Syria in 2016 (January-March)

[OUTLAW 09]

What the heck has the Russian MoD been smoking lately.....were the heck is
Gaziantep?????

You couldn't make it up:

#Russia MoD denies any hospitals/schools were hit & blames “fabrications” in Gaziantep???

Russian MoD is claiming "Gaziantep" is the really really big Turkish secret services training center of terrorists going to Syria....but no one knows where the heck that is?????

From the Turkish FM.....
Press Release Regarding the Targeting of Civilians by Russian Air Strikes
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-45_-15-february-2016_-press-release-regarding-the-targeting-civilians-by-russian-air-strikes.en.mfa …

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
#KafrZita today.
Bombs from #Assad choppers as activists report.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVEPN_Pc-Ng …
#Hama #Syria

#FSA hit regime convoy in #Latakia mountains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxM3RLxve-0 …

Syria rescue team saved live of nurse -1 day later after #Russia'n airstrike on hospital in #Idlib prov.

Syria Reports of #Russia'n airstrikes with cluster bombs on central #Aleppo now

Rebel groups 2 withdraw from Mare: Liwa almutassem, Levant front, Safwa islamiya, Quwa almarkaziya, Ossood alTawheed, Fighters Ahrar shaam

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat....can you confirm as things appear to be bit chaotic right now in the Aleppo area as it looks like FSA is actually holding their own against just about everyone except say the Germans.....

Aazaz Media Office Denies as well,#YPG/SDF control over #Aazaz & #Marea & no negotiations were made
#Syria FEB 16

Marea Media Office: "There is NO truth in the circulating news about "Daesh/YPG/SDF" control over the city"
#Syria FEB 16 - 6PM

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
#KafrZita today.
Bombs from #Assad choppers as activists report.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVEPN_Pc-Ng …
#Hama #Syria

#FSA hit regime convoy in #Latakia mountains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxM3RLxve-0 …

Syria rescue team saved live of nurse -1 day later after #Russia'n airstrike on hospital in #Idlib prov.

Syria Reports of #Russia'n airstrikes with cluster bombs on central #Aleppo now

Rebel groups 2 withdraw from Mare: Liwa almutassem, Levant front, Safwa islamiya, Quwa almarkaziya, Ossood alTawheed, Fighters Ahrar shaam

SCD recovered more children under rubble
Victims of #Russia airstrikes on #alSakhour #Aleppo #Syria FEB16

32+Hours & #SCD continue Rescue operation at #MSF Hospital Bombed by #Russia
#alHamedeiyah #Idlib #Syria FEB 16

And I thought the Russians were in an "altered state of reality".......
UN Syrian ambassador Jaafari: #DoctorsWithoutBorders is a branch for French intelligent in #Syria #France

All Hospitals bombed by #Russia that I posted on twitter since it's intervention in Syria. Sure there's more.
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=hospital%20russia%20%40aejkhalil&src=typd …

[OUTLAW 09]

#FSA #Jaysh_alNasr targeted #Iraq militias terrorists CP in #Khan_Touman exterminating them all w/160cannon
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 16

Turkey Army shelling #SAA & it's allies foreigners terrorists in #Latakia cs #Syria FEB 16

SAA airstrikes on E #Ghouta
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 16

The 2nd #RUSSIA Cluster Bombs airstrikes on #Kafr_Naya
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 16

#SAA dropping 6 barrel bombs at once on #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 16

Rebels using TOW, destroy #SAA ammunition depot, exterminating a number of it's terrorists at #Turkmen_Mount
#Latakia #Syria FEB 16

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels remind Assad regime the weaklings they are on the ground by destroying tank in Al Tamourah

Quneitra: Syrian Rebels destroy an Assad regime tank

Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime BMP in Jabal Andan with TOW

Latakia: Syrian Rebels recapture Al Taraf & killed dozens of pro Assad forces including an officer

Pro Assad spy captured by rebels in Damascus
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1481

Aleppo: successful rebel attack against Assad forces lead to capture of position
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1478

[OUTLAW 09]

Turkish artillery shelling YPG militia in all locations of Tal Refaat & Afrin rural Aleppo

Syrian Rebels capture 6 SDF fighters militias in their failed attack of Al Halk neighbourhood and Bostan al Basha

Syrian Rebels retake number of points in Al Halk neighborhood in Aleppo from SDF in counter attack

First coastal division (FSA) claims 30 SAA were killed near Kinsibba and Shellf in reef Lattakia

[OUTLAW 09]

#FSA #Jaysh_alNasr targeted #Iraq militias terrorists CP in #Khan_Touman exterminating them all w/160cannon
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 16

Turkey Army shelling #SAA & it's allies foreigners terrorists in #Latakia cs #Syria FEB 16

SAA airstrikes on E #Ghouta
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 16

