(Excerpts from SouthFront) ~ The Syrian Arab Army, the Tiger Forces and their allies have advanced on positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian Al-Qaeda) and other militant groups in the areas of Harasta, Hawsh Ashari, Bayt Siwwa in the Eastern Ghouta region. Government forces have also entered the area of Rayhan, but have not been able to secure it yet.
Meanwhile, the US-led block, the mainstream media and pro-militant sources are developing their propaganda campaign in an attempt to save militants operating in Eastern Ghouta from defeat accusing government forces of civilian casualties and chemical attacks.
On March 5, the Pentagon announced that Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch against the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in the area of Afrin had led to an “operational pause” in US-led efforts against ISIS in eastern Syria… … …(read more)… … …
An enormous arsenal of various weapons and production facilities, plus a fleet of explosive-laden and armored vehicles has been discovered inside the recaptured Islamic State stronghold in Deir ez-Zor province, RT reports from the Al-Mayadeen frontline.
Following in the footsteps of the Tiger Forces, commanded by Syrian Army Brigadier General Suheil Salman al-Hassan, nicknamed ‘The Tiger’, an RT Arabic crew managed to film a number of warehouses full of weapons that Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) hastily abandoned, fleeing the city to the eastern side of the Euphrates River.
“Weapons warehouses here were simply huge. I’m just shocked by the amount of weapons I saw,” Syrian Army Lt. Col. Rahmi Mauwas told RT at the battlefront. “There are hundreds and even thousands of weapons and ammunition of various kinds.”
Besides weapons allegedly produced by the US, Israel and elsewhere across the Middle East, the Syrian forces said they discovered that the terrorists also organized its own weapon production in the city. Various types of logistics equipment were also left behind by the fleeing terrorists…(read more)…
Locals in Al-Mayadeen have spoken of the horror of living with Islamic State after the terror group was routed from one of its last strongholds by Syrian and allied forces.
Footage shot on Sunday showed the city in ruins with huge caches of weapons left behind by feeling IS fighters.
Locals spoke of being thrown in jail for smoking one cigarette, having beard stubble or not wearing the correct clothing.
SOT, local resident (Arabic): “Nobody wanted to cooperate with ISIS. I had six days in prison for smoking one cigarette. This happened because they saw me smoking or smelled tobacco on me. For this reason they imprisoned me for 6 days. They had such organisation, like a morality police called ‘Hysba.’ They were imprisoning even for removing stubble from a face, let alone a beard! Not a beard, just single hairs of bristle. You’re not allowed to shave this part. Beards should grow in natural way.”
SOT, Reporter (Arabic):“How many times you’ve been arrested for your beard?”
SOT, local resident (Arabic):“Four times. Four times I’ve been arrested for my beard. Not because it doesn’t grow, but because it should grow. They arrested me, then whipped me, tortured me and gave me spoiled food.”
SOT, local resident (Arabic):“I was imprisoned twice because of the beard, and once because of the fact that I had pants on me, not a jalabiya [a long men’s shirt].”
SOT, local resident (Arabic):“ISIS militants took ten houses which belonged to my brothers. They’d been confiscating them. They just took our houses and lived inside them.”
SOT, military officer (Arabic): “We’ve searched the whole area, which was the main military depot of ISIS, it has underground tunnels and was full of weapons.”
(South Front Maps) ~ These maps provide a general look at the key stages of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) operation to liberate the strategic Syrian city of Mayadin from Daesh (so called ISIS, ISIL, IS) mercenary-terrorists.
(South Front Maps) ~ The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) Tiger Forces have liberated the city of al-Mayadin from Daesh (ISIS, ISIL, IS) mercenary-terrorists in the province of Deir Ezzor. The liberation of al-Mayadin is a devastating blow to the Daesh defense in the Euphrates Valley. Now, the SAA has an opportunity to advance on the Omar oil fields from al-Mayadin.
The Syrian Arab Army, backed by Russian air cover, is advancing against the mercenary-terrorist gangs of Daesh (ISIS, ISIL, IS) in the province of Deir-ez Zor. The terrorists are fighting to retain their last strongholds in the region. The newly-liberated village of Hatla, in the province of Deir-ez Zor, witnessed a particularly brutal battle.
While travelling with the Syrian army, RT exclusively witnessed first-hand how combing a liberated village can turn into a fierce fire-fight with Daesh.
