Syrian Revolution News & Discussions

[Khafee]

Star soccer player turned rebel icon dies in Syria fighting
08 June 2019
View attachment 7708

AZAZ, Syria (Reuters) - A Syrian star soccer player turned fighter who became an icon of the revolt died on Saturday after getting injured battling government forces in the northwest, his faction said.

Abdelbasset Sarout, 27, once a well-known goalkeeper from the city of Homs, gained a new kind of fame when the popular uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s rule erupted in 2011.

He was dubbed the “singer of the revolution” for chanting songs at rallies that eulogized slain protesters or vilified the president.

After the crackdown on protests, Sarout took up arms against the state, mirroring how the rebellion evolved into an armed struggle seen as a fight to the death as much by Damascus as by the guerrilla bands spawned by the conflict.

Sarout, a commander in the Jaish al-Izza rebel faction, died two days after sustaining injuries in battle in the northern Hama countryside.

“Those who think Sarout has died are under an illusion. We will all remain Sarout,” Samer al-Saleh, a senior official in the faction said.

Battles intensified in northwest Syria on Friday after insurgents mounted an attack to repel an army offensive that has pounded the country’s last major rebel stronghold for weeks.

The violence in Idlib province and a strip of nearby Hama marks the biggest military escalation between Damascus and its insurgent enemies since last summer. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes, many of them sheltering at the Turkish border from air strikes that have killed scores of people.

Assad has reclaimed much of Syria after crushing rebel bastions with the help of Russia and Iran. The northwest corner remains the last big chunk in opposition hands, including Idlib and a swathe of territory to the north under the control of Turkey-backed rebels.

Sarout was among hundreds of thousands of people, civilians and fighters, shuttled to the northwest in recent years under surrender deals as the state recovered their hometowns.

Sarout, who fought in his city of Homs, left in 2014 when such a withdrawal deal ended a bitter two-year siege.
Four of Sarout’s brothers, as well as his father, had all died in earlier fighting against pro-government forces.

Reporting by Khalil Ashawi in Azaz; Editing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian

Star soccer player turned rebel icon dies in Syria fighting

A Syrian star soccer player turned fighter who became an icon of the revolt died on Saturday after getting injured battling government forces in the northwest, his faction said.

www.reuters.com

 

[Khafee]

Abdelbaset al-Sarout: ‘Singer of Revolution’ Dies as ‘Guevara of Syria’
9 June, 2019

Abdelbaset al-Sarout (left) sings at a rally to commemorate the start of the Syrian revolution in March. Photograph: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images

London- Ibrahim Hamidi

The story of Abdelbaset al-Sarout stands out from other military or civilian opponents who died or were killed inside Syria or abroad – as his life was witness to Syria's peaceful protests, vicious battles, demonstrations, siege, displacement, and poverty all the way from Homs «capital of the revolution» to Idlib «the last stronghold of the opposition».

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sarout was wounded in clashes with government forces in the northern Hama countryside in the night of Thursday to Friday while fighting in the ranks of Jaish Al-Izza.

"He died of his wounds on Saturday," the head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdurrahman, said.

A nationally-recognized goalkeeper, he sprang to prominence in his home city of Homs in 2011 as one of many who staged street protests – he used to sing in praise of the revolution and was known as the “singer of the revolution”.

He fought in Homs, but left in 2014 along with other rebels under a surrender deal with the regime to end a two-year siege of its historical center. Four of Sarout’s brothers and his father have also been killed in the fighting and shelling there.

Sarout moved among Islamic and moderate factions, becoming a symbol of the revolution, as described by Mahmoud al-Hamoud, a leader of the Jaysh al-Izza rebel group, in which Sarout was a commander.

“He was both a popular figure, guiding the rebellion and a military commander,” said Maj. Jamil al-Saleh from Jaish al-Izza. “His martyrdom will give us a push to continue down the path he chose and to which he offered his soul and blood as sacrifice.”

He spearheaded the battles in the north of Aleppo and was among the first arrivals to Tal Meleh when factions launched a counter-attack in north-Hama on Thursday.

Sarout starred in the documentary "Return to Homs" by Syrian director Talal Derki.

Further, an album including all the songs by Sarout that went viral during the protests in 2012 was issued. His picture was also printed on postal cards designed by activists in 2012 to archive protests against the regime.