The 2nd #RUSSIA Cluster Bombs airstrikes on #Kafr_Naya
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 16

#SAA dropping 6 barrel bombs at once on #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 16

Rebels using TOW, destroy #SAA ammunition depot, exterminating a number of it's terrorists at #Turkmen_Mount
#Latakia #Syria FEB 16

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels remind Assad regime the weaklings they are on the ground by destroying tank in Al Tamourah

Quneitra: Syrian Rebels destroy an Assad regime tank

Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime BMP in Jabal Andan with TOW

Latakia: Syrian Rebels recapture Al Taraf & killed dozens of pro Assad forces including an officer

Pro Assad spy captured by rebels in Damascus
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1481

Aleppo: successful rebel attack against Assad forces lead to capture of position
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1478

Rebels liberated #Tel_Ghren & #Ouyon_alAlaq in "Triangle of Death" battle "#If_you_return_we_shall_return
#Syria FEB 16

[OUTLAW 09]

SCD recovered more children under rubble
Victims of #Russia airstrikes on #alSakhour #Aleppo #Syria FEB16

32+Hours & #SCD continue Rescue operation at #MSF Hospital Bombed by #Russia
#alHamedeiyah #Idlib #Syria FEB 16

And I thought the Russians were in an "altered state of reality".......
UN Syrian ambassador Jaafari: #DoctorsWithoutBorders is a branch for French intelligent in #Syria #France

All Hospitals bombed by #Russia that I posted on twitter since it's intervention in Syria. Sure there's more.
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=hospital%20russia%20%40aejkhalil&src=typd …

“We are pretty confident in our assessment that this was #Russia that carried out these strikes" on #Syria hospitals, @StateDept says.
Syria: wether its a hospital, a school or a refugee camp, #Putin's warplanes bomb them all
https://youtu.be/O1aXosuHnb0
pic.twitter.com/g4haDfQ489

REMEMBER Putin used an FSB false flag attack on apartments to justify starting the last Chechnya war and then killed 165,000 civilians and completely destroyed to the ground.......Gronzy..........

[OUTLAW 09]

Wow........Russian does not like info war being directed against them.....???


Ru Def Min: Turkey shelled Syrian border settlements and has launched an info war against Russia
http://tass.ru/en/politics/857150 …

[OUTLAW 09]

The Guardian: Refugees are becoming Russia`s weapon of choice in Syria
http://www.unian.info/world/1267168-the-guardian-refugees-are-becoming-russias-weapon-of-choice-in-syria.html …

ANALYSIS. Why #Russia Targets #Turkey and #NATO; #Assad: Proposed Ceasefire 'Difficult'
http://ow.ly/YonI9

Assad's Regime and Russian "explications" for bombing 5 hospitals in #Syria, all in just 24 hours
https://twitter.com/RamiSafadi93/status/699682670037569536 …

So far: MSF hospital was hit by US which wasn't real because it was faked in Gaziantep but was actually attacked in Syria bcuz French Intel.

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA rebels in northern #Aleppo have received x40 Serbian Zastava M02 Coyote 12.7mm heavy machine guns:

Claims also that FSA rebels have received x6 152mm M1955 towed howitzers; via @bm21_grad & @Dalatrm

[CrowBat]

[B]CrowBat....can you confirm as things appear to be bit chaotic right now in the Aleppo area as it looks like FSA is actually holding their own against just about everyone except say the Germans.....It is 'chaotic', sort of.

This is so because there's lots of re-shuffling and re-organizations.

But, 'first things first' as they say....

**************

JAN - i.e. Jabhat an-Nusra - is WITHDRAWING from Azaz pocket. It's positions are taken over by FSyA, JAM, JAS, and AAS.

This means that Turkey decided to take out wind out of all of BS-legends launched by Kurds and their US-paid Jaysh at-Thuwwar allies, by Russians etc., that they're 'attacking JAN, al-Qaida, Daesh etc. in Azaz'. In a matter of 1-2 days, there will be not a single JAN left in this part of Syria.

All of the JAN Jihadists are moved (via Turkey, of course) down to Bab as-Salma border crossing to Idlib and then to southern Aleppo province (Khan Thouman area, between others).

For example, it's already known that ex-JAN positions in NE corner of the Azaz pocket, on the frontlines to the Daesh, were already taken over by the Jabhat ash-Shaymia (Sham Front). Similarly, ex-JAN positions on the southern side of the Azaz pocket were taken over by this new coalition of Ahrar, FSyA and other groups (more about this below).

There seems to be a similar - yet reciprocial - movement of insurgents out of Idlib and southern Aleppo (via Turkey, of course) into the Azaz pocket.

************

Secondly...

