx9KE4 CGTN video] gives an overview of Afrin and Ghouta developments. <br />
<br />
''Washington Post:'' [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kurdish-fighters-say-syrian-army-has-arrived-to-thwart-turkish-offensive-in-afrin/2018/02/20/a1673fd0-1650-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html reports] Turkish artillery fire is aimed to prevent Syrian forces from reaching Afrin City (predictably tossing in the forces are 'Iranian Backed').[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/02/20/world/europe/20reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-erdogan-artillery.html 'Erdogan Says Pro-Damascus, Shi'ite Forces Repelled by Turkish Artillery']; however it is [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/4007453.html said] that some group reached Afrin, --shown here on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7sAGxswUQ video]. <br />
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Rebels fired mortars on central Damascus, shelling residential quarters, hotels in Damascus, and the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties; 14 mortar shells were fired. "Significant destruction and casualties among civilians" reported, 9 civilians wounded. "There are no casualties among Russian servicemen". ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1519137840 Rusvesna report, photos, video]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=kUgu2poBjT0 Russian MoD video], with text in Russian in the video description).<br />
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[http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3086874 Russian FM press office:] ''...In the course of the recent military clash, in which the servicemen of the Russian Federation did not participate in any way and the technical means were not used, there are dead citizens of Russia and the CIS countries, as already mentioned; there are also several dozens wounded '' (несколько десятков -'several tens'). ''They were assisted to return to Russia where, to our knowledge, they are undergoing treatment in various medical institutions.''<br />
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''TeleSUR:'' Lavrov urged the US not to play with fire in Syria ([https://www.telesurtv.net/news/rusia-desmembrar-siria-lavrov-foro-valdai-eeuu--20180219-0011.html Spanish]); ([https://russian.rt.com/inotv/2018-02-20/TeleSUR-Lavrov-prizval-SSHA-ne Rus]). Also, Lavrov at Valdai club ([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=ru_RU Rus.])([http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3085010?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY&_101_INSTANCE_MCZ7HQuMdqBY_languageId=en_GB Eng], as of now partial). Answering [http://www.mid.ru/ru/posledniye_dobavlnenniye/-/asset_publisher/MCZ7HQuMdqBY/content/id/3084826 questions], avoids making further comments on Deir Ez-Zor, Afrin. <br />
<br />
[https://www.rt.com/news/419296-turkey-afrin-siege-erdogan/ Turkey will lay siege to Syria’s Afrin in coming days — Erdogan (RT)].<br />
<br />
19 Feb. [https://www.sana.sy/?p=712911 SANA] talks of 'popular forces' going into Afrin to reinforce the Kurds - maybe within 24 hrs? (Seems unlikely any regular SAA will be involved)<br />
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[[File:Martin chulov.jpg|thumb|150px|Martin Chulov]]<br />
Vanessa Beeley [http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/02/19/syria-guardian-journalists-take-afternoon-tea-isis-survive/ publishes] a summary of the body of work of [[Jisr_Al-Shughour_massacre#Black_Beards_don.27t_speak_Arabic|a long-time "friend" of ACLOS]], the ''Guardian'' correspondent Martin Chulov.<br />
<br />
18 Feb. Following several successful ambushes on the SAA from the ISIS remains in the eastern desert pocket, one of them killing an army general, ''Al Masdar'' [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pocket-homs-deir-ezzor-desert-becomes-major-problem-syrian-army-amid-endless-ambushes-raids/ changes] their estimate of the strength of the group from 200 to up to a thousand, equipped with up to a hundred [[Ratmobile|ratmobiles]].<br />
<br />
According to [https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-damascus-eastern-ghouta/ Southfront] the SAA and associated militias are preparing for a major assault on Ghouta; with presently increasing artillery bombardment. Numerous recent 'innocent children being bombed by evil Dictator / Russians' stories e.g. [https://twitter.com/leloveluck/status/964970640649412609 Louisa Loveluck's latest] suggests something is about to happen.<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/kurdish-sources-syrian-army-to-enter-afrin-area-in-24-hours/ More Kurdish 'reports'] suggest the SAA may enter Afrin imminently. They've been saying that for some time now, though just how the SAA can manage both 'seize and hold ground in Afrin' at the same time as 'conquer Ghouta' remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
Ahrar ash-Sham and Zanki form a new group The Front to Free Syria (FFS) - via [https://twitter.com/EHSANI22/status/965328542404923395 EHSANI2] They also, amusingly, include the FSA flag in their new logos<br />
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17 Feb. <del>The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/breaking-our-forces-target-the-so-called-olive-branch-desk/ claims] to have attacked the operation desk of "Operation Olive Branch" in Qara Xaneh town inside Turkey, killing seven and wounding "a large number".</del> Link gone.<br />
<br />
Turkey systematically attacks the drinking water infrastructure in Afrin [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/turkey-destroys-the-water-supplies-in-afrin-24993 according to] the co-chair of the local Water Institute.<br />
<br />
16 Feb. Lavrov to Euronews: 'US special forces are 'operating illegally in Syria' ([http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/16/exclusive-us-special-forces-operating-illegally-in-syria-sergey-lavrov-tells-euronews Eng]); 'US special services are betting on the Kurds' ([http://ru.euronews.com/2018/02/16/larvov-on-usa-in-syria Rus].); ''...they isolate a huge piece of the Syrian territory...''<br />
<br />
''Firat News Agency'' [https://anfenglishmobile.com/features/erdogan-s-national-gang-two-part-plan-24948 publishes] a break-down of the groups that are attacking Afrin on behalf of Turkey. According to this, with 750 fighters one of the largest groups fighting directly at the frontline is Liva El Hemzet, which was formed in the train-and-equip program Turkey ran together with the US and still receives a salary of $250 per month and fighter from the Pentagon. [https://anfenglishmobile.com/rojava/afrin-five-kilometers-on-five-fronts-in-four-weeks-24975 Another article] details the five fronts with fighting taking place "guerilla style" in 37 evacuated villages. There's a total of 336 villages in Afrin canton.<br />
<br />
''Muraselon'' [https://muraselon.com/en/2018/02/map-recent-turkish-monitoring-centers-observation-points-syria/ publishes] a map of the recently reinforced Turkish monitoring points in the Idlib pocket which are part of the Astana agreement.<br />
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A Syrian asylum seeker [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4230578/Swedish-court-hands-life-sentence-Syrian-asylum-seeker.html is sentenced to life in prison] in Sweden after evidence of his participation in a mass execution of SAA soldiers in May 2012 surfaces.<br />
<br />
''Rudaw'' [http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/150220181 Claims] of chlorine gas attacks in Afrin. Both sides (Turkish and Kurdish) blame the other side for the attacks. No actual evidence either way. ''SANA'' [https://www.sana.sy/?p=711556 chips in] with photos and story of Turkish gas attack.<br />
<br />
''Ivan Sidorenko'' [https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/964572173405999109 Unconfirmed reports] of Syrian Government forces entering Afrin<br />
<br />
15 Feb. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-refuses-ypg-proposal-enter-afrin/ Syrian Army refuses YPG proposal to enter Afrin], after [http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4963966 earlier reports otherwise]. It is also [http://rusvesna.su/news/1518711037 reported] that Kurdish fighters will 'leave Deir-ez-Zor', to be replaced by Deir-ez-Zor military council, DMC (unconfirmed).<br />
<br />