Upon announcing his death, some cheered up and described him as a terrorist while others mourned him and called him the “Guevara of Syria.”

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

Abdelbaset al-Sarout: ‘Singer of Revolution’ Dies as ‘Guevara of Syria’
9 June, 2019

Abdelbaset al-Sarout (left) sings at a rally to commemorate the start of the Syrian revolution in March. Photograph: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images

London- Ibrahim Hamidi

The story of Abdelbaset al-Sarout stands out from other military or civilian opponents who died or were killed inside Syria or abroad – as his life was witness to Syria's peaceful protests, vicious battles, demonstrations, siege, displacement, and poverty all the way from Homs «capital of the revolution» to Idlib «the last stronghold of the opposition».

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sarout was wounded in clashes with government forces in the northern Hama countryside in the night of Thursday to Friday while fighting in the ranks of Jaish Al-Izza.

"He died of his wounds on Saturday," the head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdurrahman, said.

A nationally-recognized goalkeeper, he sprang to prominence in his home city of Homs in 2011 as one of many who staged street protests – he used to sing in praise of the revolution and was known as the “singer of the revolution”.

He fought in Homs, but left in 2014 along with other rebels under a surrender deal with the regime to end a two-year siege of its historical center. Four of Sarout’s brothers and his father have also been killed in the fighting and shelling there.

Sarout moved among Islamic and moderate factions, becoming a symbol of the revolution, as described by Mahmoud al-Hamoud, a leader of the Jaysh al-Izza rebel group, in which Sarout was a commander.

“He was both a popular figure, guiding the rebellion and a military commander,” said Maj. Jamil al-Saleh from Jaish al-Izza. “His martyrdom will give us a push to continue down the path he chose and to which he offered his soul and blood as sacrifice.”

He spearheaded the battles in the north of Aleppo and was among the first arrivals to Tal Meleh when factions launched a counter-attack in north-Hama on Thursday.

Sarout starred in the documentary "Return to Homs" by Syrian director Talal Derki.

Further, an album including all the songs by Sarout that went viral during the protests in 2012 was issued. His picture was also printed on postal cards designed by activists in 2012 to archive protests against the regime.

Upon announcing his death, some cheered up and described him as a terrorist while others mourned him and called him the “Guevara of Syria.”

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

Syrian Opposition Uncovers Maps of Iranian Missiles Caches
09 June, 2019

Smoke rises from Al Habeet in Idlib governorate after Syrian and Russian air strikes on the opposition-held Syrian town May 3, 2019. AP

Istanbul, London- Asharq Al-Awsat

Syrian opposition officers uncovered on Saturday the sites of Iranian missiles caches and factories in the country, saying that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has moved its leadership base from Damascus to mountainous areas north the capital due to the latest Israeli strikes.

The study was conducted by the National Liberation Front, which is now under the command of Fateh Hassoun, and includes a group of 150 dissident officers.

It documented the presence of several Iranian Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles, advanced Russian-made Scud missiles, and Dhu al-Fiqar, which can reach a range of 700 kilometers.

The study showed that Toophan-1 anti-tank missiles were stored in the Tayfur airport in the province of Homs, while rocket caches were found in Aleppo’s Al-Safira town, in southern Damascus’ Koussa and in Jab Al-Jarah, east the city of Selmiyah.

Separately, fighting between regime forces and opposition factions in the countryside of northern Hama and on the edge of the militant-controlled Idlib province killed 101 people during the past 24 hours.

Idlib is supposed to be protected from a massive regime offensive by a September buffer zone deal signed between regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey, however, the Syrian military launched its assault on the province last April, backed by government and Russian airstrikes.

The deal was never fully implemented as militants refused to withdraw from the planned demilitarized zone.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Saturday that two children were killed overnight – one in regime rocket fire in the village of Frike and another in an airstrike in the town of Khan Sheikhun.

Fighters from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Qaeda-linked Hurras Al Deen, and Turkistan Islamic Party took part in the counterattack launched against regime forces.

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

Syrian Opposition Uncovers Maps of Iranian Missiles Caches
09 June, 2019

Smoke rises from Al Habeet in Idlib governorate after Syrian and Russian air strikes on the opposition-held Syrian town May 3, 2019. AP

Istanbul, London- Asharq Al-Awsat

Syrian opposition officers uncovered on Saturday the sites of Iranian missiles caches and factories in the country, saying that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has moved its leadership base from Damascus to mountainous areas north the capital due to the latest Israeli strikes.

