Syria in 2016 (January-March)

[OUTLAW 09]

A Russian delivered BMP-1, 122mm D-30 howitzer and 122mm BM-21-1 Grads in action near Tadmur.
pic.twitter.com/uYMpnWltHR

Geneva, Switzerland
"We've heard your voices"
Message from UN #Syria Envoy Staffan de Mistura to the Syrian people, ahead of #SyriaTalks

BUT WAIT the Assad and Russian AF still keep on killing them YET Russia signed onto the latest UNSC resolution to stop the bombing.......

.@unreliefchief why are you underreporting sieges & not using UNSC authorisation to #breakthesieges in Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

SAA helicopters dropped almost 40 Barrel Bombs so far since morning on #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria JAN 28

#SAA helicopters dropping explosive cylinders over #Teir_Maela
#Homs #Syria JAN 28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3lE6Yxwkmg …

Children victims of #SAA bombardment using #Russia Cluster Bombs on #Douma
#Damascus cs #Syria JAN 28

SAA warplanes bombarding #alMarj area
E #Ghouta #Damascus cs #Syria JAN 28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsJJJCL6LXo …

2 #Russia warplanes flying over villages of #Latakia countryside
#Syria JAn 28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QX4_KXxI1Q …

GRAPHIC
What left of the children victims of #Russia airstrike on #alGhanto
#Homs #Syria JAN29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLFfXW2onUM …

Seconds after #Russia airstrikes on #Talbiseh
#Homs #Syria JAN 28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1f7kb_3-M …

Heavy clashes between #FSA Heroes & #SAA#Russia terrorists taking place right now at #Mortelo village
#Latakia #Syria JAN 28

Heavy clashes between #FSA Heroes & #SAA/#Russia TERRORISTS at #Otayrah village in #Turkmen_Mount
#Latakia #Syria JAN 28

[OUTLAW 09]

I keep commenting here that moves that the US makes and or does not make in the ME creates "perceptions" and "perceptions" have always driven the ME for the last 70 or so years......

Right now the "perception" is Obama and Kerry fully support Assad, Iran and Putin.....and in some aspects....I even agree with this "perception" based on the recent Kerry "missteps in KSA".

Can anyone at SWJ explain just how this Iranian "perception got started"...open for suggestions....maybe this is what Obama and Kerry mean by a successful Syrian strategy.....

Quds #Corps Religious Commissar #Ayatlolah Shirazi today: Obama accepts Iran's position: #Assad to lead #Syria to end of his term in 2022.

NOW here is where the failure of any US info war strategy using the social media kicks in...if there is not a single pushback by the US via social media, a public Obama/Kerry statement and or via MSM...then this Quds statement will "stick" in the minds of the Sunni's and Sunni Front States as being a super valid Iranian statement.

[OUTLAW 09]

Disturbing videos emerge of Shia militants in #Iraq abusing, torturing, killing detainees. No less brutal than #IS.

Lack of discipline? Coordinated crimes? Pure revenge? Governments of #Iran and #Iraq are responsible for Hashd Shaabi crimes.

AND the Shia and Hezbollah in Syria......just as bad and yet the UNSC nor the West says anything....

[OUTLAW 09]

TURKEY: ISIS militants open fire on Turkish soldiers near the city of Jarabulus in #Syria.

[OUTLAW 09]

Another video that the Obama WH and Kerry need to watch and again asking the Russians to stop bombing is like asking the earth to stop spinning...

THIS is not BERLIN 1945 BUT Damascus 2016 as created by Assad and Putin AFs....

VIDEO: Russian drone footage of fighting around #Damascus #Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJl364ovmL8&feature=share …

[OUTLAW 09]

Syrian army reshuffles commanding posts in its annual military appointment order. New commander for Republican Guards and operation in Homs.

Russian bombs damage British-funded bakery designed to help 18,000 Syrians | via @Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/12125968/Russian-bombs-damage-British-funded-bakery-designed-to-help-18000-Syrians.html …

Massacre caused today in #Homs by #Russian airstrikes dozens of civilians reportedly killed.
pic.twitter.com/KE0QW1bVhn

[OUTLAW 09]

I count 31 "pairs" of AO-2.5RT/RTM submunition duds, at least a 55% dud rate if by RBK-500 bomb! https://twitter.com/PalmyraRev1/status/690253690339483649 …

Syria: Russian T-90 tanks in Jableh just south of #Latakia. pic.twitter.com/s6lqVC4ziT

Talks in #Geneva,
#Genocide in #Syria.
Family bombed by #Assad/#Russia yday in #Homs prov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us2AMYxeoS8 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Maybe the WH needs to read SWJ......

Right now by not seriously attempting to reign in the Russian deliberate and it has shown itself over the last week to be totally deliberate in their killing of civilians and their total resistance to stop it when "asked nicely"....the US is basically complicit in war crimes.

The US under Obama and Kerry will at some point if the US continues to do nothing be complicit in those killings if they are not already.

UN SecGen has clearly stated today the use of starvation is a war crime and if the US which claims to follow the Law of Land Warfare carefully rereads it...the deliberate targeting of civilians by a military is also a war crime......

Today Russian deliberately bombed a hospital striking the ER portion with the resulting loss of life among the staff and civilians....this is just one of 177 struck by Assad and Putin in the last three years.. unofficial count stands at over 200 if field hospitals are counted.

Dwight D. Eisenhower:
Everything we say, everything we do, and everything we fail to say or do will have its impact in other lands.

The following was to brutal to post the graphic videos that were posted with the comments....

Babies who were born just before #Russia airstrike targeting the ER of #Kafr_Takharim..
#Idlib cs #Syria JAN 28
FOUR were killed

Boy Ahmed Zoher burned to death by #Russia airstrikes on #Kafr_Takharim
#Idlib cs #Syria JAN 28

Children victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Kafr_Takharim, resulting 12 martyrs so far..
#Idlib cs #Syria JAN 28

@SyriaCivilDef rescue op. aftermath #Russia airstrikes on #Kafr_Takharim causing a massacre
#Idlib #Syria JAN28

What does it take for the President and his DoS to stand up and state that if a nation state commits war crimes then the leader of that nation state must be charged with war crimes..

Let's see in one week Putin is accused of murdering a former KGB officer and accused of be totally corrupt by the WH so accusing him of war crimes cannot be that hard can it.

Although the subtle question is ...does the WH actually agree with the killing of civilians and believe the attacks on FSA are OK.....in the their striving for a "legacy"......

It be good for the WH to look like they are doing something as it will be harder and harder to restrain Turkey and KSA both who view themselves "as defenders of the faith and Sunni global community" and Arabs when they perceive Iran is out to destroy Sunni's and Arabs.

The sectarian war is about to be nastier as Geneva is dead on arrival even if bodies show up.

[OUTLAW 09]

Literally months ago Obama was in a press conference and basically admitted he had no strategy for combatting IS after they marched into Iraq....now we hear again that he "does have a strategy and it is highly successful ...just needs some messaging that is all...but it is working.

With Kerry basically carrying the Putin solution into the meetings with the anti Assad HNC and KSA and basically threatening them using the Putin argument much as he has done in Ukraine Kerry "wasted any creditability" the US had left in the ME.

So when the anti Assad front and the Sunni Front States both indicated that the US and Russia supported and passed a UNSC resolution that humanitarian aid was to flow and the bombing was to be stopped...BOTH were never going to be done if one has seen the Putin response to Minsk 2 in Ukraine...WHY Kerry assumed this would happen is beyond me.....WHAT was the first Kerry response..."these are unacceptable pre conditions"....WELL they were passed by the UNSC and sponsored by the US/Russia so the question...was it all a fake move supported largely by Russia?

Obama and Kerry now stand in front of the shambles of their so called Syrian strategy and BASCIALLY the US has now formerly abandoned the ME and fully sides with allowing the regional power in the ME to shift to Iran with the superpower sphere of influence going to Russia.

The US has never intended that the bombing actually stop, never intended to end toe war crimes of killing civilians, has never intended to end the starvation an another war crime even agreed to by Ban, and this is critical never really intended to remove Assad WHEN for four years Obama claimed he had to go......WHY he simply has no strategy nor foreign policy.

Brilliant...just brilliant...Wilson would be proud....

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/syrias-most-important-peace-talks-212056218.html
QUOTE:


For Syrian President Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers, "there is no peace short of victory," Issa, of the Middle East Institute, writes. In that sense, pro-government forces would benefit most from the talks being delayed indefinitely or derailed entirely.

That is increasingly becoming a reality. The UN, so far, has not reconsidered its position, and neither has the opposition.

"There must be a halt to the bombardment of civilians by Russian planes, and sieges of blockaded areas must be lifted" in order for conditions to be "appropriate" for meaningful negotiations, George Sabra, deputy head of the opposition delegation, told Reuters on Thursday.

The rebels claim that US Secretary of State John Kerry pressured them to attend the talks and threatened to cut off support to the rebels entirely if they did not show up in Geneva — a charge that Kerry has denied.

"The position of the United States is and hasn't changed. We are still supporting the opposition, politically, financially and militarily," he told reporters at a roundtable event on Tuesday.

Jaysh al-Islam, one of the largest groups in the HNC, was quick to point out that the rebels have other sources of support besides the US.

"We do not forget that there are sisterly states that support us and help us overcome these pressures, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey," the group's spokesman, Islam Alloush, told Reuters in an email.

Russia has been preparing for this impasse, however — and arguably helped to create it. In December, a Russian airstrike killed Zahran Alloush, leader of Jaysh al-Islam, in what experts say was part of a larger strategy employed by Russia and the regime to turn military victories into diplomatic leverage ahead of this week's negotiations.

"It's all part of the rules of engagement Russia wants to set up," Tony Badran, a Middle East expert and researcher at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, told Business Insider in December.

He continued

Russia hits Jaysh al-Islam, forcing the group to decide between removing itself from the political process altogether — at which point it will be labeled a terrorist group — or coming to the table, emasculated, to talk to Assad. All while Russia reserves the right to strike the group.

Russia has reserved this right because Washington waffled in negotiating a definitive list of terrorist groups in Syria — a contentious process that Kerry delayed in order to ensure, ironically, that talks were not derailed before they began.

"Russia wants to establish a precedent to kiss a nationwide ceasefire goodbye," Badran said last month. "So it is putting pressure on these rebel groups to get them to say, 'The hell with this — if I'm going to get killed anyway, I'm not going to do it while negotiating with Assad.'"

Significantly, opposition sources told the daily pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat that the US had made "a scary retreat" in its position that the rebels would be unable to accept — namely, that Assad could run for reelection and there would be no set timetable for his departure.

That stands in contrast to the White House's previous position that, while Assad does not have to go immediately, the timing of his departure should be addressed during negotiations

[OUTLAW 09]

Interesting that this article appears shortly before the HNC decision...stating Obama has lost creditability with the anti Assad resistance.

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/obama-syria-opposition-leaders-218282

After Assad 's genocide, the use of chemical weapons on his population, the use of barrel bombs, the use of starvation AND now the Russian use of starvation and deliberate and indiscriminate killing of civilians by RuAF air strikes.....is there any adults left in the WH and the NSC....??

AND after passing three and actually four UNSC resolutions on humanitarian aid and stopping the bombing what good is the UNSC anyway when both the Us and Russia really do not care.

The Ukraine really needs to pay attention to Obama, Kerry and Nuland..they will sell them out against just as Clinton did with the Budapest Memorandum....

If I am NATO and the EU the US is now out of the leadership role Obama has wanted.....it is now all up to the various regional powers against Russia and Iran.

[davidbfpo]

I have created a new thread to enable the exchange between Outlaw09 and mwe12 to continue - separate from this the main Syria thread:http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/showthread.php?t=23435

Both are Americans, one inside the Beltway and the other in Berlin. That does not exclude others from the exchange, as Crowbat too has added a post.

[OUTLAW 09]

#NGO "Human Rights Watch" accuses #Iran of recruiting thousands of ethnic #Hazara to fight in #Syria

'Fight 4 Assad or b deported 2 Afghanistan': choice given 2 undocumented Afghans by Iran.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/01/19/iran-sending-thousands-afghans-fight-syria …
pic.twitter.com/SFrn0cm4cm

Humor.......
We don't always agree w/ #Assad, like when he asks us to not bomb hospitals as it attracts attention -
pic.twitter.com/mvIiuhBbdC

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...what do you think of the numbers mentioned here.....

Regime source in Qarfa village: We lost around 422 soldiers & around 500 fighters from our allies since beginning of Sheikh Maskin battles.


Heavy clashes in #Quneitra & #Russia'n airstrikes after rebels launched assault on #Juba town & Tell Kroum
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=33.150990&lon=35.930443&z=14&m=b …

Russia'n airstrikes on rebel positions in #Quneitra in southern #Syria
- close to #Israel'i border

Footage
#Assad #Mi24, operating over northern #Homs province.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CF9BsQRXCg …

[OUTLAW 09]

UN SecGen Ban stated yesterday that the use of starvation as it is being used in Syria is in fact a "war crime".

Starvation spreads before #SyriaTalks in #Geneva by @malas_n
http://on.wsj.com/1Qwdxck

AND remember it was the UN itself that allowed Assad to edit their humanitarian reports about his use of starvation...the fox guarding the hen house it appears.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
#FSA battles #ISIS near #QaraKubri.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjuw_KsHdNQ …

Analysis #Map
Ahrar al-Sham recaptured the village of #Bluzah from pro-#Assad forces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85k-2IGkVho …

Ahrar Sham: #Syria talks held hostage by Russia, going without humanitarian concessions from Assad is "treachery"
http://eldorar.com/node/94125

Assad on TV interview: "We have bombs, missiles and bullets. There are no barrel bombs, we don't have barrels."
A Shabeeh on Assad state TV thanks Jameel El Hassan for his inexpensive invention: The Barrel Bomb.
Assad lies as much as Putin does.......

New Assad world record broken before the Geneva talks by Assad in Darayya with 76 barrel bombs dropped

FSA in Dar'a develop its home-made IRAMs capabilities.
https://youtu.be/LmV95bMTobM
https://youtu.be/PVph2TVWiTg

Assad fires #Homs security committee chief Louay Maala following Alawite protests over security lapses
http://bit.ly/1PEmrBl

[OUTLAW 09]

If you call for and pass an UNSC resolution to end bombing YET continue bombing THEN you are not serious in the least bit about peace and you simply misled/lied to the entire UNSC.....in order to continue your bombing....

If Russia not prepared to stop bombing for the sake of peace talks.. who can blame the Syrian opposition for delay
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0V61M4 …

Exact same Putin tactics in Minsk 2...talk, talk and more talk...all the while shelling and attacking the UAF BUT then claiming it is the UAF that starts it......

Typical Russian "it ain't me" tactic...it is the others"..."poor me everyone is beating up on me as I am doing nothing wrong......"...

where is Obama and Kerry in all of this...missing in action.....?

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...while from the Turks...the numbers do tend to match a lot on other sources.....
State-run Turkish media giving Russia a run for its money for most awful, claims 109 Russian soldiers died in Syria
pic.twitter.com/7E0bO3BdQd

Syria: on the day that peace talks should occur Russian warplanes bombarded the town of Mare' with cluster munition
pic.twitter.com/EoGJ6IwDxA

Curious that Kremlin mouthpiece is now downplaying risk posed by "Islamic State" militants to Central Asia
http://ru.sputniknews-uz.com/analytics/20160129/1663671.html …

The Guardian view on the Syrian peace talks: fake diplomacy is no diplomacy
http://bit.ly/1SfZo6J
pic.twitter.com/sYRiWjyZTe

[OUTLAW 09]

Man the critic of the current Syrian diplomacy by everyone in this article is not only brutal but accurate in it's assumptions....not even sure Obama and Kerry have a Plan Z......

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jan/28/the-guardian-view-o...

Opinion

The Guardian view on the Syrian peace talks: fake diplomacy is no diplomacy

Editorial

Getting these talks wrong will not lead to peace. They could end up merely strengthening the hand of Islamic State

Thursday 28 January 2016 20.02 GMT


There can be no more urgent matter than putting an end to the terrible human tragedy and the lethal regional destabilisation produced by the Syrian conflict. This is a war in which 300,000 people have died, which has internally displaced half the country’s population and which has caused more than 4 million to flee the country altogether. Syria has become the worst humanitarian catastrophe of our time. The plight of its people is also dangerously destabilising Europe and exposing weaknesses in its institutions. If the humanitarian crisis were not enough on its own, then the need to resolve Europe’s refugee crisis at its source would be reason enough to pay close attention to the peace talks that are scheduled to begin on Friday in Geneva. Yet even getting everyone round the table is looking fraught.

In the current climate, the stated aim of the talks appears breathtakingly ambitious. Mandated by a UN resolution passed in December, their purpose is to organise a gathering of representatives of both the Assad regime and opposition groups, in the hope that it could eventually lead to the formation of a new government, and later, elections. At this stage of a devastating war, it is tempting to see the very possibility of talks as an achievement in itself. Yet for several reasons there is a danger that they amount to nothing more than fake diplomacy.

First, the question of protecting Syrian civilians has all but fallen off the agenda. There can be no progress without attention to their plight. Second, western powers seem to have made key political concessions to Russia and Iran, the main enablers of the Assad regime. As as result, the Syrian dictator will feel even more empowered to pursue the mass targeting of his own countrymen and to continue a war of attrition in the belief that he will ultimately come out the winner.

Diplomacy is invariably a slow process. There will always be setbacks, doubts and negative headlines. The Iran nuclear deal took years of patient effort; so did Barack Obama’s breakthrough with Cuba. But diplomacy is not just a talking shop, nor can it be reduced simply to putting people in a room, or scheduling summits. Ultimately, it hinges on substance, and there is a sneaking feeling now that the Obama administration may be elevating process over and above substance – in effect, marking time, as it enters its final year, rather than addressing the core reasons why the war has raged on for so long.

UN resolutions calling for the end of barrel bombing, to the sieges that left the people of Madaya and other towns at risk of starvation, and to the other mass atrocities that Syrians have been subjected to mainly by Assad’s army, have been all but swept under the carpet as the prospect of talks grew closer. Opposition groups have objected to holding talks if those demands are not met: that hardly counts as maximalist obstructiveness. Yet the US administration has reportedly tried to pressure them by threatening to cut off assistance. That is not a good backdrop to building trust, let alone to forging a sustainable agreement.

Meanwhile, Russia and Iran are demanding that the opposition’s delegation to Geneva is modified to include elements approved by the Assad regime and favourable to their own interests. If the US and its allies do not reject this demand, it will in effect kill the legitimacy of the delegation in the eyes of Syrians themselves, and thwart any hope of a genuine negotiation. What’s more, the US secretary of state, John Kerry, has spoken of a “national unity” government for Syria, not a “transitional” one. That vocabulary not only mimics Russia’s but runs counter to the very document on which the talks are meant to build: the 2012 Geneva communique calling for a political transition by mutual consent. Washington has even stopped saying Bashar al-Assad should not be allowed to run in elections.

If there is to be any hope for peace in Syria, talks must have a solid basis. After the setbacks it has recently endured, it must seem easy to pressure the opposition. But the proper place for pressure is on Mr Assad’s backers in Moscow and Tehran. Washington seems to believe that Russia will ultimately back a settlement in Syria that would sideline Mr Assad and that its cooperation must be sought under any circumstance. Yet Russia has so far appeared to be more intent on undermining talks than on enabling them. Worse still, letting Mr Assad get the upper hand will only fuel the Isis myth that it alone can defend Sunni Muslims. Talks for the sake of talks may give an illusion of progress but they come at a high price for Syrians, and western security too. Fake diplomacy is no diplomacy.


MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia
Sergey Lavrov & @JohnKerry in a phone talk supported efforts of @UN Special Envoy to organize #SyriaPeaceTalks
http://bit.ly/1PJJe51

BUT bombings and starvation are still ongoing are they not????

RUSSIA FM: "Humanitarian issues" are not considered a precondition for the start of negotiations in #Geneva"

So now how is that great Obama WH Syrian strategy working out......?????

BTW.....was this not the exact wording used by Kerry WHEN he claimed he had not "pressured" the HNC and thus the KSA......

So Kerry is now the Putin messenger....???? And that explains a lot of the US actions in Ukraine....

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria Rebels destroyed 2 tanks & 1 BMP in northern rural #Hama

Russian defense costs for Syria per day.......8M USD per day and climbing towards 10M USD per day OR say 800M USD for the last 100 or so days....
ON top of the 4-5M USD per day so for eastern Ukraine so both non linear wars Russia is paying say upwards of several BILLION USDs so far.......

[OUTLAW 09]

Here are those "boots on the round fully capable to fighting IS" BUT largely and totally ignored by Obama and Kerry....WHY is that.....?????

The Guardian ✔ @guardian
Syria’s moderate opposition is real – but we’re fighting on two fronts | Asaad Hanna http://trib.al/qS4NRwT

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jan/29/syria-moderate-opposition-president-assad-islamic-state-regime-isis?CMP=twt_gu

We are Syria’s moderate opposition – and we’re fighting on two fronts

Asaad Hanna


President Assad and Islamic State are two sides of the same coin. Whenever we, the Free Syrian Army, make advances against the regime, Isis steps in

Friday 29 January 2016 13.08 GMT Last modified on Friday 29 January 2016 13.17 GMT

“I will tell God everything I saw” was the last sentence uttered by a Syrian child before he died of injuries caused by one of the Assad regime’s barrel bombs.

For those lucky enough not to know what barrel bombs are, they are a type of improvised explosive device, usually made from barrel-shaped containers, that are packed with explosives and then rolled out of helicopters.

Activists’ cameras have documented barrel bombs being dropped by the dozen on a daily basis from Assad’s helicopters. But despite this, he has repeatedly refused to acknowledge their existence to the press, scoffing at the very idea.

Barrel bombs have killed and destroyed the lives of thousands of Syrians, and caused the displacement of many more. They have given rise to an anticipated level of violence and reaction far beyond any of the Arab spring revolutions, exceeding the numbers of victims of even the Libyan revolution.

There has been talk of a number of “moderate” fighters who are open to co-operation. David Cameron has talked about the existence of 70,000 fighters opposing Daesh, and there is reason to believe the number is yet higher. I want to unpack this a little.

Last October the UN special envoy for Syria, Steffan de Mistura, invited Syrian military factions to engage in dialogue with the regime through the so-called Four Committees Initiative. The initiative was rejected by the factions out of mistrust, but it did reveal the elevated number of opposition fighters that were active in Syria: 74 military factions signed the rejection statement, the smallest of which numbered 1,000, while others totalled more than 10,000.

Crucially, none of these 74 are internationally classified as extremists. The moderate opposition is not a myth. Syrians do not need foreign fighters to help them fight Isis; they have indigenous fighters, better acquainted with the land and able to confront any aggressor, particularly where there is firm international will to support them to do so.

The Syrian armed opposition is fighting a war on two fronts: against Assad and against Daesh. Assad’s barbarity has driven Syrians from their homes and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians over the past five years.

On the other side, we are facing Daesh, a terrorist group whose creation Assad must take some of the responsibility for. Daesh is helping the Assad regime by fighting us, the armed moderate opposition. The relationship between the two should not be in doubt.

Whenever we have made advances and secured victories, Daesh has defended the Assad regime. For example, we have seen Daesh launch offensives in order to draw Free Syrian Army forces away from battle, to ease pressure on the regime. During a battle near Qardaha – the birthplace of Bashar al-Assad – the armed opposition was achieving great victories until Daesh suddenly launched an attack on a key military position in the nearby city of Aleppo, killing a number of Free Syrian Army commanders. Just three days later they withdrew, at which point they handed the area over to regime forces.

Syrian local forces describe how Assad and Daesh are two sides of the same coin, brought together by the common interest of prolonging the conflict.

On the ground in Syria, thousands of people are fighting for liberation from a despotic regime that has drawn terrorists to Syria. Anyone familiar with the crisis will be aware that the victims suffering the most at the hands of Daesh’s terror are the Syrians themselves. They are stuck between terrorists and a brutal dictator, neither of which has any regard for civilian lives.

The moderate opposition remains firm in its struggle to combat the Syrian regime, as well as the growing threat from terrorism in Syria. The Free Syrian Army welcomes any hand extended to help bring the Syrian people closer to gaining their freedom, without being deflected from its goals or the fundamental principles of the revolution.

Almost half a million Syrians have paid with their blood, and the bloodshed needs to stop. The opposition wants to ensure that barbarism doesn’t triumph in Syria, neither Assad’s nor Daesh’s, and that the country is returned to the Syrian people.

[OUTLAW 09]

Shaykh Miskeen south Syria has be taken as part of the Russian/Jordan understanding. Anyone thinks Jordan is worried about it is a fool.

Rebels take Lahaya checkpoint and continue advancing toward Souran north #Hama.
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=35.328011&lon=36.710880&z=16&m=b …

Multiple rebels groups launch new offensive against Assad militia positions started in al-Buwaydha north Hama
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=35.314775&lon=36.702061&z=14&m=b&search= …

FSA 1st Coastal Division shell #SAA positions in the area of Nabi Yunis, #Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr-TSc9uAUg …

The "Syrian Arab army" probably has more Afghanis now than "Syrians"

Watch video, rebel group capture Assad fighter & kill others
https://www.jaishalislam.com/subject/401

Old Aleppo moments ago..
Heavy clashes between Rebels & #SAA Terrorists..
JAN 29

FSA destroyed #SAA T72 Tank exterminating a number of it's mercenaries w/ #TOW at #alAbouaiydah fronts
#Hama cs #Syria JAN 29

Russia Cluster Bombs found at #Masqan road in the area of #Maarsta_alKhan town, 1 martyr
#Aleppo JAN 28 #Syria

SCD recovered a woman under rubble victim of #Russia airstrikes on #Tel_Refaat
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

SCD inspection the area aftermath #SAA barrel bombs over #Hayan town
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

Destruction of civilians houses aftermath #SAA barrel bombs over Bayanoun village
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

Destruction aftermath #SAA barrel bombs over #Maarasta_alKhan
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

3 martyrs including 6 months old baby,victims of #Russia airstrikes Cluster Bombs on #Marea
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

SCD found several #Russia Cluster Bombs aftermath it's airstrikes on #Marea, 3 martyrs
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

Russia airstrikes on #alGhariyah_alGharbiyah & attempt to shot down
#Daraa #Syria JAN29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksxwhsGTabg …

GRAPHIC
Путин в #Сирия, военные преступления. Хоула, Хомс, 27.01.2016.ДОКАЗАТЕЛЬСТВО. ВИДЕО.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAg1C8QZKDo …
Putin War Crimes in #Syria. PROOF. VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pl6WecGOls …

[OUTLAW 09]

The West tends to forget the Assad genocide over the last four years....

29 Jan 2013: At least 100 corpses of men/boys, most with hands bound behind head and gunshot wounds to head, found in #Aleppo’s Queiq River.