Over the past week, Russian jets have intensified their sorties, conducting up to 150 surgical strikes against terrorist convoys coming into Syria from Iraq, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
RT’s Murad Gazdiev managed to get first-hand experience of the fighting as he accompanied the Syrian military across the only bridge over the Euphrates river in the area – straight to the frontline in Hatla village in Deir-ez Zor province. Gazdiev was standing just 500 meters from IS positions when the terrorists launched their assault, which started with an engine roar leading to fire from guns and heavier weapons…(read more)…
WARNING: If you are minor or too psychologically sensitive please do not watch these videos. # These videos may contain graphics images. # These footages is not intended to be sensationally shocking violent or to glorify violence in any way. # These videos are only for News War Documentary Historical and Educational purposes.
SYRIA:THE ARRIVAL OF THE S.A.A & ALLIES TO AL-RAHBA CASTLE S/W OF AL MAYADEEN CITY
The arrival of the Syrian Arab Army’s troops alongside allied paramilitaries groups to Al Rahba Castle Southwest of the Al Mayadeen city in Deir ezzor province…
RUSSIAN JETS HIT ISIS REINFORCEMENTS IN AL MAYADEEN & ABU KAMAL IN DEIR EZZOR
_. «Russian Air Force task force in Syria targeted Isis-Terrorists reinforcements of foreign fighters coming from Iraq to the vicinity of the Town of Abu Kamal near the Iraq-Syria border», the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Saturday…
_. «As all Terrorist targets including command outposts, manpower, and Armored vehicles were identified and confirmed within a week a series of Airstrikes followed» it added…
_. «An Airstrike near Abu Kamal destroyed Islamists outpost, killing some 40 militants from Tajikistan and Iraq, as well as 7 SUV’s with DShK and ZU-23-2 machine guns mounted on them» the statement said…
_. «A separate strike near the Al Mayadeen city killed up to 80 Isis-Terrorists among them nine fighters from the Northern Caucasus,destroyed a command center, 18 SUV’s, and three ammunition depots… Also Russian Jets bombed a group of 60 foreign fighters national of (former Soviet Republics) Tunisia and Egypt» the statement said, adding that:
_. «12 SUV’s carrying heavy weapons were destroyed in the Airstrikes»... The Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed that a previous strike near Abu Kamal killed influential Isis field commanders, said to be “natives of Northern Caucasus”…
AL MAYADEEN MAP UPDATE/S.A.A MAKES FRESH GAINS SOUTH OF AL MAYADEEN IN DEIR EZZOR
The Syrian Arab Army’s, spearheaded by the elite Tiger Forces, resumed its strict mission to seize the largest Isis stronghold of Al Mayadeen city… The Tiger Forces supported by Russian Air Force managed to liberated Al Mayadeen Airport which is located Southeastern of Al-Rahba Castle… The Syrian Arab Army’s troops advanced Southern of Al Mayadeen towards Kharafi farms and liberated it… By this advance, it seems that the Tiger Forces want to siege Al Mayadeen by cutting its military supply from the South axis… Earlier today Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Russian Air Force targeted Isis reinforcements coming from Iraq to the vicinity of the Town of Abu Kamal near Iraq-Syria border near Al Mayadeen, killed up to 80 Isis-Terrorists…
AL MAYADEEN MAP UPDATE/S.A.A ADVANCES IN WEST AXIS OF AL MAYADEEN IN DEIR EZZOR PROVINCE
The Syrian Arab Army’s troops, spearheaded by elite Tiger Forces, resumed its strict mission to seize the largest the so-called Islamic state stronghold of Al Mayadeen city… The Syrian Arab Army’s troops managed to advance 27 k.m² in the desert from its site near Thirddah Mount in Deir ezzor-Al Mayadeen Road to hills which located in front of Al Mayadeen city… The Syrian Arab Army’s troops supported by the Russian Air Force stormed Al Mayadeen from the West axis, liberated Al-Rahba Castle, Bakery, Sesame Neighbourhood, Silos in West part of Al Mayadeen, after killing 25 Isis-Terrorists,injuring 34 others, and destroying their equipment… The clashes continue while reports confirmed that Isis transfer many of its militants to Al Mayadeen to repel Syrian Arab Army’s advance…
S.A.A. IS 2 K.M² AWAY FROM THE LARGEST ISIS BASTION IN DEIR EZZOR:AL MAYADEEN CITY
The Syrian Arab Army’s troops, spearheaded by elite Tiger Forces, resumed its strict mission to seize the largest the so-called Islamic state stronghold of Al Mayadeen city… Aiming to eradicate Isis Jihadists from the entire Deir ezzor province, the Government troops backed by Russian Air support, managed today afternoon to advance along Euphrates River towards Al Mayadeen city… Only 2 k.m² left for the combat forces to reach Al Mayadeen, said a military source… The 3D video footage shows the map of the city of Al Mayadeen,where the Syrian Arab Army’s troops operating against the so-called Islamic state in the city… _. «We can see Al-Balaum rotary from our new sites in the front of the city»… The source added… Yesterday the Syrian Arab Army’s troops liberated 20 k.m² South of Deir ezzor-Al Mayadeen highway…
This map provides a general look at the military situation in the area of the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor city. Syrian government forces are developing momentum against ISIS in Mayadin and its countryisde.