The study was conducted by the National Liberation Front, which is now under the command of Fateh Hassoun, and includes a group of 150 dissident officers.

It documented the presence of several Iranian Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles, advanced Russian-made Scud missiles, and Dhu al-Fiqar, which can reach a range of 700 kilometers.

The study showed that Toophan-1 anti-tank missiles were stored in the Tayfur airport in the province of Homs, while rocket caches were found in Aleppo’s Al-Safira town, in southern Damascus’ Koussa and in Jab Al-Jarah, east the city of Selmiyah.

Separately, fighting between regime forces and opposition factions in the countryside of northern Hama and on the edge of the militant-controlled Idlib province killed 101 people during the past 24 hours.

Idlib is supposed to be protected from a massive regime offensive by a September buffer zone deal signed between regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey, however, the Syrian military launched its assault on the province last April, backed by government and Russian airstrikes.

The deal was never fully implemented as militants refused to withdraw from the planned demilitarized zone.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Saturday that two children were killed overnight – one in regime rocket fire in the village of Frike and another in an airstrike in the town of Khan Sheikhun.

Fighters from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Qaeda-linked Hurras Al Deen, and Turkistan Islamic Party took part in the counterattack launched against regime forces.

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

Up to two million Syrians could flee to Turkey if clashes worsen: U.N.
June 10, 2019

FILE PHOTO: Internally displaced Syrians carry their belongings as they arrive at a refugee camp near the Bab al-Salam crossing, across from Turkey's Kilis province, on the outskirts of the northern border town of Azaz, Syria February 6, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal


GENEVA (Reuters) - Up to 2 million refugees could flee to Turkey if fighting intensifies in northwestern Syria as aid funds run dangerously low, the United Nations said on Monday.

Syria’s Russian-backed military has been pressing an assault on rebels in their last major stronghold with air attacks and ground battles that have already forced tens of thousands to leave their homes.

“Our fear is if this continues, and if the numbers continue soaring, and if the conflict intensifies, that we could see really hundreds of thousands, a million, two, heading toward the borders with Turkey,” the U.N. Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Panos Moumtzis, said.

The onslaught since late April, focused mostly on southern parts of Idlib province and adjacent parts of Hama and Latakia, marks the most intense conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and his insurgent enemies since last summer.

Moumtzis told Reuters in Geneva that the situation was deteriorating and a deal between Russia and Syria to deescalate the fighting there was effectively no longer in place.

“We see an offensive that is really targeting - or with an impact on - hospitals and schools in civilian areas, in areas where there is the population and urban areas - which really should not be happening according to international humanitarian law,” Moumtzis said.

Aid organizations have been encouraged to share their locations with the warring parties to avoid being hit. But after repeated air strikes on hospitals, many aid workers distrust such requests, Moumtzis said.

“It’s a catastrophe, what has been happening... for the sake of humanity, there has to be an intervention,” he said.

“A few months ago, we asked to make sure that this nightmare scenario will not take place. Actually, it’s unfolding in front of our own eyes as we speak.”

The U.N. appealed for $3.3 billion to cover humanitarian work within Syria this year, and despite generous pledges, it has so far received only $500 million, leaving the aid effort surviving “hand-to-mouth”, Moumtzis said.

Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Andrew Heavens

Up to two million Syrians could flee to Turkey if clashes worsen: U.N.

Up to 2 million refugees could flee to Turkey if fighting intensifies in northwe...

www.reuters.com

 

[Khafee]

Up to two million Syrians could flee to Turkey if clashes worsen: U.N.
June 10, 2019

View attachment 7790
FILE PHOTO: Internally displaced Syrians carry their belongings as they arrive at a refugee camp near the Bab al-Salam crossing, across from Turkey's Kilis province, on the outskirts of the northern border town of Azaz, Syria February 6, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal


GENEVA (Reuters) - Up to 2 million refugees could flee to Turkey if fighting intensifies in northwestern Syria as aid funds run dangerously low, the United Nations said on Monday.

Syria’s Russian-backed military has been pressing an assault on rebels in their last major stronghold with air attacks and ground battles that have already forced tens of thousands to leave their homes.

“Our fear is if this continues, and if the numbers continue soaring, and if the conflict intensifies, that we could see really hundreds of thousands, a million, two, heading toward the borders with Turkey,” the U.N. Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Panos Moumtzis, said.