[https://southfront.org/de-escalation-agreement-collapses-in-northern-homs-opposition-calls-on-turkish-army-to-help-it/ According to] a statement by a "rebel" negotiation committee in the Rastan pocket quoted by ''SouthFront'', they have been informed by the Russians that the de-escalation agreement is history if they don't immediately start direct talks with the Syrian government, which they refuse to do.<br />
<br />
14 Feb. The largest Kurdish organization in Germany, NAV-DEM, [http://navdem.com/kniefall-vor-erdogan-bundesregierung-verbietet-antikriegsproteste/ issues] a statement protesting that the government refuses to allow them to organize demonstrations against the Turkish actions in Afrin and the use of German weapons in them. They draw parallels to the behaviour of the Erdogan government and accuse the Merkel government of "genuflection" before the Turkish president.<br />
<br />
13 Feb. Lavrov: ''We in general, and especially in recent times, have accumulated many questions to the actions of the United States in Syria. They are carried out without an invitation .... Americans, in my opinion, do not act through the painstaking formation of common consent, but through dangerous unilateral steps. These steps look more and more like part of a line to create a quasi-state on a large part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates right up to the Iraqi border'' (...[http://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/minister_speeches/-/asset_publisher/7OvQR5KJWVmR/content/id/3073659 Они осуществляются без приглашения]...).<br />
<br />
The Russian military in Syria [http://tass.com/world/989799 issues] a specific warning about the planning of a false flag chemical attack.<br />
<br />
More or less confirmed [https://twitter.com/markito0171/status/963330288188297216 reports] that surviving ISIS fighters in Idlib have surrendered to HTS along with their families.<br />
<br />
12 Feb. [https://smartnews-agency.com/ar/wires/264557 SMART News Agency] reports Coalition aircraft (accidentally) bombed and killed unspecified numbers of SDF fighters in Eastern Deir Ezzor.<br />
<br />
The SDF [http://sdf-press.com/en/2018/02/the-statistics-of-the-military-operations-in-afrin-since-the-beginning-of-the-turkish-invasion-on-february202018/ releases] a statement summarizing the results of the Turkish attack on Afrin. According to them, 98 SDF fighters died while the toll on the other side was 862. This is roughly opposite the numbers the Turkish media is reporting. The number of harmed civilians is given as 180 dead and 413 wounded.<br />
<br />
After clearing the ISIS pocket in northern Hama, the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-unleashes-major-offensive-militants-rastan-pocket-homs-hama-border/ starts] a large offensive against the Rastan pocket between Hama and Homs. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the wandering ISIS micro-caliphate [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-isis-suffers-nasty-losses-big-defeat-gates-rebel-stronghold-southeast-idlib/ is causing] the anticipated trouble after re-insertion into the shrunken Idlib pocket.<br />
<br />
Israel is [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802121061584253-israel-anti-missile-systems-syria-border/ reported] to have moved medium range anti-aircraft missile batteries near to Syrian border. Engagement range includes Damascus area and potential deep 'security zone' on Syrian side of the border.<br />
<br />
The mayor of Ankara [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-renames-street-us-embassy-operation-olive-branch/ starts] an initiative to rename the street where the US embassy lies into "Olive Branch Street".<br />
<br />
10 Feb. Turkish helicopter is down near Afrin -[http://rusvesna.su/news/1518265791 Rusvesna/videos]<br />
<br />
[[File:IsraeliF16Down20180210.jpg|thumb|150px|Israeli F16 burning]]<br />
Israeli F16 'crashed' in Northern Israel, amid intensive Syrian anti-aircraft fire, with implication the F16 had been downed by it [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802101061531233-israeli-warplane-crashes/ Sputnik] reports. According to IDF spokesman [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962191487806201856 report] Israel had been targeting an Iranian drone control centre, and the downed F16 was involved, after an Iranian drone [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 entered Israel from the Golan Heights]. <br />
<br />
Extended [https://www.rt.com/news/418388-israeli-jet-crashes-syria-fire/ report] by RT including details of response in Northern Israel where alarms were sounded and aerial explosions heard. RT reports an Iranian drone was shot down by an Israeli helicopter. In response Israeli F16s attacked [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 'Iranian targets'] in Syria, the drone control centre/[https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-intercepts-iranian-drone-that-breached-israeli-borders/ drone’s launch site] at the Tiyas Military Airbase near Palmyra in a 'complicated surgical strike'. There have been earlier [http://www.janes.com/article/74893/russian-syrian-jets-seen-at-eastern-bases reports] that Russia is flying small number of SU-25 planes from Tiyas airbase (also Russian commercial interests in the nearby area have been reported). <br />
<br />
In a follow-up, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-israel-targets/israel-strikes-12-syrian-and-iranian-targets-in-syria-israeli-military-idUSKBN1FU0AV Israel strikes more Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria]: “Twelve targets, including three aerial defense batteries and four Iranian targets that are part of Iran’s military establishment in Syria were attacked.”<br />
<br />
<del>Unconfirmed [https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/962204424872456192 report (Mimi al-Laham)] of Israeli Apache Helicopter shot down over Shab'a Farms in Lebanon (possibly a mix-up).</del> No further confirmation so disregard.<br />
<br />
[https://twitter.com/haaretzcom/status/962190265736925184 Haaretz ] now reports the same as RT etc and says F16 Pilot'''S''' were forced to eject. Israel operates a twin seat F-16D variant in addition to the normal single seat variants. [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ Reports] suggest that the plane was F16I "Soufa", which Israel has in a [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-16i/ 2-seated option]. The pilots are [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191 safe] and were transferred to a hospital. One of the pilots is [https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/red-alert-sirens-sound-heavy-aerial-activity-in-northern-israel-1.5806508 reported] in 'serious' condition.<br />
<br />
So far no images of the downed Iranian drone in Israeli territory. [https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan/status/962305194615853057 Videos] of drone and command vehicle destruction have been posted by IDF.<br />
:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10pzeSOdneA&t=11m20s Netanyahu] shows a piece of Iranian drone in Munich, 18 Feb. 2018<br />
<br />
Pro-Assad Syria-Iran alliance does not confirm (nor cleanly denies) the drone loss over Israel, threatenes [http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Pro-Assad-alliance-Israel-to-see-severe-response-to-future-terrorism-542206 'a severe response']<br />
<br />
[[File:Frontlines_Hama.jpg|thumb|150px|Collapsed ISIS pocket]]<br />
9 Feb. Reports that the SAA has permitted several hundred ISIS elements in the town of Suruj in Hama to escape from the area under attack and move to Idlib - sort of green buses without the buses. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-breaks-rebel-held-idlib-syrian-army-squeezes-terrorist-pocket-limit/ Al-Masdar] says the move was opposed and resulted in dozens of loyalist casualties. [https://twitter.com/CivilWarMap/status/961972047617327104 A map] shows where they allegedly went and captured three villages from HTS. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-advances-towards-rebel-held-stronghold-south-idlib-1000-loyal-terrorists-await-link/ According to] ''Al Masdar'', their goal is to reach the town of At-Tamanaa and reunite with up to 1,000 like-minded fighters there. On the linked map, Tamanaa is directly south of the ".com" inscription, the first larger settlement to the east of Khan Sheikhoun.<br />
<br />
RU MoD media [http://www.redstar.ru/index.php/newspaper/item/36076-otkrytie-shlyuzov-plotiny-na-evfrate-bylo-prednamerennym-polagayut-eksperty 'Red Star'] claims that submersion and destruction of the Russian-built pontoon bridge over Euphrates could be deliberate, by opening dam locks of hydro power plant El Tabbah, located in the territory controlled by the opposition groups supported by the US-led "international coalition". Photos of the bridge [https://news.rambler.ru/world/39072724-postroennyy-rossiyskimi-voennymi-most-ushel-pod-vodu/?updated appeared] in social media. <br />