There is de-facto a demise of the 'traditional' insurgent structure in northern Syria 'by umbrella organizations'. I.e. instead of 'Free Syrian Army' (FSyA), 'Ahrar ash-Sham' (AAS), 'Islamic Front' (IF) etc. thee are now four coalitions there, all consisting of mix of units from all four of these umbrella organizations.

Frankly (as always), I've got no clear idea how do they decide to re-group, but usual scheme seems to be that some ex-Ahrar or ex-IF commander, perhaps a unit too, is put in charge of mix of anything between 5 and 8 FSyA units, 2-3 AAS units etc., and 'voila', there's a new coalition.

The result is similar to that of JAN's withdrawal from the Azaz pocket: a de-facto demise of the IF, and quasi-disappearance of the AAS in this part of Syria. Instead, there are now four alliances usually consisting of Islamist commanders in charge of moderate Islamists and FSyA groups.

Sure, their 'power brokers' (well, at least those from the AAS) are still around, but nobody can actually complain any more Turkey is supporting a 'bunch of Islamists, extremists and Jihadists' there. On the contrary, majority of components of these new alliances are actually 'ex'-FSyA, some even US-vetted...

*************

Thirdly...

In the light of all these reports, alone the idea that the JAS - which was one of first such 'new-modell armies' of insurgents in this part of Syria - has given up Mare'a to the JAT (i.e. SDF) without any fighting appears rather dubious to me.

No doubt, since the SDF/JAT has captured Shaykh Isa, today, supply links between Azaz and Mare'a appear very exposed. Indeed, 'easy to cut off'. But, Mare'a is not only easy to defend, but also well-fortified. If the JAS withdraws from there, the YPG/SDF would have it easy to rapidly advance into the back of other insurgent groups holding the frontline to the Daesh, further north.

So, unless we get a 100% confirmation that the JAT has entered Mare'a, I would say such reports are actually based on defection of one of minor local FSyA groups, the 'Abu Wallid Battalion', to the JAT - plus re-deployment of several minor Islamist groups (like AAS' Safwa Islamiya, Quwwa al-Markaziya and Osood at-Tawheed) from Mare'a to Azaz.

With other words: we have to wait and see what turns out to be truth. I'm quite sure we'll know tomorrow.

[CrowBat]

OK, can deny this with the 'fall' of Mare'a now (I think).

JAT's 'entry' into the town has been denied, i.e. confirmed as 'wrong'. It didn't happen: the town is still in JAS hands. JAT is now publishing excuses like, 'we had a deal to enter peacefully but external parties obstructed agreement' and similar nonsense.

[OUTLAW 09]

OK, can deny this with the 'fall' of Mare'a now (I think).

JAT's 'entry' into the town has been denied, i.e. confirmed as 'wrong'. It didn't happen: the town is still in JAS hands. JAT is now publishing excuses like, 'we had a deal to enter peacefully but external parties obstructed agreement' and similar nonsense.

CrowBat........

Thanks...nice to see you back....so are we in the true sectarian war yet and the even bigger question bluff or not on the part of the Turks and Saudi's...IMO not a bluff.....?

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian info war Syrian campaign is seriously off the rails since they were blatantly caught bombing hospitals and using cluster munitions to kill strictly civilians and NOT IS.....and they have not recovered yet......

The Russian regime's embassy in #Canada DARES to take a pic of an #Assad air strike 2show "Turkish artillery fire".

[OUTLAW 09]

Appears even the US AF is "standing by" or are they "sharing strike data" with the Russians OR vice versa...?

Either way they really got it wrong yesterday.....not a beep out of CENTCOM....

BreakingReport
Up to 28 civilians killed in international coalition air strike on bakery in #Shaddadi.
SOHR+LCC

So it begs the question is the US supporting now RuAF air strikes as some reporting has them providing CAS to the Kurds fighting FSA along side Russian CAS....YET both AFs claim they are bombing IS.....??

[OUTLAW 09]

It is 'chaotic', sort of.

This is so because there's lots of re-shuffling and re-organizations.

But, 'first things first' as they say....

**************

JAN - i.e. Jabhat an-Nusra - is WITHDRAWING from Azaz pocket. It's positions are taken over by FSyA, JAM, JAS, and AAS.

This means that Turkey decided to take out wind out of all of BS-legends launched by Kurds and their US-paid Jaysh at-Thuwwar allies, by Russians etc., that they're 'attacking JAN, al-Qaida, Daesh etc. in Azaz'. In a matter of 1-2 days, there will be not a single JAN left in this part of Syria.

All of the JAN Jihadists are moved (via Turkey, of course) down to Bab as-Salma border crossing to Idlib and then to southern Aleppo province (Khan Thouman area, between others).

For example, it's already known that ex-JAN positions in NE corner of the Azaz pocket, on the frontlines to the Daesh, were already taken over by the Jabhat ash-Shaymia (Sham Front). Similarly, ex-JAN positions on the southern side of the Azaz pocket were taken over by this new coalition of Ahrar, FSyA and other groups (more about this below).