The onslaught since late April, focused mostly on southern parts of Idlib province and adjacent parts of Hama and Latakia, marks the most intense conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and his insurgent enemies since last summer.

Moumtzis told Reuters in Geneva that the situation was deteriorating and a deal between Russia and Syria to deescalate the fighting there was effectively no longer in place.

“We see an offensive that is really targeting - or with an impact on - hospitals and schools in civilian areas, in areas where there is the population and urban areas - which really should not be happening according to international humanitarian law,” Moumtzis said.

Aid organizations have been encouraged to share their locations with the warring parties to avoid being hit. But after repeated air strikes on hospitals, many aid workers distrust such requests, Moumtzis said.

“It’s a catastrophe, what has been happening... for the sake of humanity, there has to be an intervention,” he said.

“A few months ago, we asked to make sure that this nightmare scenario will not take place. Actually, it’s unfolding in front of our own eyes as we speak.”

The U.N. appealed for $3.3 billion to cover humanitarian work within Syria this year, and despite generous pledges, it has so far received only $500 million, leaving the aid effort surviving “hand-to-mouth”, Moumtzis said.

Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Andrew Heavens

Up to two million Syrians could flee to Turkey if clashes worsen: U.N.

Up to 2 million refugees could flee to Turkey if fighting intensifies in northwe...

www.reuters.com

 

[Khafee]

300,000 Syrians take refuge near Turkish border: UN body
11 June 2019
GENEVA-Anadolu Agency

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians had to take refuge in camps near Turkish border due to rising clashes in northwestern Syria since April, a UN agency said on June 11.

“North-western Syria has seen a dramatic escalation of conflict since late April affecting northern Hama, southern Idlib and western Aleppo governorates,” the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN's food-assistance branch, said in a statement.

“The situation has forced more than 300,000 people to flee; most heading towards the IDP [internally displaced person] camps in northern Idlib governorate close to the Turkish border,” the statement said.

It also noted that the surge in violence also interrupted WFP operations in several areas -- especially in southern parts of Idlib -- and authorities have been unable to reach some 7,000 people in the Madiq castle area in northern Hama governorate since May.

“Worryingly, agriculture has also been severely impacted, with satellite-based assessments indicating that at least 18,000 acres of farmland has been burnt in recent weeks,” it added.

Situation in Idlib de-escalation zone

Idlib, population of which has reached four million with internal migration, is under the control of opposition since March 2015. Idlib has been intensely targeted by the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Turkey and Russia agreed last September to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone in which acts of aggression would be expressly prohibited.

The Assad regime forces, however, has consistently broken the terms of the ceasefire, launching frequent attacks inside the de-escalation zone.

Civil-defense sources reported that at least 231 civilians, including 59 children, have been killed and 659 others injured in attacks by the regime, Iran-backed foreign terrorist groups and Russia in May alone.

Syria has only just begun to emerge from a devastating conflict that began in early 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected severity.

300,000 Syrians take refuge near Turkish border: UN body - Türkiye News

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians had to take refuge in camps near Turkish border due to rising clashes in northwestern Syria since April, a UN agency said on June 11.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

300,000 Syrians take refuge near Turkish border: UN body
11 June 2019
GENEVA-Anadolu Agency

View attachment 7882

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians had to take refuge in camps near Turkish border due to rising clashes in northwestern Syria since April, a UN agency said on June 11.

“North-western Syria has seen a dramatic escalation of conflict since late April affecting northern Hama, southern Idlib and western Aleppo governorates,” the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN's food-assistance branch, said in a statement.

“The situation has forced more than 300,000 people to flee; most heading towards the IDP [internally displaced person] camps in northern Idlib governorate close to the Turkish border,” the statement said.

It also noted that the surge in violence also interrupted WFP operations in several areas -- especially in southern parts of Idlib -- and authorities have been unable to reach some 7,000 people in the Madiq castle area in northern Hama governorate since May.

“Worryingly, agriculture has also been severely impacted, with satellite-based assessments indicating that at least 18,000 acres of farmland has been burnt in recent weeks,” it added.

Situation in Idlib de-escalation zone

Idlib, population of which has reached four million with internal migration, is under the control of opposition since March 2015. Idlib has been intensely targeted by the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Turkey and Russia agreed last September to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone in which acts of aggression would be expressly prohibited.