Mayadin is one of the key ISIS strongholds in the Euphrates Valley. If the army seizes it, government forces will be able to cross the Euhprates River near the strategic Omar oil fields area on the eastern bank of the Euphrates.
Syrian Army units repelled a large-scale Daesh (ISIS, ISIL, IS) attack on the international Deir-Ezzor-Palmyra highway in the Syrian Badia.
According to SANA reporter, groups of ISIS terrorists launched over the past hours a fierce assault against points of the army units protecting the international highway in al-Shoula and Kabajib area.
Covered by military warplanes and helicopters, the army units and the allied and supporting forces confronted the attack, leaving deaths and losses in the terrorists’ ranks, the reporter said, adding that the army units are now working on clearing the area of the fleeing ISIS terrorists to fully secure the highway.
In the meantime, fierce clashes erupted between the army units, backed by the Air Force, and ISIS terrorists in Huweijet Saqr and on the axis of Khsham and Hatla Fouqani, while the army’s Artillery targeted movements and hideouts of ISIS in Hatla and the neighborhoods of al-Rushdiyeh, al-Huweiqeh, al-Ardi, Knamat and Khsarat.
Many terrorists were killed, others were injured and several of their vehicles and hideouts were destroyed as a result of the clashes.
Syrian Arab Army and Syrian Armed Forces units killed and injured many Daesh (ISIS, ISIL, IS) terrorists during fierce clashes in Hweijet al-Saker area southeast of Deir Ezzor city and destroyed two vehicles equipped with heavy machineguns… … …
A Syrian Arab Army Report to Russia Today Reporters.
A furious assault on Daesh (Islamic State, IS, ISIS/ISIL) positions in Deir ez-Zor province and the regional capital by Syrian government forces continues, as Damascus hopes to clear the remaining pockets of terrorists from the city within days.
After the siege of Deir ez-Zor province was breached during the first week of September, the Syrian army supported by the Russian Air Force have encountered stubborn IS resistance in the surrounding neighborhoods of the city.
“Every day there is combat. They’ll use heavy weapons from range, or they’ll try to infiltrate in the middle of the night. They attack with suicide vests and car bombs. The battle goes on everyday,”Syrian Army officer, Ibrahim, told RT’s Murad Gazdiev shortly before he and his crew came under heavy shelling from ISIS positions.
The RT crew also came under fire while reporting from Syrian artillery position overlooking the industrial part of Deir ez-Zor, the same spot where a Russian lieutenant-general, Valery Asapov, was fatally wounded by an exploding shell in a sudden mortar attack by IS terrorists.
Terrorists are throwing everything they have in a desperate attempt to hold their positions, using the Euphrates River to replenish their numbers and supplies. On Wednesday, the army targeted ISIS fighters in the Hweijet al-Saker area, the neighborhoods of al-Hweiqa, al-Arddi, Khassarat and Kanamat as well as al-Husseinia village to the northeast of the city, SANA reported.
“The city of Deir ez-Zor will be liberated in a week, at the most. And we’ll free some of the suburbs too. The cost will undoubtedly be high… it’s a challenging battleground. From dense urban areas – to lush river banks and even trenches,” Ibrahim noted… … …
The elite Tiger Forces of the Syrian Arab Army have liberated all? of Southeast Raqqa and Northwest Deir ezzor Governorates from the so-called Islamic state terror organisation, following a massive offensive push up the West bank of the Euphrates…
Hours ago the Syrian Arab Army liberated the strategic Town of Ma’adan…
By securing the entire Western bank of the Euphrates North of Deir ezzor, the Syrian Arab Army has de facto besieged any Isis forces which may remain in the desolate inland desert spaces of Southeastern Raqqa although it is hard to believe that the Terrorist group left behind militants to defend such valueless areas…
Given the general patten of Isis strategic withdrawals, it appears that the Jihadist faction has completely withdrawn either to the Eastern bank and/or South of Deir ezzor city…
This footage is not intended to be violent sensational shocking disrespectful or glorify violence in any way. This video is only for News War Documentary Historical and Educational purposes.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Hezbollah, the Iraqi Army and the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) advance on the Daesh/ISIS border strongholds of al-Bukamal and al-Qaim.