[OUTLAW 09]

Surprisingly, after US brought "democracy" to Afghanistan & Iraq & passed #IranDeal, the 3 countries focus on "Exporting Islamic Revolution"

Faylaq al-Sham fighters storm and later take al-Saru regime militia checkpoint north #Hama.
https://youtu.be/qiXccRl5HWk

Jaish al-Izza use self propelled artillery in new rebel offensive in #Hama, #Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp5OVq-NHkY … pic.twitter.com/JYN1SjZqj3

[OUTLAW 09]

Nusra may cut its ties to Al Qaeda.
https://m.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1670360916572805&id=1644119275863636&substory_index=0 …

Rebels took over al-Buwaydah in northern #Hama
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=35.314005&lon=36.697598&z=14&m=b …

Rebels take Lahaya checkpoint and continue advancing toward Souran north #Hama.
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=35.328011&lon=36.710880&z=16&m=b …

Hama: pro Assad NDF killed in rebel IED attack in Salmiyah

Deraa: Syrian Rebels destroy 3 tanks in Sheikh Maskin

Syrian Rebels launch attacks today in Hama, Quneitra & Deraa, lots of pro Assad forces killed in Deraa

East Aleppo: 19 pro Assad fighters killed yesterday in ISIS surprise attack. 10 of them were Iranian revolutionary guards
http://fb.me/7ETLNiIlA=

[OUTLAW 09]

NOW we are seeing reports of TOWs being used with night vision........
ATGMs with night vision reportedly used across the front.

FSA target regime tank north Shaykh Miskeen with TOW.
https://youtu.be/2_tzhjPXIes pic.twitter.com/kakdaVXR1u

Southern front is now launching a counter-attack at Sheikh Maskin

[OUTLAW 09]

Hama: results of successful rebel operation:
-4 tanks destroyed
-2 tanks captured
- 1 BMP destroyed 1 captured
4 vehicles destroyed
- 14.5 cannon destroyed
This is just from the capture of Madajin Abu Hussan
http://fb.me/MloEo1qL

Hama: Amazing! Syrian Rebels captured Ma'arkabah, Madjana Abu Hussan, Al Khim, Al Sero & Al Lehaya!!!

Hama: very strong rebel push today at least 30 Assad forces killed
http://goo.gl/Bf2vHd

Faylaq al-Sham fighters storm and later take al-Saru regime militia checkpoint north #Hama.
https://youtu.be/qiXccRl5HWk

Deraa: number of killed/wounded pro Assad fighters in Azraa

Hama: 2 Assad soldiers killed in Zalaqiat checkpoint

Amazing Rebel operations today launched & they managed to capture pro Assad fighters in Khirbah Ghazala, Sheikh Maskin, Kafr Shams, & Ankhal

Remnants of #Russia Cluster Bombs found aftermath it's airstrikes on #Kafr_Hamrah village
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29

[OUTLAW 09]

HNC has announced they will attend Geneva after UN made humanitarian relief assurances....

What an elegant move...they are at Geneva which no one can deny they did not come----yet the UN must implement the UNSC humanitarian resolution or they go home thus the failure of the UN/UNSC US/Russia)...not the HNC.....elegant...elegant.

HNC sending a small team to Geneva to discuss mechanisms of implementing UNCS resolution 2254 humanitarian relief issues before peace talks.

All HNC 17 members will join the peace talks after arrangements for humanitarian relief issues are made.


Assad sends COL Samir Bridi , a brutal #murderer general intelligence officer, to #Geneva.
http://all4syria.info/Archive/289285
pic.twitter.com/FiaDop60M7

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria Jabhat Al-Nusrah published pictures from the fighting in #Hama with a 130mm M-46 field gun, followed by a HUMVEE and a technical with a ZPU-4 14,5mm AA-GUN and a T-72M1 TURMS-T & a T-72AV with a mine plow

Also
2S1 Gvozdika (2С1 «Гвоздика», 'Carnation') a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled howitzer another set of pictures featuring

A croatian RAK-12 128mm MRL with 12 launch tubes followed by a mortar position that looks well positioned, with a storage room in the hill, visible in picture two

[CrowBat]

CrowBat......are the numbers close or off......??

IDF chief of Staff Eisenkot: 1500+ #Hezbollah fighters killed in #Syria & 10.000+ injured during battles to protect #Assad regime
Slightly higher than the figure I've heard....and about 200 higher than the last figure I've heard from the same source... which was from early January, which in turn mean about 200 KIA in this month alone. Seems that Salma, Rabia and Sheikh Mishkin were some very costly adventures for them.

In that sense:

CrowBat...what do you think of the numbers mentioned here.....

Regime source in Qarfa village: We lost around 422 soldiers & around 500 fighters from our allies since beginning of Sheikh Maskin battles.I've heard higher figures. Seems this is one for KIA from a specific region only.

No surprise here: that op was run by dumb commanders and they found themselves fighting at least 4,000 heavily-armed insurgents there... Again: Sheikh Mishkin didn't fell because insurgents were 'defeated', but because they withdrew.

At this rate of casualties (at least 500 KIA for any small town they capture - and that ever since debacle in Kfar Naboudah, back in mid-October), not only the regime, but also the IRGC and Hezbollah are going to run out of combatants in a matter of six months. Of course, thugs in Tehran can always reach back upon millions of Afghan Hazara refugees living in Iran, because they have them 'in hand' so to say: Iran Sending Thousands of Afghans to Fight in Syria (https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/01/29/iran-sending-thousands-afghans-fight-syria)... and ever more of these are meanwhile forcefully recruited:

...said that Iranian security officers had detained him in June 2015 and sent him to Syria to fight. “They did not give us a choice,” he said. “They forced us to train and fight.” He said he spent three months fighting in Syria near Homs and Aleppo, in units commanded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards military officials. Following a short leave in Tehran, he escaped to Turkey and then to Greece.
...

The situation can also be understood in different fashion too: the regime, Iranians, and Russians are so desperate to achieve any kind of success, they're ready to sacrifice thousands - just to be able to report advances.

[OUTLAW 09]

Rebels take control of Al-Bel near Sawran in northern #Aleppo after clashes with #IslamicState
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=36.583348&lon=37.198935&z=14&m=b …

CORRECTED:
Hama: Syrian Rebels DESTROYED a total of 7 tanks today belonging to Assad forces

Not all vidoes have drifted in.....

Same rebel ATGM operator while balancing on a barrel )) destroyed what appears another BMP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJJql5NIYr8 …

Aleppo: a total of at least 5 Iranian revolutionary guards killed yesterday by Syria rebels with Fagot missile

Sheikh Maskin: this is confirmed now. Rebels carried out major suicide operation against Assad forces. More details will emerge today about the attack

Damn even pro Assad forces are going hysterical in Deraa. Apparently a big explosion targeted their forces like some kind of nuclear bomb

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express is moving again...

ВМФ cargo ship, Сф NF Yauza completes 4th Syrian deployment (1st in 2016) in 12 days, enters the Black Sea 01:30GMT

[OUTLAW 09]

Starvation war crimes are still being carried out by Assad and his Hezbollah mercenaries.......

After a large outcry from the western MSM....now silence and the UN silence and Obama silence...seems they all just do not care......

MSF: 16 more Syrians have starved to death in Madaya after regime troops block aid from entering the besieged city

THIS is after the latest UNSC resolution stating aid must flow and the HNC has made it one of the sticking points in Geneva WHIC Kerry called a "pre condition" EVEN though the US supported the passed UNSC resolution.......

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA Soqur al-Jabal withdraw from HNC joined the peace talks saying protecting the civilians condition remain unmet.
pic.twitter.com/l01w2urd9W

[OUTLAW 09]

Slightly higher than the figure I've heard....and about 200 higher than the last figure I've heard from the same source... which was from early January, which in turn mean about 200 KIA in this month alone. Seems that Salma, Rabia and Sheikh Mishkin were some very costly adventures for them.

In that sense:
I've heard higher figures. Seems this is one for KIA from a specific region only.

No surprise here: that op was run by dumb commanders and they found themselves fighting at least 4,000 heavily-armed insurgents there... Again: Sheikh Mishkin didn't fell because insurgents were 'defeated', but because they withdrew.

At this rate of casualties (at least 500 KIA for any small town they capture - and that ever since debacle in Kfar Naboudah, back in mid-October), not only the regime, but also the IRGC and Hezbollah are going to run out of combatants in a matter of six months. Of course, thugs in Tehran can always reach back upon millions of Afghan Hazara refugees living in Iran, because they have them 'in hand' so to say: Iran Sending Thousands of Afghans to Fight in Syria (https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/01/29/iran-sending-thousands-afghans-fight-syria)... and ever more of these are meanwhile forcefully recruited:


The situation can also be understood in different fashion too: the regime, Iranians, and Russians are so desperate to achieve any kind of success, they're ready to sacrifice thousands - just to be able to report advances.

CrowBat...confirms some of your numbers......they have been taking a beating for the amount of territory they first hold then give up and on and on...appears to be right now an attrition war meaning who can hold out the longest will in the end have the final say.....at some point Putin have in fact have to use his own troops.......which will not sit well with the home front which in polling is not all that supportive......

Hezbollah linked newspaper al-Safir confirmed 1000+ militants killed in Syria fighting for #Assad out of approx 6000.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia "claims to support the peace talks" which includes humanitarian talks WHICH Russia signed up for by supporting the last UNSC resolution....

BUT WAIT....then this occurs.....

White helmets reports that +60 #Russian Rockets hit the #Refugee camp today in #Idlib/#Lataika.
pic.twitter.com/iQn6r2ZTAn

IMAGES: Assad-approved #Russia|n rockets being fired at IDP camps in rural #Latakia on #Syria-#Turkey border.
pic.twitter.com/kZ4Zr0jISD

Assad/Russ targeted refugee camps with 200+ rockets. Civis being displaced again from Turkman Mount toward Turkey.
pic.twitter.com/Bku6UuM6BR

[OUTLAW 09]

Report claiming the use of a #KONKURS ATGM no launcher visible, only the missile and the hit, claiming to be a T-72
pic.twitter.com/mmYZwvlJMj

WAR CRIMES:
Syria: Starvation continues in Madaya - MSF denounces continued blockage of essential aid and medical evacuations
http://www.msf.org/article/syria-starvation-continues-madaya-msf-denounces-continued-blockage-essential-aid-and-medical#.VqycZAxVgQY.twitter …

Humor.......
This picture of a cluster bomb on a Russian aircraft in Syria proves we are not using cluster bombs in Syria. .
pic.twitter.com/PD2yC3gaNE

Footage
The #FSA, fighting pro-#Assad forces at the northern #Hama front.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqjm1NnbYNI …
pic.twitter.com/oO5myDrIsz

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Process of Turkish-backed #FSA, liberating Al-Bel from #ISIS (once again).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XRaazVWib4 …
pic.twitter.com/gLdZUST0tq

Footage#RussianAirstrikes target besieged #Homs province this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-tRs6StyMA …
pic.twitter.com/DwCUfX3LwA

Hama: Large 220/240mm Volcano variant. via @IvanSidorenko1
pic.twitter.com/uLSZCsUWbG

New #ISIS Sanctuary Map. Expanding attack zones 4 W #Syria/E #Iraq. Unchallenged in its core-
http://bit.ly/1VwesKT
pic.twitter.com/WmK2GKcAnP

Syria Remains of a 9M79M TBM in Azaz, northern Aleppo. via @2abc63f5b5fd49a
pic.twitter.com/LIv6h3dAbi

Syria Da'ish claims two SVBIED attacks in #DeirEzZour one in Al-Roshdiyah and the second in the western part of
pic.twitter.com/PjHAyQnAWD

SYRIA: YPG shelled a SAA checkpoint east of Sheikh Maqsood in retaliation for airstrikes on Kurdish areas.
http://ypgrojava.com/tr/2016/01/29/halebin-sex-meqsud-mahallesinde-iki-rejim-akeri-olduruldu/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria looks like an Iranian C-130 parachuted supplies in SAA controlled Deir-e-Zor via @MilitaryMediaSy
pic.twitter.com/A5xmIab4kt

Another photo of Russian TBM.....
Remains of a Russian Tochka ballistic missile that landed in a field near Azaz last night in N rural #Aleppo,
pic.twitter.com/38MIYnKVrF

The first footage of a 9M79-1 Tochka-U missile in Syria!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiod7J1k2uI …

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.....second confirmation that this Russian is a member of the 45th GRU Spetsnaz Bde........

#Russia special forces soldier in #Syria IDd as belonging to 45 #Spetsnaz Brigade recon unit
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/45th_Detached_Reconnaissance_Regiment …
pic.twitter.com/3VlGDL7L2N

Korneev is back in Qamilishi already (geotagged). "Print on Syrian parachute. 54th Spetsnaz Regiment (SAA) @ KAC"
pic.twitter.com/doQNk1payl

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...do not have the video yet.....


NOW even IS is using TOWs...not sure thoughi if it is the Iranian version.....

And the latest report also released yesterday shows Da'ish utilizing another #TOW #ATGM to target a BMP IFV
pic.twitter.com/VYLjZPGeEA

If US was it captured in Syrian and or Iraq........

All #TOW #ATGM that have been used in the vicinity of #Kweirs (PIC 1 and 3 feat. the same TOW) so they have two #TOW
pic.twitter.com/LvyD7svqXJ

[OUTLAW 09]

Residents of Moaddamiyeh are fleeing from brutal regime bombardments. #Damascus #Syria

Russia airstrikes on #Talbiseh
#Homs #Syria JAN 30

Several #Russia Cluster Bombs found in #Marea, killed 3(1 baby)
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29
https://youtu.be/QB2xahGE-So?t=29s …

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Beni_Zaid neighborhood
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alMaghayer neighborhood
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alZabald neighborhood
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alMaaldy neighborhood
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Sheikh_Saed neighborhood
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alAnsari neighborhood
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Tel_Refaat
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

Crater aftermath #Russia airstrikes on #alBab city and casualties reported
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 30

SAA Barrel bombs on #Teir_Maela
#Homs #Syria JAN 30

Remnants of #Russia Cluster Bombs in #Kafr_Hamrah village
#Aleppo cs #Syria JAN 29
https://youtu.be/BTyegQ9XQqg?t=1m40s …

[OUTLAW 09]

Reference Syrian Geneva talks.....

CDS Kurds leave Geneva, say not bound by any #Syria deal/ceasefire
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/368288/syria-kurds-leave-geneva-without-peace-talks-invites-sources …
More on @SyriaInCrisis: http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=62631 …

One opposition leader says @KremlinRussia_E @BarackObama in agreement on #Assad fate, new Gov & army
http://on.wsj.com/1nThMFl

US-backed Liwa Suqor al-Jebel has withdrawn & dissociated itself from the entirety of the #Geneva talks process:

Al Nusrah Front chief proposed rebel unity plan
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/01/al-nusrah-front-chief-proposed-rebel-unity-plan.php …
a ton of extra details, courtesy of @thomasjoscelyn

Bogdanov comforts those "opposition" groups that didn't seem "opposition" enough to even get a spot on Russia's list
http://sana.sy/en/?p=67784

SANA report on the discussions between de Mistura and the government delegation led by Bashar al-Jaafari's
http://sana.sy/en/?p=67831 #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

After a failed "merger", JN accuses Ahrar of being a Turkish proxy, Ahrar accuses JN of being AQ-linked
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0V729B …

[OUTLAW 09]

Video has been posted this morning of the Assad/Russian shelling of an Syrian IDP camp near the Turkish border...........

BreakingFootage
Rus/Assad artillery attack on #IDP @refugees camp in Syria's #Latakia prov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RrS5at0_Yo …
pic.twitter.com/06xJZzqpCl

More use by Russian AF of parachute bombs...seems that they are testing these....as they have not been previously recorded being used......
Footage
Russian war planes dropped several parachute bombs on Al-Ghantu in #Homs province.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T35RIvzkqgU …
pic.twitter.com/wAOSZoOrXH

[OUTLAW 09]

Syrian rebel special forces assassinated high ranking Assad officer in Assad held region
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1343


Al-Adyat Corps announced, on Friday, its fighters were able to implement a security operation in the capital Damascus, killing an officer of the al-Assad army.
The Corps on its official website posted that the elements were able to assassinate the officer lieutenant "Firdaus Ibrahim", from the Alawite sect of the Assad regime the military security service in the neighborhoods of the capital, Damascus.
It is noteworthy that the rebels were able several times in recent months to carry out operations inside Damascus, against a subsidiary goals of the Assad regime, such as a car bombing Brigadier General Bassam Mehanna with explosive devices, where he was killed and seven of his bodyguards in May at the hands of Ahrar al-Sham movement, Al-Nusra Front also were able devastate a bus contained elements of the Hezbollah militia in Hamidiya in February

[OUTLAW 09]

Reference the moderating effects of the Iran Deal that created the success of the Obama Syrian strategy........

American Pastor that was held hostage by Iran speaks out for first time "they hung Sunnis just for being Sunnis"

With Iranian moderates like this no wonder Sunni jihadi's are flocking to IS and JaN

Amazing with the lack of the West's interest in ending the deliberate killing of Syrians via Russian and Assad air strikes and the Assad/Putin use of starvation in it self a war crime that more Syrians have not flocked to IS/JaN

[OUTLAW 09]

Assad regime capture Tanouza after ISIS withdrew without a fight

Perfect hit by recoiless gun (?) on a T-72 tank just as 1 Crew peeks out of it.
https://youtu.be/ior0wrZ-VwU

A new #ATGM strike at night:
https://youtu.be/ygRmxG-BYss

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA Coastal Div. #TOW #ATGM destroys an 130 mm artillery Position on a hilltop CP
https://youtu.be/IhwoZoRhkn0

A #JaI #sniper spooks some assadists,
https://youtu.be/vgJ8TNNjcyI

When Syrian Rebels launched offensive in Quneitra for Madaya, ISIS decided to launch offensive against rebels in Qalamoun... Says it all
Jaish al-Islam destroyed an Islamic State operated U.S. M-1114 in Eastern Qalamoun today. Furthest sighting so far.
pic.twitter.com/HHuh3rXEQR

BREAKING
Syrian opposition #HNC threatens withdrawal from peace talks if #ASSad crimes persist..

Massacre aftermath #Russia airstrikes on #alHissan village killing 15 civilians so far including 8 children
#DeirEzzor #Syria JAN 30

Aftermath #Russia airstrikes targeting civilians houses in #Tel_Refaat #Aleppo #Syria JAN 30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-_yPXWJB2k …

Aftermath #Russia airstrikes targeting #Nawa city, destruction..
#Daraa #Syria JAN 30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXcTXIcNX4 …

APPEARS Russian AF getting fed SIGINT intercepts and passing to targeting aircraft.....war reporter was on cellphone as the strike barely missed them.....
Russia airstrike caught on @OrientNews camera,targeting it's correspondent Firas karam in north #Hama #Syria JAN 30
Cannot get a clear view of the cell...could have been a sitcom cell.

Aftermath #Russia airstrikes on #AlAnsari neighborhood
#Aleppo #Syria JAN 30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUYP3xXKdIc …

SCD transferred wounded victims of #Russia airstrikes on the Hospital Naseeb to Hospital Bosra alSham
#Daraa #Syria JAN 30

[OUTLAW 09]

Protest in #Aubin Camp asking for the #SyriaOpposition don't participate in #Geneva y'day JAN 29
#Latakia #Syria

And then #ASSad and his #Russia allies ~answered~ with bombardment as usual.

Destruction due #SAA helicopters dropped barrel bombs over #SCD @SyriaCivilDef #Darayya Branch Facility #Syria JAN30

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes....at some point Turkey and KSA who view themselves as the "defenders of the faith" and in the case of Turkey they still view the region from an Ottoman view.....as Russia has not stopped their killing and starving of Sunni's then at some point Turkey and KSA will step in...

The interesting point is Putin has spoken a number of times about "engaging NATO"...is he attempting to provoke a NATO confrontation via Turkey as Obama has implied the US will not support Turkey under Article 5 if they engage into Syria....

BREAKING: ‘Turkish Military authorizes all fighter pilots to fire without a warning’
http://ln.is/syria.liveuamap.com/ce61O …

Turkey says Russian jet violated its airspace, summons envoy
http://dlvr.it/KMNLZ2
pic.twitter.com/oehyflvomL

NATO calls on #Russia 'to act responsibly and to fully respect NATO airspace'
http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-says-another-russian-jet-violated-turkeys-airspace_411033.html …
pic.twitter.com/7FXuCftbdF

Remember he has three core geo political goals in his non linear war.....

1. damage and discredit the EU
2. damage and discredit NATO
3. disconnect the US fully from Europe and the ME.....in this case Obama is providing great secondary support to Putin

AND naturally the Russian well trained automatic response to any accusation......"it ain't us..."
Sputnik ✔ @SputnikInt
Reports of alleged violation of #Turkey’s airspace by Russian #Su34 unfounded – @mod_russia
http://sptnkne.ws/a7tu
pic.twitter.com/BBRJO5qPSr

NOTE that the Russian MoD seems to have forgotten that NATO has AWACS and round radar watching every move the MoD makes.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria #Damascus Rebels in Ruhhaybah pushed back #IS attempt to sneak into the city
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=33.745753&lon=36.712532&z=12&m=b …

Syria Reports: #SAA Maj. General M. Kaddour lost his job as commander of military operations in #DeirEzzor
Heavy clashes now in city center

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes....at some point Turkey and KSA who view themselves as the "defenders of the faith" and in the case of Turkey they still view the region from an Ottoman view.....as Russia has not stopped their killing and starving of Sunni's then at some point Turkey and KSA will step in...

The interesting point is Putin has spoken a number of times about "engaging NATO"...is he attempting to provoke a NATO confrontation via Turkey as Obama has implied the US will not support Turkey under Article 5 if they engage into Syria....

BREAKING: ‘Turkish Military authorizes all fighter pilots to fire without a warning’
http://ln.is/syria.liveuamap.com/ce61O …

Turkey says Russian jet violated its airspace, summons envoy
http://dlvr.it/KMNLZ2
pic.twitter.com/oehyflvomL

NATO calls on #Russia 'to act responsibly and to fully respect NATO airspace'
http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-says-another-russian-jet-violated-turkeys-airspace_411033.html …
pic.twitter.com/7FXuCftbdF

Remember he has three core geo political goals in his non linear war.....

1. damage and discredit the EU
2. damage and discredit NATO
3. disconnect the US fully from Europe and the ME.....in this case Obama is providing great secondary support to Putin

AND naturally the Russian well trained automatic response to any accusation......"it ain't us..."
Sputnik ✔ @SputnikInt
Reports of alleged violation of #Turkey’s airspace by Russian #Su34 unfounded – @mod_russia
http://sptnkne.ws/a7tu
pic.twitter.com/BBRJO5qPSr

NOTE that the Russian MoD seems to have forgotten that NATO has AWACS and round radar watching every move the MoD makes.....

Humor.....
BREAKING: @mod_russia denies violating #Turkey's borders, says Earth's rotation moved #Turkey under its #Su34
pic.twitter.com/XpBQNVvuGj

MORE humor......
Turkey needs to move its border away from our air force.

Air space violation of course not. The shot down SU-24 also didn't. #Russia proved it. Wait...blackbox broken.

[OUTLAW 09]

Aleppo activists to @SyrianHNC: The Syrian street is with you if you do not concede the revolution's principles.

Opposition spox Salem el-Meslet says we want the peace talks to work but there is no seriousness on part of regime
pic.twitter.com/DDURzBzpeM

[OUTLAW 09]

Iranian Basij medic and driver captured by rebels near Khan Tuman south #Aleppo.
https://youtu.be/KkxOveXafCA
pic.twitter.com/D3kcjMuTow

[OUTLAW 09]

SAA TERRORISTS Helicopters dropping explosive cylinders over #Moadamiyah_alSham #Damascus #Syria JAN 30

Russians continue targeting commercial & aid convoys in Bab al-Salama border crossing.
https://youtu.be/Gpp1JfBnPL8
pic.twitter.com/HXDP9lkgJ2

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes....at some point Turkey and KSA who view themselves as the "defenders of the faith" and in the case of Turkey they still view the region from an Ottoman view.....as Russia has not stopped their killing and starving of Sunni's then at some point Turkey and KSA will step in...

The interesting point is Putin has spoken a number of times about "engaging NATO"...is he attempting to provoke a NATO confrontation via Turkey as Obama has implied the US will not support Turkey under Article 5 if they engage into Syria....

BREAKING: ‘Turkish Military authorizes all fighter pilots to fire without a warning’
http://ln.is/syria.liveuamap.com/ce61O …

Turkey says Russian jet violated its airspace, summons envoy
http://dlvr.it/KMNLZ2
pic.twitter.com/oehyflvomL

NATO calls on #Russia 'to act responsibly and to fully respect NATO airspace'
http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-says-another-russian-jet-violated-turkeys-airspace_411033.html …
pic.twitter.com/7FXuCftbdF

Remember he has three core geo political goals in his non linear war.....

1. damage and discredit the EU
2. damage and discredit NATO
3. disconnect the US fully from Europe and the ME.....in this case Obama is providing great secondary support to Putin

AND naturally the Russian well trained automatic response to any accusation......"it ain't us..."
Sputnik ✔ @SputnikInt
Reports of alleged violation of #Turkey’s airspace by Russian #Su34 unfounded – @mod_russia
http://sptnkne.ws/a7tu
pic.twitter.com/BBRJO5qPSr

NOTE that the Russian MoD seems to have forgotten that NATO has AWACS and round radar watching every move the MoD makes.....

This is going 2be intense now, #RuAF been intruding #Turkey 4 the last week, now says anymore will get shot down. Jabal Turkman implications

I been watching it make circles over TRK airspace since a week ago,

Friendly reminder that you shouldn't believe Turkish allegations as to Russian jet violating Turkish airspace until @mod_russia denies it.

Humor..........
Sergey #Lavrov, the world's most honest man for 12th year running, says #Turkey's #Su34 claims are lies & propaganda pic.twitter.com/brjs9qJ0uM

[OUTLAW 09]

From farce to farce to tragedy again. In Confidential Memo, U.N. Says It Can’t Enforce a Syrian Peace Deal
http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/01/29/in-confidential-memo-u-n-acknowledges-it-cant-enforce-a-syrian-peace-deal/

Worth reading the entire document......
Little overlap between areas of ISIS control and Russian bombing.
As for Syrian rebels....
http://bit.ly/1PoqB4r
pic.twitter.com/54GLywtsks

[OUTLAW 09]

From farce to farce to tragedy again. In Confidential Memo, U.N. Says It Can’t Enforce a Syrian Peace Deal
http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/01/29/in-confidential-memo-u-n-acknowledges-it-cant-enforce-a-syrian-peace-deal/

Worth reading the entire document......
Little overlap between areas of ISIS control and Russian bombing.
As for Syrian rebels....
http://bit.ly/1PoqB4r
pic.twitter.com/54GLywtsks

HNC spokesman Riad al-Agha says 3 steps before talks start are end of sieges, end of bombardment of civilians, & release of prisoners.

"We are keen to negotiate success. We are ready to start negotiating but at least we should see something." - Salem al-Meslet, HNC spokesman

hHNC spokesmen Salem al-Meslet & Riad Naasan Agha spoke to cluster of media, insisted on implementation of humanitarian points in UNSCR

[CrowBat]

CrowBat...do not have the video yet.....As mentioned before, Daesh has one TOW-team and few rounds captured from one of FSyA groups they've overrun in Damascus area (apparently in Qalamoun range, on border to Lebanon), early last year.

This team was active in Palmyra area (against NDF) in summer last year, then against the YPG in Hasaka area, and is now active in eastern Aleppo province. It fired some 4-5 TOWs so far.

(Note: the 'JAN TOW-team' on attached illustration actually consisted of a BGM-71 set and few rounds captured from former Harakat Hazzm FSyA; this gunner subsequently fled from the JAN and re-joined the 13th Division; he scored a number of additional kills against regime in October and November, but was KIA in December 2015 while fighting for FSyA; ever since, JAN has no operational TOWs.)