The Assad regime forces, however, has consistently broken the terms of the ceasefire, launching frequent attacks inside the de-escalation zone.

Civil-defense sources reported that at least 231 civilians, including 59 children, have been killed and 659 others injured in attacks by the regime, Iran-backed foreign terrorist groups and Russia in May alone.

Syria has only just begun to emerge from a devastating conflict that began in early 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected severity.

300,000 Syrians take refuge near Turkish border: UN body - Türkiye News

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians had to take refuge in camps near Turkish border due to rising clashes in northwestern Syria since April, a UN agency said on June 11.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

Lavrov Threatens Terrorists in Idlib With 'Crushing Retaliation'
11 June, 2019


Russian and Syrian servicemen line up near military jets at Hmeymim airbase (File photo: Russian Ministry)

London - Asharq Al-Awsat

Syrian and Russia armies will respond with “crushing retaliation” to any terrorist attack in Idlib, Syria, threatened Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Malian counterpart, Tiebile Drame in Moscow, Lavrov said terrorists systematically stage provocations and attack the positions of the Syrian army and communities and also the Russian air base, Hmeymim, with “multiple rocket systems and drones.”

The Turkish FM urged to separate Syria’s opposition from terrorist groups in the Idlib de-escalation zone, in line with the Sochi memorandum where an agreement was reached to separate the armed opposition from terrorists of Jabhat al-Nusra.

"The major role in these efforts is to be played by Turkey. We insist that it must be done as soon as possible," he stressed

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said eight people were killed within the de-escalation zone on Monday, including three fighters of al-Azza army after Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes on areas in the cities and towns of Khan Shaykhun.

Sources in the civil defense (White Helmets) reported that 6 civilians were killed and 39 others injured. Sources indicated they were killed by shelling on an agricultural field where workers were harvesting crops in the city of Khan Shaykhun and on a market in the town of Maaret Shorin in rural Idlib.

The attacks targeted the towns of Maar Shoreen, Khan Shaykhun, al-Tamanah and Sheikh Idris in the Idlib province and Hama province, in the towns of Ltamenah and Kafr Zayta, according to Anadolu Agency correspondent.

Air raids carried out by Russian warplanes since Monday morning reached 23, targeting Khan Shaykhun, al-Lataminah, Murak, Kafr Zita, al-Zakah, and Jibbin north of Hama.

In addition, raids carried out by the warplanes in Idlib and its southern and eastern suburbs rose to 65 in Kafr Zita, Jibbin, Tal Melh, and Murak in Hama’s northern countryside.

Moreover, over 48 barrels were dropped by helicopters after midnight on each of Kabana in the Kurds mountains, Abdeen, al-Rakaya, and al-Hbit in the southern countryside of Idlib.

The Observatory also reported that the number of rocket and artillery shells increased to 310, during which the regime targeted areas in al-Lataminah, Kafr Zita, Latmin and other places in the northern and northwestern Hama villages, as well as the Sahel Mountains and the southern sector of Idlib and Aleppo countryside.

With that, the number of people killed since the beginning of the most violent escalation in terms of aerial and ground bombardment, shelling, and targeting since de-escalation agreement is over 1400 between April 30 and June 10.

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

Lavrov Threatens Terrorists in Idlib With 'Crushing Retaliation'
11 June, 2019


Russian and Syrian servicemen line up near military jets at Hmeymim airbase (File photo: Russian Ministry)

London - Asharq Al-Awsat

Syrian and Russia armies will respond with “crushing retaliation” to any terrorist attack in Idlib, Syria, threatened Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Malian counterpart, Tiebile Drame in Moscow, Lavrov said terrorists systematically stage provocations and attack the positions of the Syrian army and communities and also the Russian air base, Hmeymim, with “multiple rocket systems and drones.”

The Turkish FM urged to separate Syria’s opposition from terrorist groups in the Idlib de-escalation zone, in line with the Sochi memorandum where an agreement was reached to separate the armed opposition from terrorists of Jabhat al-Nusra.

"The major role in these efforts is to be played by Turkey. We insist that it must be done as soon as possible," he stressed

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said eight people were killed within the de-escalation zone on Monday, including three fighters of al-Azza army after Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes on areas in the cities and towns of Khan Shaykhun.