On Saturday (16/9/2017) the Iraqi Army and the PMU launched an anti-ISIS operation in the border area, liberated the border town Akashat, the H-3 station, Akashat factory and the Akashat housing complex, and secured a road linking it with the Damascus-Baghdad highway. ~ At the same day, the SAA and Hezbollah, supported by Liwa Fatemiyoun, Liwa Haydaryoun, Liwa al-Zainabyoun and the National Defense Forces (NDF), captured al-Rutimah, Ghizlaniah and the desert area north of Sharat al-Wa’ar.
On Sunday, Syrian and Iraqi forces officially met on the border near Akashat. The SAA and Hezbollah deployed several special force and armoured units right on the border line. Damascus gave Iraqi forces a permission to enter 10km deep inside the Syrian territory if needed. Iraqi sources claimed that some Syrian battle tanks and armoured vehicles of entered the Iraqi territory and joined Iraqi units.
The SAA and its allies have liberated Jafrah, Ayyash, the Hujeif mount, Muraieiah, Hawayej, Hawayej Abu Arab, Ain Abu Jumah and Hajj Hammoud as well as some nearby points on the both northwestern and southeastern flanks of the city.
On Monday, Syrian forces crossed the Euphrates east of Deir Ezzor. Since start of September, the SDF and pro-SDF sources have repeatedly claimed that they will not allow the SAA to cross the Euphrates… … …
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) liberated al-Jafra, south of Deir ez-Zor, on Sunday, amidst an ongoing battle to remove ISIS from its last major foothold in Syria.
Footage shows engineering divisions employing a pontoon to enable passage for troops and equipment over to the eastern banks, consolidating their position and allowing for access to the northern sector of Deir-ez-Zor, where the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) recently lost their three-year hold. Soldiers were able to remove IS militants and free several villages within a few hours.
Isis-Hunters Cross the Euphrates River
and Capture Daesh Fighters Alive
Footage has been released on pro-government social media showing the very first unit of the Syrian Arab Army troops that crossed the Euphrates River in action as they carried out the historic operation… In the video can be seen that the soldiers belong to the Syrian Arab Army elite Isis-Hunters, a vanguard unit within the 5th Assault Corps… Immediately apparent is that pre-operation arrangements were made during the night hours of yesterday morning whilst the actual assault reportedly took place at 9:18 A.M… The assault involved very small independent river crossing teams of no more than seven troops, each loaded into motorized dinghies… By the time the elite Syrian troops made their landing on the Eastern bank of the Euphrates the sun has already risen over Deir ezzor… The push inland begun almost immediately after making landfall with the Isis-Hunters troops negating their way through the dense water-bogged cropland that straggles the Euphrates… Within hours the settlements of Marrat, Sbahah and Mozlum were liberated… The elite Syrian Arab Army unit killed at least 40 Isis militants during the initial phase of their assault, and not a single Syrian Arab Army’s soldier died despite heavy clashes… At the end of the video it appears that at least two prisoners of the war, likely local spies for Isis from the liberated villages, have been captured and are now in Syrian Arab Army’s custody…
Last night, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) Tiger Forces, the Syrian Republican Guard (SRG) and their allies fully secured the Baghiliyah area from ISIS northwest of Deir Ezzor city after capturing the missiles base, the Hajjanah regiment, the radio transmitter station, the al-Jazeera university, the Saiqa Camp and the arms depots around Baghiliyah. ~#~ Separately, government forces captured the Nishan oil field, the Nishan gas station and the water pumping station east of Thurdah mount number 3 fully securing the western flank of Deir Ezzor Airport. ~#~ Southeast of Deir Ezzor, the SAA captured the Dhamn base and al-Kurum hill and deployed in about 35km from al-Mayadeen city, one of the key ISIS strongholds in the Euphrates Valley.
The Russian Aerospace Forces and the Russian Navy supported the government advance. ~#~ Two submarines, the Velikiy Novgorod and Kolpino, have fired seven Kalibr cruise missiles on ISIS targets, including “control centers, communications hubs, the militants’ weapons and ammunition warehouses in the ISIS controlled areas in the south east of the city of Deir Ezzor,” according to the Russian Defense Ministry. ~#~ According to local sources, Russian warplanes conducted multiple airstrikes on ISIS units and fortifications in the same area.