<br />
8 Feb. [https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802071061448344-terrorists-attack-su25-new-video/ New video] claims that SU-25 shootdown was by anti-aircraft artillery, not MANPADS. However, another SU-25 was fired on from anti-aircraft weapons on Feb.1, and on Feb 1-2 there was discussion on Russian social media of the incident, of positive sort. There were some videos, one of them [http://in24.org/world/30553 here], another from machine gun location [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517623804 1, here]. (Weather conditions appear different from the Feb. 3 shootdown). It is unclear when exactly the latest machine-gun close up first appeared. Russian MP Klintsevich [https://iz.ru/705918/2018-02-08/klintcevich-nazval-feikom-soobshcheniia-o-padenii-su-25-iz-za-sovetskoi-zenitki believes] the latest claim is a fake. On Feb. 3, there was a second SU-25, whose pilot [http://redstar.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/36018-ukhodi-v-oblaka warned] Filipov that he is being 'worked on' and yelled at him to maneuver to avoid fire ([https://www.lavionnaire.fr/SiteImgCellule/CessnaRedComplet.png tangage !]). The second pilot stayed in the air (noise heard on firefight videos), and said that he attacked and destroyed two vehicles approaching olive grove where Filipov was. This pilot account mentions MANPADS fired. (The second plane left the area when there was too little fuel left).<br />
<br />
7 Feb. US-led coalition [http://www.inherentresolve.mil/News/News-Releases/News-Article-View/Article/1435218/unprovoked-attack-by-syrian-pro-regime-forces-prompts-coalition-defensive-strik/ claims] a [https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html 'defensive strike'] killing [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/more-than-100-pro-assad-forces-killed-in-thwarted-attack-u-s-official-idUSKBN1FR3BB more than 100] pro-government forces east of the Euphrates River de-confliction line in Khusham, Syria. Russian MP [http://www.belrus.ru/structure/deputaty_parlamentskogo_sobrania/ot_rossiyskoy_federacii/klintsevich.html Klintsevich] calls it [https://iz.ru/705921/2018-02-08/klintcevich-prokommentiroval-udar-koalitcii-ssha-po-pravitelstvennym-silam-sar 'an aggression']. <br />
<br />
Barbara Starr of CNN is now blaming [https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/961377930248118279 Russian contractors] for being behind the attack that got the 'defensive' response. <br />
<br />
For possible Russian private military contractors losses, see [[Talk:US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|discussion]] + [[US_airstrike_on_ISIS_Hunters,_February_7,_2018|this page]].<br />
<br />
RU MoD [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802081536-qao2.htm presents] a very different version of events - Syrian forces doing reconnaissance-in-force targeting 'a sleeper IS cell' in the area of El Isba oil refinery plant suddenly attacked by the coalition; submits that 'US goal is seizure of economic assets of Syria.'<br />
<br />
Two senior American generals came to the front line outside the Syrian city of Manbij, flying outsized American flags on their vehicles... Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, elaborated. “You hit us, we will respond aggressively. We will defend ourselves.” ([https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/world/middleeast/us-turkey-manbij-kurds.html NYT]).<br />
<br />
6 Feb. The SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-elite-syrian-army-forces-expel-isis-16-towns-lighting-dash-across-northwest-syria/ attacks] the ISIS micro-caliphate in Hama province on several fronts and has taken over a dozen villages just in the morning. A second wave in the afternoon [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-armys-tiger-forces-score-mammoth-advance-isis-northwest-syria-terrorist-pocket-implodes/ sweeps] another large number of villages in the unfortified rural terrain the dispersed ISIS gangs had taken over from the retreating Nusra Front only some weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Several sources [https://southfront.org/large-ypg-ybs-convoy-arrived-afrin-through-goernment-held-area-to-combat-turkish-forces-photos/ report] that a large convoy with reinforcements has reached Afrin after traveling from the Kurdish cantons in the East through SAA-controlled territory in northern Aleppo province.<br />
<br />
[[File:URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-PÈNE-1.jpg |thumb|150px|Afrin Map February 2018]]<br />
[http://lecourrierdumaghrebetdelorient.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/URGENT-ARAB-WORLD-MAPS-Syria-Afrin-February-2018-Emmanuel-P%C3%88NE-1.jpg Most recent Afrin map from Maghreb and Orient Courier]<br />
<br />
Body of the Russian pilot Roman Filipov was returned to Russia, [https://tvzvezda.ru/news/forces/content/201802061554-685r.htm said to be] by the Russian military intelligence services in interaction with 'Turkish colleagues'.<br />
<br />
A robot [http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/robot-silenced-for-interrupting-turkish-ministers-speech-in-ankara-126867 is formatted] at an event in Ankara for interrupting the Turkish communication minister during his speech. <br />
<br />
5 Feb. Syrian and Turkish forces [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-looses-artillery-fire-turkish-forces-south-aleppo-casualties-reported/ exchange artillery fire] near the town of Al-Eis in southern Aleppo Province.<br />
<br />
Turkish forces [http://video.qasioun-news.com/en/video/show/16230 convoy entered Al-Eis strategic area] in the southern countryside of Aleppo "in implementation to the agreement of de-escalation zones agreement signed in Astana between Turkey, Russia and Iran"<br />
<br />
3 Feb. A Russian SU-25 [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-group-claims-shot-russian-aircraft-executed-pilot-video/ is hit] by a MANPADS over Idlib province ([http://rusvesna.su/news/1517678881 launch video]). The pilot, [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3973831.html Roman Filipov] ejects, gets caught by "rebels" and killed, according to Jaysh al-Nasr who claimed responsibility. [https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3971743.html Cassad]: pilot shot back, then detonated himself with a grenade. (Brief [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68i1ByXHEio video] of his [http://rusvesna.su/news/1517773076 last fight], from [https://2ch.hk/wm/src/2925151/15177567642470.mp4 Idlib+ news]. Video of dead pilot [https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=39f_1517680555 at Liveleak]). The group has at one point been equipped with anti-tank weapons by the US. Another group that [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/syrian-jihadist-group-downs-russian-su-25-jet.php is said] to have claimed responsibility is a [[Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham|HTS]] “air defense battalion”. In the late afternoon it's reported that Russian missiles from [https://twitter.com/WaelAlHussaini/status/959818621873721344 Khmeimim airbase] and/or [https://twitter.com/leithfadel/status/959820216250322945 the Mediterranean] have taken off in the direction of Idlib.<br />
<br />
[[File:SyriaMapAmmar20180202.jpg|thumb|150px|Syria Situation Map 2018-02-02]]<br />
2 Feb. Al Masdar News publishes [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-map-syria-february-2018/ high resolution map of Syria] - including locations of Western bases<br />
<br />
1 Feb. The SAA has been advancing in recent days against both [https://southfront.org/isis-loses-more-area-to-syrian-army-in-northeastern-hama-map/ the ISIS micro-caliphate] in its Hama province pocket and [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-resumes-offensive-southeast-idlib/ Nusra] in the south-east of the Idlib pocket. The latter has apparently been helped by the fact that relevant portions of the Islamists went north to fight against the Kurds of Afrin on behalf of Turkey. It is [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ reported] that there have been protests in the "rebel"-held towns of Idlib against this move and that significant elements are heading back south to fight the advancing SAA.<br />