There seems to be a similar - yet reciprocial - movement of insurgents out of Idlib and southern Aleppo (via Turkey, of course) into the Azaz pocket.

************

Secondly...

There is de-facto a demise of the 'traditional' insurgent structure in northern Syria 'by umbrella organizations'. I.e. instead of 'Free Syrian Army' (FSyA), 'Ahrar ash-Sham' (AAS), 'Islamic Front' (IF) etc. thee are now four coalitions there, all consisting of mix of units from all four of these umbrella organizations.

Frankly (as always), I've got no clear idea how do they decide to re-group, but usual scheme seems to be that some ex-Ahrar or ex-IF commander, perhaps a unit too, is put in charge of mix of anything between 5 and 8 FSyA units, 2-3 AAS units etc., and 'voila', there's a new coalition.

The result is similar to that of JAN's withdrawal from the Azaz pocket: a de-facto demise of the IF, and quasi-disappearance of the AAS in this part of Syria. Instead, there are now four alliances usually consisting of Islamist commanders in charge of moderate Islamists and FSyA groups.

Sure, their 'power brokers' (well, at least those from the AAS) are still around, but nobody can actually complain any more Turkey is supporting a 'bunch of Islamists, extremists and Jihadists' there. On the contrary, majority of components of these new alliances are actually 'ex'-FSyA, some even US-vetted...

*************

Thirdly...

In the light of all these reports, alone the idea that the JAS - which was one of first such 'new-modell armies' of insurgents in this part of Syria - has given up Mare'a to the JAT (i.e. SDF) without any fighting appears rather dubious to me.

No doubt, since the SDF/JAT has captured Shaykh Isa, today, supply links between Azaz and Mare'a appear very exposed. Indeed, 'easy to cut off'. But, Mare'a is not only easy to defend, but also well-fortified. If the JAS withdraws from there, the YPG/SDF would have it easy to rapidly advance into the back of other insurgent groups holding the frontline to the Daesh, further north.

So, unless we get a 100% confirmation that the JAT has entered Mare'a, I would say such reports are actually based on defection of one of minor local FSyA groups, the 'Abu Wallid Battalion', to the JAT - plus re-deployment of several minor Islamist groups (like AAS' Safwa Islamiya, Quwwa al-Markaziya and Osood at-Tawheed) from Mare'a to Azaz.

With other words: we have to wait and see what turns out to be truth. I'm quite sure we'll know tomorrow.

CrowBat..thought you would like this comment yesterday from SDF/YPG....

If in fact is long gone from the area WHY are they still fighting FSA when IS is closer if they drove straight to IS territory.....so in fact they were expanding control over Arab land....have heard them argue WELL it use to be in say 1104 Kurdish before it became Arab so we are taking it back....

Change in tone. Jaish Thowar spokesman: SDF doesnt necessarily have 2 go thru Marea. Our aim is ISIS, regime &Nusra

BUT WAIT....the regime/shia jihadists are in the complete other direction...so why did SDF completely sidestep Assad and WHY did they accept Russian CAS...they lie about as bad as the Russian do not counting Assad....

OR maybe their CIA handlers finally are getting them under control....or the realization that the Turks could in fact cross the border?

OR the reality is ..they were talking heavy loses which surprised them...

[OUTLAW 09]

At least 5 children killed in today's #Russia|n airstrikes on #Aleppo|s rebel-held Al-Sakhour neighbourhood.

Aleppo Clashes btw #YPG & rebels at Bani Zaid Youth Housing
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.240431&lon=37.137952&z=15&m=b …

SAA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Erbeen
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 17

Russia bombing schools again and again.....WHERE is IS???????
Seconds after #Russia airstrikes on School of #Taftanaz town,
5 wounded including 2 children
#Idlib cs #Syria FEB 17

Remnants of #Russia missiles aftermath it's airstrikes targeting a School in #Taftanaz town
#Idlib cs #Syria FEB 17

RUSSIA Cluster Bombs Airstrikes targeted a School of #Taftanaz town
#Idlib cs #Syria FEB 17

RUSSIA airstrikes earlier this morning:
#alSaayn
#Tel_Qatari
#Zaafarana
#Gharnata
#Deir_Foul
#alAmreya
#Ayn_Hussain
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 17

SAA Officer with his body guard killed & dozens others wounded due IED explosion in #alSabboura village
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 17

[B]Russia airstrikes on #Hama cs #Syria FEB 17
https://youtu.be/7Fe3onXQo3Y
https://youtu.be/coF7nxW7DqA
https://youtu.be/gdIqndUIR4g
https://youtu.be/sw4J7VNGA-g

RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #alLataminah
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 17

#RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #Maarkaba village
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 17

Since #Russia occupation and ethnic cleanse campaign to help ASSad, it's warplanes bombed 23 Hospitals & 27 Schools.