News War Historical Documentary ~ The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continues to advance in Deir Ezzor, captured more strategic points against Daesh (the so-called Islamic State of mercenary-terrorist gangs). The SAA’s elite Tiger Forces liberated the Radio Tower, Ayash storage, Al-Baghiliyah District, Sa’iqa camp, which is located in the Northwestern flanks of Deir ezzor. Also the Syrian Artillery Battalion, Missiles Battalion, Nishan Oil-field, which is located Southeastern of Deir ezzor Airbase have been liberated too.
The territory of east Aleppo where 90,000 residents live was liberated from terrorists on Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Some 90,000 residents live in east Aleppo freed from militants, the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said.
“By noon on November 29, the territory of the city where 90,000 residents of Aleppo live, has been fully freed from terrorists.”
Over the past 24 hours, 507 terrorists have left Aleppo and laid down arms, the center said, adding that 484 fighters among local residents have been immediately granted amnesty.
The ministry said that the residents of the area received humanitarian aid and medical assistance.
On Tuesday, Syrian Army’s General Command called on militants to lay down arms in accordance with an amnesty decree, to stop the bloodshed, bombing of residential areas as well attacks on civilians.
Syrian Army units, in cooperation with the supporting forces and allies, carried out accurate operations against gatherings and positions of the terrorist organizations in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo city and restored security and stability to the neighborhoods of al-Haidaria and al-Sakhour. The operations resulted in killing sores of the terrorists and destroying their weapons, adding that the army units are chasing the fleeing terrorists in the area.
Engineering units dismantled mines and explosives planted by the terrorists in the squares and streets of al-Haidaria and al-Sakhour neighborhoods.
Aleppo Governor Hussein Diab said that an army unit, in cooperation with supporting forces, established control over Sleiman al-Halabi water station, and that technicians have entered the station to begin repairs in order to bring it back online as soon as possible…>>>…>>>…
… … …At the present time, upwards of 6,000 takfiris are mounting a force to attempt to reverse the gains of the SAA over the last two days.
Events in the siege of Aleppo since our last update have followed a tense yet decisive course. While the specifics remained fluid, the overall outcome was a somewhat predictable course given the balance of forces.
Changes which appeared to favor the ‘rebel’ takfiris began late in the day on August 6th, when al-Nusra and FSA began to make gains in their attempt to connect with the external takfiri force in the south-west area of Aleppo.
There was a brief connection, but very soon came under shelling and aerial bombardment from Russians, rendering this – as we reported several days ago – operationally unusable… … …
… … …The strategy of the SAA now will be to melt the main power resources of the ‘rebels’ in one or several large battles.
If al-Nusra and FSA, now fully besieged once again in Aleppo, are unable to access resupply of necessaries, they may have no choice but to surrender in some way, or make a final suicide push in desperation… … …
The above is the latest publicly released Russian map of the general situation right now in Syria.
We can see this is a very much different picture than the BBC one from one year ago, in July of 2015 (below).
Let us look a little more into the subject of the Kurds, who have also gained a lot since last year. They’ve filled in wherever ISIS in the north has been rolled back. Problematically in terms of Syrian sovereignty, is the existence of US bases there.
What’s been proposed of course is that the US and cohorts pushed ISIS precisely where they would later want to have a Kurdistan partition of Syria.
These US bases, along with their entire involvement from start to finish, are in violation of international law, and constitute a war crime… … …
Map by Dawoud Matar: Leith Fadel (Almasdarnews) contributed to this report.
Based on the information released from all parties involved in the Syrian War (save the Jihadist groups), the only ceasefire zones that will be implemented are in northern Hama, Dara’a, Al-Ghaab Plains, northern Homs, and the east Qalamoun.
The conflict on the ground is not expected to change, despite the attempt to cease all hostilities between the Syrian Opposition and Governorate.
The Government forces are expected to continue their wide-scale offensives in the Aleppo and Latakia governorates, while both sides trade attacks in the Al-Ghaab Plains of northwestern Hama.
Per the map, Jabhat Al-Nusra and Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham are embedded in almost every rebel camp in Syria; so there are really no guaranteed safe-zones, even in the provinces like Al-Quneitra and Dara’a where the territory is mostly under Free Syrian Army (FSA) control.