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</div></div>Charles Woodhttps://acloserlookonsyria.shoutwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:White_Helmets&diff=43967Talk:White Helmets2018-03-26T00:33:39Z<p>Charles Wood: /* Violet Organisation */ new section</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Category:White Helmets|*]]<br />
{{Mainpage}}<br />
<br />
== White Helmets? ==<br />
[[File:White Helmets NFZ.jpg|thumb|"White Helmets" pro-intervention, pro-aggression propaganda poster]]<br />
:''Moved from [[Talk:Alleged Chemical Attack, March 16, 2015]] -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 09:30, 24 August 2015 (UTC)<br />
The same original content from the first attack has been distributed on YouTube with two different logos. One logo is the [[al-Nusra Front|al-Nusra]] logo that is also seen in these three videos distributed by [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM43PO6LRW-wCEYX5IA33Bw Coordinating Srmin.] The other logo is blue and yellow and is also seen on the ambulance and the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ZwykZG-U0 back of the medic.] This means that the Coordinating Committee, al-Nusra, and the ambulance team and their propagandists are all tied closely together. This calls into question the neutrality of the reporting and the videos. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 03:21, 27 March 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
''P.S. (May 7)'' - An illustration of the closeness of the two is these two videos from March 26 uploaded by the al-Nusra -linked [[Local Coordinating Committees|Sarmin Coordination Committee]] with both [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdbWFf2__nk al-Nusra] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTL7c4AsrJQ Syrian Civil Defense] logos. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 14:11, 7 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I've seen a group calling themselves "White Helmets" who are active on twitter and have some link to the alleged gas attack videos. I think they are Civil Defence? Or at least say they are. Links to Jabhat al-Nusra tends to say they aren't neutral. --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 03:31, 27 March 2015 (UTC)<br />
::The [[:File:White Helmets NFZ.jpg|White Helmets]] claim to be a civil defense force specializing in digging up victims from bombed out buildings. They may in fact be a US State Department funded infowar operation for intervention and a war of aggression in the name of a "No-Fly Zone" to protect civilians.<br />
::I am doubtful if [[barrel bomb]]s even exist. Maybe we should investigate. A wider question is if airstrikes on civilian targets and the "collateral damage" / civilian victims is really a problem in Syria. Most of the destruction is likely the result of artillery bombardment. Even in Ukraine there are only a few tens of civilian victims of air power. Why would Assad need airplanes to "kill his own people?" -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:23, 2 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::Here's their site: https://www.whitehelmets.org/ Good news, they're "unarmed and neutral." Their issue is barrel bombs, often filled with chlorine, and they don't mention the weird type of chlorine with unusual symptoms... and how there's a neutral need for a "no fly zone." Linked to by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqlvzSTn1pw an activist video compilation] I left a helpful comment at (if it remains) --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 12:53, 2 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
::::Oh, and it specifies "the Syrian Civil Defence - known as the White Helmets." They're the ones with the blue and yellow logos, and I presume the black-and-yellow blankets. Maybe they're like a new non-neutral replacement for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, who continue cooperating with the government and won't even need to try operating in areas like this. I wonder if there are any issue with the SARC that would lead to such a replacement plan? --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 12:58, 2 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Their website looks like it came out of some smart New York or London Advertising Agency. In fact it did. It's an obvious branding exercise using the iconic white helmet as the easy to remember visual key.<br />
<br />
I've done some basic snooping and it's associated with [http://thesyriacampaign.org/ The Syria Campaign]. I guess the idea is to move up Google rank by cross-linking the sites.<br />
<br />
'white helmets' itself is a product of 'Purpose' a Brooklyn based organisation with offices in London and Rio de Janeiro. Their 'Team' shows what they are - an upmarket media communications company. [http://www.purpose.com/team/ The Purpose Team]<br />
<br />
Certainly no Syrians were involved in creating the White Helmets!--[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 23:47, 2 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::::Oh shit, they even have a [http://www.purpose.com/team/ Global Head of Cetacean Affairs.] They really must be the good guys! -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 14:45, 3 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Minor update on ''Purpose'' - the key player for White Helmets may be Alison Weiner - see the Team. From her blurb:<br />
<br />
:''Ali graduated from Yale University with degrees in history and political science and a concentration in journalism. After graduation, she joined the Clinton Global Initiative, where she was responsible for drafting briefing memos and other communications for President Bill Clinton''<br />
<br />
: i.e. Establishment Linked as are other Team players.--[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 23:58, 2 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::That's about what I would guess from the overly-slick vibe I got. Thanks for a little follow-up. Yes, they're not any kind of desperately needed mission to counter all the NY-style missions helping wreck the world's nations at record rate. They're just another in the well-funded chain. Go team! Mission: get paid and don't wonder why! --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 08:40, 3 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::According to a spreadsheet I've acquired they got a just under $1 million from Oak foundation for non Syrian related 'activist' marketing. Given the number of high-power Team members I'd expect income of the order of $5 million annually from probably(?) Soros related funds.<br />
<br />
:::More research shows they have a portfolio of topics they market - LGBT, Climate Change, and Syria being the major ones. Various 'empowerment' and 'women' topics pop up but don't seem to be mainstream.<br />
<br />
:::The best guess is they are a niche marketing agency who focus on profitable topics especially ones that can get a strong US/European consumer reaction. Hence the inevitable donate button on their various websites. However it's virtually certain they get the majority of their funding from 'interested parties' who may or may not be traceable to various Nation States.<br />
<br />
:::As for White Helmets? I'd say that is a complete creation of ''Purpose'' They may have bought in some Syrian Activists and written them up as local heroes, but the evidence is they started seriously marketing them around 2014-08-11T19:50:31Z (When Alison Weiner registered the domain name).<br />
<br />
:::Chlorine bombs? Sounds like they needed a new marketable atrocity and have been watching too much [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI4C4UqLYQY Absolute Power] --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 13:11, 3 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* AP via HuffPost, May 23: [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/23/syria-assad-chlorine-chemical-weapons_n_7427334.html Syrians Try To Build Case Against Assad In Chlorine Attacks]<br />
:''The Syrian Civil Defense, a group of 2,640 volunteers that provides emergency and rescue services in rebel-held and contested areas, has been gathering evidence to document the recent attacks, said Farouq Habib, the group's political adviser. He and the group's director, Raed Saleh, returned this week from the United States, where they met U.S. and European officials.''<br />
<br />
:''They collected remains from the barrels used in a number of bombings, soil samples that the group says show high levels of chlorine traces and urine and blood samples from victims.''<br />
<br />