RUSSIA airstrikes on #Hirbnafsah town
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 17

#Russia airstrikes between #Sheikh_Meskin & #Nawa, #Tel_Hamid & #Aabta towns
#Daraa #Syria FEB 17

Rebels with Grad Rockets targeting #SAA terrorists positions in the occupied #Sheikh_Meskin
#Daraa #Syria FEB 17

Now #SAA shelling mortars from it's positions at 4ºDivision targeting #Darayya
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 17

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat..if you have time can you confirm or deny??

Heavy clashes now between #FSA 16ºDivision & #YPG gangs in attempt to recover points of #alCastello Road
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 17

Reports #YPG gangs cut off the #alCastello Highway, the unique "gates" of the liberated neighborhoods..
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 17

[OUTLAW 09]

Yesterday the Russians deliberately targeted hospitals---5 and TOAY it is schools...2 and the day is young.....

Russians targeted Taftanz school in #Idlib today during school hours. Attack injured 2 students.
RuAF used cluster munitions....

RUSSIA airstrikes targeting a School in #Hayan town
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 17

2 Schools so far bombed by #Russia today!!!!!!!
One in #Hayan, #Aleppo
One in #Taftanaz, #Idlib
#Syria FEB 17

Crazy graphic footage of them, being dug out under the rubble.
Maybe one is still alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_G98rbUERg&app=desktop …

At least 5 children killed in today's #Russia|n airstrikes on #Aleppo|s rebel-held Al-Sakhour neighbourhood.

New Russian bomb type being dropped now on civilian targets..
High Explosive Fragmentation Bomb OFAB-250-270 spotted under #Russia|n Su-35S in #Syria.
http://www.cat-uxo.com/ofab-250-270-bomb/4583666019 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Yesterday the Russians deliberately targeted hospitals---5 and TOAY it is schools...2 and the day is young.....

Russians targeted Taftanz school in #Idlib today during school hours. Attack injured 2 students.
RuAF used cluster munitions....

RUSSIA airstrikes targeting a School in #Hayan town
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 17

2 Schools so far bombed by #Russia today!!!!!!!
One in #Hayan, #Aleppo
One in #Taftanaz, #Idlib
#Syria FEB 17

Seconds after #Russia airstrikes on School of #Taftanaz town,
5 wounded including 2 children
#Idlib cs #Syria FEB 17

Remnants of Russian missiles in Taftanaz town, Idlib cs, Syria http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/17-february-remnants-of-russian-missiles-in-taftanaz-town …

Crazy graphic footage of them, being dug out under the rubble.
Maybe one is still alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_G98rbUERg&app=desktop …

At least 5 children killed in today's #Russia|n airstrikes on #Aleppo|s rebel-held Al-Sakhour neighbourhood.

New Russian bomb type being dropped now on civilian targets..
High Explosive Fragmentation Bomb OFAB-250-270 spotted under #Russia|n Su-35S in #Syria.
http://www.cat-uxo.com/ofab-250-270-bomb/4583666019 …

SAA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Zamalka
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 17

SAA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting #Zamalka
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 17

SAA helicopters dropped barrel bombs over #alAqraba & #Kafr_Nasij towns
#Daraa #Syria FEB 17

Remnants of #Russia missile found in #Hayan town
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 17

[OUTLAW 09]

The True Price Of Russia's Bombing Of Syrian Hospitals Is Just Becoming Clear
http://bit.ly/1Ko6zXQ
pic.twitter.com/uX1N2q0RkS

AND the voices of the western leaders are again where??? Obama and Kerry so called leadership is nowhere to be seen is it????

OTHERS see it BUT does this Obama WH even care with 300 or days to go???/
Russia is bombing to pieces the #Obama administration’s hopes of halting the violence in #Syria " writes Nahal Toosi in Politico.

[OUTLAW 09]

AND that great anti IS Kurdish/Arab fighting force Obama, the CIA and CENTCOM have been supporting.......attacking IS are you kidding all they want is to attack FSA and take more Arab land...

TallRifat
20514 inhabitants 2004
CloseTo 0 inhabitants after its "liberation" by #YPG 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gav-fr3FH5w … pic.twitter.com/78bloLz9Mo

So is Obama and Kerry actually supporting ethnic cleansing of Sunni's in their own Syrian Arab areas...appears so....

Crazy graphic footage of them, being dug out under the rubble.
Maybe one is still alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_G98rbUERg&app=desktop …
pic.twitter.com/t0Dyqq33xw

[OUTLAW 09]

No shame to loose against this "democratic coalition" pic.twitter.com/B4Bytk7TRA

AND Obama and Kerry state often they are attacking and defeating IS...really?