Sources in the civil defense (White Helmets) reported that 6 civilians were killed and 39 others injured. Sources indicated they were killed by shelling on an agricultural field where workers were harvesting crops in the city of Khan Shaykhun and on a market in the town of Maaret Shorin in rural Idlib.

The attacks targeted the towns of Maar Shoreen, Khan Shaykhun, al-Tamanah and Sheikh Idris in the Idlib province and Hama province, in the towns of Ltamenah and Kafr Zayta, according to Anadolu Agency correspondent.

Air raids carried out by Russian warplanes since Monday morning reached 23, targeting Khan Shaykhun, al-Lataminah, Murak, Kafr Zita, al-Zakah, and Jibbin north of Hama.

In addition, raids carried out by the warplanes in Idlib and its southern and eastern suburbs rose to 65 in Kafr Zita, Jibbin, Tal Melh, and Murak in Hama’s northern countryside.

Moreover, over 48 barrels were dropped by helicopters after midnight on each of Kabana in the Kurds mountains, Abdeen, al-Rakaya, and al-Hbit in the southern countryside of Idlib.

The Observatory also reported that the number of rocket and artillery shells increased to 310, during which the regime targeted areas in al-Lataminah, Kafr Zita, Latmin and other places in the northern and northwestern Hama villages, as well as the Sahel Mountains and the southern sector of Idlib and Aleppo countryside.

With that, the number of people killed since the beginning of the most violent escalation in terms of aerial and ground bombardment, shelling, and targeting since de-escalation agreement is over 1400 between April 30 and June 10.

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

US Sanctions 16 Syrian Entities, Individuals for Enriching Assad
11 June, 2019

A woman walks past destroyed buildings in the regime-controlled part of Homs, Syria, September 18, 2018. (Reuters)

Asharq Al-Awsat

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated on Tuesday 16 Syrian individuals and entities associated with an international network benefiting Bashar Assad’s regime.

Among them is oligarch Samer Foz, who “is directly supporting the murderous Assad regime and building luxury developments on land stolen from those fleeing his brutality," Sigal Mandelker, the undersecretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in an announcement.

“Samer Foz, his relatives, and his business empire have leveraged the atrocities of the Syrian conflict into a profit-generating enterprise,” she added.

Foz has been profiting heavily from reconstruction efforts in Syria—including through luxury developments on land seized by the regime from its own people—and has been attempting to enlist foreign investors into Syrian reconstruction projects.

The US Treasury Department also blacklisted properties of Foz and his Aman Holding Company including the Four Seasons, the plush hotel that has stayed operational during the war.

The hotel has become a base for United Nations employees in Syria, a point of controversy for Assad opponents who question where the money paid by international staff goes.

Foz-owned ASM International General Trading and its affiliates throughout the Middle East were also included in the sanctions. ASM is involved in grain and sugar trade, and oil field operations.

Under the sanctions, any of Foz's US assets will be frozen and any US transactions with him or his properties forbidden.

The Treasury Department said Foz had shipped into Syria oil from its ally Tehran, despite unilateral US sanctions on all exports out of Iran.

In the notice, the Treasury Department also said that Foz had taken advantage of an order issued by Assad in 2012 to expel residents of poorer areas to make way for luxury construction.

"This tactic -- taking over property owned by Syrian citizens and handing the land to wealthy regime insiders to develop in exchange for revenue sharing -- has emerged as Assad's go-to strategy for high-end reconstruction in war-torn Syria," the Treasury Department said.

The Treasury also sanctioned Lebanon-based entities for having facilitated shipments of Iranian-origin petroleum to Syria: Synergy SAL (Offshore) and BS Company (Offshore).

Synergy SAL (Offshore) has shipped tens of thousands of metric tons of Iranian oil into Syria in the past year by sea.

BS Company (Offshore) is one of the largest importers of crude oil into Syria, and has imported hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Iranian light crude oil in the past year using a variety of oil tanker vessels and tanker trucks. These land- and sea-based shipments are destined for Banias Refinery Company.

BS Company (Offshore) is also affiliated with the Qatirji Group. As of September 5, 2018, the Qatirji Group and its co-owner Mohammad Bara Qatirji are subject to US sanctions.