Is civil defense the same volunteer rescue team this guy the article starts with is a member of?<br />
"With only a cloth mask for protection, Firas Kayali rushed to try to rescue the residents of a house" that wound up being where the Haj Ali home in Mishmishan from the May 2 alleged incident. "Once a house painter and now a member in a volunteer rescue team," Kayyali tried three times to "break in" to the (locked?) house but the gas - chlorine, allegedly - caused him to suddenly loose consciousness - which chlorine doesn't do. No one else on his team had gas masks either, so they had to wait 20 minutes for the gas to dissipate before they could get in and find the baby already dead. From something that doesn't sound like chlorine, although they'll say it smelled just like it. <br />
<br />
He explains with sadness "I blamed myself first. But then again I go back and say '''if we had equipment and outfits''', maybe," Kayali said. "Then again, 'if' will not change anything now. ... God destined and what he destined happened." That's not guilt-tripping bullshit from an obvious Islamist. Oh wait, it is. As I mentioned in a comment there, White Helmets have plenty of gas masks - most members you see in videos wear them all the time. But when they're talking w/no pictures, suddenly they have nothing, huh, and the fact that they fail to save some people means they need more help? Why would they send no one but rag face here, or a team all with no masks as implied, to save people unless they wanted him to fail and the victims to die? --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 06:48, 24 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Critical Articles ==<br />
=== Rick Sterling Articles ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/04/03/about-those-chlorine-gas-attacks-in-syria/ About Those Chlorine Gas Attacks in Syria] Humanitarians for War, part 2. By Rick Sterling, founding member of Syria Solidarity Movement (and ACLOS site member). Counterpunch, April 3, 2015.<br />
:''In reality the White Helmets is a project created by the UK and USA. Training of civilians in Turkey has been overseen by former British military officer and current contractor, James Le Mesurier. Promotion of the program is done by “The Syria Campaign” supported by the foundation of billionaire Ayman Asfari. The White Helmets is clearly a public relations project which has received glowing publicity from HuffPo to Nicholas Kristof at the NYT. White Helmets have been heavily promoted by the U.S. Institute of Peace (U.S.IP) whose leader began the press conference by declaring “U.S.IP has been working for the Syrian Revolution from the beginning”.''<br />
<br />
:''Apart from the PR work, White Helmets work in areas of Aleppo and Idlib controlled by Nusra (Al Queda). The video from a medical clinic on March 16 starts with a White Helmets logo. The next video of same date and place continues with the Nusra logo.''<br />
<br />
:''US and UK tax dollars pay for a program which has an appealing rescue component and is then used to market and promote the USA and UK policy of regime change in Syria in de facto alliance with Nusra.''<br />
<br />
:''The fake “independence and neutrality” of White Helmets is shown by their active promotion of a No Fly Zone.''<br />
--[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 08:37, 4 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Here is another piece by Rick Sterling:<br />
* [http://dissidentvoice.org/2015/04/seven-steps-of-highly-effective-manipulators/ Seven Steps of Highly Effective Manipulators] - Rick Sterling, April 9th, 2015<br />
:''But White Helmets primary function is propaganda. White Helmets demonizes the Assad government and encourages direct foreign intervention. A White Helmet leader wrote a recent [http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/stop-the-barrel-bombs-the-deadliest-weapons-in-syrias-civil-war/2015/03/27/c983d024-cf4e-11e4-8a46-b1dc9be5a8ff_story.html Washington Post editorial.] White Helmets are also very active on social media with presence on Twitter, Facebook etc. According to their website, to contact White Helmets email The Syria Campaign which underscores the relationship.<br />
<br />
The March 27 op-ed piece in Washington Post by Raed al Saleh head of the Syrian Civil Defense is here:<br />
* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/stop-the-barrel-bombs-the-deadliest-weapons-in-syrias-civil-war/2015/03/27/c983d024-cf4e-11e4-8a46-b1dc9be5a8ff_story.html Stop the ‘barrel bombs’ in Syria]<br />
-- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 23:19, 17 April 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* [http://www.vietatoparlare.it/la-vera-storia-degli-elmetti-bianchi-i-gruppi-di-protezione-civile-di-al-nusra/ Article on White Helmets] in Italian, seems maybe worth translating. Not that I did yet. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 12:18, 18 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* [https://twitter.com/SyriaCivilDef/status/606813539332943872 photo tweet] Little girl carried by a Civil Defense worker - captioned best. Hug. Ever. The girl might not agree. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 13:45, 5 June 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== Other Articles ===<br />
* [http://ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/featured-articles/2015/august/27/syria-the-propaganda-ring/ Syria: The Propaganda Ring] Vanessa Beeley, Ron Paul Institute, August 27, 2015<br />
<br />
* [http://www.alternet.org/world/inside-shadowy-pr-firm-thats-driving-western-opinion-towards-regime-change-syria Max Blumenthal's article is first of two parts]. He covers the Zinki beheading of the thalassemic boy in Aleppo, and notes that the killers use the word "child". Also interesting is that at least in 2012 Blumenthal [http://maxblumenthal.com/tag/bashar-assad/ denounced] "Assad apologists" for "hyping the Muslim Threat Factor to delegitimize the internal opposition". He appears to have seen the light. [[User:Pmr9|Pmr9]] ([[User talk:Pmr9|talk]]) 14:37, 4 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
* Many others, we're far behind ... --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 12:46, 21 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
=== White Helmets Covering Up Genocidal Massacres? ===<br />
[http://libyancivilwar.blogspot.com/2016/10/white-helmets-covering-up-genocidal.html White Helmets Covering Up Genocidal Massacres?] by me, Oct. 20/21, 2016] First Monitor blog post just about the White Helmets, raises the possibility with no proof but some reasoning, brief case studies (especially Hayan missile massacre), and more on the related Sarmin chlorine incident. It's based largely on my suspicious readings of victim records, assorted video clues, etc. It's a sort of controversial or not-widely-understood (or ?) method, and hence no one else has really picked up on this circumstantial evidence. Some might suggest "Syrian civil defense" helps in terrorist crimes, but probably not with much evidence - not many miracle survivors on Youtube or talking to HRW to rely on here. And few if any other reporters or scholars seems to make the case I do that all these odd-demographic "barrel bombs" victims might be hostages and such, likely taken on a largely sectarian basis. It seemed worth opening up a space here for any counter-thoughts on thise methods, pro-thoughts, further good examples, etc. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 12:46, 21 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
:Interesting observations. Do not really know this topic well. Like, what's this VDC anyway? This [http://whois.domaintools.com/vdc-sy.info says] it is registered in Copenhagen and has a server in Stockholm. So how this even works? Something happens in Syria and they call to one of those Nordic places, first thing? Or they call from London SOHR office? How do we know it is not, say, comrade McCain PR staffer calling, or whatever other bullshit that may be? So they are now going to fix sex and assign it at random, to beat your theory, I suppose. I mean, those are just typed in entries, you can type pretty much anything, just vaguely fitting some well-known news (or may be not even not that ; did hey put those said to be killed by 'Belgian F 16's', say). In Donbas, they try to send somebody who will film the location, with bodies shown at location, address provided, witnesses right on the scene, all damage shown, etc. There is more Pravda feel doing it that way, maybe they can learn from that experience and improve their substandard propaganda a bit --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 15:13, 21 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