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Another new Russian "parachute bomb" dropped on #Daraa province today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea3n-WfC_SQ …

Footage
Same procedure as every year.
#Assad drops bombs on western #Damascus suburbs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqYt-1SSpPs …

[CrowBat]

BTW...


Syria Reports: #SAA Maj. General M. Kaddour lost his job as commander of military operations in #DeirEzzor
Heavy clashes now in city center
Heard something similar. Seems, this is the second time Kaddour was relieved of his command and replaced by his executive deputy, Maj Gen Zahreddine.

The first time was back in late summer 2013, while Kaddour was commander of the (then besieged) regime garrison in western Aleppo....

[OUTLAW 09]

Turkish Air Force has declared an 'orange alert' in key bases around the country
http://aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-reveals-airspace-violation-by-russian-jet/512886 …
pic.twitter.com/iJ9cJYUMRF

Sapper Anatoliy "Moryachok" Garkavenko of the 93rd brigade OUN unit was killed in ATO zone https://www.facebook.com/1434842496805156/photos/a.1434845173471555.1073741827.1434842496805156/1684776885145048/?type=3&permPage=1 … pic.twitter.com/5c81mWXYFE

Militants fired 36 times upon Ukr troops over last day. Used 120mm mortars nr Zaitseve, Mayorsk, Stanytsia Luhanska https://www.facebook.com/ato.news/posts/1135427513134720 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Now @AFP reporting 45 dead, 110 injured in blasts near Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab outside Damascus, citing #Syria state media

News #ISIS captured the village of Al Baghiliyah and is now overlooking the regime-held parts of #DeirEzzor.
pic.twitter.com/BgRUx0dx21

Khamenei.ir @khamenei_ir
Order of Fat'h given by Chief Commander of Armed forces to IRGC Navy commanders who captured intruding U.S. marines.
pic.twitter.com/1gkGz2bh2p

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...have you heard about any Russian troops on the ground in Libya...

This is the third comment seen over the last week indicating presence of Russian troops small in numbers evidently in Libya.

Being confirmed it's an Orlan-10 tactical UAV, options seem to be :1)Russia has some ground presence in Libya/ 2)The video isn't from Libya

Possibly GRU Sptenaz as the Orlan 10 is not your average run of the mill UAV for the Russians....has been used a lot over Ukraine for targeting purposes.

Libya- images of UAV that allegedly crashed 90 km east of #Ajdabiya. No visible markings. Can anyone ID?

Local residents reportedly found this surveillance drone in eastern Ajdabya after it crashed overnight.

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Syrian rebels use new 60 mm mortars in #KhanTuman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hKoNRG3hSY …
Like HE M73 but not 100%.
pic.twitter.com/3ee3dflHfw

Turkish Air Force declares 'orange alert' at key AF bases
http://www.unian.info/world/1251023-turkish-air-force-declares-orange-alert.html …
pic.twitter.com/bhGUL7oNJ2

Massive Ahrar al-Sham column with heavy arms on the move in #Aleppo province yesterday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg79VjBYQDo …

Damascus: Assad regime carry out heavy attack on Rebels in Jobar

Damascus: clashes between rebels & ISIS in Tel Al Hayth

Russian Cluster Bombs found at #Alharableh & #Karam_alTarab neighborhoods after it`s airstrike
#Aleppo #Syria JAN 31

Russian military practicing their TBM skills in Syria after they could not test them in eastern Ukraine......
Crater aftermath #Russia Tochka missile fell on #Kessen village no casualties reported
#Homs cs #Syria JAN 31

[OUTLAW 09]

Now @AFP reporting 45 dead, 110 injured in blasts near Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab outside Damascus, citing #Syria state media

News #ISIS captured the village of Al Baghiliyah and is now overlooking the regime-held parts of #DeirEzzor.
pic.twitter.com/BgRUx0dx21

Khamenei.ir @khamenei_ir
Order of Fat'h given by Chief Commander of Armed forces to IRGC Navy commanders who captured intruding U.S. marines.
pic.twitter.com/1gkGz2bh2p

Either super poor Shia/Alweite security measures and or excellent IS planning.....WHATEVER.....the timing is interesting due to Geneva....

In #Bahdalieh neighborhood:
1- Largest concentration of Shiites
2- RG checkpoint
3- Popular committees Shiites checkpoin/t
#Syria JAN31 #PT

[OUTLAW 09]

More unexploded 3-O-10 submunitions from 240-mm rocket-assisted cargo mortar shell 3-O-8 "Nerpa" found in Douma.

T-90s being carried around #Aleppo on heavy haulers without much action. Seems they fear those guys getting TOWed. :)

Unverified rpts #Russia deploys latest Su-35 fighters to #Syria - days after #Turkey airspace violation dispute.
pic.twitter.com/i5GdrwWrKE

This happens when #Russian/#Assad forces are not stopped in their actions, just a few miles from #Turkey.
pic.twitter.com/AmuPbYhkQy

'State-of-the-art' subterfuge: how Iran kept flying under sanctions
http://reut.rs/1OZ0csA

Al-Qaeda in Syria tried to merge with a major rival faction — but it completely backfired
http://read.bi/1RTPsiA
pic.twitter.com/MdJvlUoQpW

I've covered tons on Syria opposition conferences, never seen them as organised and coherent as I do now.

Breaking Spokesman: Syrian opposition's battle is with Assad and his regime, and not with a sect
http://ara.tv/ndabv

[OUTLAW 09]

Multiple #Russia|n airstrikes reported in Hraytan, Anadan & Hayan in #Aleppo, #Syria. Local soruces reporting cluster munitions use

FSA Northern Division in action in the last couple of days in north rural #Hama, #Syria
http://youtu.be/bWf2JFPBfx4

Reports that the regime Zalaqiyat & Shaliout sector commander in north rural #Hama was killed by a rebel TOW missile that targeted his car
Vid of the vehicle targeted with a TOW missile
http://youtu.be/AhPR4LAPUv0

Heavy #Assad's Regime Losses in Surprise Rebel Attack on Northern Rural #Hama #Syria
http://ow.ly/XJaOE

[OUTLAW 09]

Reports rebels have taken several positions near #Salma in #Latakia killing over a dozen Assad militants.

Over a dozen Assad fighters killed in a rebel attack on the Military Police building in al-Jamiliya district in #Aleppo,

Heavy clashes between rebels & #ISIS in al-Tal, rural #Damascus, rebels reportedly destroyed an #ISIS HQ.

Humor...........
Russian-led #coalition heading for stunning #victory in #Syria, 'Almost all hospitals & schools have been destroyed'

[OUTLAW 09]

http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs...t-all-there-is

January 28, 2016

Geneva: Is That All There Is?

By Frederic C. Hof


Without doubt the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian opposition will authorize and direct its delegation to go to Geneva to engage in indirect "proximity talks" under the supervision of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. Whatever burdens have been borne by this opposition for the better part of five years, it simply cannot risk being blamed for the collapse of a diplomatic initiative spearheaded by an otherwise empty-handed United States. Whatever disappointments the opposition has experienced over the years from the mismatch between administration words and actions, it simply is not in a position to alienate Washington. As it did two years ago in Geneva, the opposition will mount the gallows of Syrian public opinion and hope the hangman overslept.

From the beginning of the Syria crisis, those who rose against the incompetence, corruption, and brutality of the Assad regime have suffered from a friendship deficit. Washington's desire to see Assad gone was and remains somewhere between wishful and advisory in nature—no match for the material determination of Tehran and Moscow to keep their client indefinitely in power in at least part of Syria.

The Obama administration sought, for its own domestic political purposes, to camouflage this fundamental imbalance with rhetoric about red lines and people stepping aside. It sacrificed its own reputation and credibility in the process. Iran, on the other hand, used its Lebanese militia to save Assad militarily in 2013. Russia has been employing its air force to save Assad since the fall of 2015. The American response to the strategic, diplomacy-shaping actions of others has been plaintive: surely Assad's friends know what an asset he is for the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, Daesh); surely Russia and Iran know that ISIL is our common enemy; surely Moscow and Tehran will work with us to put Assad to the side so Syrians can unite against ISIL; surely they know what a mistake they are making by intervening militarily. To speculate on how all of this is processed in the Kremlin, Tehran, and Damascus is to invite clinical depression.

One can be as critical as one wants about the performance to date of the external Syrian opposition. Indeed, it is infinitely easier for senior American and UN officials to take a didactic tone with the High Negotiations Committee than it is to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin or Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about their actions or those of their client in creating a rising toll of death, destruction, displacement, and terror among Syrian civilians—all of which benefit ISIL and all of which make creative diplomacy and compromise impossible. It is easier to lecture the Syrian opposition about its responsibility to engage in a dialogue than it is to corner Iran's president—now doing a "come and sell stuff to Iran" victory lap through European capitals —about Tehran's role in facilitating war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria.

The Syrian opposition is, to be sure, organizationally challenged. It is fractious. It cannot defeat Iran, Russia, and the regime inside Syria. Its ability to protect its own constituents is very limited. If airdropped tomorrow onto a welcoming Damascus it might, while eschewing collective punishment and mass murder, still prove lacking in governing skills. But this oft-reviled opposition wants Assad—an asset for ISIL and a tool of Hezbollah—gone. Is this not a basis for a close relationship with Washington? Are these people neither worth cultivating nor treating with respect?

And for all of their defects they are neither blind nor stupid. They see Russians and Iranians killing armed Syrian rebels and civilians alike for the sake of preserving a useful client. They know that the greatest power on earth—the United States of America—has protected not a single Syrian inside Syria from the depredations of the Assad regime or its allies—not a single Syrian. And now they are being told exactly what they were told in 2013, before the Geneva conference fiasco of January 2014: come to Geneva, engage in dialogue, help the world see who is serious about this process and who is not, and we will be with you if the other side does not deliver.

There are two missing ingredients in the relationship between the US government and the Syrian opposition: trust and confidence. Evidently some of what Secretary of State John Kerry said days ago to the General Coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee, former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab, was misunderstood and/or deliberately misrepresented to the media by some of Kerry's listeners. The Department of State has moved rapidly to refute allegations that Kerry was essentially presenting Russian talking points. Did the American side care enough about the audience to insure that the words it used were measured carefully and clearly understood? Was the Syrian side—on the basis of past performance—predisposed to hear something that simply was not said? How can this relationship be so lacking in basic trust and confidence? Who was it, after all, that the United States recognized in December 2012 as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people?

If the Obama administration wants the Syrian opposition to risk whatever positive standing it may have inside Syria for the sake of a diplomatic due diligence exercise aimed at proving to the world that which is already known—that the Assad regime, Russia, and Iran have no interest in genuine Syrian political transition—then it will have to sit with the opposition and spell out what it intends to do to protect Syrian civilians once the exercise has run its course. The course itself need not be lengthy. If the bombings, sieges, and mass incarcerations continue, there is nothing to discuss—it is, as Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura told the UN Security Council on January 18, just another trip to Geneva. If the Assad regime does not accept the terms of reference embodied in the June 30, 2012 Geneva Final Communique, there is nothing to negotiate. It will just be a repeat of Geneva, January 2014.

On January 27 the following exchange, which did not escape the attention of the High Negotiations Committee, occurred during the Department of State daily press briefing:

QUESTION: And the—and at the same time, the Russians and the Syrians are providing additional support to the fight, or to their side of the fight. At what point does the United States decide that this test may be—that they failed the test and decide to increase—to increase pressure or change the balance of power on the ground in support of the people that the Americans are supporting?

MR TONER: Sure. I think that’s a very valid but also very difficult question to answer. I would say we’re still committed—strongly committed—to seeing this process move forward. We feel like, since really this process began and has taken shape throughout the autumn, that we have gathered a little momentum here, that we have moved the parties together in the sense of having these talks, and that we’ve got to keep that momentum going.

In the immortal words of the late Peggy Lee, "Is that all there is?" Because if that's all there is—if the Obama administration is just going to keep on dancing for the next twelve months-minus—2016 will be a very bad year indeed for Syrians, their neighbors, Western Europe, and the United States. The Syrian opposition will, with much apprehension and dread, play the role it has been asked to play in helping to reveal the obvious and unveil that which is already plainly visible to those who elect to see. It is, after all, the weakest of the actors. It continues to hope that the strongest will emerge from hiding behind the curtain and appear, at last, center stage.

[OUTLAW 09]

Here is a truly critical sentence that even Hof missed......and he wrote it..

This is the same exact US Obama policy being pushed onto Ukraine for the last year by the US and what I call unilateral appeasement without a single reciprocal Russian move....the same exact argument amazing......

Paraphrased it goes lie this....you Ukraine you must implement all aspects of Minsk 2 and then if the Russians do not then the whole world will see that Russia is not implementing Minsk.....THE core problem is then Ukraine has basically given away the store for ABSOLUTELY nothing after actually being invaded and their territory militarily annexed in the 21st Century ALL with the assistance of the US....


And now they are being told exactly what they were told in 2013, before the Geneva conference fiasco of January 2014: come to Geneva, engage in dialogue, help the world see who is serious about this process and who is not, and we will be with you if the other side does not deliver.

The last part of the sentence is the critical part....that is exactly what the Ukraine is being told repeatedly by Kerry, Biden and Nuland...and all the while the Russian military and her mercenaries are still conducting between 40-70 attacks a day killing and wounding UAF AND not a single comment by Obama, Kerry and Nuland AND here is the important piece...Russia has never fulfilled a single point of Minsk 2 NOR does it every plan to.

SO the core question just why does it appear that the Obama foreign policy is the exact same foreign policy of Putin.....??

[OUTLAW 09]

http://mebriefing.com/?p=2140

How Obama Ended Up Following Putin’s Syria Script and Giving Assad a Victory?


The meeting between Secretary John Kerry and the head of Syrian opposition’s delegation in the transitional talks Dr. Riyad Hijab January 23 in Riyadh stirred a very negative reaction in many opposition circles. Kerry tried to convey a message that lowers opposition’s expectations and packs their goals into the practical frame of the talks drawn with the Russians. But the Secretary’s language threatened the prospects of constructive engagement by the groups which are proposed to participate in the talks.

Mr. Kerry had the difficult task of incorporating Russian-Assad positions and parameters within a plan that addresses as well the goals of the opposition. It is the usual intrinsic challenge of trying to reach a framework for negotiating an end to a tough conflict like the one in Syria. The result was a clear tilt to Moscow’s position. The question now is: Will these talks succeed?

Kerry’s message confused Hijab and the opposition groups alike. It is still not clear if this was done intentionally by the Secretary of State. He made it clear that there will be no preconditions set for the talks, not even a commitment to the departure of Assad at any point in the future. He also oscillated between describing Geneva-1 and Vienna communiques as “references” of the negotiations. And he used the term “unity government” side by side with the term “transitional government” which caused additional confusion.

Furthermore, Kerry’s proposed “confidence building” measures did not include exchange of prisoners or a halt of air raids or barrel bombs targeting civilian areas during talks. The secretary also said other opposition representatives, proposed by Moscow and considered by the rest of the opposition as too close to the Assad regime, will also be present in the talks. Faced with solid rejection by the opposition, those Assad-friendly groups would be labeled “consultants” to the UN envoy Staphan de Mistura and not a parallel opposition delegation.

After Turkey’s threats to end its cooperation in the process if the PKK linked Syria’s Kurdish Democratic Union is invited, de Mistura decided to avoid inviting the group. The Russian selected “opposition” delegation will be stationed in Lausanne while the talks would be in Geneva. The letter of invitation failed to mention the Geneva-1 communique even after President Obama and Secretary Kerry hailed the Geneva-1 communique as the “foundation” of the solution since it was signed in 2012.

The difference between the two communiques, the Geneva-1 and Vienna’s, is that the former emphasizes the importance of the transitional phase towards a solution while the later failed to mention distinctively this phase, and emphasized instead the need to fight terrorism. This applies as well to the UNSC Resolution 2254. This difference expressed a retreat from the previous position of insisting on excluding Assad’s effective governance during the transition phase. The Geneva-1 pointed out to “a transitional body that enjoys all executive powers”. Russia accepted the Geneva-1 communique before having its military “surge” in Syria. It de facto withdrew its support of the communique at the beginning of its military operations there.

This shift in emphasis gained a central place in the preparatory talks of the last few weeks, particularly with Kerry’s ambiguous language on the issue of Geneva-1. An opposition leader told MEB that basing the talks on the Vienna communique “will lead nowhere”. “The Vienna process gives prominence to the regional dynamics of the crisis and almost neglects its domestic Syria dimension. It presupposes the willingness of Assad to reach a deal with his opponents. This presupposition reflects that the two powers, Russia and the US, reached a joint understanding and took it to the region to include the regional powers. The question remains: Where would the Syrians fit here? I do not think that the Syrian crisis was merely a regional or global issue. No solution will be sustainable without a genuine and full inclusion of the opposition”, he said.

It is possible that Kerry overplayed his hand under the impact of freshly reached understanding with Lavrov and Saudi Arabia. It cannot be dismissed neither that the approach of the Secretary may work in starting a partial ceasefire. Yet, it is almost certain that this approach, and regardless of any argument that it was the only possible one, may not be sustainable and will not represent a real “solution” to the crisis.

The State Department rushed to contain the negative impact of Kerry-Hijab meeting. Michael Ratney, the administration’s point man for Syria, spent hours with opposition leaders on the phone following the meeting. Ratney tried to play down the points that caused concern among opposition groups all the while keeping the main lines of the US-Russian understanding intact. But Kerry’s warning that if the opposition refused to go to the talks, the negotiation will start anyway, was echoing loudly among the opposition groups and splitting them further.

The talks, if they start, which is still a big “if”, are slated to go on for 10 days. The “Syria Friends” group of nation will then meet in February 11 to evaluate the results of the talks and prepare the following round. The main focus of the first round will be the ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid to Syria’s civilians. Issues related to transition and the future of the country will not be discussed.

However, the invitation issued by de Mistura emphasized the need to form a transitional government to set a time table for the transitional process. This process would result in elections supervised by the UN and to form a non-sectarian, inclusive and credible government and start the process of writing a new Constitution” (No word about a transitional government with full powers). Theoretically, Assad would be able to run again in the elections. Kerry hinted to GCC foreign ministers during their meeting in Riyadh that Assad will not run “if everything goes according to plan”. Those were almost word by word what Putin told his interlocutors since last fall.

The whole picture reflects a shift in the previous US approach to Syria. The illicit logic of that shift gives priority to counterterrorism over looking at Syria within the boundaries of its overall political conflict, which gave rise to terrorism. The nature of the new approach gives precedence to working with Russia and regional powers. In other words, Mr. Putin succeeded in causing a deeper effect than expected on the US approach to the Syrian conflict.

On the ground, however, it is difficult to see how this approach would achieve the required effects, either in fighting terrorism or in solving the political crisis, even if regional powers decided, under pressure, to stop their assistance to the opposition. The weak point of this “Russian” approach –now adopted now by Washington- lies in its crudeness.

For if a deal is reached on the bases of considering most opposition groups terrorists, as seems to be the essence of this approach, a wider war will be in our hands in a matter of few months. This will buy the Obama administration a cheap and superficial “accomplishment” for a short time, while failing to end the crisis on any sustainable way. The bottom line of this approach is exactly what Putin wanted all along. All what happened is that the US delivered its allies to the Kremlin.

The reason behind this conclusion stems from the fact that the approach has the following underlying aspects:

* It places the emphasis on immediate goals at the expense of the overall objectives. This is clear in giving priority to ceasefire and humanitarian aid, and in neglecting to frame these objectives in a process that promises the non-terrorist opposition leaders a possible solution which enables them to restrain their members.

* It is based on duel “references”, that of Geneva-1 which is acceptable by the mainstream opposition groups, and that of Vienna and the UN SCR 2254, which were promoted as the only acceptable references by the regime and the Russians, and which drop the need for Assad to leave or commit to departure after a successful transition.

* It enables terrorist groups like ISIL and Nusra to ask the others: What have you really achieved after five years of fighting? The question would turn into a major factor in pulling members of other groups, who saw their families and friends killed by the regime, to join those who refuse this kind of solution which effectively means that Assad won. In other words, there is nothing for the leaders of the invited groups to show their members in terms of justification for their participation in the talks.

* There are enough arms in Syria to make dependence on either regional powers or the US minimal.

* It cannot be certain that what Kerry hears wherever he goes is true or will indeed happen. Pressure may bring about a superficial consent while the real calculations may be carefully hidden and acted upon.

Continued........

But is there any chance it could work?

Continued......

Washington has given up a lot of grounds in Syria to Moscow’s views. The initial position of Washington, that the Assad regime can never return Syria to stability, was the right one. There will be no stability in Syria for years to come if Russia’s crude and militarized “Grozny” approach carry the transitional process to where Mr. Putin wants it to go.

Continued.....

Secretary Kerry ended up following Putin’s Syria script. No surprise. As this administration proved over and over again that it does not have a strategy, it was to be expected that it will follow those who do.

Continued.......

[OUTLAW 09]

MOC's betrayal:
Instead of taking #Izra & closing the #Daraa corridor last year #Assad now reversed all achievments

[OUTLAW 09]

[B]I've covered tons on Syria opposition conferences, never seen them as organised and coherent as I do now.

Breaking Spokesman: Syrian opposition's battle is with Assad and his regime, and not with a sect
http://ara.tv/ndabv

35 rebel groups fully support HNC stand implementing UNCS No. 2254 humanitarian relief issues before peace talks.
pic.twitter.com/TbdTd6oppg

That is what #Putin and #Assad fear: United #Syria|n rebels who know what they want

[OUTLAW 09]

MORE Russian troops killed in Syrian....probably vacationing Spetsnaz that have "retired" from active service before they went to Syria ....or maybe Ukrainian miners and truck drivers......why vacationers......because Putin stated his troops will not enter the fighting....or maybe he was simply lying again...as he did in eastern Ukraine and then just recently admitted they were indeed fighting in eastern Ukraine....

Pro-Assad FB says 9 regime army soldiers and 4 Russians killed during clashes with rebels in #Latakia countryside.
pic.twitter.com/8ta9MhOPHw

[OUTLAW 09]

Most of these Hezbollah fighters entered #Syria with 2 legs however now..@anasanas84
pic.twitter.com/OuXqs8Zndp

Total destruction. Aftermath of #Russia|n airstrikes in the al-Maisar district in #Aleppo,
http://youtu.be/-EXMOFUCpaY

Iran is sending Afghan and Pakistani Shi'ites into Syria after training in Hizballah camps.
http://bit.ly/1SgSv53

Russia warplanes carry out 2 airstrikes over #Inkhil town

Map
Despite #Russia and #ISIS doing everything they can against it, Syr rebels took Al-Bel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MByYBCcXbfs …

A Russian T-90A with a U.S. 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun, only in Syria! By @syrianmilitary
pic.twitter.com/g9vjdrMzqh

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes....at some point Turkey and KSA who view themselves as the "defenders of the faith" and in the case of Turkey they still view the region from an Ottoman view.....as Russia has not stopped their killing and starving of Sunni's then at some point Turkey and KSA will step in...

The interesting point is Putin has spoken a number of times about "engaging NATO"...is he attempting to provoke a NATO confrontation via Turkey as Obama has implied the US will not support Turkey under Article 5 if they engage into Syria....

BREAKING: ‘Turkish Military authorizes all fighter pilots to fire without a warning’
http://ln.is/syria.liveuamap.com/ce61O …

Turkey says Russian jet violated its airspace, summons envoy
http://dlvr.it/KMNLZ2
pic.twitter.com/oehyflvomL

NATO calls on #Russia 'to act responsibly and to fully respect NATO airspace'
http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-says-another-russian-jet-violated-turkeys-airspace_411033.html …
pic.twitter.com/7FXuCftbdF

Remember he has three core geo political goals in his non linear war.....

1. damage and discredit the EU
2. damage and discredit NATO
3. disconnect the US fully from Europe and the ME.....in this case Obama is providing great secondary support to Putin

AND naturally the Russian well trained automatic response to any accusation......"it ain't us..."
Sputnik ✔ @SputnikInt
Reports of alleged violation of #Turkey’s airspace by Russian #Su34 unfounded – @mod_russia
http://sptnkne.ws/a7tu
pic.twitter.com/BBRJO5qPSr

NOTE that the Russian MoD seems to have forgotten that NATO has AWACS and round radar watching every move the MoD makes.....

Turkish and NATO radars detected Russian jet's airspace violation: Turkish PM
http://reut.rs/1Tv9S0Z

[OUTLAW 09]

Assad and Putin are doing everything to provoke the anti Assad opposition to leave the Geneva talks.....

BREAKING
alGhouta Hospital: So far 87 cases of Suffocation due #SAA Chemical Attack#Moadamiyah_alSham #Syria JAN31

SAA daily bombardment on the besieged #Moadamiyah_alSham
#Damascus #Syria JAN 31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8FQ1FdHEZc …

BREAKING#SAA targeted the East of #Moadamiyah_alSham with Chemical Gas attack causing casualties #Damascus #Syria JAN 31

Dozens of suffocation cases reached the field hospital after targeting the east of the city with Chlorine Gas by Assad militias

Multiple attacks in #Damascus then reports of chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta. Interesting timing and pattern yet again.

[OUTLAW 09]

Strange that suddenly during the Geneva talks the entire Assad security apparatus breaks down and IS runs wild in Damascus.....

ASSad media reporting another car bomb explosion #alBaramkah neighborhood nearby Damas University Campus
#Damascus #Syria JAN 31

2nd explosion while the police tried to dismantle the bomb under the pedestrian bridge of #alBaramkeh neighborhood
#Damascus #Syria JAN 31

UPDATE: ISIS claimed the double suicide bombing in Sayida Zeinab #Damascus, #Syria; targeting Shia -

[OUTLAW 09]

Now @AFP reporting 45 dead, 110 injured in blasts near Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab outside Damascus, citing #Syria state media


NOW Iran will be using this bombing to send even more Shia mercenaries...many of the captured Afgans and Pakistani's that were fighting for Iran stated they had been told they would be going to Syria to defend the shrines......

Influx of Iraqi Shia fighters to Damascus now after suicide bombing at Sayeda Zeinab shrine?
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/31/damascus-syrian-double-suicide-bombing-sayeda-zeinab …
pic.twitter.com/jmNqk9x1aE

[OUTLAW 09]

Update
Until the evening,#Russian jets also attacked #Bayanoun, #Hayyan, #Anadan, #Ratyan and #Atarib in ALP prov.

‘We’re flying into war w/ #Turkey,’ says Dorenko, 1 of #Russia’s propaganda chiefs. 800+ 👍
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17KL8YvAdII …
pic.twitter.com/9QnLwOpoDq

[OUTLAW 09]

JaI Alloush is joining now Geneva talks.......
BREAKING: Army of Islam member says coming to #Syria peace talks - AFP

Assad helos dropped 52 bombs on #Moadamia today, several of which were chlorine gas barrel bombs, 87 civilian suffocation cases reported

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.......have you heard any comments that the Russians announced they are revoking the Adana Agreement......?

Also has this SRG commander been in DeirEzZor the last few days????
#SyrianRepublicanGuard Brigadier General Issam Zahreddine / Yaroob Zahreddine

THEN proAssad media is carrying this.....
Syria Iraq getting Hyped & Ready for NEXT PHASE of OP's SHOULD Start Tomorrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzpnPx6ih1w&feature=youtu.be …

[OUTLAW 09]

4 #RuAF Su-35S reportedly arrive at Hmeimem Airbase in #Latakia #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Either super poor Shia/Alweite security measures and or excellent IS planning.....WHATEVER.....the timing is interesting due to Geneva....