Seems the only group that is effectively fighting IS inside Syria is FSA and they are dodging RuAF bombs and Kurds all day long...and the US Kurdish fighting force that was the cornerstone to the US fight against IS....

Suddenly went off the reservation it appears and is ethnically cleansing Arabs namely FSA....THEY certainly are not fighting IS with their US supplied weapons, funds and training.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Well the old and worn out excuse that the Kurds would be fighting IS is now safely out the window...and the so called US fight against IS is then for all practical purposes dead in the water.....

Aleppo Kurdish #YPG attack rebel held Kaljibrin village btw #Azaz & #Mare
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.534743&lon=37.116451&z=13&m=b …
but new frontline with IS is quiet

So nothing for three days except for the Kurds/YPG other than attacking FSA with Russian CAS and not a single Kurdish attack anywhere along the IS frontline....

This alone proves the Kurdish intent....HOPE Obama and Kerry did anticipate this move by the Kurds....what a great Syria successful strategy...

Kurdish #YPG rename former #SAA regime airbase "Menagh" to "Serok Apo" base

This is an Arab area since 1104........not Kurdish.......

Kurdish #YPG renamed arab "Tell Rifaat" city in northern #Aleppo to "Arpêt" after occupation

City Tel Rifaat in northern #Aleppo before & after #Russia'n
& kurdish "Liberation"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6BiVA2K44E …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DruKjePZbA …

[OUTLAW 09]

BREAKING: Number of Syrian refugees at Turkish border rises to more than 150,000.

[OUTLAW 09]

Massive #Russia'n airstrikes on #Daraa in southern #Syria

MSF: the killing of three people and wounded six in an air strike on hospital in the southern province of #Daraa

[OUTLAW 09]

And that highly successful Obama Syrian strategy will now give the US that NFZ that the Turks and the Saudi's have been demanding for a long number of months....and it will be secured on the ground and air by both Turks and Saudi's...and there is nothing the US can now say and or do ......they have no further US creditability after they failure to control their own proxy the Kurds....

Al Arabiya English ‏@AlArabiya_Eng ·
BREAKING: #Turkey wants secure line created 10 km within #Syria, including town of Aziz -deputy PM

[OUTLAW 09]

Outlaw09,

The cited source (IBT) refers to:

Someone has been exaggerating, too much time in the sun? Yes all the nations may have such numbers, but to move them the Saudi's northern border would require months - akin to the original 'Desert Storm'. I suppose 'up to' means there is clarity over the numbers.

David...back to the numbers....they are not far wrong.........they might in fact be highly correct...and if this article is correct and the source has always been accurate with his articles...the message is clearly being sent to the US and Obama and it is not good for the US FP for the ME...we do not trust the US....

When one reads the article.....take notice of the battle flag in the background...the same exact style carried by the staff of Mohammed in his battles to unify Islam...the green war flag of Islam.....NOW convince me there is not a looming sectarian Sunni Shia war on the horizon.....the IRGC really wants one to payback KSA for their support of Saddam in the 80-88 war and from their constant info war side they feel it will be in Syria.

http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/saudi-arabias-two-war-doctrine-becomes-a-reality …

Saudi Arabia's two-war doctrine becomes a reality

Faisal Al Yafai

February 16, 2016 Updated: February 16, 2016 05:52 PM


Saudi Arabia’s military exercise was a goodbye wave to America



For decades after the end of the Second World War, the United States maintained a “two-war” defence doctrine. The military organised its capabilities around the idea that it should be able to fight two conventional wars, in two separate theatres, at the same time.

That, after all, had been the reality in the Second World War, when the US had to fight in Europe and the Pacific simultaneously.

The doctrine came to an end in 2010, and in the 60 years that it was active, it was never enacted. The nearest the US came in recent history were the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, neither of which were conventional wars for long. Indeed, it was the inability to win those wars that finally pushed the US to change its policy.

A similar doctrine appears to be taking shape in Saudi Arabia, but the other way around. The kingdom is having to ramp up its military presence in response to multiple threats, not to meet some future perceived threat.

Saudi Arabia doesn't have the advantages that the US has long enjoyed, hidden away behind two oceans. In fact, Saudi Arabia faces serious challenges on at least three of its borders.

There is the long, porous border to the south with Yemen, currently the focus of its most serious military effort. There is the eastern flank, facing regional rival Iran. And there is its long northern border, the majority of which has Iraq on the other side. Only to the west, across the Red Sea, are there clear allies in Egypt and Sudan.

Saudi Arabia has not yet articulated its defence posture. But it does look as if it has taken the two-war doctrine as a starting point.

The Northern Thunder joint military exercises it is conducting with 20 other countries, touted as the largest joint military exercises ever conducted in the region, are a pointed message to its adversaries, whether states (Iran), regimes (Syria) or groups (ISIL).