::Good questions. [[VDC]] has their website probably where you found (should add that), but was run from Syria, in fact Douma, Damascus, at least until its director was kidnapped in Dec. 2013 and never re-appeared. Not sure where the leaders are based now, or even who they are. They probably get info from ground sources like always. Their sources, like SOHR's, seem to be mainly Islamists. It seems like they reflect actual numbers of dead, though everything is questionable, including the names, and especially the story of HOW they died. And so, imperfect as it is, that's my starting formula - it's a presumably partially-accurate record with lines to read between. They definitely lack in full documentation, but the partial evidence they gather shows why, usually making little sense and falling apart on analysis. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 23:40, 21 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Comparing Russian and VDC reporting, Manbej: al-Tokhar Village 19 July 2016. [http://rusvesna.su/news/1469699968 Rusvesna, 20 July]'': on July 19 at noon the NATO coalition aircraft perfrmed air strikes on the village of Al-Tauhara, which killed more than 160 civilians, including women and children;'' [http://rusvesna.su/news/1468943946 Rusvesna, 21 July]'':This week, US and French air force killed more than 200 civilians in Aleppo.'' (reports and some photos). [http://www.vdc-sy.info/index.php/en/martyrs/1/c29ydGJ5PWEuYWN0b3JfaWR8c29ydGRpcj1ERVNDfGFwcHJvdmVkPXZpc2libGV8ZXh0cmFkaXNwbGF5PTB8c3RhcnREYXRlPTIwMTYtMDctMTl8ZW5kRGF0ZT0yMDE2LTA3LTE5fA== VDC] :16 civilians killed by 'Russian troops' warplane shelling (Manbej: al-Tokhar Village) and 85 civilians by international coalition warplane shelling (Manbej: al-Tokhar Village or just Manbej) (half of what Russian sources report, and unlikely report that USA and Russia shelled civilians in the same village on the same day)<small> (Notes: counting from screen, which is a pain, and getting a weird VDC search link address which may not work later)</small> (--[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 09:07, 22 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Execution video ==<br />
:''... and questions on March 16 uniforms'' --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 13:14, 21 October 2016 (UTC)<br />
I came across [https://twitter.com/FuryBlazing/status/595657444216479745 this tweet] which contains a youtube video showing the execution of a civilian by some masked goon after some older guy read him his verdict. Tweet says he's an alleged murderer. After he gets killed with two headshots, three "white helmets" come along with a stretcher and carry him away. Way to save lifes. <br />
<br />
Anyway, what surprised me was that they had fancy uniforms with that blue-yellow logo. Never seen those before in the few videos I watched about the chlorine stuff and "white helmets" dancing with Nusra in Idlib. So I thought they were new and wanted to find out how new. So I went to the linked account @whitehelmetsbot (which is what it say it is, a bot), checked the timeline and quickly found [https://twitter.com/MaydayRescue/status/593762771831025664 this] announcing new graduations last week. That "Mayday Rescue" org has a not very informative, anonymously registered website and says it is in Dubai. Notice the similarities of their logo with SCD logo.<br />
<br />
I also found that the account @SyriaCivilDef now wears the name "The White Helmets". The distinct uniforms go back as long as you can scroll on Mayday Rescue and I quickly figured that "White Helmets" is another name for Syrian Civil Defense. Fortunately one could scroll just back to early August 2014 which is when as Charles found the White Helmet domain was registered. And indeed, the first occurance of "White Helmets" is in three tweets from August 29 with pics from the same graphics designer, the second of which is [https://twitter.com/MaydayRescue/status/505491966000627712 this], which says that Mustafa was "trained with support from @jica_direct by @ARKSyria and @AKUTEnstitusu".<br />
<br />
And this fits with what these two articles about SCD claim as well:<br />
<br />
: ''[http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/the-most-dangerous-job-in-the-world-syrias-elite-rescue-force-20141210 In 2013, with help from Turkey's elite natural-disasters response team, AKUT, and $300,000 of seed funding from Japan, the U.K., and the U.S., (Le Mesurier, CE) launched the first seven-day SCD course to teach 25 vetted Syrians how to deal with the chaos erupting around them.]''<br />
<br />
: ''[https://medium.com/matter/whoever-saves-a-life-1aaea20b782 Around the same time (early 2013, CE), ARK, an international contracting firm based in Istanbul, had received a mix of U.S. and British funding intended for “non-lethal aid” to the Syrian opposition, and had identified the rescue teams as a priority. The scale of Assad’s bombardment paralleled conventional wars in Europe (lol, CE), and ARK resurrected a Blitz-era doctrine called Civil Defense. Partnering with a Turkish organization, AKUT, that specialized in earthquake response, they established a training center in southern Turkey for the new teams. There, the boys from Hanano learned basic urban search-and-rescue techniques, along with first aid and firefighting. They were issued trucks, uniforms, and equipment, and then sent back to Syria.]''<br />
<br />
Now, aside from the propaganda value of especially the second article, these seem to be legitimate organizations (@jica_direct is a Japanese rescue org).<br />
<br />
So what I take from all that is 1) the "White Helmets" are a slick branding/marketing/propaganda campaign started in August 2014 based on an existing organization that might be legitimate, and 2) our chlorine propagandists might only "play" "White Helmets" and use their logo in the videos, and nobody complains because the goals are the same. <br />
<br />
Or do they wear the official uniforms in these chlorine videos and I just missed it? --[[User:CE|CE]] ([[User talk:CE|talk]]) 21:29, 5 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::Interesting, obviously the execution assistance. That might deserve a section or something. It's been failry clear WH-SCD for a while now, but good to learn it's not challenged. As for the logo, indeed, no one has it in Sarmin on March 16 that I can see (some uniforms are covered). That could mean some kind of impostors, but I don't suppose they'd need to fake their way in to such an esteemed and ethical group. And with such a high profile incident, they'd want to brand themselves as official if they could, let people see them in action and in uniform. I would guess the logo uniforms just hadn't been delivered there yet. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 23:23, 5 May 2015 (UTC) <br />
<br />
:::Unsurprisingly MiniTrue made Youtube get rid of the execution video quickly. Mirrors are [http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=0a3_1430870428 here] and [https://archive.org/details/WhiteHelmets.facilitate.an.alNusra.execution there]. To counter dolts who argue that it is somehow cut together (like some did on twitter): When the "White Helmets" come to "help", watch the shadow of a gunman in the bottom right corner... --[[User:CE|CE]] ([[User talk:CE|talk]]) 19:52, 6 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: [http://syriacivildefense.org/article/syria-civil-defence-statement SCD statement from today] on the video. Core:<br />
:::: ''On 5th May 2015, the Hreitan Civil Defence team were contacted around 11:15am by the Dar al Qadaa in Hreitan and informed that there was a corpse in the street, in front the Hreitan Main Mosque. The Civil Defence team deployed a corpse retrieval section which arrived at the location at approximately 11:35am. When the section arrived at the scene they found an execution in the process of being conducted, which was carried out at approximately 11:40 am.''<br />
::: Apparently someone wanted them to look really bad and filmed them going into the trap. Assad? ;o) --[[User:CE|CE]] ([[User talk:CE|talk]]) 20:05, 6 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
The uniforms with the blue patches on the shoulders [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVpoTbOptgQ were] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Kg4qSo40S0 visible] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Kg4qSo40S0 in the] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc9cuH1icHo nighttime] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPa_6CoYD_o videos] from March 16, 2015. Look again. The logos on the backs are not seen because the White Helmets are wearing reflective vests -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 05:09, 7 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