In #Bahdalieh neighborhood:
1- Largest concentration of Shiites
2- RG checkpoint
3- Popular committees Shiites checkpoin/t
#Syria JAN31 #PT

According to regime sources #IS had to pass seven (!) checkpoints to get to Sayyida Zainab.

Did "ISIS" have Iranian passports that enabled them pass thru multiple regime checkpoints?https://twitter.com/Wesal_TV/status/693049694444986368 …

[CrowBat]

CrowBat.......have you heard any comments that the Russians announced they are revoking the Adana Agreement......?

Also has this SRG commander been in DeirEzZor the last few days????
#SyrianRepublicanGuard Brigadier General Issam Zahreddine / Yaroob ZahreddineMaj Gen Essam Zahreddine (Druze) is the CO of 104 Brigade RGD, and together with this unit in Dayr az-Zawr at least since early 2014.

Previously, he commanded the regime garrison of (western) Aleppo, when this was besieged by insurgents, from mid-2013, until early 2014.

[OUTLAW 09]

Maj Gen Essam Zahreddine (Druze) is the CO of 104 Brigade RGD, and together with this unit in Dayr az-Zawr at least since early 2014.

Previously, he commanded the regime garrison of (western) Aleppo, when this was besieged by insurgents, from mid-2013, until early 2014.

Thanks...explains the Iranian AF C130 resupply run/air drop.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Massive reaction at UN Human Rights Council over news Russia killed 1,400 Syrian civilians
http://buff.ly/1KjHsFd
pic.twitter.com/Jy2kJbfSev

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express going home........

FLOT's Ropucha Class Large Landing Ships 151 Azov & 127 Minsk heading up north on Bosphorus, returning from Syria
pic.twitter.com/mkdvdGwEqn

[OUTLAW 09]

News
Pro-#Assad forces seem to make good on their promise to renew their offensives around Aleppo.
Heavy attacks from Bashkuy & Khan Tuman.

Video...
Footage
#Assad used GAS vs. rebels in Muadamiyat during the #GenevaPeaceTalks yesterday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1T4AWKtoHU …

Ukraine open to military cooperation with Turkey in Black Sea, Ukrainian FM says
http://sabahdai.ly/YbT5iF

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express going home........

FLOT's Ropucha Class Large Landing Ships 151 Azov & 127 Minsk heading up north on Bosphorus, returning from Syria
pic.twitter.com/mkdvdGwEqn

Supposedly Limassol-bound but going to #Tartus , RU flag A.Tkachenko carried 2-dozen 40ft boxes & modular barracks
pic.twitter.com/b5IBmYRd6S

[OUTLAW 09]

The exact same tactic is being used in Ukraine...attempting there to drive via attacks and shelling the Ukraine to accept Russian dictates in their version of Minsk 2......

Putin wants to bomb in Syria and talk in Geneva -
http://FT.com - http://go.shr.lc/1NLcj8u

[OUTLAW 09]

Katibat Al Imam Al Bukhari showing Regime militias mowed down trying to advance in Reef Lattakia

Do you remember JMWA video last year in the sprint to Nubl Zahra, hundreds of bodies in fields, was insane.

Geneva seems like a good window for Assad to gas his enemies. After all the largest gas attack happened while inspectors from UN were n town

About 100 case of suffocation after toxic gas attack reported on Moadmyat al-Sham #Damascus.
https://youtu.be/fmRjNv80DhE

IRGC linked shia militias are now equipped with Russian T90 & American Humvees fighting for #Assad in south #Aleppo.

John Kerry ‏@JohnKerry
Humanitarian aid to Syrians must be allowed immediately. “Surrender or starve” tactics are directly contrary to the law of war.

Activists: Ahrar al-Sham send reinforcements to Turkman/Akrad Mounts in #Latakia countryside. Heavy clashes reported around #Salma.

2 #Russia warplanes flying together carried out several airstrikes on #DeirEzzor moments ago #Syria FEB 1

Heavy clashes between Rebels and #SAA terrorists taking place right now at #Dwayr_Zeytoun fronts north #Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 1

[OUTLAW 09]

Yesterday I posted a comment concerning the possible killing of Russian troops/mercenaries/contractors/vacationers/miners and truck drivers/fishermen etc.....

Video is in and it does confirm Russians were killed.

20+ #SAA terrorists wounded and 18 exterminated including #Russia'ns mercenaries in #Salma
#Latakia #Syria JAN 31

71 MARTYRS
[15 Fighters 3 women 3 children]
17 Idlib
13 Aleppo
9 Damascus
7 DeirEzzor
4 Hama
4 Latakia
1 Homs
1 Daraa
#Syria JAN 31

Anadan field hospital north of Aleppo "out of service after multiple Russian air strikes with cluster bombs"
https://youtu.be/euaOV_V6Ddo #Syria

January was deadliest month of Russia air campaign according to #Syria VDC data

Civilian victims
Oct 287
Nov 391
Dec 469
Jan 483

Russia Landmines used by #Hezbollah/#SAA along with eletrical wire fences to kill civilians in #Madaya
#Syria JAN31

FSA 1st Coastal Division launching Grad rockets at Assad forces/militias in Nabi Yunis, rural #Latakia
http://youtu.be/klqD9_6aRok

8 #SCD members victims of #SAA Chemical Attack in #Moadamiyah_alSham
#Damascus #Syria JAN 31

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian info war hard at work.......

It's a fake. Our cooperation is close, but we never recieved such a request from our partners», — @MFA_Ukraine
pic.twitter.com/giGD5frKwa

FSA 1st Coastal Division firing a D-30 Howitzer at Assad forces/militias in Nabi Yunis, rural #Latakia
http://youtu.be/hcsnpJnMqy8

1st Regiment rebels launching mortar shells at #ISIS positions in Harbel, north rural #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/P7XdxcZr6HY

This is how the regime prepares ground for negotiations - dropped 10s of barrel bombs outside its capital yesterday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwWfiIWTqlw …

Re the Sayeda Zaynab double bombing yesterday, lots of reports are claiming there was a large regime security presence prior to the bombings..

Area were bombing took place is close to a prez guard HQ + IRGC + pro-Assad Shia militias, I.e. this was either 1 heck of a sec breach or…

[OUTLAW 09]

Hezbollah field commander Abbas Mahmoud Hijazi, from the southern town of Qabrikha killed in Syria

Mohamed Aloush of Jaish al-Islam: I came to Geneva to show the world who's the terrorist who destroyed his country http://www.alhayat.com/m/story/13728989 …

Geneva 3 must focus on ending Assad's vile tactics, writes Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan)
http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/geneva-3-must-focus-on-ending-assads-vile-tactics … via @TheNationalUAE

[OUTLAW 09]

Report
Rebels claim, #Assad, #ISIS and #Russia started simultaneous offensive north of #Aleppo.
Pix: Su-25,Su-34
pic.twitter.com/MnzelGXxh7

Syria Rebels claim retook most points in northern #Aleppo villages after simultaneous attack by #Assad-forces & #IslamicState last night

Rebels in north #Aleppo (#Bashkoy front against regime) with what appears to be RPG-22s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0_dz5WAUI … pic.twitter.com/0Pds8eEGTl

Assad & Hezbollah targeted a secondary school in Bukain, rural #Damascus with artillery & mortar shells today
pic.twitter.com/OAUcnnUsJj

Number is up to 7 deaths in the Russian air force attack on #Anadan.#Syria
pic.twitter.com/kO8DqEkdy1

Anadan had almost 12.000 inhabitants before the war.
Pictures from a school in the town, just yesterday: pic.twitter.com/tDLusn9Twm

Not geotagged........
video from this frontline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0_dz5WAUI …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.338843&lon=37.138767&z=14&m=b …

[OUTLAW 09]

Ukrainian social media open source analysis on the five SU-3s sent to Syria....

Russia Deployed to Syria 5 New Su-35 Jets:
https://informnapalm.org/en/jan31-syria-su35/ …
pic.twitter.com/SqPisST9gv

[OUTLAW 09]

237 ppl killed by #RussianAirstrikes in #Aleppo prov. in January
incl. 81 women, 30 children and 29 rebel fighters.
pic.twitter.com/odPHpD293k

[OUTLAW 09]

Does not seem to be helping.......much at all.........

Минобороны России ✔ @mod_russia
#SYRIA Airstrikes of Tu-22M3 and #AerospaceForces aircraft from #Hmeymim frustrated terrorists' attempt to assault Deir ez-Zor

Минобороны России ✔ @mod_russia
#SYRIA Tu-22M3 performed 24 sorties from territory of Russia to support Syrian Armed Forces defending Deir ez-Zor

Kind of a Russian grey lie as this was to support the surrounded SAA.....
Минобороны России ✔ @mod_russia
#SYRIA Within humanitarian operation of Rus AF, in January over 200 tons of food & medicine were delivered to Deir ez-Zor besieged by #ISIS

[OUTLAW 09]

Report
Rebels claim, #Assad, #ISIS and #Russia started simultaneous offensive north of #Aleppo.
Pix: Su-25,Su-34
pic.twitter.com/MnzelGXxh7

Syria Rebels claim retook most points in northern #Aleppo villages after simultaneous attack by #Assad-forces & #IslamicState last night

Rebels in north #Aleppo (#Bashkoy front against regime) with what appears to be RPG-22s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0_dz5WAUI … pic.twitter.com/0Pds8eEGTl

Assad & Hezbollah targeted a secondary school in Bukain, rural #Damascus with artillery & mortar shells today
pic.twitter.com/OAUcnnUsJj

Number is up to 7 deaths in the Russian air force attack on #Anadan.#Syria
pic.twitter.com/kO8DqEkdy1

Anadan had almost 12.000 inhabitants before the war.
Pictures from a school in the town, just yesterday: pic.twitter.com/tDLusn9Twm

Not geotagged........
video from this frontline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0_dz5WAUI …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.338843&lon=37.138767&z=14&m=b …

Appears to not be helping the SAA much.......
Минобороны России ✔ @mod_russia
#SYRIA For a week, Russian aircraft performed 468 sorties against 1354 terrorist objects
http://on.fb.me/20BA7Vs
pic.twitter.com/6RKdQ71rxx

Syria Villages in northern #Aleppo a safe harbor for #IslamicState
- no #US airstrikes bc #Russia'n air superiority (bombs only rebels)

[OUTLAW 09]

Report
Rebels claim, #Assad, #ISIS and #Russia started simultaneous offensive north of #Aleppo.
Pix: Su-25,Su-34
pic.twitter.com/MnzelGXxh7

Syria Rebels claim retook most points in northern #Aleppo villages after simultaneous attack by #Assad-forces & #IslamicState last night

Rebels in north #Aleppo (#Bashkoy front against regime) with what appears to be RPG-22s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0_dz5WAUI … pic.twitter.com/0Pds8eEGTl


Pro-Assad reporter confirm regime militias retreated from Duwayer al-Zaiyton north #Aleppo after taken heavy losses.

Regime hospitals issued calls to donate blood as casualties mounted. RuAF intensify airstrikes to rescue agroup of soldiers still surrounded

More than 200 Russian airstrikes on the northern countryside of Aleppo since this morning until now , according to media activists there

Syria: #Kobane resisted against #Daesh and got American air support.
Mare' resists against Daesh and gets showered with Russian bombs...

Syria: #Russia indirectly supports #Daesh by bombing the rebel town of Mare' in #Aleppo
https://youtu.be/dB8a28Ttu9k
pic.twitter.com/PxxbEyktiy

Current map
pic.twitter.com/VIqByQI4FG

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA TOW missile blow regime militia munition truck in Akrad Mount y'day.
SAA airstrikes on #Balla town
E #Ghouta #Damascus cs #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhbDjKfOs0 …

SAA helicopters dropping several barrel bombs at once over the already destroyed #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 1

Russia airstrikes on #Dwyer_Zaitoun
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 1

SDF shot dead some of the civilians while protesting in the Road of #alHowl town
#Hassakah #Syria FEB 1

SCD extinguishing fire of a Truck loaded with Cotton aftermath #Russia airstrikes
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 1

SCD Rescued 2 bodies & 10 wounded victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Maarast_alKhan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 1

Hezbollah & #SAA bombed a School in #Buqain town nearby #Madaya 2 martyrs 10 wounded
#Damascus #Syria FEB 1

Russia fired another TBM........
More one #Russia Tochka missile found in Aazaz
Aleppo cs Syria FEB 1

[OUTLAW 09]

Appears that Russian is having a hard time convincing social media of their "narrative"......meaning no one believes that Russia is in fact attacking strictly Islamic State...in fact the RuAF often supports IS.....

Минобороны России ✔ @mod_russia
#SYRIA To discredit different rumors and insinuations of Western media,Rus MoD presents data on results of anti-ISIS coalition work in Syria


Social media open source analysts are waiting patiently for anything the MoD produces in order to shred it to pieces and the MoD produces nothing but lies at every twist and turn in their presentations.......

[OUTLAW 09]

BERLIN May 1945........WAIT..NO HOMS 2016.....via a Russian drone......
http://www.20minutes.fr/monde/1777519-20160201-video-syrie-desolation-ville-homs-filmee-drone?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_term=Autofeed#link_time=1454338362

The Assad Afghan Iranian Iraqi Lebanese jihadi Army under Russian air cover have sadly captured Duwair al-Zaytoun & Tal Jibin in #Aleppo

[OUTLAW 09]

Минобороны России ✔ @mod_russia
Russian MoD comments on NATO statement about “secret” photos of breaching Syrian-Turkish border by Russian aircraft
http://on.fb.me/1UDmhOO

Appears Russian MoD has a hardtime in accepting NATO AWCS data is classified......

BREAKING: Jaish al-Islam member Mohammad Alloush arrives in Geneva as HNC'S chief negotiator - via @afp

Social media open source analysis on the Russian air strike on an IDP camp
Report on @checkdesk from @shawncarrie on what seem to be Assad/Russian (?) strikes on the #Yamadi refugee camp:
https://bellingcat.checkdesk.org/en/report/1213

[OUTLAW 09]

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia
Quick elimination of a terrorism hotbed in #Syria is a priority task in normalization of situation in the country
http://sptnkne.ws/a7RR

Appears the Assad Afghan Iranian Iraqi Lebanese jihadi Army under Russian air cover have sadly been having a tough go of it lately.
Damascus has been asking for blood donors after today's heavy loses........

Syria Da'ish claims a further advance in the Al-Dowah area allegedly took control of three more SAA positions

Actually a good read.......
At War against a Global Islamic State – The Fall into Extreme Sunni-Shi'ite Tensions - Red (Team) Analysis
https://www.redanalysis.org/2016/02/01/at-

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...what do you think....?


BreakingNews
The beginning of the end for #Aleppo.
Pro-#Assad forces take Duwayr al-Zeytoun and Jibbin.

The offensive was long planned and is led by forces from #Iraq and #Lebanon with #Russian air power.
Repetition of Al-Eis / Al-Hadher soon.

Some reports coming in state the Assad assualt has largely failed.....

Aleppo: pro Assad foreign fighters with Russian airpower captured Tel Jibin+Duwayr Zeytoun but there's news Rebels may have recaptured them

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage from #Latakia province, where "#Assad's" army advances vs. rebels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E1zVU9Ghzw …

Confirmation
Badr military wing forces from #Iraq took over the northern front and try to advance all around #Bashkuy.

Killed pro #Assad Shiite-forces in northern #Aleppo's Bashkuy/ Duwayr al-Zeytoun
Seems regime assault failed

#Footage
A Russian cluster bomb attack on a farm near #Aleppo injured 3 ppl & killed 8 cows
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhxNLzr6N6Y …

Footage
Precise Russian airstrikes on trucks in #Aleppo.
Ammo claim is nonsense of course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL8Q3Vo_k7Y …

Syria: heavy clashes north of #Aleppo this morning as rebels try to take Dayr al-Zeitun
https://youtu.be/dp0_dz5WAUI

Syria: additional footage of barrel bombs being dropped on the already wrecked Darayya
https://youtu.be/utFpADbEcHw

Aleppo Over 50 #Russia|n airstrikes targeting rebels/civilians in Anadan, Hayan, Hraytan, Tal Jibin, Maarasta, Tal Msaybyn & Bayanoun today

[OUTLAW 09]

Latakia: Syrian Rebels kill dozens of foreign sectarian Shia militias in the Kurdish mountains

[OUTLAW 09]

MORE evidence that Assad, Russia and IS work jointly with each other......

Aleppo:at least 10 ISIS fighters killed in Barghida trying 2 advance against Syrian Rebels while Rebels were being hit by Russian airstrikes

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia sends four SU-35s and NATO.......??

NATO to deploy Patriot missile system in Turkey again
http://en.trend.az/world/turkey/2488375.html …

Homs: Syrian Rebels destroy regime tank in Kisin

Aleppo: at least 12 Shia fighters supporting Assad killed in Bushkoy

Aleppo: total of 41 dead pro Assad fighters from various countries reached University Hospital hours ago along with 15 seriously wounded fighters, including 3 officers of the Republican Guard

UN reclassifies Moadamiyet al-Sham as "besieged" after gov't forces impose new restrictions on 45k residents
https://shar.es/1hT61f

SAA airstrikes on #Marj area #Damascus cs
http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/1-february-saa-airstrikes-on-marj-area-damascus-cs- …

Rebels targeting #SAA terrorists positions at #Tel_Karoum fronts
#Quneitra #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLjVDNu1k88 …

SAA shelling targeting #Douma
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdK8hclUucI …

Russia airstrikes on #alLataminah
#Hama #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfE7Um8uCAk …

Russia airstrikes on #Kafr_Zeta
#Hama #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty1i6A6ibiE …

Russia airstrikes on #Morek
#Hama #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiSa5ky-6Qs …

Russia airstrikes targeting the Union University of #Manbej
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 1

SAA airstrikes on #Balla town
E #Ghouta #Damascus cs #Syria FEB 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhbDjKfOs0 …

FSA blow regime BMP in Bashkuy with TOW.
https://youtu.be/Rm_ZPLXMyYU

10s of families fleeing #ISIL held al-Bab to #FSA controlled Izaz north #Aleppo.
https://www.facebook.com/syrian.press.center/videos/1707907312785206/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

46 ATGM launches in January 2016. TOWs are back since 20th Jan.
http://justpaste.it/JanuaryATGM

Regime army BMP captured by rebels near Bashkuy #Aleppo
ACTUALLY captured by a "trench"........

FSA fighters destroy blow regime BMP with RPG near Bashkuy #Aleppo.
http://youtu.be/kqPFpmu-AGY
pic.twitter.com/ZvtETeOUrm

[OUTLAW 09]

Numbers-Stations.com ‏@Spy_Stations
Russian military activity on 8252 kHz. Reception checks
http://www.numbers-stations.com/database/sites/default/files/RusMil_2016-02-01T18-04-01Z_8252.0kHz.wav …

8252 kHz female Russian military operator working calling Buran

E06 at 8095 kHz on 17:30 UTC
http://www.numbers-stations.com/database/sites/default/files/E06_2016-02-01T17-32-50Z_8095.mp3 …

Numbers Stations Newsletter is out!
http://paper.li/Spy_Stations/1430766012?edition_id=22129bb0-c84d-11e5-a618-0cc47a0d1605 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Humor......

Lavrov: So far the #RussiaVsISIL operation has had an accuracy rate of 100%, 'Every single bomb has hit something'
pic.twitter.com/TKnkReL7LV

[OUTLAW 09]

Stranded shia diggin in in #Bashkuy
Where is a sniper or mortar team when u Need them..
https://youtu.be/PvYAZXJegwY

A Slick produced english #Nusra vid is mocking #Putin's war.
Hurry before it is deleted.
https://youtu.be/fvVkV7o1ma8

TOW #ATGM hits 23 mm gun in Sh. Miskin
https://youtu.be/giO4G-B1zXI

Another #Nusra #Kornet #ATGM hits a Hezbollah CP.
Rare footage of #ATGM in flight
https://youtu.be/2CM2kPRS5j4

Some confused #Hezbollah troops after their 57mm gun is hit by #Nusra #Kornet #ATGMhttps://youtu.be/8hG6DVgjrx0

A #TOW #ATGM hits an Assadist ammo truck while being unloaded:
Luckiest guy ever escapes?
https://youtu.be/wwp2dFhkb3Q

A #Nusra vid from the trenches of N-Aleppo repelling the shias
https://youtu.be/it4JlyS-mH8

BreakingReport
Pro-#Assad forces claim,#Turkey intervened in northern #Latakia province,using artillery in support for rebel forces.

The rebel @ShamLegion's commander and his deputy were killed in fighting in Duwayr al-Zeytoun today.
Rebels take a heavy toll.

[OUTLAW 09]

Hassan Hassan ‏@hxhassan
This time, media is quite clear-headed about the Syria peace talks, no illusions: Syria’s Phony Peace Talks
http://on.wsj.com/1SSgrLV

Syrian regime's man at Geneva talks warns Kurds to forget about claiming http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/310120162 …
the one issue both sides agree on

Turkmen and Arab villagers flee north Latakia in face of regime advance http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkmens-idUSKCN0VA2G0 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Hama: heavy Assad regime losses
http://en.etilaf.org/all-news/local-news/heavy-regime-losses-in-surprise-rebel-attack-on-northern-rural-hama.html …

Latakia: Syrian Rebels have recaptured Nawarah

Deir Ezzor: ISIS makes new gains against Assad
http://en.deirezzor24.net/isis-makes-gains-against-assad-regime-in-deir-ezzor-city-and-russian-planes-perpetrate-a-massacre-in-al-hissan-in-the-western-countryside/ …

Aleppo: Russian bombing of hospital forces its closure. Biggest terrorists on the face of the planet...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euaOV_V6Ddo …

Part of #Russia rocket found at #Buj_alQae village, northwest of #Homs #Syria JAN 1

[OUTLAW 09]

MANPADs are slowing being now threatened to be shipped to FSA......that is the key to forcing Assad to seriously talk and to force Putin to make up his mind.....namely are his aircraft worth the price to keep Assad in power....

If talks fail, Saudi is prepared increase weapons to Syrian Rebels http://www.alwatanalarabi.com/article/84749


Saudi FM: We Will Step Up Military Aid to Rebels If Talks Fail

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has indicated that Riyadh will increase military assistance to Syria’s rebels if there is no advance in political talks in Geneva.

Speaking after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Çavuşoğlu on Sunday, Jubeir said the Saudi will “continue to support the opposition militarily if talks fail”.

Çavuşoğlu said, “We asked the opposition that they can put their conditions to start the negotiations and continue the negotiations. They can leave anytime if they are not implemented

Interesting development......
Opposition groups propose initiatives for Nusra to cut ties to Al Qaeda http://en.eldorar.com/node/1361

[OUTLAW 09]

UN Rights Chief: Starving Civils Is Crime against Humanity, Potential War Crime
http://ow.ly/3yYYZR

HNC: No Negotiations Wth #Assad Before Bombardment Stopped,Sieges Lifted&Detainees Released
http://ow.ly/3yZ0T7


HNC: No Negotiations With Assad Before Bombardment Stopped, Sieges Lifted and; Detainees Released

Head of the Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee’s (HNC) delegation Asaad al-Zoabi said today that the Syrian opposition would not give up their demands for the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254, particularly Articles 12 and 13. He stressed the opposition would not engage in negotiations with the Assad regime before these demands were met

“We will raise only three issues during our meeting with de Mistura: lifting the sieges, ending Russian bombardment of mainstream rebels and civilians, and releasing political prisoners and detainees, most importantly women and children,” Zoabi added.

Spokesperson of the High Negotiations Committee, Salem Al-Meslet, said that the positions expressed by representatives of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) during a meeting with the HNC’s delegation were positive and focused on humanitarian issues.

The HNC announced the formation of an advisory body to represent women. The body will be composed of 40 women who will act as consultants and will contribute to the negotiation process. The HNC pointed out that the move was taken out of the HNC’s realization of the pressing need for the effective participation of the Syrian woman within the frame of the HNC and the affiliated negotiating team.

In a statement released today, the HNC said the new body “would result in raising the HNC’s level in terms of representation and expertise as the HNC considers making use of Syrian expertise and national potentials as a guarantee for the success of the HNC and its teams as well as the success of the political process.”

“Actual and active representation for all components of the Syrian society is the corner stone of the successful political transition in Syria, and that HNC is of the view that empowering women and enhancing their presence in the political process and their participation in decision making shall have positive results on the negotiating process and the future of the Syrian state,” the statement added. (Source: Syrian Coalition)

Saudi Arabia to Continue Support for #Syria-n Rebels if #Geneva Talks Failed
http://ow.ly/3yYYVl

Russian airstrikes in Syria have killed 395 children

Russian official: #Russia intensified all intelligence gathering in the #MiddleEast #Syria
http://lenta.ru/news/2016/02/01/syria1/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.......anything on this ??

Jaish al Islam's leader of the Aleppo sector Abu Saleh al-Deiri was killed

[OUTLAW 09]

Only in #TallRifat, residential areas an the field hospital took 6 #Russian hits today.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bajjslf9CpI …
pic.twitter.com/YSMB1bL8t6

TOS-1 in Syria has Russia railroad markings seen often in the Ukraine fighting.......
New angle on TOS-1, marking H-2200 indicate Russian railway transport at some point.. pic.twitter.com/bD8Dn0q83r

VIDEO: Levantine Front shell pro government militia positions with mortar fire,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg9OPaKy_2c …

SYRIA: Kurdish-held Rmeilan air base used by #US military helicopters for logistical reasons, supplies - Kurdish official - @LBCI_News_EN

Al Arabiya English ‏@AlArabiya_Eng
#Breaking U.S. presses Russia on humanitarian access in Syria: U.S. official
http://ara.tv/93qfy

#Breaking Opposition: Security Council responsible to implement its decision on Syria http://ara.tv/93qfy

Opposition spokesman: Russia helping regime kill Syrian people
http://ara.tv/93qfy

Breaking Syrian opposition awaits government reply on humanitarian steps
http://ara.tv/93qfy

Breaking Opposition spokesman: there are 18 besieged spots in Syria
http://ara.tv/93qfy

Breaking U.N. says Syrian govt approves ‘in principle’ U.N. request for aid delivery to besieged towns
http://ara.tv/93qfy
Assad has repeatedly agreed in the past AND then blocks all aid..that is the ground reality....

U.N. rights boss: War crimes should not be part of any #Syria amnesty http://ara.tv/nnmuu






[OUTLAW 09]

Numbers-Stations.com ‏@Spy_Stations
Russian military activity on 8252 kHz. Reception checks
http://www.numbers-stations.com/database/sites/default/files/RusMil_2016-02-01T18-04-01Z_8252.0kHz.wav …

8252 kHz female Russian military operator working calling Buran

E06 at 8095 kHz on 17:30 UTC
http://www.numbers-stations.com/database/sites/default/files/E06_2016-02-01T17-32-50Z_8095.mp3 …

Numbers Stations Newsletter is out!
http://paper.li/Spy_Stations/1430766012?edition_id=22129bb0-c84d-11e5-a618-0cc47a0d1605 …

Priyom.org
‏@priyom_org Yesterday this Russian Intel QPSK/MFSK mode made its first appearances since November 2014.
http://priyom.org/media/133587/xpa3-21859usb-20141102-1500z-msg-bydanix.wav …

[OUTLAW 09]

The SU-35S is Russia's most modern bomber, with speeds of up to 2400 km/h. K.Pravda says it's being tested in Syria
pic.twitter.com/L3wle1KgY8

[CrowBat]

CrowBat...what do you think....?
...it's a big operation, no doubt, and surely aiming to cut the Azaz corridor, that's what I think.