That it is taking place in Saudi Arabia’s north is no coincidence. With a serious war underway to the south, the kingdom is seeking to show that it can, despite suggestions, fight on two separate fronts.

After all, if the country can project power with Northern Thunder, what is to stop it using that power farther north?

The obvious place for that power projection is Syria. Earlier this month, a Saudi official, Brigadier General Ahmed Al Asiri, suggested the kingdom could send ground troops to Syria to fight ISIL – although it is likely to seek support from its allies as well, some of whom are involved in Northern Thunder.

Taken together with other elements – Saudi fighter jets are now stationed at Turkey's Incirlik base, close to the Syrian border – it is hard to avoid the message that Saudi Arabia and its allies are prepared to involve themselves in the Syrian civil war, if need be.

But there’s a second part to any new defence doctrine, and that is the political aspect. Saudi Arabia’s new muscular military posture requires close cooperation between allies.

Northern Thunder, after all, is a follow-up to Abdullah Sword, Saudi Arabia’s 2014 military exercise that was, at the time, the largest it had ever conducted.

Abdullah Sword involved all the GCC countries except Qatar. Northern Thunder builds on it, expanding Saudi’s list of allies further.

The message is unmistakable. The Saudi-led coalition is expanding, not diminishing.

And it is in that that we can discern the real intention behind Northern Thunder. The Saudis are seeking to use the military exercises as a way to deepen the political coalition against Iran and any future Russia-Syria-Iranian axis.

Problems like Iran and Syria don’t have long-term military solutions. Iran’s re-emergence is not a one-off event; it is a process that will play itself out in various ways, affecting political alliances and diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia may be seeking to send a strong message to Tehran that it can defend itself against external aggression – even while involved in a conflict in which Iran is a proxy – but it is also preparing for the much longer political and diplomatic fight.

By assembling a 20-country coalition, Saudi Arabia is gathering its allies close, preparing to deepen ties between it and the Muslim world, so that when the inevitable diplomatic confrontation takes place with Iran, it will have the political capital to react.

That is the real intention behind Northern Thunder. The message being telegraphed is not merely that Saudi Arabia is ready to defend itself, but that it does not intend to do so alone.

Once the war games begin in northern Saudi Arabia, it will not be the strikes of lightning that matter so much, as the gathering of the clouds which precedes it.



Saudi two war doctrine not new, Abdullah sword exercise with 100K troops was based on two front war premiss


[OUTLAW 09]

So far it seems that rebels have repelled the YPG attack to control the Catello road in #Aleppo

"Anti-terrorist" Russia reportedly killed more Syrian civilians than even Assad in January.
http://bit.ly/21733VM

Latakia: Syrian Rebels destroy pro Assad forces in their vehicle TOW hit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxM3RLxve-0 …

TURKEY: Erdogan says Ankara has no intention to halt shelling of Syrian Kurd positions. - @APDiploWriter

UPDATE: There is no UNSC resolution on #Turkey’s shelling of #YPG targets in #Syria: Perm. Rep. of Turkey to the UN - @DailySabah

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...your were correct about the JaN pullout via Turkey.....

Marea is currently controlled by FSA’s Military Council of Northern Rif Aleppo = all US-vetted MOM-backed groups.
Ahrar nor Nusra not present at all.

Sources for this.....
1. N #Aleppo Mil Council command
2. Senior Jabhat al-Shamiya leader
3. Senior Ahrar al-Sham ldr

[OUTLAW 09]

It is great to be considered an intellectual president but Obama in his "standing by" mode should actually refrain from making any statements right now on Syria...he is just making things worse....

Obama on Syria: "This is not a contest between me and Putin."


That’s not what the other guy says… And he’s spectacularly outplayed you at every step..............it is bad when even Obama does not understand the full extent of the Russian non linear warfare...being used in support of the political war Putin is pushing..in both Syria and eastern Ukraine.

[OUTLAW 09]

It is really bad when your own appointed UNSC Ambassador who IMHO is one of the best in a very long time for having the courage to stand up against the Russian Ambassador constant lying...she has been virtually muzzled for months now by Obama for her harshness on the failure of Russia to implement a single point in Minsk 2....

Damning indictment of Obama WH, Ambo Power for allowing #Russia #Iran Assad to commit "1st genocide of 21st century"
http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/197727/the-ambassador-from-hell …

REALLY worth reading the long article ....much of what I have been posting here.....


Even die-hard supporters of President Barack Obama’s “realist” approach to foreign affairs are nauseated by the White House’s Syria policy.