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

US Sanctions 16 Syrian Entities, Individuals for Enriching Assad
11 June, 2019
View attachment 7927
A woman walks past destroyed buildings in the regime-controlled part of Homs, Syria, September 18, 2018. (Reuters)

Asharq Al-Awsat

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated on Tuesday 16 Syrian individuals and entities associated with an international network benefiting Bashar Assad’s regime.

Among them is oligarch Samer Foz, who “is directly supporting the murderous Assad regime and building luxury developments on land stolen from those fleeing his brutality," Sigal Mandelker, the undersecretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in an announcement.

“Samer Foz, his relatives, and his business empire have leveraged the atrocities of the Syrian conflict into a profit-generating enterprise,” she added.

Foz has been profiting heavily from reconstruction efforts in Syria—including through luxury developments on land seized by the regime from its own people—and has been attempting to enlist foreign investors into Syrian reconstruction projects.

The US Treasury Department also blacklisted properties of Foz and his Aman Holding Company including the Four Seasons, the plush hotel that has stayed operational during the war.

The hotel has become a base for United Nations employees in Syria, a point of controversy for Assad opponents who question where the money paid by international staff goes.

Foz-owned ASM International General Trading and its affiliates throughout the Middle East were also included in the sanctions. ASM is involved in grain and sugar trade, and oil field operations.

Under the sanctions, any of Foz's US assets will be frozen and any US transactions with him or his properties forbidden.

The Treasury Department said Foz had shipped into Syria oil from its ally Tehran, despite unilateral US sanctions on all exports out of Iran.

In the notice, the Treasury Department also said that Foz had taken advantage of an order issued by Assad in 2012 to expel residents of poorer areas to make way for luxury construction.

"This tactic -- taking over property owned by Syrian citizens and handing the land to wealthy regime insiders to develop in exchange for revenue sharing -- has emerged as Assad's go-to strategy for high-end reconstruction in war-torn Syria," the Treasury Department said.

The Treasury also sanctioned Lebanon-based entities for having facilitated shipments of Iranian-origin petroleum to Syria: Synergy SAL (Offshore) and BS Company (Offshore).

Synergy SAL (Offshore) has shipped tens of thousands of metric tons of Iranian oil into Syria in the past year by sea.

BS Company (Offshore) is one of the largest importers of crude oil into Syria, and has imported hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Iranian light crude oil in the past year using a variety of oil tanker vessels and tanker trucks. These land- and sea-based shipments are destined for Banias Refinery Company.

BS Company (Offshore) is also affiliated with the Qatirji Group. As of September 5, 2018, the Qatirji Group and its co-owner Mohammad Bara Qatirji are subject to US sanctions.

Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today

Stay up to date with world news through Asharq Al-Awsat. We provide you with the latest breaking world news to keep you informed on the global situation.

aawsat.com

 

[Khafee]

Russia military reports ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib
Syrian civilians said there had been heavy shelling from pro-government forces Wednesday
Published: June 13, 2019
NYT

Plumes of smoke rise following reported Syrian government forces' bombardment on the town of Khan Sheikhun in the southern countryside of the jihadist-held Idlib province, on June 7, 2019.Image Credit: AFP

Moscow: Two Russian news agencies reported late Wednesday that the Russian military had announced a cease fire agreement to halt the fighting between Syrian government and rebel forces in northwest Syria.

The reports said the cease fire was negotiated between Russia, which backs the Syrian government of President Bashar Al Assad, and Turkey, which controls much of Syria’s northwest.

According to the reports from RIA and Interfax, Russian state news agencies, a Russian major general, Viktor Kupchishin, said that the cease fire had taken effect and that firing from rebel positions had declined.

But Syrian civilians in the area said there had been heavy shelling and bombing from pro-government forces on Wednesday.
They said that military operations seemed to have slowed after midnight but that there was still activity from reconnaissance planes.

The Russian reports did not say when hostilities were supposed to cease or how long the cease fire was to last.

The reports indicated that the cease fire had taken effect after midnight on Tuesday, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said it had begun at midnight on Wednesday, after an evening of intense airstrikes, which the group had counted at 25.

If the fighting does freeze, it would end more than a month of violence in Idlib province, the last rebel-held territory that remains in Syria after eight years of civil war.

A Turkish-Russian agreement had kept the area calm until pro-government forces began attacking it with airstrikes, shelling and ground troops in the spring, forcing more than a quarter of a million people to flee to makeshift open-air campsites, closing hospitals and schools, and killing at least 160 civilians. Officials said the actual number of deaths was likely much greater.