The regime fans are going to declare it for 'forced reconnaissance' of course, just to make sure - in the case it fails.

The op seems to be run by the IRGC - only. That is: IRGC-QF officers leading Afghan and Pakistani mercenaries, and plenty of Iraqi Jihadists, with fire-support from NDF and the 4th Division.

As far as I can say, the FSyA is reacting with plenty of TOWs - and infantry counterattacks into the flanks, primarily by night. Quite a few of these are including infiltrations.

...from the POV of a military analyst, this is quite an interesting development: 20-30 years ago, it was the IRGC that used to excell at nocturnal infiltration attacks...

[CrowBat]

The SU-35S is Russia's most modern bomber, with speeds of up to 2400 km/h. K.Pravda says it's being tested in Syria
pic.twitter.com/L3wle1KgY8Actually, it's primarily an interceptor, or at least 'fighter-interceptor', with secondary air-to-ground capability.

This deployment was de-facto 'dictated' by regime's ground offensive against the Azaz corridor: this is very close to the Turkish border, and given the VKS now 'must' operate there continuously, it fighter-bombers need additional top cover - provided by these four Su-35s.

Silly detail on the sideline: the 'best' weapon of these Su-35s - the most advanced type of this kind in VKS - are still 30+ years old R-27ERs (SARH MRAAMs): Russians still haven't got even a single R-77 (AA-12, ARH MRAAMs) in service....

[OUTLAW 09]

...it's a big operation, no doubt, and surely aiming to cut the Azaz corridor, that's what I think.

The regime fans are going to declare it for 'forced reconnaissance' of course, just to make sure - in the case it fails.

The op seems to be run by the IRGC - only. That is: IRGC-QF officers leading Afghan and Pakistani mercenaries, and plenty of Iraqi Jihadists, with fire-support from NDF and the 4th Division.

As far as I can say, the FSyA is reacting with plenty of TOWs - and infantry counterattacks into the flanks, primarily by night. Quite a few of these are including infiltrations.

...from the POV of a military analyst, this is quite an interesting development: 20-30 years ago, it was the IRGC that used to excell at nocturnal infiltration attacks...

CrowBat...did you notice the use now of night vision for the TOWs...any idea who might have supplied them?

There has been as well a not so subtle shift to guerrilla tactics of hit and run and ambushing which seems to have caught the SAA unprepared to say the least especially on their CPs and there has been a slow but steady pickup on the use of IEDs usually mixed with the ambushes.

[OUTLAW 09]

BreakingNews
Pro-#Assad forces took #Hardatnin under #Russian air cover. Only 5 km+, before #Aleppo is cut off.

Marea lies at the rebel front vs. #ISIS, but most destruction is caused by #Russia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqcDA03PssQ …

In January 2016, #Russia killed 6 times more civilians in #Syria than #ISIS.
And for the 1st x more than #Assad!...

More than 280 civilians were killed in Deir Ezzor in January, of them 215 were killed by #Russian airstrikes

Destruction of another pro-#Assad truck in #Bashkuy by the #FSA.
Helped nothing in the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AcX4KkIGks …

FSA TOW destroy regime munitions truck near Touma in Akrad Mount #Latakia
http://youtu.be/HVNst2S5WbI

[davidbfpo]

Is this really Qasem Soleimani back in Syria?
https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/694421566759817216

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaMUuqZXEAAr79h.jpg

[OUTLAW 09]

Is this really Qasem Soleimani back in Syria?
https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/694421566759817216

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaMUuqZXEAAr79h.jpg

David...not since he was hit by a TOW has there been seen much of him...the Iranian news media outlet did a "claimed interview" after he was in theory back in Iran after the hit...but no photos or videos were released and there have been some photos circulated recently inside Iran claiming he had attended a funeral of an IRGC officer hit also by a TOW.....but none of them could be geo tagged as well.

The Iranians have learned about geo tagging by social media and this photo can not be geo tagged nor dated so old or new....until he is physically seen with IRGC troops or Shia militias and or Hezbollah troops at a specific location inside Syria like he was constantly seen before his TOW hit.....would go with an old photo.

BTW....the twitter poster is a known proAssad source so take the photo with a grain of salt.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia scolds UK's Hammond for saying that Putin is fanning the flames of Syrian civil war:
http://reut.rs/1WZZEWl
pic.twitter.com/rjFTXJSbPX

BUT WAIT he is fanning the flames......BUT WAIT he is suppose to be attacking only IS.....???????

Syria Pro #Assad Shiite #Hezbollah forces advance with new supplied modern #Russia'n tanks in #Aleppo
pic.twitter.com/cOqQy8cpgp

Another shot of the Syrian tank-mounted jamming system, this time installed on a T-55. https://www.facebook.com/Encyclopedia.of.Syrian.military/photos/a.177014435742617.34622.177009122409815/889952331115487/?type=3&theater … pic.twitter.com/VWJtPbwwre

on T-72M1 (?) also :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcIxZ_D_lEY …

Israel-i institute publishes satellite images of #Russia-n airbase in #Latakia
pic.twitter.com/XtyhXnjBox

Huge Syrian Rebels' Counter Attack in northern #Aleppo. #Syria

Despite #Russia's complaints, Jaish al-Islam’s @Mohammed_Aloush is now the active chief negotiator at #Syria talks.
pic.twitter.com/CoKZO80wMJ

Syria opposition in Geneva says #Russia endangering talks due to its bombing campaign

Regime gave up on Aleppo twice. Last time was Feb 2015 when Ba'ath Brigades were beaten. Now #Iran, #RuAF took over. https://twitter.com/Navsteva/status/694530340409458688 …

Iran'ian Safir Jeep with mounted rocket launcher in northern #Aleppo battle #Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UXi8bdbwDc … pic.twitter.com/3onTizo7A5

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia'n airstrikes depopulates northern #Syria's major city #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHwKaPsBuzk …
pic.twitter.com/ShZPGF496m

Anyone notice the TOS-1a in the RT vid?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E1zVU9Ghzw …

Syria #Aleppo Rebels destroyed tank btw Nubbol-Zahraa pocket & Mayer with TOW

Last SAA&allies offensive in northern Aleppo ended with a failure. Now things are different : IRGC, T-90s, RuAF, artillery involved

Russian strategy is w/o doubt gaining access into Efrin plain to eventually close Bab al-Salama & Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey.

[OUTLAW 09]

MORE Russian killing of civilians while Geneva is ongoing........
GRAPHIC.......
Another video from #Hraytan, north of #Aleppo ...
GRAPHIC!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBaIoAeWCek&feature=youtu.be …
pic.twitter.com/q8pvMoUVon

GRAPHIC!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBsFYzecxoc&feature=youtu.be …#Hraytan today.
pic.twitter.com/jOckoWVZq3

BREAKING
6 martyrs,30+ wounded victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Anadan
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 2

As with Syria, @mod_russia found to falsely date & falsely locate images in attempt to cover up attacks on civilians
https://twitter.com/bellingcat/status/694514541619707904 …

BREAKING
6 martyrs,30+ wounded victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Anadan
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 2

SCD @SyriaCivilDef rescue little girl under rubble, victim of #Russia airstrikes on #Haraytan
#Aleppo #Syria Feb2

Like #ASSad,kill innocents isn't enough, so #Putin bombs Schools

You scream #PeaceTalks but keep genocide going on.
Entire family bombed by #Russia in #Haraytan
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 2

[OUTLAW 09]

Now right.
IL-20 it seems, but no recon equipment.
Any other thoughts?!
pic.twitter.com/ac3qQL02SV

With the fall of rebellion strongholds on the #Azaz corridor, shia jihadis to be close on #Afrin forces. Tension about to rise

Show of force by #YPG td. in kurdish #Efrn while #Assad-forces advance in N- #Aleppo towards their enclave
pic.twitter.com/EuXadCpFfO

Syria 40+ people (among them lots of children) killed by #Russia'n airstrikes
in northern suburbs of #Aleppo today
pic.twitter.com/3oOMwwL1D4

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria opposition HNC demands “immediate, serious & clear steps” to ensure UNSC Res 2254 implemented prior to talks
pic.twitter.com/nMRrwuXKRx

Looks like with the massive Russian air strikes and the large offensive in northern Aleppo the HNC no longer feels Russia is negotiating but rather dictating.....

BREAKING: Syrian opposition says it will not attend afternoon meeting with UN envoy. UN has confirmed meeting is cancelled - via @AFP

[OUTLAW 09]

There are stark similarities between Russian negotiation tactics in both Ukraine and Syria....and Kerry "trusts" Putin and Lavrov......

Syrian army, Russian forces launched #Aleppo offensive amid Geneva talks.
Like #Debaltseve offensive amid Minsk-2.
pic.twitter.com/iqPnFxlyuE

EU_Interpol @EU_Interpol
EU Interpol ALERT
Name : Houssam Al Sattouf
Status : Assad Regime Explosives Expert now in Europe .
pic.twitter.com/Fpc0P2sA1n

[OUTLAW 09]

MORE Russian killing of civilians while Geneva is ongoing........
GRAPHIC.......
Another video from #Hraytan, north of #Aleppo ...
GRAPHIC!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBaIoAeWCek&feature=youtu.be …
pic.twitter.com/q8pvMoUVon

GRAPHIC!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBsFYzecxoc&feature=youtu.be …#Hraytan today.
pic.twitter.com/jOckoWVZq3

BREAKING
6 martyrs,30+ wounded victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Anadan
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 2

As with Syria, @mod_russia found to falsely date & falsely locate images in attempt to cover up attacks on civilians
https://twitter.com/bellingcat/status/694514541619707904 …

BREAKING
6 martyrs,30+ wounded victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Anadan
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 2

SCD @SyriaCivilDef rescue little girl under rubble, victim of #Russia airstrikes on #Haraytan
#Aleppo #Syria Feb2

Like #ASSad,kill innocents isn't enough, so #Putin bombs Schools

You scream #PeaceTalks but keep genocide going on.
Entire family bombed by #Russia in #Haraytan
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 2

Footage
Brutal Russian aggression vs. civilians in #Hraytan today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHwKaPsBuzk&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Do HwKaPsBuzk&has_verified=1 …#Aleppo #Syria
pic.twitter.com/c96f91niUh

Hell in #Anadan today.
25 Russian airstrikes, 9 civilians dead, more than 20 wounded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZWxrQuEQNc …
pic.twitter.com/IJUTi84tEX

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Destruction of ZSU-23-4 by #FSA TOW near #Zahraa and #Nubl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOlZPAAvv4&feature=youtu.be …#Aleppo #Syria
pic.twitter.com/bYnBj5jcPH

Rebels blow up truck with mounted AA-gun during battle in northern #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOlZPAAvv4&feature=youtu.be …

Syria #Russia'n Ilyushin cargo plane parachute ammo & weapons into regime hold Nubbol-Zahraa pocket in N-#Aleppo
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=

#BreakingReport
A Russian Il-76 dropped tons of ammunition and weapons over #Zahraa and #Nubl.#Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Israeli's next move will be exactly what.........

Hezbollah in #Syria now equipped with #Russia'n OTR-21 tactical ballistic missiles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OTR-21_Tochka …
pic.twitter.com/x97WOzHnYF

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria Pro #Assad Shiite #Hezbollah forces advance with new supplied modern #Russia'n tanks in #Aleppo
pic.twitter.com/cOqQy8cpgp

Another shot of the Syrian tank-mounted jamming system, this time installed on a T-55. https://www.facebook.com/Encyclopedia.of.Syrian.military/photos/a.177014435742617.34622.177009122409815/889952331115487/?type=3&theater … pic.twitter.com/VWJtPbwwre

[B]on T-72M1 (?) also :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcIxZ_D_lEY …


Syria: #SAA T-62 with a similar device except in olive color.
pic.twitter.com/SMoqJfsr78

More pictures/video of T-90 from Al Manar news vid from North Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pqkzJAXUC4 …
pic.twitter.com/cm1pi2PVdM

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Brutal firepower vs. people in #Irbin near #Damascus this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3NxwczXrVI …

More fire power used by pro-#Assad ground forces in the area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXyDMVFhXvU …

Footage
Pro-#Assad forces use Russian T-90A their final push.
Footage from #Hardatnin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1TwfUjczHk …

Also, Hraytan and Tall Rifat are getting pounded by Russian strikes now.

Update:
#Bayanoun push "repulsed",
Russian airstrikes on #Marea & the front,
rebels:"destruction of bulldozer & ammo car near #Nubl w/TOW"

Current Sit in N #Aleppo #حلب
#Hardatnin #حردتنین liberated , #Ratyan is under fire
http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/74b6/sg3tq5bot8dgm8yzg.jpg …

Reports now that the Palestinian IDP camp in #Daraa is under Assad/pro-Assad artillery shelling. #Syria

Aleppo: 5 Iranian revolutionary guards killed by Syrian Rebels

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels still in control of Rityan so far. Dozens of pro Assad forces killed as they tried to break out of Nubl & Zahra

Div13 #TOW #ATGM vs #BMP in N-Aleppo
https://youtu.be/gW7G9xhjQgM

ATGM targets for January 2016. #TOW. #Syria.
Rebels targeted mainly armored vehicles (34%) & infantry (15%).

A shilka is destroyed by #TOW #ATGM in #Nubul
https://youtu.be/ooOlZPAAvv4

[OUTLAW 09]

Iranian AF fully engaged now in Aleppo........

IRIAF C-130 also joined the fight in Aleppo. Dropped aid over Nubl & Zahra
https://www.facebook.com/HalabTodayTV/videos/1304006452950123/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria opposition HNC demands “immediate, serious & clear steps” to ensure UNSC Res 2254 implemented prior to talks
pic.twitter.com/nMRrwuXKRx

Looks like with the massive Russian air strikes and the large offensive in northern Aleppo the HNC no longer feels Russia is negotiating but rather dictating.....

BREAKING: Syrian opposition says it will not attend afternoon meeting with UN envoy. UN has confirmed meeting is cancelled - via @AFP

In the midst of a major Asad/Russian offensive/bombing campaign Putin makes eyes with KSA...trying IMO to forestall the KSA now sending full scale weapons to FSA including MANPADs.

Realiable proPutin account.....
Yury Barmin ‏@yurybarmin ·
Russia just made Saudi Arabia a huge favor: Lavrov says Moscow agrees for Ahrar Al Sham & Jaish Al Islam to take part in Syria talks

There Is No Plan B if the Syria Peace Talks Fail
http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/02/01/the-syria-peace-talks-in-geneva-will-fail-russia-iran-united-states/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

VIDEO: FSA Sultan Murad brigade fighting regime advances near Hardatain, in northern #Aleppo, #Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zv9FzlW4vc …

VIDEO: Coalition airstrike against an ISIS HQ facility in Mar'a, #Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dwGTYbgUPU …

292 CIVILIANS were killed in Deir Ezzor in Jan
215 by Russian strikes
37 by ISIS
30 by Assad govt

Major push now in Aleppo by SAA & militias to break siege on Nubul/Zahra, cut road to Turkey. Would be an enormous victory for Assad. #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

2/2/1982 #Assad's Army sent to crush rebellion & kill thousands of #Syria-ns in infamous #Hama massacre

Car bomb explosion in #SAA road-check point between #Salamiyah & #Ethraiyah villages, dozens exterminated
#Hama #Syria FEB 2

So far, 42 martyrs identified victims of #Russia airstrikes in #Aleppo;
18 Anadan
15 Haraytan
6 Hayan
2 Manbij
1 Tel_Refaat
#Syria FEB 2

Russian air strikes deliberately targeting fleeing civilians...no fighters among the civilians and easily identified from the air as civilian refugees.....

Victims of #Russia airstrikes while they were fleeing #Burj_alQaey village, 7 wounded
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 2

Russians firing TBMs again......
Crater aftermath #Russia Tochka missile targeted #Maarasta_alKhan village
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 2

SAA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Erbeen city, casualties reported
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 2

#SAA warplanes carried out more than 12 airstrikes so far in the area of #Eaatern_Ghoutah #Damascus cs #Syria FEB 2

SAA helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Tel_Refaat
Aleppo Syria FEB 2

UN sent 20 AID trucks to #alTal town
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 2

Unexploded #SAA rocket found in besieged #Moadamiyah_alSham
#Damascus #Syria FEB 2

Major Yaser Hamoudi from #Bedama, tortured to death by #ASSad Regime after 4 years of detention..
#Idlib #Syria FEB2

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alQamiyah village
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 2

Russia airstrikes targeting #Nawa, killed 7 innocents from the same family
#Daraa #Syria FEB 2

SAA dropped 47 barrel bombs so far over #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 2

[OUTLAW 09]

2/2/1982 #Assad's Army sent to crush rebellion & kill thousands of #Syria-ns in infamous #Hama massacre

Car bomb explosion in #SAA road-check point between #Salamiyah & #Ethraiyah villages, dozens exterminated
#Hama #Syria FEB 2

So far, 42 martyrs identified victims of #Russia airstrikes in #Aleppo;
18 Anadan
15 Haraytan
6 Hayan
2 Manbij
1 Tel_Refaat
#Syria FEB 2

Russian air strikes deliberately targeting fleeing civilians...no fighters among the civilians and easily identified from the air as civilian refugees.....

Victims of #Russia airstrikes while they were fleeing #Burj_alQaey village, 7 wounded
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 2

Russians firing TBMs again......
Crater aftermath #Russia Tochka missile targeted #Maarasta_alKhan village
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 2

SAA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Erbeen city, casualties reported
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 2

#SAA warplanes carried out more than 12 airstrikes so far in the area of #Eaatern_Ghoutah #Damascus cs #Syria FEB 2

SAA helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Tel_Refaat
Aleppo Syria FEB 2

UN sent 20 AID trucks to #alTal town
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 2

Unexploded #SAA rocket found in besieged #Moadamiyah_alSham
#Damascus #Syria FEB 2

Major Yaser Hamoudi from #Bedama, tortured to death by #ASSad Regime after 4 years of detention..
#Idlib #Syria FEB2

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alQamiyah village
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 2

Russia airstrikes targeting #Nawa, killed 7 innocents from the same family
#Daraa #Syria FEB 2

SAA dropped 47 barrel bombs so far over #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 2

Syria SOHR: #Russia conducted 320 airstrikes in northern #Aleppo battle the past 24hours

[OUTLAW 09]

The moment Faylaq al-Sham fighters captured 3 #Assad army soldiers in #Latakia countryside.
http://youtu.be/g1jRzQ2w8lw
pic.twitter.com/qB6ie2c9qj

Another #TOW #ATGM vs. a Transport
https://youtu.be/w1PmjDy8ha0 pic.twitter.com/lSM92wPJ6C

Shiite #Hezbollah militia equipped now with #Russia'n T-90 tanks (#Syria) & with #US Abrams tanks (#Iraq)
pic.twitter.com/Ma3geUZRyn

Syria Shiite forces try to advance southwards to Buridah in southern #Aleppo countryside
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=35.927425&lon=37.178679&z=14&m=b …

Three regime bulldozers destroyed in northern Aleppo
https://youtu.be/h30y4s0U0TI

Syria Rebels destroyed another caterpillar in northern #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h30y4s0U0TI&feature=youtu.be …

Syria Rebels captured #Assad-forces in #Latakia mountains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1jRzQ2w8lw&feature=youtu.be …

Huge crater from #Russia'n ballistic missile in northern #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccf_AV6a0yg …

Aleppo Rebels hit BMP with Tow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW7G9xhjQgM …

Videos from battle in northern #Aleppo today against advancing #Assad forces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1PmjDy8ha0 …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugAdvre6gGM …

Rebels blow up truck with mounted AA-gun during battle in northern #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOlZPAAvv4&feature=youtu.be …

[OUTLAW 09]

Britain says Russia trying to carve out mini-state for Assad in Syria
http://reut.rs/23HrqeQ

Russian FM Lavrov never seems to care if he is lying or not...at least he believes himself and that is all that counts.......

Russian Embassy, UAE ✔ @RusEmbassyUAE
#Lavrov in #AbuDhabi: western criticism of #Russia's operations in #Syria is groundless |
http://on.rt.com/73f8
pic.twitter.com/hfeEEX8Y73

Nusra reinforcements reached Rityan Aleppo y'day. Not enuf to battle IRGC, Regime & Russ.
https://archive.org/details/archivesyria_bashkoy_201602 … pic.twitter.com/J3RPr0txi6

Iranian Revolutionary Guard field commander "Hamid Ursular Zadeh" killed by Syrian Rebels
Iranian revolutionary guard killed today in Aleppo with 4 other Iranian fighters

Syria Rebels captured #Assad-forces in #Latakia mountains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1jRzQ2w8lw&feature=youtu.be …

Syria No doubt: An #Assad-forces advance towards #Afrin, #Azaz, #alBab & #Manbij is a war declaration against #YPG- kurdish settlement area

6 #Iran #IRGC mercenaries terrorists officers, including shia3 cleric, exterminated in north #Aleppo cs FEB 2 #Syria

JN arrival to reinforcements in #Ratyan and #Maristah fronts
#Aleppo cs FEB 2 #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Iran media making a hell bcoz the death of it's #IRGC "Sniper King" "Mahmoud Iskandarani" exterminated in northern #Aleppo cs FEB 2 #Syria

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Deir_Gamal and #Maarasta_alKhan towns
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 3

Heavy clashes between Rebels and #SAA terrorists in #Sheikh_Najar fronts
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 3

#SAA terrorists shelling Grad Rockets targeting #Ratyan, #Maarasta_alKhan & #Masgan villages
#Aleppo cs #Ayria FEB 3

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia warplane carried out airstrikes "mistakenly" targeting #SAA armored vehicles in #Nubl & #Zahara front
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB3

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #SAA/#Hezbollah terrorist along w/#Russia airstrikes in #Bashkoy & #Hardtinin
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 3

Tomorrow :
An interview with the prisoners from #Hezbollah in #Aleppo
@carolmalouf
Interview will be released in English as well.........

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alTamanaa town
#Idlib #Syria FEB 3

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Khan_Sheikhoun
#Idlib #Syria FEB 3

#Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Maarat_alNouman
#Idlib #Syria FEB 3

Russian MoD...........
"SU-35S - became the "King of the Syrian sky" after successful bombing operation in Aleppo."

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting civilians houses in #Palmyra moments ago
#Homs #Syria FEB 3

Hezbollah terrorists fires #Russia OTR21 Tochka targeting civilians from their positions in #Aleppo #Syria FEB2
Because the world keeps talking while Assad and Putin give SS-21 to Rouhani-financed #Hezbollah terrorists.

Russia strikes displace over 150,000 in Daraa
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566560-russia-strikes-displace-over-150000-in-daraa-rebel-media …

On #ISIS big failure... for now ?!
The Islamic State vs the Gulf
by @hxhassan
http://www.oxgaps.org/files/commentary_hassan.pdf …

Footage
#Marea today after more Russian raids on civilian homes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdLLAvLdjC4 …

[OUTLAW 09]

News #Assad troops, #Hezbollah and the #RuAF started an assault on #Atman, north of #Daraa city this morning. pic.twitter.com/XHmDTYyEen

"Local Coordination Committees in Syria" says, 7 airstrikes hit the town so far this morning + artillery and a tank/BMP/troops push.

In addition, pro-#Assad artillery and MLRS are pounding the front villages.
Bayanoun seems fully back under rebel control this morning.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian TV: “The Syrian Army has cut off the terrorists from their supply routes from Turkey”. https://twitter.com/channelone_rus/status/694774992454705152 …

Repetition of history:
#Debaltseve all around!
#Russian media reports "Aleppo cut off" before it actually happens.

But the fact,#Kremlin ordered its mouthpieces to report is,means they will do everything to make it happen.
Just like the days AFTER Minsk2!

[OUTLAW 09]

http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/the-strategy-of-hybrid-warfare#comment-51486

It has been over 18 months since Russian non linear warfare hit Ukraine full force and the US was left standing bascually in the dust as this WH attempted initially to respond via their legacy concept of soft power/do not get involved in a war/it is not in our interests approach to negotiations with Putin......NOW with Syria we seen a full court press on the removal of western ie US influence (political and military) in Europe and ME.

I have stated here many times Putin's use of non linear warfare or what some call a step below for war is geo politically three fold.

1. damage and discredit NATO
2. damage and discredit the EU
3. disconnect the US full from Europe and ME replacing the US sphere of influence with a Russian sphere

We are well on our way of seeing Putin achieve this...his main concern is no longer the US response which has been mainly a disaster.....BUT can he hang on long enough to save his own core economy which is crashing as we speak...because to "win politically and militarily" but have no economy to sustain "that win" is failure in Putin's eyes.

This is an interesting para out of the article.


What role does conventional power play in hybrid warfare?

I think it plays a very important role. Recall that I see hybrid warfare as a marriage of insurgent tactics and conventional military deterrence. Insurgent tactics are useful because the belligerent can claim that certain actions that happen within the target state’s borders are the result of indigenous forces acting on their own volition. Conventional military deterrence enters into the equation because the target might suspect the involvement of the belligerent, anyway. However, it does not want to escalate the situation further because it knows it would lose a direct military confrontation.

Herein lies the paradox: insurgent tactics offer a means for the belligerent to avoid a direct military conflict with its target, yet conventional military deterrence works only when the target believes that the belligerent will use its military power. I argue that, more likely than not, the target will not take the risk that the belligerent is bluffing. Another possibility is that the belligerent is trying to confound international audiences so as to deter an external intervention on behalf of the target state.

This WH has from the beginning of the Russian annexation of Syria not fully realized it is part and parcel of the same two front non linear war Putin is fighting against the US/West.

Why do I use the term "annexation of Syria"....read thoroughly the Russian SOFA signed on August 2015 BEFORE he sent in his AF. Regardless of the so called "peace talks in Geneva"...Putin is not planning anytime soon to leave Syria.

This is the connection the WH has not been able to see ALL the WHILE claiming they have a "successful Syrian strategy" but "you and I just do not get it".

BREAKING: #Russia to continue bombing #Syria until it defeats 'terrorist organizations': Lavrov – AFP
That´s what happens when you´re sponsor of "Peace Talks" and active war party simultaneously.

The exact same tactic was used in Minsk 2 agreement talks....Russia kept right on attacking the UAF and continued their Russian army advance on and capture of Debaltseve which was Ukrainian as determined by Minsk 2 BUT Putin demanded it handed to him.

There is an inherent linkage between Ukraine and Syria...this WH just does not want to believe it......

The Lavrov statement this morning is telling....YESTERDAY Russia openly stated JaI and Sham can attend the Geneva talks but the language of the Russian military was in excess of 400 air strikes and a major offensive unleashed on FSA ........just as in Debaltseve.

AND what was the Obama/Kerry response....silence.....