:Not that it's a big deal, but until I see one I'm sticking with no logos yet. Uniforms with blue shoulders, yes. Covered with vests in those videos, yes. But the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bTrpHYMEDY 9-minute fisheye video] shows a couple uncovered backs that are all gray, no logo. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 08:18, 7 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::You are right! This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ZwykZG-U0 March 26th video] is the one that tied the pieces together: SCD logo on back of uniform and on ambulance, al-Nusra logo on video. Although one could have drawn conclusions from this [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtJzjPEEBNM ''Orient News'' video] with SCD logo blankets and the White Helmets guy with a GoPro camera attached to his helmet. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 13:34, 7 May 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Disagreements With Other Aid Groups ==<br />
* [https://twitter.com/TerrinaMajnoona/status/606758934666313729 Terrina Aguilar on Twitter] finds a report at Rescue.org [http://www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/resource-file/Failing%20Syria%2C%20English.pdf PDF link] - if the 21 groups contributing are the ones listed on page 2, they don't include the White Helmets, but do include Syrian American Medical Society and Hand in Hand for Syria. So not all will likely endorse passages like the ones where they criticize all armed parties (not singling anyone out) and call for a political solution, not the ouster of the government. And this: <br />
:''Other governments with influence in Syria should:''<br />
''- Avoid fuelling the conflict and serious violations of IHL and IHRL by halting the<br />
supply of arms, ammunition and military personnel to parties which have been<br />
responsible for violations.''<br />
''- End calls for militarily-protected corridors or buffer zones, which can<br />
provide a false sense of security to civilians, can compromise the operating<br />
environment for humanitarian agencies, and could be used to justify<br />
refoulement of refugees.''<br />
The White Helmets aren't singled out, but clearly this flies in the face of their concept of stopping the bombs with bombs (or do they really not know what a "no-fly zone" is?) --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 13:45, 5 June 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Independent video or photo material? ==<br />
Has anyone ever seen the White Helmets on video or photos other than the ones they produce themselves? They were quick on the spot of the al-Nusra execution, but has anyone else actually filmed them? Are there any independent sources for their existence?<br />
<br />
Here is [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Yjv_Khf0w one video] of civilian buildings destroyed by US bombing somewhere near Idlib. Do we see any White Helmets here? They should be. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:09, 14 August 2015 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Raed Saleh denied entry to US ==<br />
April 18, 2016, SCD/WH leader Raed Saleh arrives in US for a humanitarian award, is told to leave, his visa is not valid. No reason is given. A bit later, [http://www.france24.com/en/20160428-us-condemns-strike-syrian-rescue-group France 24 reports,] Spokesman Mark Toner "would not say why, earlier this month, US officials had barred the volunteer group's leader ... Toner said US law prevents him from discussing individual visa cases, but seemed to suggest that security considerations could have been in play. "Broadly speaking ... on any visa case, we are constantly looking at new information," he said. "And if we do have new information that we believe this individual ... would pose a security risk, we'll certainly act on that." He would not say if Saleh is under suspicion, but added "any individual in any group suspected of ties or relations with extremist groups, or that we had believed to be a security threat to the United States, we would act accordingly."<br />
<br />
Is this just because they operate in Islamist-rebel controlled areas, repeat all their talking points, wave their flags, helpc clean-up and cover-up their crimes, etc. ? That wouldn't make much sense. <br />
<br />
Is it a case of name confusion? There's a "Palestinian radical Islamist" named Raed Saleh, (mentioned [http://www.algemeiner.com/2016/04/28/antisemitism-george-orwell-and-the-labour-party/ here] in context of being antisemitic and praised by (antisemitic?) Jeremy Corbyn. He would be under a travel ban, his group (Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel ) having been outlawed by Israel late last year, reports [https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/charlotte-silver/israel-bans-islamic-party-crackdown-palestinian-citizens Electronic Intifda.net]. That could be it, or what they'd say anyways. Same confusion could plague a Palestinian-born Raed Saleh now running with popular support for Mayor of Berlin with a partial emphasis on 'prosemitism' (in comparison... [http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-born-german-hopes-to-be-next-mayor-of-berlin/ Times of Israel]). --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 00:43, 1 May 2016 (UTC) and clarity edits [[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 13:04, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
: I can't see a reason why Toner wouldn't admit that sort of confusion and apologize to the man, so that the image of their tool would be shiny white again. --[[User:CE|CE]] ([[User talk:CE|talk]]) 10:24, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:: Hm, I could reach for a couple reasons, but fair point, and let's save space. It is a compelling thing to say though, when they decide what to say. Except ... do you respond to a travel ban by saying 'travel back, or to wherever?' Or do you detain? And if on some terror list, you detain, right? I don't know, really. <br />
<br />
:: I wonder what else could it be though. It's tempting to see an actual policy to recognize the WH as a terror front group or something, an undesirable element we want over there and not here, but ... it never seemed like ''that'' kind of brotherhood they have, and I see no reason they'd want to overplay it with such fawned-over media darlings, or let their leader prove it by walking blind into the dragnet. In fact, I don't suppose that's what you're seeing, but ... curious what you think might be going on. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 13:04, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::: I think the guy (who I never heard about before) got on some list somehow, and Toner said as much as he could in an embarrassing press briefing trying to separate the group from extremist connections of its leader, just like he said without saying it. --[[User:CE|CE]] ([[User talk:CE|talk]]) 14:03, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
:::: And maybe not some lowly TSA official's list but something the State dep't assembled - might be embarrassing, hence no answers. (BTW I've only barely heard of him before, wrote an op-ed for Washington Post I think... this is all just-now Google-fu) --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 14:37, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Here's a thought - do we even know he was turned back? Maybe he just decided to go back, make up this story, and get even more attention and sympathy, and remain all "frontline" and less DC-schmoozy ... --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 14:42, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
[https://www.change.org/p/nobel-prize-do-not-give-2016-nobel-peace-prize-to-syrian-white-helmets The SSM petition] to frustrate a nobel peace prize nomination has this to say:<br />
:''The White Helmets leader, Raed Saleh has just been deported from the US where White Helmet backers USAID [US Government] were about to present him with an award. The US State Department have stated possible connections to "extremist organisations" as the reason.''<br />
<br />
:'' However the US State Department have made the extraordinary statement that although '''the White Helmet leader and chief spokesperson to UN and Whitehouse is linked with terrorism,''' the White Helmet Group is miraculously unaffected.''<br />