RIA reported that rebels had fired at government forces “only twice” since the cease fire took effect, but that government forces had not returned fire.

Kupchishin said there was “a significant decline in the number of shots fired from the direction” of the rebels, Interfax reported.
He said that on Wednesday there were only two episodes of shelling, in nearby Hama province.

In Idlib, civilians who had been sleeping in open fields after evacuating their homes anxiously awaited word of whether the violence would end.

“They don’t just want a cease fire, but also to go back home,” said Ahmad Nayrouz, a civil defense volunteer reached on WhatsApp on Wednesday night.

“It would be really great news to be back home. People are excited to return home, even though there’s nothing left.”

Russia and Turkey’s previous de-escalation deal on Idlib called on Turkey, the area’s dominant foreign power, to rid the province of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a militant
group linked to al-Qaida that now controls the area. But Turkey had not made much progress reining in the group, and Russia, apparently losing patience, had allowed pro-Assad forces to march on Idlib.

Thanks to the militant group’s presence, the Syrian and Russian governments have portrayed the Idlib offensive as a campaign against terrorists.
Idlib is also home to about 3 million civilians and a mix of other rebel groups.

Russia military reports ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib

Syrian civilians said there had been heavy shelling from pro-government forces Wednesday

gulfnews.com

 

[Khafee]

Russia military reports ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib
Syrian civilians said there had been heavy shelling from pro-government forces Wednesday
Published: June 13, 2019
NYT

View attachment 7969
Plumes of smoke rise following reported Syrian government forces' bombardment on the town of Khan Sheikhun in the southern countryside of the jihadist-held Idlib province, on June 7, 2019.Image Credit: AFP

Moscow: Two Russian news agencies reported late Wednesday that the Russian military had announced a cease fire agreement to halt the fighting between Syrian government and rebel forces in northwest Syria.

The reports said the cease fire was negotiated between Russia, which backs the Syrian government of President Bashar Al Assad, and Turkey, which controls much of Syria’s northwest.

According to the reports from RIA and Interfax, Russian state news agencies, a Russian major general, Viktor Kupchishin, said that the cease fire had taken effect and that firing from rebel positions had declined.

But Syrian civilians in the area said there had been heavy shelling and bombing from pro-government forces on Wednesday.
They said that military operations seemed to have slowed after midnight but that there was still activity from reconnaissance planes.

The Russian reports did not say when hostilities were supposed to cease or how long the cease fire was to last.

The reports indicated that the cease fire had taken effect after midnight on Tuesday, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said it had begun at midnight on Wednesday, after an evening of intense airstrikes, which the group had counted at 25.

If the fighting does freeze, it would end more than a month of violence in Idlib province, the last rebel-held territory that remains in Syria after eight years of civil war.

A Turkish-Russian agreement had kept the area calm until pro-government forces began attacking it with airstrikes, shelling and ground troops in the spring, forcing more than a quarter of a million people to flee to makeshift open-air campsites, closing hospitals and schools, and killing at least 160 civilians. Officials said the actual number of deaths was likely much greater.

RIA reported that rebels had fired at government forces “only twice” since the cease fire took effect, but that government forces had not returned fire.

Kupchishin said there was “a significant decline in the number of shots fired from the direction” of the rebels, Interfax reported.
He said that on Wednesday there were only two episodes of shelling, in nearby Hama province.

In Idlib, civilians who had been sleeping in open fields after evacuating their homes anxiously awaited word of whether the violence would end.

“They don’t just want a cease fire, but also to go back home,” said Ahmad Nayrouz, a civil defense volunteer reached on WhatsApp on Wednesday night.

“It would be really great news to be back home. People are excited to return home, even though there’s nothing left.”

Russia and Turkey’s previous de-escalation deal on Idlib called on Turkey, the area’s dominant foreign power, to rid the province of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a militant
group linked to al-Qaida that now controls the area. But Turkey had not made much progress reining in the group, and Russia, apparently losing patience, had allowed pro-Assad forces to march on Idlib.

Thanks to the militant group’s presence, the Syrian and Russian governments have portrayed the Idlib offensive as a campaign against terrorists.
Idlib is also home to about 3 million civilians and a mix of other rebel groups.

Russia military reports ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib

Syrian civilians said there had been heavy shelling from pro-government forces Wednesday

gulfnews.com