[OUTLAW 09]

How the United Nations' @OCHA_Syria Helped #Assad & Hurt Syrians in Need. By @annie_sparrow:
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Tomorrow :
An interview with the prisoners from #Hezbollah in #Aleppo
@carolmalouf
Interview will be released in English as well.........[/B]
[/B]

Unconfirmed reports #Hizbullah is pressing @mtvlebanon not to air @carolmalouf's interview with Hizb POWs tomorrow https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153377069264786&id=653829785 …

Carol Malouf ‏@carolmalouf Lebanon
Carol Malouf
Confirmed

WHAT is it that Hezbollah does not want the West especially the US see and hear........????

[OUTLAW 09]

Tochka ballistic missile fired in #Syria allegedly by #Hezbollah. #Israel wouldn't like it.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8hQ9eF9riA …

Unidentified device appearing #Syria AFVs may simply be local panoramic camera mount to improve situation awareness

News
63 civilians were killed in #Syria yesterday, 28 of them by #Russian airstrikes.
BreakingNews
Appr. 1000 #refugees from the #Assad/#Putin/#Rouhani offensive arrived in Kurdish #Afrin overnight.

Over 13 Russian airstrikes + heavy Assad IRAM, MRLS & artillery fire reported since AM in Atman, Daraa. Fierce clashes on town outskirts
No ISIS there, southern Syria is overwhelmingly controlled by Free Syrian Army

Reports regime advance into Ma’arsta al-Khan from Hardtanin has been reversed after taking heavy losses. #Aleppo

Clashes between the IS & other rebels (incl. JN) in Qalamoun-Wadi Barada region - IS reportedly takes a whipping
http://eldorar.com/node/94272

Ahrar al-Sham's Abu Eissa comments on rebel merger rumors and says Nusra Front should cut ties with Qaida
https://justpaste.it/ahl-al3elm

As Assad's Russia/Iran-backed offensive bites, rebels & Islamic courts in N. #Syria call for more men
http://www.aymennjawad.org/2016/02/new-mobilization-call-from-azaz-translation … by @ajaltamimi

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria 70+ #Russian airstrikes on northern #Aleppo since morning
(Aleppo Media Center)

Southern #Syria: 18 #Russia'n airstrikes hit Atman suburb at northern entrance of #Daraa city - #Assad-forces try to advance

Syria #Aleppo Rebels destroyed 2 tanks (try to outbreak from Nubbol-Zahraa) & another tank at Hardatnin with TOWs
pic.twitter.com/glONR8o1Kt

Assad & #Iran backed by #Russia'n strikes launched offensives in #Aleppo, northern #Homs & northern entrance of #Daraa
Peace talks?

[OUTLAW 09]

NOTICE the constant Russian FM Lavrov's lies......they are going to continue bombing terrorists and mentions JaN BUT over 500 sir strikes and a major offensive in the last two days is aimed directly AT FSA....NOT at the "terrorists" he explicitly talks about here.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov giving a news conference in Moscow, Russia, January 26, 2016.


MUSCAT (Reuters) - Russia will not stop its air strikes on Syria until armed groups, such as al Qaeda's wing there, are defeated, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.

"Russian strikes will not cease until we really defeat terrorist organizations like Jabhat al-Nusra. And I don't see why these air strikes should be stopped," he said at a news conference in Oman's capital Muscat.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Russia should stop bombing opposition forces in Syria now that U.N.-led peace talks aimed at ending the war have started


Let´s see how #Jordan et al react to regime push in the region after they reportedly stopped rebels from attacking. https://twitter.com/alghadeertv_eng/status/694824321580072960 …

[OUTLAW 09]

BreakingNews
Pro-#Assad forces claim to be in final phase of closing the blockade btw. Mu`arrasat al Khan & Mayer.

Agha Condemns #Russia’s Brutal Bombing of Northern #Aleppo #Syria
http://ow.ly/XRrrq

Syria
#SNHR: suspected Russian warplanes targeted Red Crescent Ambulance in Anadan in Aleppo, damaging it, Feb 2

SNHR: at least 7 victims (3 children & 4 women) died in regime warplanes missiles fired on Burj Al Qa’ei village in Homs, Feb 2

[OUTLAW 09]

Iran claims it now has access to $100B in frozen oil revenues under #IranDeal; @WhiteHouse said it would be $50B.
http://wapo.st/1QTyAYm

AGAIN social media saw this first and reported on it via geo tagged photos and videos.....and MSM took it's time to report on it and then really not MSM......

U.S. Spots Russian Commandos in Syria
http://freebeacon.com/national-security/u-s-spots-russian-commandos-in-syria/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian info war hard at work.......

Kremlin TV invented a young girl's rape in Germany and a little boy's crucifixion in Ukraine -- to mess with Europe: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/02/the-kremlin-cries-rape-for-propaganda-in-germany.html …

[OUTLAW 09]

Homs Airstrikes west of #Rastan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrDioe9muso …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=34.934215&lon=36.662664&z=14&m=b …

Syria TOW took out 23mm gun in regime enclace of northern #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C59qTYGqKk …

Syria Helicopter throw leaflets on rebel held area in northern #Homs this morning.

Russia'n airstrikes on Atman at northern entrance of #Daraa in southern #Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWQgmGWey5M …

Russia carried out 30+ airstrikes on northern #Aleppo since morning
Total of airstrikes past 3 days 400+ on #Aleppo & outskirts

A dozen #Russia'n airstrikes hit Mu`arrasat al Khan to pave way for #Assad-forces towards Nubbol-Zahraa
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.378795&lon=37.075510&z=14&m=b …

Homs #Assad-forces launched new attempt to storm Kissin to separate #Houla from #Rastan
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=34.898744&lon=36.622066&z=14&m=b …

[OUTLAW 09]

If one is really willing to look at the intertwining of the Ukrainian and Syrian civil society "rebellions"....there is a surprising similarity...both were rising up against what they viewed as dictators and corruption and both demanded rule of law, transparency and good governance......

If you have Netflix watch video on Ukraine uprising "Winter on Fire"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RibAQHeDia8

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria Seems #Assad-forces now fully encircled #IslamicState in plain NE of #Safira in eastern #Aleppo
pic.twitter.com/f8rUWWenIs

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia is doing exactly what it did during the Minsk 2 negotiations and tactically assaulted at the same time Debaltseve in Ukraine.....which was conceded to the UAF not the Russian supported mercenary side....by agreement.

So why did Kerry and the UN think Putin would be any different this time....???



The United Nations strained to keep faltering Syrian peace talks alive on Wednesday as Damascus tried to press home gains against rebels and its ally Russia said its air strikes would go on until "terrorists" were defeated.

U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura announced the formal start on Monday of the first attempt in two years to negotiate an end to a war that has killed 250,000 people, caused a refugee crisis in the region and Europe and empowered Islamic State militants.

But both opposition and government representatives have since said talks have not in fact begun, and fighting on the ground has raged on without constraint.

De Mistura acknowledged on Tuesday that a collapse of the Geneva talks was always possible.

"If there is a failure this time after we tried twice at conferences in Geneva, for Syria there will be no more hope. We must absolutely try to ensure that there is no failure," he told Swiss television RTS.

The opposition canceled a meeting with him on Tuesday afternoon, accusing Russia of putting the process at risk with an "unprecedented" bombing campaign on Aleppo and Homs.

Rebels described the ongoing assault north of Aleppo as the most intense yet. One commander said opposition-held areas of the divided city were at risk of being encircled entirely by the government and allied militia, and appealed to foreign states that back the rebels to send more weapons.

"How can you accept to enter a negotiations when you have unprecedented military pressure? The Russians and regime want to push the opposition out of Geneva so the opposition bears the responsibility for the failure," said a senior Western diplomat.

Despite calls from the U.S. and its allies for Moscow to stop the bombing during the peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country had no intention of ending its campaign.

"Russian strikes will not cease until we really defeat terrorist organizations like Jabhat al-Nusra. And I don't see why these air strikes should be stopped," he said at a news conference in Oman's capital Muscat.


"UNREALISTIC" CEASEFIRES

Diplomats and opposition members said they were also taken by surprise when de Mistura called for immediate efforts to begin ceasefire negotiations despite there being no official talks or goodwill measures from the Syrian government.

The opposition has said it will not negotiate unless the government stops bombarding civilian areas, lifts blockades on besieged towns and releases detainees.

"The level of confidence between both sides is close to zero," de Mistura told the BBC late on Tuesday.

"A ceasefire for me is essential. In fact it is the test that shows the talks are successful," he said, urging Russia and the United States to work with other major powers to bring it about.

The opposition tentatively said it would resume meetings with de Mistura on Wednesday. Its chief coordinator Riad Hijab, who diplomats say is a unifying figure for the fragmented opposition, is expected to arrive in Geneva later in the day.

De Mistura called on Monday for the International Syria Support Group, which brings together major powers who back and oppose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to tackle the issue of ceasefires immediately. The group is scheduled to meet in Munich on Feb. 11.

Opposition delegate Nazir Hakim said a general ceasefire in the current climate was "unrealistic".

"Regarding a ceasefire, we have pragmatic ideas and we talked with the Americans who head the Syria support group and we look forward to discussing these ideas at the meeting on February 11," Lavrov said.

The attack north of Aleppo that began in recent days is the first major government offensive there since Russian air strikes began on Sept. 30.

The area safeguards a rebel supply route from Turkey into opposition-held parts of the city and stands between government-held parts of western Aleppo and the Shi'ite villages of Nubul and al-Zahraa, which are loyal to Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the violence in the country, said Russian and Syrian war planes carried out dozens of air strikes against the rebel towns of Hayan and Hreitan in northern Aleppo on Wednesday.

A pro-government source in the area said that the army and its allies were around two km from Nubul and Zahraa, which have been under rebel siege for around three years.

Senior Syrian opposition negotiator Mohamed Alloush, representing Jaish al-Islam (Islam Army), a major rebel group, said he was not optimistic given the events on the ground.

"Our answer will come in two days," he told Reuters without elaborating.

[OUTLAW 09]

NOTICE the constant Russian FM Lavrov's lies......they are going to continue bombing terrorists and mentions JaN BUT over 500 sir strikes and a major offensive in the last two days is aimed directly AT FSA....NOT at the "terrorists" he explicitly talks about here.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov giving a news conference in Moscow, Russia, January 26, 2016.



Let´s see how #Jordan et al react to regime push in the region after they reportedly stopped rebels from attacking. https://twitter.com/alghadeertv_eng/status/694824321580072960 …

Humor.......
Lavrov: #Russia to keep bombing #Syria until bakeries and hospitals are defeated #RussiaVsISIL
pic.twitter.com/Wd4MbFFPX0

[OUTLAW 09]

News
(Pro-)#Assad forces take As Sin east of #Aleppo and are close to encircling a large #ISIS-held area.
pic.twitter.com/jZyqXTsyv8

Again Russian info war hard at work in both Ukraine and Syria.....

Prophetic maps, used by#Russia's media
Left: 3.2.2015, #Debaltseve
Right: 3.2.2016, #Aleppo
pic.twitter.com/uAi3ZVHkhD

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian war planes bombed the central market of #Anadan this morning, injuring several
ppl.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hvSOelHbd0 … pic.twitter.com/0relXt5Xy8

MORE deliberate targeting of civilians by the Russian AF.....Russian MoD stated that they are not hitting civilians...seems to be another Russian lie.....

[OUTLAW 09]

ANOTHER RUSSIAN CONTRIDICTION IN STATEMENTS......

AND what about Assad's Shia mercenary army and the RuAF....seems Lavrov "conveniently forgot about this very small fact"....

BREAKING: #Lavrov calls #Syrian_oppositions in #Geneva to abandon dependence on external funders

AND this in the face of now over 500 Russian air strikes in 48 hours and a major ground offensive ALL using Shia mercenaries...TALK about "external funders"??????

[OUTLAW 09]

To End Syria’s War, Help Assad’s Officers Defect,
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/03/opinion/to-end-syrias-war-help-assads-officers-defect.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share …

[OUTLAW 09]

In the face of no US Syrian strategy, over 500 Russian air strikes in 48 hours and a major Shia mercenary offensive HAS the US ordered the stopping of TOWs to the FSA.....???

Only 47% of #ATGM fired by Rebels in Jan.'16 are #TOW.
1st time since 2014 that TOW go under 50% (2015 average: 85%)

Seems to confirm recent reports claiming at least reduction (if not cut off) of #TOW supplied to Rebels. But that's not all.

Indeed, compared to December 2015, the decrease (-55%) of #TOW (49→22) is partially compensated with a #Fagot boost (4→15 : +375%).

Social media has been commenting on this for months and just now HRW and MSM are picking up on it...come on.....

Le Monde on @hrw investigation into Iran's secret Afghan army fighting for Assad in Syria.
http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2016/02/01/en-syrie-des-afghans-chiites-combattent-pour-le-compte-de-l-iran_4857095_3218.html …

Syria rebel designated "terrorist" by #Iran #Russia in #Geneva at #SyriaTalks my interview
http://on.wsj.com/1maC9fY

Jaysh Tahrir al-Sham, which clashed recently w/ Jaysh al-Islam in Dhamir (Damascus), declares war on IS

[OUTLAW 09]

Aleppo Video from Anadan suburb after #Russia'n airstrikes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hvSOelHbd0&feature=youtu.be …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.290016&lon=37.062807&z=14&m=b …

Putin and Russia playing games again in Geneva...just as they did in the Minsk 2 talks....nothing new with this tactic.....question is will UN and US follow Russian lead??

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia
The Russian side underscored the need to represent the entire Syrian opposition during the dialogue in Geneva http://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/2048005 …

They are trying to get the Kurds involved and the somewhat proAssad opposition.

They were not invited by the UN so Russia attempts to bring them in via the backdoor......

On February 2, Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov met with Bashar Ja’afari, Head of the Syrian Government’s delegation, representatives of the democratic and secular Syrian opposition Qadri Jamil, Randa Kassis and Heisam Manaa, as well as Ambassador Fu Cong, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN, on the sidelines of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva. The above conducted a detailed discussion of issues related to the intra-Syrian talks and filling them with substantive content.

The Russian side underscored the need to represent the entire Syrian opposition during the dialogue and the imperative nature of implementing all provisions of the Vienna documents of the International Syria Support Group and Resolution No. 2254 of the UN Security Council.

Mr Gatilov also exchanged opinions on the course and prospects of the intra-Syrian negotiating process with Anwar Abdul-Hadi, Director of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation in Damascus.

[OUTLAW 09]

Perfect example of the total lack of an Obama Syrian strategy and the lack of anything resembling common sense coming from Kerry........

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mr-kerry-continues-to-lecture-syrians-continue-to-starve-to-death/2016/02/02/59304ae2-c9e8-11e5-ae11-57b6aeab993f_story.html

By Editorial Board February 2 at 9:09 PM

Mr. Kerry continues to lecture as Syrians continue to starve to death


THE PEOPLE of Madaya, a Syrian town besieged by the government, are still starving. According to Doctors Without Borders, 16 more people have died of hunger despite a single delivery of aid last month, bringing to 51 the number who have perished from lack of food since December. Moreover, the town of 20,000 people, says the United Nations chief humanitarian coordinator, is “the tip of the iceberg.” Close to 500,000 Syrians are cut off from food assistance, Stephen O’Brien told the U.N. Security Council, and the government has denied about 100 of the U.N.’s 113 requests to deliver aid in the past year.

Secretary of State John F. Kerry has been denouncing this atrocity in recent days. “People are dying; children are suffering not as an accident of war, but as the consequence of an intentional tactic — surrender or starve,” he said Sunday. “And that tactic is directly contrary to the law of war.” Unfortunately, the Obama administration’s handling of the Syrian crisis appears to be enabling those very war crimes.

In December, the United States joined with Russia to pass Security Council Resolution 2254, which required the delivery of humanitarian aid and an end to the bombing of civilian areas as part of a plan to launch peace talks. Yet even though the sieges have not been lifted and the bombing has not stopped, Mr. Kerry and U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura have insisted on going ahead with the peace talks, pressuring an opposition coalition to participate. While issuing strong statements of disapproval, neither the United States nor the United Nations has taken, proposed or even hinted at any action to force compliance by the regime of Bashar al-Assad or by Russia, which is doing much of the bombing.

While Mr. de Mistura was declaring the Geneva talks open on Monday, the regime and Russia were stepping up an offensive against rebel-held areas near the city of Aleppo. Opposition forces reported bombing attacks on hospitals and other critical civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile in Madaya, near Damascus, a shell fell in a schoolyard, injuring several children, according to the New York Times. The Russians and Syrians are using military action as leverage in the peace talks — or perhaps as a way of wrecking them. They show no interest in bargaining: The Syrian government delegation arrived in Geneva still insisting it would not negotiate with “terrorists” — which it defines as anyone bearing arms against the regime.

Mr. Kerry and the Obama administration, meanwhile, are responding with nothing but rhetoric. “We haven’t seen a catastrophe like this since World War II, and it’s unfolding before our eyes,” Mr. Kerry said Tuesday. “People in Madaya [are] eating leaves and grass or animals of one kind or another that they manage to capture.” He declared: “The Syrian regime has a responsibility — in fact, all parties to the conflict have a duty to facilitate humanitarian access to Syrians in desperate need. And this has to happen not a week from now. . . . It ought to happen in the first days.”

Or else what? On that, Mr. Kerry has had exactly nothing to say. Expect the sieges, the bombing, the starvation — and the statements — to continue.

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.........what do you think.......

Update
Judging from rebel reports -where they hit regime vehicles- #Assad and his allies virtually closed the gap.
pic.twitter.com/XoIgVcVX6b

Regime media claims, #Ratyan and #Mayer are encircled with rebels trapped inside.
This could be close to reality

[OUTLAW 09]

3-O-8 Nerpa 240 mm rocket-assisted mortar projectile.
https://twitter.com/RobotNickk/status/694843697393967104 …

“That’s Not a Cluster Bomb” – The Differences Between OFAB 250-270s and RBK-500s
https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/how-tos/2016/02/03/thats-not-a-cluster-bomb-the-differences-between-ofab-250-270s-and-rbk-500s/ …

2nd pro-opposition news agency confirms regime reached Zahraa / Nubl, blames militias and Russian airstrikes.
pic.twitter.com/aDa4YQerl6

Jane's: Russia has deployed the 91N6 'Big Bird' battle management radar to support its S-400's at Hmeimim/Latakia
pic.twitter.com/Q92sCEpJHu

Top US military official: Russia has made it 'very clear' that it's not really in Syria to fight ISIS
http://read.bi/1nGOBoN

Obama's Syria bet was to keep rebels just "enough intact" to push these ill-fated talks
http://www.dailysabah.com/columns/ragip-soylu/2016/01/28/why-it-is-easy-to-believe-that-us-might-allow-assad-to-stay-in-power …
pic.twitter.com/OFpVetY7gR

Kurdish PYD stands to gain a lot from recent pro-regime gains in #Aleppo
- A catastrophe for #Turkey & opposition
https://twitter.com/iAssil/status/694925946076454912 …

[OUTLAW 09]

SDF forces have opened all checkpoints in the #Efrin canton to help Syrians from N #Aleppo get to safety to escape the regime

Rebels hold Rityan in N- #Aleppo despite #Russia'n airstrikes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiPz3iK0ovY …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.347485&lon=37.094479&z=14&m=b …
White Helmets (2800 volunteers) rescued lives of 47.000 people in rebel hold areas
http://syriacivildefense.org/

Rebels denies that #Assad-forces broken siege of Nubbol-Zahraa enclave in northern #Aleppo

IMPORTANT
Rebels in #Aleppo (northern & southern fronts) deny what has been circulated between the #SAA "media" about their arrival in #Nubl & #Zahra, Clashes still ongoing with #SAA & it's foreigners militias in North #Aleppo cs, and our heroes in the southern #Aleppo cs, trying to storm #Khan_TOuman and #Khalidiya towns which are under #SAA terrorists control for almost 3 months.
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 3

1- Withdraw from Geneva.
2- Stop useless "peace talks".
3- Dissolve the SNC.
4- Announce Syria occupied by Russians and Iranians and fight.

Israel terrorists warplanes carried out airstrikes on outskirts of #alHara town
#Daraa #Syria FEB 3

[OUTLAW 09]

Around 300 Civilians Killed by #Russia and #Assad Regime since Start of #Geneva Talks
http://ow.ly/3yZQ9A

HNC Urges #Syria Friends to Pressure #Russia to Stop Bombing Civilians
http://ow.ly/3yZRkp

‏@bm21_grad Allegedly Jaish al Islam just launched a "fateh a-110" ballistic missile onto Gov targets on the coast

BGM-71 TOW by North Div against people on rooftop, seems to have hit the outside wall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r90_p3zItH8 …

Just me or is there a new red light in the unknown device? IR illuminator like Shtora's one? Turned on in combat?

Here's the actual video of the two T-90s, one flying a yellow flag (perhaps Hezbollah).
https://youtu.be/kBh-4zheu0M?t=10s …

[CrowBat]

CrowBat.........what do you think.......

Update
Judging from rebel reports -where they hit regime vehicles- #Assad and his allies virtually closed the gap.
pic.twitter.com/XoIgVcVX6b

Regime media claims, #Ratyan and #Mayer are encircled with rebels trapped inside.
This could be close to reality
The JAN screwed up - as so often.

13th Division FSyA arrived in the area yesterday, and immediately recovered Rityan, stabilizing the situation on the eastern side of the Azaz corridor. It's still holding out there (and knocking out IRGC's armour with TOWs), the entire day, regardless of Russian air strikes and repeated MLRS-ing of the area.

When IRGC and Hezbollah/Lebanon attempted to assault Murasat al-Khan, this morning, the 13th beat them back too - and that with heavy loss.

But, the JAN - which was holding positions around the Nubol-Zahra pocket (Shi'a enclave) - left the Shi'a punch through and hit the left flank of the 13th Division in the back.

So, overall, despite heavy losses (some sources are citing up to 200 'regime' - primarily Afghan Hazaras, but also IRGC - KIA in the last three days), the (Syrian) Shi'a and the IRGC met south of Murasat al-Khan.

With this, the Azaz corridor is cut off. And that means that also the main supply line for about 3,5 million civilians living in insurgent-held parts of Aleppo and Idlib is cut off too.

Sure, there are few minor roads between Jishr ash-Shughour and Idlib City and Turkey, but they're neither as good, nor as useful as those between Aleppo and Turkey.

[CrowBat]

Around 300 Civilians Killed by #Russia and #Assad Regime since Start of #Geneva Talks...ah forget that farce of 'Geneva talks'.

Insurgent representatives have withdrawm from there, today: there's nothing to talk about with this conglomerate of Assadist-IRGC-Hezbollah & Russian terror.

[CrowBat]

In that sense: Russian Military Officer Killed in Syria (http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russian-military-officer-killed-syria-36695675)

A Russian military adviser has been killed by mortar fire in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said the officer was fatally wounded Monday by mortar shelling from the Islamic State group. Its statement, carried by Russian news agencies, said the officer was helping train the Syrian military in using Russian weapons. It said the officer will be posthumously awarded with a medal, but didn't identify him or specify where he died.
...
...would be interesting to find out where was he 'helping train the Syrian military', then something tells me this happened in northern Aleppo - and he neither trained anybody, nor was fighting Daesh...

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria isn't Iran/Iraq 2.0: it's a readiness exercise for Russia.

Regime Deputy Head of Aleppo Sec. Committee Staff Brig. Gen. Mazhar Zaher killed by rebels on the Rashidayn front

Jaish al Islam claim launched ballistic missile (eastern #Qalamoun?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DReGAOKfZ5s …
No idea if new

Iran'ian Brigadier General "Mohsen Qajarian" killed in battle of northern #Aleppo #Syria

Rebels launched counter assault in southern #Aleppo
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.121584&lon=37.047744&z=15&m=b …

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...... anything to this comment.......similar to that time where the Russian CP tent got mortared and a number were killed...about a month or so ago.....

4 Russian generals killed in Syria’s Turkmen Mountain
http://v.aa.com.tr/514872

2- 15 killed 8 general 4 of them Russian do you have any confirmation?Will post english version soon
http://www.milliyet.com.tr/turkmendagi-nda-rus-ve-rejim/dunya/detay/2188941/default.htm …

[OUTLAW 09]

Assad regime drop leaflets over north #Homs: surrender or die.

Faylaq al-Sham say they took al-Khaldiya near Khan Tuman south #Aleppo.

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat......this came in 40 minutes ago...anything to it...if yes AA or MANPAD??

Unconfirmed reports, Rebels shot down #Russia warplane in #Anadan moments ago
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 4

[OUTLAW 09]

WHY is it that Kerry just keeps on falling for the Lavrov/Putin lies made straight to his face......???

US, France accuse Assad of scuppering Syria peace talks. You asked for it.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Feb-04/335554-us-france-accuse-assad-of-scuppering-syria-peace-talks.ashx?src=iPhone …

CONVINCE me that he truly did not see this coming????? AND the French...come on they want to drop all sanctions against Putin by the summer as there has been a sudden outbreak of "peace in eastern Ukraine"...BUT WAIT those 50 or more shellings/ground attacks do not count......

[OUTLAW 09]

Further evidence just how out of touch this Obama WH is....Obama and Kerry never tire of saying there is no military solution in eastern Ukraine nor in Syria...when all military analysts say give the Ukrainians/Syrians the necessary defense weapons and let them take care of the problem.....THEN this WH literally finds virtually every excuse under the sun to say no.

BUT has Putin on the other side every dropped the military option....NEVER even now in eastern Ukraine there is a full blown Russian slow stepping ground offense in eastern Ukraine just as he unleashed in Aleppo.

So he definitely believes in the military solution....and the WH??????

Obama wants to go out of office with the following legacy, got the US out of all wars, and did not start any wars......simple as that.

Seriously go back and reread the eight phases of the Russian non linear warfare and you will immediately see the blending between UW and conventional use of forces.

Kerry: #Syria govt wants military - not political solution to conflict

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express heading home........

ВМФ #ЧФ ropucha class LST Novocherkassk 142 returned from #Tartus #Syria in 11 days as usual
pic.twitter.com/WXa5fmpwdV

ВМФ #ЧФ BSF Ropucha class LST Yamal 156 transits northbound Bosphorus

[OUTLAW 09]

Visual confirmation#RuAF Su-34 now also lead the battle for #Atman, just N of #Daraa city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSfdvKN53qU …
pic.twitter.com/iRGmmFT5wc

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia launches over 600 air strikes and unleashes a major ground offensive at the start of the Geneva talks and then this...total hypocrisy....AND not even called out for it by Obama....

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia
Deputy FM #Gatilov: #Russia regrets the decision of Staffan de Mistura to postpone intra-#Syria talks in Geneva http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160204/1034186307/syrian-talks-postponement.html#ixzz3zAzoBOsy …

[OUTLAW 09]

Another pic of the SAA's commander with B&T MP9 in thigh holster, inspecting UAVs
pic.twitter.com/oBO6crl64E

Footage
Aftermath of another #Russian cluster bomb attack on #Huraytan last night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AMyqvBJv_Q …

Footage
#FSA hits regime 130 mm gun in S-W #Aleppo with the TOW.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5E3eCdga-s …

Footage
Small #FSA relief offensive S-W of #Aleppo, targeting Khalidiya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAufEx37F2Q …

Syria’s opposition team will leave #Geneva tomorrow morning. They will not return until convinced of better conditions on the ground.

[OUTLAW 09]

Remember the SWJ article here about the successful Obama WH Syrian strategy...hate to say it..a total disaster.
Kerry and Obama cut weapon supplies to the opposition and Kerry basically dictated to them to attend....in order to see if Russia/Assad were "serious".