Toner mentioned terror threats in his response, semantics to me suggested their response was not that kind ("we would act accordingly"), so it's left possible but not indicated. I'll have to look up this 'extraordinary statement' by state. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 23:46, 1 May 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Omran Daqneesh ==<br />
:''Moved to [[Talk:Omran Daqneesh]]<br />
<br />
== Soros Says to Shave? ==<br />
... Anyway, a comment beneath ([http://www.moonofalabama.org/2016/08/the-wounded-boy-in-orange-seat-another-staged-white-helmets-stunt.html Moon of Alabama article]) by PavewayIV says:<br />
:''But think of all the effort they put into these photos, b. The casting alone is impressive. Military-age men without (or with neatly trimmed) beards. '''Soros demanded they stop publishing any White Helmet photos with guys that have long, scraggly head-chopper beards, and suddenly you didn't see any. And I mean zero.''' That was around the time the U.S. told the FSA to trim their head-chopper beards because the long ones scared Americans. No TOW-2As unless they shaved. The MSM started publishing photos with groups of head-choppers - all either clean-shaven or with equally-neatly trimmed beards. It was just weird. I don't think al Nusra liked that too much, so it sort of disappeared. The White Helmets have dutifully kept publicly-released photos of themselves restricted to rescuers clean-shaven or with short-trimmed beards. It makes them look less head-chopper-ish and - I guess - Nobel Prize worthy.'' <br />
(Soros being billionaire "villainthropist" George, who I guess bankrolls the Civil Defense) --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 13:00, 19 August 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Prizes won==<br />
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-37442277 Syria's White Helmets win 'alternative Nobel Prize'], 23 Sept, 2016 --[[User:Resup|Resup]] ([[User talk:Resup|talk]]) 08:51, 23 September 2016 (UTC)<br />
:''...Right Livelihood Award... The award is worth €315,000 (£271,184) split between four recipients. The White Helmets were recognised for "outstanding bravery, compassion and humanitarian engagement in rescuing civilians"...<br />
:''The White Helmets are internationally recognised for their rescue efforts, and have been nominated for the "real" Nobel Peace Prize, which will be announced in October.<br />
<br />
== Fake ISIS bombing in Baghdad ==<br />
This video by Morris 108 was published yesterday. It shows a computer screen running a CCTV recording of the attack dated October 30, 2016.<br />
<br />
The bomb is real, but the victims are fake. This is [[Category:Iraq|Iraq]], so no [[White Helmets]]. But similar hoax methods.<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY-bHqznIa0 ISIS Bombing Caught Red Handed Innocents Hurt - Hoax] - 108morris108, Nov 1, 2016<br />
*:''From a Shia area of Bahgdad: "Hurriya"<br />
*:''Watch a hoax bombing enacted<br />
-- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 13:23, 2 November 2016 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Venezuela? ==<br />
White Helmets turn up in Venezuela.<br />
* [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-health-idUSKBN17S2DQ Injured Venezuela protesters face another woe: finding medicine] - ''Reuters'', April 26, 2017<br />
I looks as if someone has foreknowledge of President Maduro's secret plan to launch a chemical weapons attack against peaceful protesters. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 23:20, 26 April 2017 (UTC)<br />
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== When did the White Helmets first appear in Syria? ==<br />
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Here are [https://www.facebook.com/lenskhanshykon/photos/a.512662482094430.132091.512357315458280/936633093030698/?type=3&permPage=1 two] early [https://www.facebook.com/lenskhanshykon/photos/a.512662482094430.132091.512357315458280/936633193030688/?type=3&permPage=1 photos] republished by Lens Khan Sheikhouh on October 30, 2014. -- [[User:Petri Krohn|Petri Krohn]] ([[User talk:Petri Krohn|talk]]) 02:35, 3 May 2017 (UTC)<br />
:Another said to be in Aleppo, [https://www.facebook.com/Syrian.Revolution/photos/a.10150397575815727.619133.420796315726/10154257153490727/?type=3&theater posted by Syrian Recolution Network] on Facebook, May 1, 2014. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 00:22, 25 June 2017 (UTC)<br />
::a video from August 11, 2014, again [https://www.facebook.com/revolution.damascus.aleppo/posts/752455454812997 on Facebook.] Again said to be Aleppo, it explains "They are the champions of civil defence with the courage of a thousand men who do not fear death, swear to protect the homeland and save the most precious. The Civil Defense Team was able to save the child Muhammad from the rubble in the life neighbourhood after five barrels of Assad's flight on the neighborhood this morning." --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 01:56, 25 June 2017 (UTC)<br />
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My understanding is that White Helmets were formed in late 2013. Alison Weiner registered the domain name whitehelmets.org on 2014-08-11T19:50:31Z.<br />
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[[File:WhiteHelmetsRegistration.png]]<br />
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Purpose / Avaaz / Alisone Weiner were active in February 2014 starting up the media campaign that later morphed into White Helmets see [http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-10-04/inside-shadowy-pr-firm-thats-lobbying-regime-change-syria Inside The Shadowy PR Firm That's Lobbying For Regime Change In Syria] --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 05:31, 3 May 2017 (UTC)<br />
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:I see that date as November 8, not Aug. 11, but if it's the latter, there's a same-day promo video found. The earliest finds are consistent with late-2013 launch and slowly growing presence over the following year, mostly in Arabic-language social media. And Alison Weiner at Purpose.com founded their website maybe exactly one year in. Some background from Maz Blumenthal, taking the ali-weiner address too literally:<br />
:''On Feb. 3, 2014, Anna Nolan, the senior strategist at Purpose, posted a job listing. According to Nolan’s listing, her firm was seeking “two interns to join the team at Purpose to help launch a new movement for Syria.”''<br />
:''At around the same time, another Purpose staffer named Ali Weiner posted a job listing seeking a paid intern for the PR firm’s new Syrian Voices project. “Together with Syrians in the diaspora and NGO partners,” Weiner wrote, “Purpose is building a movement that will amplify the voices of moderate, non-violent Syrians and mobilize people in the Middle East and around the world to call for specific changes in the political and humanitarian situation in the region.” She explained that the staffer would report “to a Strategist based primarily in London, but will work closely with the Purpose teams in both London and New York.”''<br />
:This White Helmets thing - branding, strategy, slick website, etc. - would be a good part of this bigger project. After the Purpose.com boost, they were set for a bigger audience, and a few months later we first noticed them in connection to the Sarmin alleged chlorine attack. --[[User:Caustic Logic|Caustic Logic]] ([[User talk:Caustic Logic|talk]]) 01:56, 25 June 2017 (UTC)<br />
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== Violet Organisation ==<br />
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Turkish created [http://violetsyria.org/en/ Violet Organisation], aka Violet Syria, has been present in Ghouta at least for this last winter.<br />
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It appears to have been created in competition with, or even replacement of, the White Helmets. Almost predictably there is a British link with David Milliband in the management structure.<br />
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Notable names / sponsors include the Asfari Foundation (also funds White Helmets), Qatar Red Crescent, International Rescue Committee, plus a bunch of others I don't recognise.<br />
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They can be spotted in the evacuation videos from Ghouta --[[User:Charles Wood|Charles Wood]] ([[User talk:Charles Wood|talk]]) 00:33, 26 March 2018 (UTC)</div>Charles Wood