What kind of FP is that?????

Yesterday the opposition was clear and concise.....they were awaiting instructions out of KSA...then they came and the US has a really weak response actually not much of a response.

There is a serious conspiracy theory in both KSA and the FSA...the US was only allowing the supply of weapons to occur in order to have control over the FSA and as a weakened FSA force them to Geneva.

NOW that that has not apparently worked due to Putin...question is..now will KSA break from the US and deliver MANPADs to at least give the FSA a fighting chance against over 600 air strikes....?????

Syria’s opposition team will leave #Geneva tomorrow morning. They will not return until convinced of better conditions on the ground.

KSA speak for never returning as they no longer trust the US and or any western country for that matter as nothing was done by the UNSc on humanitarian aid and or stopping the bombing.....the basis for three UNSC resolutions.

[OUTLAW 09]

In the eyes of the anti Assad opposition the UN has always been proAssad..this just continues to prove it....all the while the UN talked about aid to the besieged areas and starving Syrians...NEVER really planned to delivery it....was just a tactic to get the opposition to Geneva....

Yesterday 12 UN aid trucks headed for Moadamiya. They never arrived, UN agreed to distribute aid to regime area nearby. @ScottLucas_EA

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA Northern Division targets a Russian commander's vehicle with a TOW missile in Jabal Akrad, #Latakia
http://youtu.be/PsfGSCm3x2U

Seems regime has taken the villages of al-Seen, Jib Gabsha, Jib al-Kalb & al-Owainiah in east rural #Aleppo after ISIS withdrawal yesterday

Artillery shelling & 26 #Russia|n airstrikes reported so far today in Atman, #Daraa

Iran IRGC commander Major General Muhsin Qajarian was also killed by rebels in the north rural #Aleppo battles

FSA Northern Division targets Russian & Assad forces with a TOW missile in #Latakia, #Syria
http://youtu.be/r90_p3zItH8

Moscow has just announced the death of a "Russian military adviser" in Syria. Actually there were 3 more...

At least 7 Iran fighters reported killed fighting in Syria named in last 24 hours in sign of intensive combat role

[OUTLAW 09]

The creditability of now both the UN and US is totally damaged in the ME.......the Obama/Kerry plan foresaw elections in 2017 and that is what they publicly stated......and that was the core of the UN time table as well........

Al Hayat cites a confidential doc., de Mistura says elections in Syria won't be possible in 2018 & the timetable for solution is unrealistic

So now a serious question....does Obama/Kerry actually FP wise work for Putin/Lavrov?? As both foresee Assad remaining in power for good.

If you are the Sunni Front States and the HNC would you believe after the 600 plus Russian air strikes and major ground offensive.....would you believe anyone in the West.....?

If you are the Ukraine would you as well????

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria Column of new #refugees flee Regime-assault on #Aleppo towards #Turkey border
The EU thanks Putin, Assad and now Obama......

25 #Hezbollah mercenaries terrorists captured in #Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 3

[OUTLAW 09]

So apparently there's a video interview that is damaging to #Hezbollah http://mme.cm/NTAW00
that MTV was pressured not to air...

Hizbullah doesn't want its constituency to see the reality of its war in #Syria

Burying the lead, the piece ends with a startling info: "Hizbullah is negotiating with Nusra to exchange prisoners"

[OUTLAW 09]

We came to Geneva to prove to the world the regime doesn't believe in a political solution." Riyadh Hijab

Riyadh Hijab press conference is also a disaster for US credibility, it doesn't make the US look like a fair and reliable ally.

Obama's "students & farmers" aptly turn the tables making a strong case about international law. Apply 2254!

Riyadh Hijab aptly showing that it's Assad & Russia that are sabotaging any possible peaceful resolution

Russia must now really regretting having signed onto resolution 2254. Riyadh Hijab is driving that point home.

The non-application of art 12, 13 of resolution 2254.

We will not return to Geneva until art 12 and 13 of resolution 2254 are applied. The other side refuses to implement" Riyadh Hijab

"We don't have Su-34, Su-35 jets. We don't have cluster bombs, chemical weapons and barrel bombs" Riyadh

De Misttura provided a written commitment that the UNSC resolution will be applied"

Diplomacy does NOT work without leverage

[OUTLAW 09]

Is America Losing the Kurds? "Washington’s unabashedly cynical policy ... was flawed from the start."
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/america-losing-the-kurds?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRomrfCcI63Em2iQPJWpsrB0 B%2FDC18kX3RUvK72aaAfind1SFJk7a8C6XFBBSt1M9jkVTLTG #sthash.T4YBcPz1.dpuf …

240-mm 3-O-8 Nerpa rocket-assisted cargo projectile remnants found in #Douma again. Visible markings on the fairing. https://twitter.com/FirasAbdullah_7/status/694950012745293825 …

Russian airstrikes continue across entire #Syria this morning including Idlib, Aleppo, Daraa, Hama, Homs….

Come on...Russia really believes they can pull this off.....and yes a NATO member can deny an open skies flight......
TASS ‏@tassagency_en
NATO does not comment on Turkey’s denial of observation flight for Russia http://tass.ru/en/world/854382

Actually believe this is the first denial by a NATO country in a long while..rightly so.......especially in the light of the Russian complete violation of UNSC resolutions why trust them on anything else.....

[B]Moaddamiyeh local council accuses UN of complying w/ the regime & demands they deliver aid to besieged areas.

Red_Cross lies about #Muadamiyat al-Sham & collaborate with #Assad
https://goo.gl/1V6Ctz

Photo of 27 of Assad “Syrian Arab Army” killed around #Aleppo:
13 Iranians
8 Hezbollah
5 Shia Iraqis
1 from #Syria

SAA/#RUSSIA bombing #Aubin IDP Camp again earlier this afternoon
#Latakia #Syria/#Turkey border FEB 3

[OUTLAW 09]

We came to Geneva to prove to the world the regime doesn't believe in a political solution." Riyadh Hijab

Riyadh Hijab press conference is also a disaster for US credibility, it doesn't make the US look like a fair and reliable ally.

Obama's "students & farmers" aptly turn the tables making a strong case about international law. Apply 2254!

Riyadh Hijab aptly showing that it's Assad & Russia that are sabotaging any possible peaceful resolution

Russia must now really regretting having signed onto resolution 2254. Riyadh Hijab is driving that point home.

The non-application of art 12, 13 of resolution 2254.

We will not return to Geneva until art 12 and 13 of resolution 2254 are applied. The other side refuses to implement" Riyadh Hijab

"We don't have Su-34, Su-35 jets. We don't have cluster bombs, chemical weapons and barrel bombs" Riyadh

De Misttura provided a written commitment that the UNSC resolution will be applied"

Diplomacy does NOT work without leverage

This is the first time Iv seen the opposition hold a coherent and well organised, shared strategy.

HNC's Riyad Hijab basically saying:
‘If #Russia hadn’t bombed IDP camps, schools & hospitals in recent days, talks may have begun.’

[OUTLAW 09]

SYRIA: US confirms involvement in Rimelan airfield expansion. Reports it will be used for C-130 transports-
http://m.voanews.com/a/us-confirms-involvement-in-syria-airport-expansion/3176116.html …

Police smash huge #Hizbollah cocaine ring 'raising funds for war in #Syria' - @Telegraph
http://bit.ly/1SGK4yd

[OUTLAW 09]

Putin continues to ethnical cleanse Sunnis as did Assad.....

New wave of 40.000 #refugees flee from #Assad-offensive & #Russia'n airstrikes in northern #Aleppo to #Turkey

Syria 36 residents in northern #Aleppo suburbs killed by #Russia'n airstrikes since morning

Multiple #Russia|n airstrikes struck the Druze village of Kaftin in #Idlib today injuring several civilians

Syria #Aleppo Rebels hand over 2 villages & highway-barrier to #SDF/#YPG north of regime held Nubbol-Zahraa

Russian airstrike count on Atman up to 35, this is in addition to the tens of IRAM rockets launched by regime militias. #Daraa

Confirmation by pro-YPG tweeps.
YPG claims, they control part of Aleppo-Azaz road now.
They advance w/ Assad.

Clearly #Moscow has not learnt any lessons, or perhaps it doesn’t want to…#Russia airstrikes this morning killed 21+ civilians in #Aleppo.

Interesting reports that Russian airstrikes have accidentally bombed an Assad forces position east of Hirbnafsah in south rural #Hama today

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Kharab_alShaham village next to #Jordan borders #Daraa cs #Syria FEB 4

SCD collecting #Russia Cluster Bombs aftermath it`s airstrikes on #Maarat_alNouman
#Idlib #Syria FEB 4

Victims of #Russia airstrikes targeting #alMashad neighborhood, resulting 11 martyrs
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 4

Children victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Anadan
#ALeppo #Syria FEB 4
Rama Hijazi 3
Rowan Hijazi 5
Bilal Hijazi 7

SCD rescue operation aftermath #Russia airstrikes targeting #alShaer neighborhood
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 4

Little boy victim of #Russia airstrikes on #Kafr_Takharim town
#Idlib #Syria FEB 4

RUSSIA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alMashad neighborhood,11 martyrs
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 4

RUSSIA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting a popular market in #alFirdaous
#Aleppo cs #SYRIA FEB 4

[OUTLAW 09]

http://en.etilaf.org/all-news/local-news/15-pro-regime-generals-killed-in-rural-latakia-including-4-russians.html

15 Pro-Regime Generals Killed in Rural Latakia, Including 4 Russians


Fifteen pro-regime military officials, including four Russian generals, have been killed by opposition forces in rural Latakia near the border with Turkey, Syrian opposition sources said Wednesday.

According to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the military officials killed included four Russian generals and four Syrian generals who had met late Tuesday in Turkmen Mountain in rural Latakia to discuss recent military developments.

The sources pointed out that among the regime officers killed in the attack are a major-general and a brigadier-general, adding that the meeting was held in an unidentified place located between the towns of Salma and Dweirka.

One of the slain Russian generals, identified only as "Yuri", was reportedly coordinating regime attacks in Turkmen Mountain, the sources added.

In a statement issued later on Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed death of one Russian officer in Syria but did not mention his name or rank.

The statement said the officer was in Syria for "military consultancy on use of weapons" and was killed on Feb. 1 during an attack on a military post that belongs to the Syrian regime.

Observers noted that with the fall of the majority of Latakia province to regime forces and its allies, rebel fighters in rural Latakia moved from direct confrontation with regime forces to targeting high-profile military personnel. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Anadolu Agency)

[OUTLAW 09]

NOTICE not a single attempt by Kerry or Obama to call Putin out in the UNSC for his no recognition and non implementation the Russian supported UNSC resolution which Russia claimed was the basis for Geneva talks....

Kerry is nothing more than talk...empty talk at that....

U.S. Embassy Syria ‏@USEmbassySyria
.@JohnKerry: Starvation as a tactic of war is against the laws of war & it is being used every single day as a tactic by the Asad regime.

[OUTLAW 09]

Cluster munitions reportedly dropped on #Hayan by the Russian air force today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFLgxYdm6FQ …

Pantsir-S2 and S-400 in #Hmeymim, #Syria

The mysterious device on the turret of a SAA T-55 in Full HD, brought to you by RT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdHkdFJ1_y0 …

From Russian Today....4/2/2016

Developments on the Turkish-Syrian border give serious grounds to suspect that Ankara is planning a military invasion in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“We have serious grounds to suspect intensive preparations by Turkey for a military invasion on the territory of the sovereign state of Syria,” Major General Igor Konashenkov, Defense Ministry spokesman, told journalists.

“We are recording more and more signs of concealed preparations by the Turkish military,” he added.

The spokesman reminded that Moscow had previously provided the international community with irrefutable video evidence of Turkish artillery firing on Syrian populated areas in the north of Latakia Province.


Heck the Turks should go for it as the US will do nothing and the Russians have nothing to resist with outside of their AF....


Russia complains about #Turkey positioning artillery within its territory ...
I mean ...
Seriously.

[OUTLAW 09]

VIDEO: Jaish al-Islam claim to have developed a ballistic missile called the 'Islam 5'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZtRQRAjjDg …

BREAKING: Arabs from around Tishrin Dam have formed a battalion and declared they joined the SDF.

Iran totally mistrusts #SAA/#NDF so they totally sidelined Syrians in #Aleppo in favor of #Hezbollah & auxiliaries.

Footage
This is what #Russia uses to empty the cities before #Iran's proxies enter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFLgxYdm6FQ …
#Hayyan

BreakingReport
#KafrNaya falls to the Shiite sectarian army after more than 20 Russian airstrikes hit it today.
Rebel front in disarray.

Today, Shia militias took over Mayer and Kafernaya while YPG took Ziyara and Khurayba villages. Northern Aleppo corrider is fading away

The #YPG uses rebel weakness due to regime offensive and advances,cutting the Aleppo-Azaz highway at 2 points. YPG advances together with the Assad shia militia......
Unbelievable ... YPG justifies offensive with "refugees from Nusra terror in last days", while people fled the regime offensive indeed ...

Roland Oliphant ‏@RolandOliphant
Russia making no secret of how its jacked up operations over Geneva talks period. Claims 900 strikes in 3 days. http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160204/1034221949/russia-syria-operation-900-terrorist-targets.html?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FATB6h Jnraj&utm_medium=short_url&utm_content=a9aU&utm_campaign=URL_shortening …

[OUTLAW 09]

VIDEO: Jaish al-Islam claim to have developed a ballistic missile called the 'Islam 5'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZtRQRAjjDg …

BREAKING: Arabs from around Tishrin Dam have formed a battalion and declared they joined the SDF.

Iran totally mistrusts #SAA/#NDF so they totally sidelined Syrians in #Aleppo in favor of #Hezbollah & auxiliaries.

Footage
This is what #Russia uses to empty the cities before #Iran's proxies enter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFLgxYdm6FQ …
#Hayyan

BreakingReport
#KafrNaya falls to the Shiite sectarian army after more than 20 Russian airstrikes hit it today.
Rebel front in disarray.

Today, Shia militias took over Mayer and Kafernaya while YPG took Ziyara and Khurayba villages. Northern Aleppo corrider is fading away

The #YPG uses rebel weakness due to regime offensive and advances,cutting the Aleppo-Azaz highway at 2 points. YPG advances together with the Assad shia militia......
Unbelievable ... YPG justifies offensive with "refugees from Nusra terror in last days", while people fled the regime offensive indeed ...

Roland Oliphant ‏@RolandOliphant
Russia making no secret of how its jacked up operations over Geneva talks period. Claims 900 strikes in 3 days. http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160204/1034221949/russia-syria-operation-900-terrorist-targets.html?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FATB6h Jnraj&utm_medium=short_url&utm_content=a9aU&utm_campaign=URL_shortening …

Breaking
Opposition news claims, #YPG now in common offensive w/ Shia militias.
Mayer, Ziyarah & Khuraybah taken.

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Heavy battles rage S-W of #Aleppo (Khalidiya viallge).
Not clear, who advances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4QL_mZHdCI …

Footage
Children watch an Su-24 jet bombing #Atman from #Naemeh near #Daraa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyJ6tcTAHhg …

While the #RuAF is busy in #Aleppo & #Daraa, #Assad's Su-22 "take care" of people in #Homs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eq2DnD1Xjc …

[OUTLAW 09]

1000s+ families still waiting at #Bab_alSalama gate as #Turkey didn't allow them to cross so far
#Aleppo #Syria FEB4

Joyce Karam ‏@Joyce_Karam
34 Years on #Hama82 Massacre in #Syria : The Assad Playbook Has Not Changed. My piece
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/02/04/34-Years-on-Hama-massacre-Assad-doctrine-has-not-changed.html …

Russian DM Spokesperson I.Konashenkov: #Turkey is preparing for military intervention in #Syria
pic.twitter.com/A2tGZTAsGD

Russian war hack Steshin deems Syria 2nd home. When he goes, he takes pork fat as gift. For his Syrian chums I guess
pic.twitter.com/LWL0JT48hg

Expect Iran’s behavior to continue to get worse, not better, after nuclear deal
http://www.thetower.org/article/this-is-not-what-a-moderating-iran-looks-like-in-the-wake-of-the-nuclear-deal/ …
writes @dpatrikarakos

Clashes in the Khan Tuman area
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlUBmvcdgpY …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=36.119296&lon=37.051220&z=14&m=b … #Aleppo #Syria

John Schindler @20committee
MY LATEST: the Kremlin has abruptly changed its story on who murdered 224 innocent people. What's up with that? http://observer.com/2016/02/who-really-murdered-224-innocent-people-on-flight-9268/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia says military adviser killed in #Syria, as #Turkey ramps up its criticism of Moscow's campaign,
http://on.wsj.com/1P8GRoP

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia
#Zakharova: We regret that Ankara’s provocative stance has been completely supported by US & @NATO |

Report from Azaz border town to Turkey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPn7a0xx0PE&feature=youtu.be …

Kataib Hizbullah Nubbol-Zahra'da
pic.twitter.com/Im5tIvMyEF

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia, #Iran & their puppets finish their etnic cleansing in northern #Syria now.
Sunni arab population wipped out
pic.twitter.com/hgXdfCQHsu

Roland Oliphant @RolandOliphant
Notwithstanding the Russian MoD's, um, strained relationship with that thing called truth, Turkish intervention isn't implausible.

[CrowBat]

CrowBat...... anything to this comment.......similar to that time where the Russian CP tent got mortared and a number were killed...about a month or so ago.....

4 Russian generals killed in Syria’s Turkmen Mountain
http://v.aa.com.tr/514872

2- 15 killed 8 general 4 of them Russian do you have any confirmation?Will post english version soon
http://www.milliyet.com.tr/turkmendagi-nda-rus-ve-rejim/dunya/detay/2188941/default.htm …
TOW-gunner from Northern Division FSyA tells the details of the operation that allegedly killed a number of Russian military advisors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTDWOjp-2I

[CrowBat]

So... Soleimani's Afghan Army has definitely reached Nubol and Kefraya today. Internet is full of regime-fans cheering this 'SAA victory'...

To make things even more problematic (if they can get any worse any more), Oblabla's 'most reliable anti-Daesh friends in Syria' - namely Kurds of the YPG, have joined the IRGC's advance against the FSyA, AAS, IF, JAS, and JAN in northern Aleppo, and captured at least Mayer and one or two other villages. Kurdish excuse is: 'to protect refugees from Nusra terror in last days'.... as if 500,000 civilians in that area are all fleeing from Nusra - and not from Russian and Assadist terror...

BTW, the so much beloved (if not entirely ignored) 'anti-terror' jihadists, pilgrims, and mercenaries of the IRGC in Syria are cheering their victory in usual fashion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRjaEamiBbg

...man, I hope Oblabla and all of his biggest fans in the EU is/are pleased about this, and can look forward for the IRGC to declare the Islamic Republic of Syria as next...

In that sense... check the following interview of a defected NDF colonel - who then defected from the FSyA too - by a local journalist from Qunaitra (posted on latter's FB account (https://www.facebook.com/abu.road.news/?notif_t=notify_me_page), in Arabic, with my - very rough - translation) - related to what happened with the FSyA in Sheikh Mishkin:

In the name of God, the most merciful, I am the faithful defected Colonel. I cannot mention my name for security reasons. Oh, honorable commanders in Daraa province, a deal has been made between the neighboring states to hand over all of Daraa province to the gang of the criminal Bashar al-Assad to take control of Daraa province, which will be a powerful card in his hand. We ask you to open all fronts and refuse any foreign orders. I am an employee with MOC. It was MOC that ordered the handover of Al-Sheikh Miskeen. After it fell several honorable factions decided to recapture Al-Sheikh Miskeen. The MOC went crazy and gave orders to start the battle of Al-Khirbeh and the battle of Quneitra to distract the factions from action on Al-Sheikh Miskeen. The proof [for treason] is that MOC dismissed several factions that did not respond to the orders to open the battles of Al-Khirbeh and Quneitra. The orders were to shell Al-Khirbeh and the hills in Quneitra from a distance without attacking. Examine my words [and] then stand as one man. Your people are waiting for you so that they can return to their country. Remember your detained relatives; they thirst for you to open the door of detention centers and let them out. By God I have told you, so bear witness.

Of course, half of people who are going to read this are instantly going to jump to the 'sole logical conclusion' for any 'reasonably intelligent, sane Western observer': 'typical Arab conspiracy excuse'.

Hand at heart: does it really matter?

Namely, whether one wants to declare that story for 'conspiracy theory', 'conspiracy excuse for loss of Sheikh Mishkin' or anything else, one thing is indisputable. That is the Sunni Arab world-view. And particularly the Syrian Sunni Arab world-view.

So, keep in mind the way Syrian Sunnis see the situation:
- they are fighting against Assad who has committed all sorts of atrocities against them;

- they are fighting an invasion of the IRGC and its mercenaries;

- and a Russian invasion, terror and atrocities too.

And they are all convinced - and one can't really tell them this is not truth (at least not with straight face) - that they have been betrayed by the West, and particularly the USA.

Then keep in mind plenty of GCC-Arabs are already considering the USA (and West) their 'enemies' alone because of the loss of Iraq (not to talk about Wahhabists between them considering the sheer US/Western presence in the Middle East for 'haram'). From their POV, Americans are meanwhile good only for one thing: selling them more of advanced arms.

...and now it's not only going to be Syrian Sunnis, but 'all' Sunnis in the Middle East, who are going to see themselves and their religion as under direct attack by four major foreign powers.

I wonder, ladies and gentlemen, if anybody here can answer the resulting question: what good can this bring?

In what kind of f.... 'higher national interest' of anybody in the West can this be?

[OUTLAW 09]

So... Soleimani's Afghan Army has definitely reached Nubol and Kefraya today. Internet is full of regime-fans cheering this 'SAA victory'...

To make things even more problematic (if they can get any worse any more), Oblabla's 'most reliable anti-Daesh friends in Syria' - namely Kurds of the YPG, have joined the IRGC's advance against the FSyA, AAS, IF, JAS, and JAN in northern Aleppo, and captured at least Mayer and one or two other villages. Kurdish excuse is: 'to protect refugees from Nusra terror in last days'.... as if 500,000 civilians in that area are all fleeing from Nusra - and not from Russian and Assadist terror...

BTW, the so much beloved (if not entirely ignored) 'anti-terror' jihadists, pilgrims, and mercenaries of the IRGC in Syria are cheering their victory in usual fashion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRjaEamiBbg

...man, I hope Oblabla and all of his biggest fans in the EU is/are pleased about this, and can look forward for the IRGC to declare the Islamic Republic of Syria as next...

In that sense... check the following interview of a defected NDF colonel - who then defected from the FSyA too - by a local journalist from Qunaitra (posted on latter's FB account (https://www.facebook.com/abu.road.news/?notif_t=notify_me_page), in Arabic, with my - very rough - translation) - related to what happened with the FSyA in Sheikh Mishkin:


Of course, half of people who are going to read this are instantly going to jump to the 'sole logical conclusion' for any 'reasonably intelligent, sane Western observer': 'typical Arab conspiracy excuse'.

Hand at heart: does it really matter?

Namely, whether one wants to declare that story for 'conspiracy theory', 'conspiracy excuse for loss of Sheikh Mishkin' or anything else, one thing is indisputable. That is the Sunni Arab world-view. And particularly the Syrian Sunni Arab world-view.

So, keep in mind the way Syrian Sunnis see the situation:
- they are fighting against Assad who has committed all sorts of atrocities against them;

- they are fighting an invasion of the IRGC and its mercenaries;

- and a Russian invasion, terror and atrocities too.

And they are all convinced - and one can't really tell them this is not truth (at least not with straight face) - that they have been betrayed by the West, and particularly the USA.

Then keep in mind plenty of GCC-Arabs are already considering the USA (and West) their 'enemies' alone because of the loss of Iraq (not to talk about Wahhabists between them considering the sheer US/Western presence in the Middle East for 'haram'). From their POV, Americans are meanwhile good only for one thing: selling them more of advanced arms.

...and now it's not only going to be Syrian Sunnis, but 'all' Sunnis in the Middle East, who are going to see themselves and their religion as under direct attack by four major foreign powers.

I wonder, ladies and gentlemen, if anybody here can answer the resulting question: what good can this bring?

In what kind of f.... 'higher national interest' of anybody in the West can this be?

CrowBat...appears moves being made by Turkey are making Putin nervous or at least his MoD especially when Turkey turned down their Open Skies flight request.......

Something no NATO country has done since the Open Skies treaty was signed....and surprise surprise not a single comment by NATO or the US.....an Putin and his MoD are angry nothing is being said by NATO or the US concerning the Turkish refusal.

So will Turkey the defender of the Ottoman Empire and the defenders of the faith KSA make any moves...if they do not then they are acceding regional control to Iran....IMO.

[OUTLAW 09]

Alleged strikes of Rus aircraft on territories w/ no sign of ISIS terrorists." -@mod_russia Pictured, exactly that:
pic.twitter.com/aZfg8rpyXs

The #Syria stuff put out by the Kremlin is starting to look like a case for Professor Wedeen
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/A/bo22776830.html
pic.twitter.com/PHkI9BdJw8

.@mod_russia images claim to show construction at Bab-al-Hawa border post from Oct26 - Jan30
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=36.233110&lon=36.683393&z=16&show=/27839390/Bab-al-Hawa&search=bab%20al%20salam … pic.twitter.com/HZos01as3v

Apparently this is the best @mod_russia came up with while trying to prove imminent Turkish invasion https://twitter.com/Mortis_Banned/status/695292222795878402 …

Минобороны России 
‏@mod_russia Russian MoD registers a growing number of signs of hidden preparation of the Turkish Armed Forces for active actions on territory of #SYRIA

Eliot Higgins @EliotHiggins
Artillery on the border, camps set up on the border, sending fighters and gear over. Oh wait, that was Ukraine

Russia Won't Forget Turkey 'Aiding Terrorists' – Lavrov:
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-wont-forget-turkey-aiding-terrorists--lavrov/558683.html …

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria Mass Exodus now in N-#Aleppo -70.000 flee from #Russia'n airstrikes & regime assault
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_J8dCEC8w&feature=youtu.be …
pic.twitter.com/Lys8yBWd2I

Seems Russia has started supplying PKP Pechenegs to units of the Syrian army. Suqur-Al-Sahra soldier pictured.
pic.twitter.com/ZEhODOvPXK

Michael Weiss ✔ @michaeldweiss
#Russia strikes displace over 150,000 in #Daraa: rebel media #Syria
http://mme.cm/ETAW00
via @NOW_eng

[OUTLAW 09]

Michael Weiss 
‏@michaeldweiss A very curious anti-ISIS campaign that admits it's not going after ISIS:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/world/middleeast/syria-peace-talks-geneva.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0 …

As Syria Talks Fizzle, ‘War Has No Meaning Anymore’

By ANNE BARNARDFEB. 4, 2016


GENEVA — Four Syrian rebel commanders huddled in a knot, all broad shoulders and shiny gray suits, surveying the hotel lounge. Gigantic portraits of Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix gazed down at the carpet, a checkerboard of faux zebra-hide in squares of orange and magenta. On a low sofa, a couple snuggled to the sounds of Amy Winehouse.

The fighters decamped to a smokers’ enclosure behind a plate-glass window, its back wall a trompe-l’oeil image of electric-blue waves that made it seem as though they were submerged in a fish tank. It was an effect that fit their mood. They were in Geneva, notionally at least, for peace talks, but back in Syria, the government and its Russian allies were battering insurgents with scores of airstrikes. With their men under fire, the commanders were asking themselves how much longer they could credibly stay.

“Maybe a day,” one, Maj. Hassan Ibrahim, said on Monday night.

In an interview earlier, under the watchful eye of an adviser from Saudi Arabia, Major Ibrahim had dutifully projected strength and determination. But when the Saudi man walked away, the Syrian, who had defected from the government army in 2011, leaned forward and confided that the fighters he led in southern Syria were struggling. Supplies of weapons and salaries from the United States and its allies are dwindling. Moving in and out of Jordan is getting harder.

“They are doing it to put pressure on us to accept a political process,” he said, one in which he doubted that the Syrian government — or Russia, a sponsor of the talks — would make any compromise.

Major Ibrahim was reflecting a growing foreboding among the opposition’s fighters and civilians, mirrored by growing hope on the government side, that Washington, interested only in bombing the Islamic State militant group, is ceding the field to Russia and leaving the opposition on its own.

So much in Geneva this week was exactly like the last round of Syria peace talks in the city two years ago. Soft-lit hotel lobbies sweltered in the heat of glass fireplaces. Room service offered staple Syrian food — “Oriental mezze” — for about $40, which in Syria might constitute two weeks’ decent wages. Government and opposition delegates still seemed to be coming from different planets and witnessing different wars.

And yet something fundamental had changed. Two years ago, for all the skepticism and ultimate lack of results, there was a measure of pomp and circumstance. It was the first time the opposition had participated in formal talks, a kind of international recognition for the ragtag group of dissidents and insurgents. By the same token, it provided a stage for President Bashar al-Assad’s government to show it was still an international player. And it was significant, after all, merely to have the warring parties pass each other in corridors, look each other in the eye.

Back then, the Islamic State was a novelty, a fringe group that controlled a few areas. It was also a novelty for Syrian journalists who support the opposition, in the safety of Switzerland, to stick microphones in the faces of government officials and ask freely about attacks on civilians.

This time, there was, on both sides, grim resignation to a longer conflict, with darker results. The death toll has doubled since the last Geneva gathering, and the Islamic State, not even a party to the talks, has swallowed half of Syria’s territory.

Two years ago, the demonstrators protesting outside the United Nations building were Syrians who had immigrated to Switzerland or neighboring countries long before conflict broke out in their homeland. Now, many are recent refugees who fled bombings, extremist militants or the secret police during the civil war.

Government supporters are still calling for a victory, but one that builds in some ugly contingencies. In conversations around Geneva, more furtive and rarer than last time, they spoke of leaving the Islamic State for now to rule the eastern city of Raqqa. (“Not a priority,” one said of the remote provincial city.)

They also brushed off questions about the bombings of schools, with a number of contradictory excuses: There are no civilians there, they are only the children of fighters, the schools are closed, the schools are teaching Islamism.

On the other side, some antigovernment activists like Adnan Hadad, 31, were asking themselves where the uprising went wrong. He had little patience for government supporters who denied systematic attacks on civilians, or for opposition partisans who denied the rise of hard-line Islamists in their ranks.

“We can’t deny that Nusra is among us,” Mr. Hadad said, referring to Qaeda-linked fighters entangled with rebel groups on the battlefield. “It would be like saying this lake is made of milk.”

Mr. Hadad was walking across a footbridge as a sapphire dusk descended on Lake Geneva. Neon signs lit up, advertising Swiss watchmakers, their stained-glass colors reflected on the water. The waterfront buildings, so solid and staid and clean, sat heavily along the shore like gold watches in velvet cases.

They could not have been more different from the jagged cinder-block rubble and delicate, half-destroyed caravansaries of Mr. Hadad’s hometown, Aleppo. He had visited from Turkey a few weeks before to record some footage, and his mind lingered there, on a cafe owner called Abu Ibrahim, briskly handing out cups of coffee with tears in his eyes, with only the briefest glance across the street at a row of nine unclaimed bodies.

“The people who still live with it every day are not even allowed to cry, because they know there will be more tomorrow, and the day after and the day after,” Mr. Hadad said, talking in part about himself. “But you don’t want to develop that resistance — to not care about people dying.”

He tried to stay focused on what passed for hope: Syrians were still united, if only by common suffering. On both sides of divided Aleppo, he said, gunmen ask for IDs at checkpoints, electricity fluctuates, shells fall, and people make plans for a dash to Europe.

On New Year’s Eve, he recalled, he was in a front-line building with insurgents who declared they had “a surprise” for government troops nearby. At midnight, they unleashed mortars — and shells came crashing back, nearly hitting the building where Mr. Hadad was.

Was there a military purpose?

“Absolutely not,” he said. “The war has no meaning anymore.”

[OUTLAW 09]

SAA airstrikes on #Erbeen
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj5qYUAHx-8 … …

Aleppo Hospital full with victims of #Russia airstrikes in several neighborhoods of the region.. #Syria FEB 4

SCD @SyriaCivilDef rescue boy under rubble, victim #Russia airstrikes on #alShaer neighborhood #Aleppo #Syria FEB 4

Whenever regime declares a town "liberated" all I see is foreign militants w/ religious flags in ghost towns w/ not a single civilian around

[OUTLAW 09]

Ahrar al-Sham says it extends its hands to rebel factions wanting to merge into one group
Ahrar again demonstrates like in the last years it is the most honest Group willing to sacrifice all for unity.

New - Ahrar al-Sham announces its full withdrawal from #Geneva process & calls for opposition unity on the ground:

Ahrar Statement
1. Withdraw from even attending Geneva
2. Blame Arab and Muslim world (leaders)
3. Call on Unity

[OUTLAW 09]

As long as the #US & #EU won't accept to truly confront #Russia on #Syria (& #Ukraine) & keep feigning to negotiate, conflicts will endure..

The #US is now a crippled power. Both US & #Europe make huge mistake of thinking negotiation w/ #Russia is possible.

Why was the 1st Crusade in 1099 "successfull"?
Muslims were divided, cared only about their local fiefdoms, profits.
Same today re: Shia...

Russian, Iranian, Afghan & Iraqi Shia hordes burn, maim & plunder Syria.
While the sunni Syrian Population is killed or cleansed out of it.

Assad’s strategy of ‘cleansing’ his population is now being rapidly accelerated by #Russia’s more capable airforce. Nobody stopping it.

[OUTLAW 09]

The US under the Obama WH has now formally lost against the Russian non linear warfare both in eastern Ukraine and now Syria.....pity the next President as he or she will have to dig themselves out of a very deep hole...

This is literally the worst President, NSC and DoS in 70 years...this failure of Kerry's and a lack of any so called Obama strategy represents this failure...

Obama/Kerry…….…….. Well done - #Syria now depopulated….the results of absolutely no ME strategy or for that matter no strategy for anything…………

Syria ~200.000 people flee from #Assad-forces assault backed #Russia'n airstrikes in northern & southern #Aleppo

Syria Mass Exodus now in N-#Aleppo -70.000 flee from #Russia'n airstrikes & regime assault
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_J8dCEC8w&feature=youtu.be …

URGENT: countless Syrians r fleeing N #Aleppo to #Turkey, hoping to escape the regime
https://youtu.be/go_J8dCEC8w

Russia, #Iran & their puppets finish their etnic cleansing in northern #Syria now.
Sunni arab population wipped out

The border is still closed!!!
Up to tens of thousands are approaching it now!
Situation like #KOBANE but no one cares!

Ukraine and the UAF had better pay close attention to this development as it does not bode well for them as the US is pressuring the Ukraine to unilaterally cave to Putin's demand as well......

[OUTLAW 09]

So again just what did Kerry state in Geneva concerning Assad/Russian bombing of civilians and the use of starvation....appears no one listened to him.......

Aftermath of Assad bombing in Teir Maalah, #Homs, #Syria
http://youtu.be/7uPihlkIp3Y

Aftermath of 50 #Russia|n airstrikes in Anadan, #Aleppo, #Syria
http://youtu.be/MhoQKd54IcE

Complete & utter destruction in al-Mash’had district in #Aleppo following #Russia|n airstrikes
http://youtu.be/QQKsunAMz-g

A mother finds the remains of her son following #Russia|n airstrikes in Hraytan, #Aleppo, #Syria
http://youtu.be/pGjJIBjgumQ

Searching for survivors following #Russia|n airstrikes in al-Sha’ar district in #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/9MsGG_m7taE
http://youtu.be/iUbs8EpC_LA

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels still holding out in Rityan & repelled pro Assad offensives

Rebels kill over 20 regime soldiers and capture weapons in Akrad Mountain #Latakia countryside.

Boy victim of #SAA shelling targeting the IDP Camp of #alTofahah village in #Jisr_alShghour
#Idlib #Syria FEB 4

House of little boy Baha, bombed by #Russia in #Kafr_Takharim, killed him & wounded parents #Idlib #Syria FEB 4

15 martyrs victims of #Russia airstrikes on #Kallaseh & #alMashad neighborhoods
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 4

Russia airstrikes targeting the valley of #alHoula
#Homs #Syria FEB 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW14jHZ0Lis …

SAA airstrikes on #Erbeen
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj5qYUAHx-8 … …

[OUTLAW 09]

Saudi Embassy ‏@SaudiEmbassyUSA ·
Saudi Ministry of Defense spokesman: Saudi Arabia ready to send ground troops to Syria to fight Daesh (ISIS) if asked.

So an invitation from the HNC and FSA would in theory be enough....as Russia is definitely not fighting IS......

[OUTLAW 09]

Another very interesting picture with Russian soldiers and a GAZ Tigr. Anyone good at identifying RU patches?
pic.twitter.com/xOgyoBYPTs

Syria #FSA take out 14.5 mm gun in #Latakia mountains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi99U90vMDc …
pic.twitter.com/rdLDmfYjo5

[OUTLAW 09]

Saudi Embassy ‏@SaudiEmbassyUSA ·
Saudi Ministry of Defense spokesman: Saudi Arabia ready to send ground troops to Syria to fight Daesh (ISIS) if asked.

So an invitation from the HNC and FSA would in theory be enough....as Russia is definitely not fighting IS......

Pretexts being set. Davutoğlu: #Assad is planning to starve #Aleppo by attempting to cut the humanitarian supply lines from #Turkey..

BreakingNews Turkish Diplomat: #Turkey has all the rights to take all procedures to protect its security and interests..

Putin now has to deal with a possible two front Sunni engagement into Syria...notice the KSA indicated they would join others that would fight IS...so are the Turks now on the move????????

Aleppo is the red line.....and both will move....as opposed to the Obama red line that no one believed.....

On The Back Of Russian Airstrikes In Syria, Assad Regime Threatens To Encircle Aleppo
http://bit.ly/23LBp2F
pic.twitter.com/HrHr7b2iyn

[OUTLAW 09]

SANA just released a vid of SAA dropping fliers over Northern Homs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N80bM6axotg …

Fighting in 'Atman' Daraa - T-55MV, T-72, Su-24 doing CAS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPWXFsGTPs …

Found that Russian KAMAZ ECM/HQ/Radio truck (or similar) seen driving to Hmeimem in Oct, in mountains of Latakia.

Heavy fightings as Tiger Forces fight to control Sarhan farms and Al Siin village
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeF5uqb0QGY …

Commander of Suqur al Sahra,Mohammed Jaber, and commander of Tiger Forces, Col Hassan pictured together in Homs 2015

[OUTLAW 09]

TOW-gunner from Northern Division FSyA tells the details of the operation that allegedly killed a number of Russian military advisors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTDWOjp-2I

CrowBat.......

Went back and have reposted that specific TOW attack.....as it first came across as just hitting a group of people........

BGM-71 TOW by North Div against people on rooftop, seems to have hit the outside wall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r90_p3zItH8 …

Appears to have been the anti tank warhead as the damage was larger than the video first indicated...

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express is northbound again......

Russian Navy's Ropucha Class Large Landing Ship Yamal 156 is returning from Syria on the 10th day.

[OUTLAW 09]

Iran’s Shahed-129 Drone taking part in Combat Operations in #Syria.
http://www.mfs-theothernews.com/2016/02/irans-shahed-129-drone-taking-part-in.html …
pic.twitter.com/cY9kxPto5n

RUSSIA’S TOP 220 LIES – INTERNATIONAL EDITION
http://www.russialies.com/russias-top-220-lies-international-edition/ …
pic.twitter.com/wLfeu336XN

FSA TOW missile targeted #Assad militia bus north #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/LHz_5tFZ8YA

Seems #Assad-forces launched final assault on #IS hold Thermal power plant in eastern #Aleppo- probably without #Russia'n CAS -don't damage!

Activists: 2 rebels SVBIED attacks on Assad and IRGC militias in Hardatain village north #Aleppo.

Reports of 3-4 Jabhat Al Nusra suicide attacks on Assad/Iranian troops meeting positions in N Aleppo suburbs.

US #Syria Envoy explicitly blames recent #Russia strikes, “particularly in/around #Aleppo” for failure of talks
pic.twitter.com/spf1klzXeM

[CrowBat]

CrowBat...appears moves being made by Turkey are making Putin nervous or at least his MoD especially when Turkey turned down their Open Skies flight request.......
Turkey here or there... I might be perfectly wrong (and I'm going to admit this should I prove wrong), but I do not expect them to launch something like 'invasion' of Syria.

But... I expect they'll now start 'really seriously' supporting insurgents, in terms of starting to supply them with arms West struggled for four years to prevent from entering Syria. Ahrar is going to profit as first and as most from this. That's the 'lesser evil' there. Worst of all is that they'll - wholeheartedly, and without any trace of chance of any kind of US/Western influence - let anybody else who wants to do so, do the same.

...and that, combined with 1000% certain increase in Saudi - and then especially Qatari - aid, is at least 1000% certain to result in bolstering of extremist groups, foremost the JAN.

With other words: what the West - and particularly the USA - is doing in Syria is diametrally opposite to what the West (and especially the USA) are attempting to achieve there. There is going to be no peace, not even any kind of negotiations: only ever more extremism and escalation - resulting in hundreds of thousands of new refugees already in short term, and completely unpredictable developments in the long (or at least I do not want to think about predicting them).

[OUTLAW 09]

Turkey here or there... I might be perfectly wrong (and I'm going to admit this should I prove wrong), but I do not expect them to launch something like 'invasion' of Syria.

But... I expect they'll now start 'really seriously' supporting insurgents, in terms of starting to supply them with arms West struggled for four years to prevent from entering Syria. Ahrar is going to profit as first and as most from this. That's the 'lesser evil' there. Worst of all is that they'll - wholeheartedly, and without any trace of chance of any kind of US/Western influence - let anybody else who wants to do so, do the same.

...and that, combined with 1000% certain increase in Saudi - and then especially Qatari - aid, is at least 1000% certain to result in bolstering of extremist groups, foremost the JAN.

With other words: what the West - and particularly the USA - is doing in Syria is diametrally opposite to what the West (and especially the USA) are attempting to achieve there. There is going to be no peace, not even any kind of negotiations: only ever more extremism and escalation - resulting in hundreds of thousands of new refugees already in short term, and completely unpredictable developments in the long (or at least I do not want to think about predicting them).

CrowBat.......
1. what do you think of the al Sham unity offer towards all the groups??

2. the US ie Obama and Kerry have no creditability now with any of the opposition thus Geneva will not occur any time soon

3. MANPADs will flow as will more ATGMs and MLRS launchers

4. the UNSC with their three Syrian resolutions and the inability to even enforce them now makes the UNSC a farce........

Role of the KSA.........if they do not take any form of action then perception wise Iran is the regional hegemon and the green crescent that Khomeini started has been achieved by Khamenei and the perception that KSA is the defender of the global Sunni community is also a farce...ie a total loss of face in the Sunni world

[OUTLAW 09]

Is in fact the Obama ME strategy and I hate using the term strategy because there is none THE exact same thing that Putin's is for Syria.? Meaning leaving Assad in power and basically not damaging/destroying Islamic State.

AND that this attempt by the US to copy Putin's FP has badly damaged US FP/standing in Europe and the ME?

Rebels say the U.S. cut their weapons pre-Geneva while Assad/Russia ramped up Aleppo attacks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world...mepage%2Fstory …
pic.twitter.com/LmC67qCzcX

I could actually link to the press conference where Kerry stated publicly that "he had not threatened the HNC"...AND "they must have misinterpreted him"....and he would not accept "any pre-conditions" which he himself actually supported with the last UNSC resolution setting the stage for Geneva........

Kerry lies just about as often as does his Russian FM counterpart Lavrov....true or false....?

[OUTLAW 09]

Will not post initial videos of this Russian air strike today using cluster munitions....to graphic!!!!

Good morning to you.
While you were sleeping, #Russia was bombing children sleeping in #Talbiseh, 100s of Cluster Bombs. Have a nice day
Syria: A short while ago, heavy #Russia|n airstrikes targeted the rebel-held town of Talbiseh, n- #Homs.

Iranian #IRGC Colonel. Safdar Heydari killed yesterday in northern Aleppo, Syria.

Reports of coalition airstrikes & Turkish artillery targeting #ISIS positions in Jarablus, #Aleppo, #Syria

Large explosions reported in #Azaz, #Aleppo following a surface-to-surface missile attack & several #Russia|n airstrikes

Breaking: Reports 10s of Iranian/Iranian backed Shia fighters killed in multiple Nusra VBIED attacks in Hardtanin, north rural #Aleppo

ANOTHER Russian air strike on a Syrian hospital...did not Kerry say something about Russian bombings of hospitals must stop...must have been a lie.....as they did not stop....
Urgent
Reports #Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the Hospital of #alGhariyah town
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 5

[OUTLAW 09]

Smoke aftermath #Russia airstrikes targeting #alGhariyah town moments ago
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 5

Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #alSorah and #alHarak towns
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 5

[OUTLAW 09]

Interesting question....what has Putin paid Jordan for their support of the Russian war efforts in Syria.....????

After y'day FEB 4 meeting between #Jordan & #Russia coordination, #SAA & allies terrorists launches battle to control #Athman
#Daraa #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Seven #IRGC Officers Killed in #Aleppo Fighting
http://ow.ly/XXo47

Short film: #Russia will get stuck in the #Syria swamp just as they got stuck in #Afghanistan:
http://youtu.be/tJPOzk3FZmA
from @SMO_SYRIA

Russia focus full force on #FSA in #Daraa
#Daesh is +100km away
Aim is to hit moderates as hard as possible
https://mobile.mmedia.me/lb/en/newsreports/566560-russia-strikes-displace-over-150000-in-daraa-rebel-media …

Syrian Assadists are almost instinct & desperately need war to end right now on their advantage with Russia/Iranian full on help
it's all calculated. It's not accidental. The demographics are against Assad & his supporters in Syria & Assads sect is getting depleted
it's all demographics. The Shia militias settling in Fua/Kafraya/Nubl/Zahra etc the deliberate shelling & displacement of Sunni civilians

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia blaming ISIS for killing Russian general in Syria lol, it was actually FSA
https://news.mail.ru/politics/24732212/?frommail=1 …
TOW video was posted on yesterday's comments...

Russia conveniently "forgot the other three"......

Another Iranian general killed in Syria. Mohammed Hossein who led militias to ethnically cleanse Sunnis

ID cards....All that remained of pro Assad sectarian Shia Iraqi militia in the Kurdish mountains of Latakia after rebel attack

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat......can you confirm......? Late yesterday's actions...came in this morning....

Confirmed: Road between Zahra & Nubl recaptured by rebels.

Allegedly according to this source Rebels broke through pro Assad lines & Nubl & Zahra is besieged again
http://fb.me/QWr16gV5

IRGC Brig. General Ahmed Amjadi officer in the 7th Brigade killed by Syrian Rebels in Aleppo yesterday

[OUTLAW 09]

Will not post initial videos of this Russian air strike today using cluster munitions....to graphic!!!!

Good morning to you.
While you were sleeping, #Russia was bombing children sleeping in #Talbiseh, 100s of Cluster Bombs. Have a nice day
Syria: A short while ago, heavy #Russia|n airstrikes targeted the rebel-held town of Talbiseh, n- #Homs.

Iranian #IRGC Colonel. Safdar Heydari killed yesterday in northern Aleppo, Syria.

Reports of coalition airstrikes & Turkish artillery targeting #ISIS positions in Jarablus, #Aleppo, #Syria

Large explosions reported in #Azaz, #Aleppo following a surface-to-surface missile attack & several #Russia|n airstrikes

Breaking: Reports 10s of Iranian/Iranian backed Shia fighters killed in multiple Nusra VBIED attacks in Hardtanin, north rural #Aleppo

ANOTHER Russian air strike on a Syrian hospital...did not Kerry say something about Russian bombings of hospitals must stop...must have been a lie.....as they did not stop....
Urgent
Reports #Russia warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the Hospital of #alGhariyah town
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 5

This video of an injured child from the Russian cluster air strike is not as graphic.....

A young child treated after the cluster bombing of Talbiseh, Homs, overnight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BqwOMw9iPA …

Video shows Talbiseh, Homs, hit by cluster munitions overnight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqmi3iGkcKE …

AND Kerry has said absolutely nothing in two full days of intensive Russian air strikes...why is that??????

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia now threatens NATO.......thus the need for the Syrian ports and Cyprus as well.

Russian Navy Could Increase Presence in Mediterranean to 20 Warships: http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160205/1034260661/russia-navy-mediterranean.html …

Humor........
Thousands of civilians flee #Aleppo. #Russian air force describes scene as 'target rich environment'
pic.twitter.com/DneQFpHa8r

Russian-sponsored anti-#refugee rhetoric in Germany bears the hallmarks of hybrid intervention writes @GresselGustav
http://buff.ly/23Lo1eY

[CrowBat]

CrowBat......can you confirm......? Late yesterday's actions...came in this morning....

Confirmed: Road between Zahra & Nubl recaptured by rebels.

Allegedly according to this source Rebels broke through pro Assad lines & Nubl & Zahra is besieged again
http://fb.me/QWr16gV5

IRGC Brig. General Ahmed Amjadi officer in the 7th Brigade killed by Syrian Rebels in Aleppo yesterday
Right now, can't confirm or deny this - except observe: Amjadi was in charge of IRGC troops controlled by the '7th Division SAA'. Means: he was (or still is) the CO 7th Division of that farcical 'Syrian Arab Army'...

That said, and again, very little is confirmed right now. At best, what is rumoured around belongs into the same registry with reports on Lattakia Fashion Week (http://www.oroom.org/forum/threads/war-in-syria-news-and-updates-year-2016-events.50955/page-116#post-1686664), or 'defection of CO Fatah Halab' (who's posting battlefield photos on his FB account (https://www.facebook.com/major.yasser.1/posts/1669354670004540?ref=notif&notif_t=notify_me_page) all the time) etc.

What is sure is following:
- Maraset al-Khan and Kfar Naya were captured by IRGC (Liwa Fatimiyoun and Kataib Hezbollah);
- al-Harba, Kureyba, and Ziyara by YPG/SDF (Oblabla's beloved Kurds);
- rest of the IRGC is currently assaulting Rityan.

Yesterday's reports about YPG/SDF capturing Mayer turned premature (no matter how much 'confirmed' by all possible regime-fans): they advanced in that direction, but didn't capture the place.

Of course, some of things written here could change by the time I finish typing this sentence...

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
#Russia/#Assad entirely destroyed #Hirbnafsah,but are unable to capture it so far.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl9tpbsDs8w …

Just from #Huraytan, appr. 10.000 people fled due to the #Russia, destroying all vital facilities.

Russian jets hit the hospital of #Eastern_Gariyah with several airstrikes,completely destroying it

First #footage from the ballistic missile attack on #Azaz yesterday.
15 civilians injured.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Hmy0qMZrQ …

The SOHR says #Ratyan has fallen after intense international pro-Assad attacks on it.
Local sources deny it so far.

News
Einheiten der Freien Syrischen Armee auf dem Weg zur Front im Süden Aleppos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqguF7b-sUs …
FSA movement of reinforcements....

Well visible: A #Russian #Cluster_Bomb attack on the city late last night.
#WarCrimes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqmi3iGkcKE …

[OUTLAW 09]

Breaking
Next town to be taken by #Putin/#Assad: Al Hrak in #Daraa.
Multiple Russian air strikes today.

Field activists saying #SAA are not fighting, they wait/watch the #Russia|n A-Force attacks until Opposition forces withdraw, then advance.

Nusra source claims 25 pro Assad fighters killed in Rityan & the rest trapped in the area

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels still miraculously holding Rityan despite unbelievable Russian bombardment.

Inconsitent control displays in the video supposedly showing Shahed-129 airstrikes in Syria
https://youtu.be/MTjfjDzTE_w
pic.twitter.com/5Uu1PkHzsh

[OUTLAW 09]

Iranian Revolutionary Guards general, six Basij volunteers killed in Syria: media
http://reut.rs/1PYFMDv

‏@Interpreter_Mag INTERESTING Video From Syria Shows Croatian Rak-12 Rocket Launcher Not Seen By Us In Years
http://bit.ly/1ULsqZp

Stay tuned to @Interpreter_Mag. I think, after all these years, the worst case scenarios are playing out in Syria & Ukraine in the same week

[OUTLAW 09]

NOTICE in the video the AFG Shia mercenaries fighting in Alleppo recruited by IRGC are celebrating Khomeini NOT Assad/Putin.....
As pro-Assad forces celebrate their latest victories, countless refugees flee to Turkey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_J8dCEC8w&feature=youtu.be …

Reports of Iranian fighters killed in #Syria keep coming in: death toll at least 29 now in three days

More images of Afghan Fatemiyoun fighters being received by residents of recently liberated towns in Aleppo, #Syria

FSA commander says northern Aleppo countryside 'totally encircled'
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKCN0VE0ZA …

Assad Brigadier General Ahmed Abboud killed in Aleppo, originally from Tartous. More forces depleted

Hama: 2 regime soldiers defect from Assad army & join Rebels
http://goo.gl/FU5PYZ

In the last 4 months +1700 civilians have been killed in nearly 17000 #Russian airstrikes in #Syria. 260 in the last 3 days alone!

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
#FSA destroys Shiite militia vehicle near #Aleppo with the TOW.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQUHqU8PhM …

Even the aid relief groups are painting their vehicles in camouflage to avoid being hit by the Russian AF....
Bei #Aleppo
Sogar Hilfsorganisationen tragen Tarnfarben,damit die #Russen sie nicht treffen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc6l-aR_4V4 …

After a year of being bombed by the US and now Russia and constant fighting in Iraq....and they have lost only 6K??????
.@Reuters: New US intel says #ISIS has ~ 25K fighters in Syria & Iraq, down from a previous estimate of up to 31K. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-fighters-idUSKCN0VD2ZO …

One of the more elusive vehicles in the ranks of the SyAA and the Republican Guard: The 152mm 2S3 Akatsiya.
pic.twitter.com/8FLuyS6CzC

[OUTLAW 09]

With the increasing number of hit and runs & ATGM hits, a new Rebel strategy takes shape in Jebal Al Akrad,...
http://redd.it/44am5n

[OUTLAW 09]

T-90 near Mayer in northern #Aleppo
pic.twitter.com/60gJWYtiNl

CrowBat...something for you....
RuAF Su-35S fighters deployed to Syria are armed with RVV-SD / AA-12 air-to-air missiles!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjHMaIOsDKc …

To the best of my knowledge, that's the first sighting of live AA-12s in operational use by RuAF.