New York Times columnist Roger Cohen, a vocal supporter of the nuclear weapons agreement with Iran, is fed up with nearly five years of the “fecklessness and purposelessness” of a Syria policy that “has become hard to distinguish” from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s. “Syria is now the Obama administration’s shame,” Cohen wrote last week, “a debacle of such dimensions that it may overshadow the president’s domestic achievements.” Ambassador Dennis Ross and New York Times military correspondent David Sanger also published articles excoriating Obama’s policies in Syria. There is a military solution, it’s “just not our military solution,” a senior U.S. security official admitted to Sanger. It’s Putin’s.

Perhaps most damning of the stink-bouquets was a Washington Post op-ed from former New Republic literary editor Leon Wieseltier and Harvard professor Michael Ignatieff. “It is time for those who care about the moral standing of the United States to say that this policy is shameful,” they wrote. “If the United States and its NATO allies allow [Putin and his allies] to encircle and starve the people of Aleppo, they will be complicit in crimes of war.”

What made the Post op-ed particularly striking is that Wieseltier and Ignatieff are both friends and former colleagues of Obama’s U.N. ambassador, Samantha Power. Ignatieff taught with her at Harvard, and Wieseltier published early parts of her book on genocide, A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide, which described in searing detail the strategies by which American officials typically deflect responsibility for the massacre of innocents. Power’s 600-page book consists largely of case studies of how the United States responded to 20th-century genocides, like the Turkish genocide of the Armenians, the Nazi Holocaust, Cambodia, Saddam Hussein’s genocidal campaigns against the Kurds, Bosnia, Rwanda, Srebrenica, and Kosovo. As Power notes in the book’s conclusion, “What is most shocking about America’s reaction … is not that the United States refused to deploy U.S. ground forces to combat the atrocities. For much of the century, even the most ardent interventionists did not lobby for U.S. ground invasions. What is most shocking is that U.S. policymakers did almost nothing to deter the crime.”

There can be no doubt that the murderous campaign of sectarian cleansing that Assad and his allies Russia and Iran have been waging against the Sunni Arab population of Syria is a crime of historic proportions—the first genocide of the still-young 21st century, or, if you prefer the language of a recent U.N. report, state-sponsored mass extermination. Power herself has documented it all on Twitter:

Power’s tweets are a legitimate response to a horror that is unfolding daily. What’s so odd about them is the Twitter account they come from belongs to the American Ambassador to the United Nations, who has been a member of Obama’s inner circle since he hit the campaign trail in 2007. Hence, Ambassador Power’s doe-eyed outrage against the policies that she helped to shape in her time in the White House and whose current public face is literally Samantha Power leaves a casual observer a bit slack-jawed. Is the real Samantha Power being held prisoner in the U.N. basement with access to Twitter, while a Davos-friendly version of Arya Stark from Game of Thrones impersonates Power in policy meetings? Or was her book on genocide actually a clever way of advertising her services to a future U.S. administration, which—if history is a fair guide—would need someone to deflect responsibility for standing idly by while hundreds of thousands of innocent people were murdered?

As Ignatieff and Wieseltier suggest, Power is a handmaiden to war crimes. And no number of righteous tweets or broadsides against Russian diplomats can hide how the White House has used her monumental 2002 classic, A Problem From Hell, as a how-to manual in how to enable genocide and still maintain your soulful cred. From the very beginning when Assad opened fire on peaceful protesters, to the present, as Russia bombs hospitals, the United States has done nothing to stop Assad and his gory friends—and all the faux-outraged tweets and Putin-blaming in the world will not distract a single Syrian from the plain facts that the United States was not only indifferent to the destruction of their country, but has also diplomatically enabled their horrific suffering.

Remember when Obama warned Assad not to use chemical weapons against his own people? That, said Obama, “might change his calculus”—i.e., the use of chemical weapons against civilians would be such an obvious and grotesque violation of the international laws and norms and a host of arms agreements that Assad might actually manage to shame commander-in-chief into stopping a genocide. Obama was told repeatedly that Assad was using chemical weapons, but when the butcher of Damascus dared Obama, the leader of the free world blinked and said he wasn’t really going to take military action after all. Even after continued attacks with chemical agents, Obama boasted about getting rid of Assad’s chemical weapons’ arsenal, as if unconventional weapons was the only way the Syrian tyrant could process human flesh through his meat grinder. As Power notes in the conclusion to her book, “on occasion the United States directly or indirectly aided those committing genocide.”

It is hard to imagine any future edition of A Problem From Hell being complete without a chapter on Syria. Instead of helping to topple Assad, the mass-murdering goon who drops barrel bombs on civilian areas, the White House launched a phony train-and-equip program that required rebel fighters to sign a document that they wouldn’t use their weapons against the dictator who was murdering their families. The administration’s anti-ISIS campaign has allowed Assad to ignore ISIS nearly altogether and focus his attention instead on destroying other opposition groups, and indiscriminately targeting Sunni towns and villages. The White House’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has now put additional tens of billions of dollars in Iran’s coffers, which it is now free to use in supporting Assad’s genocide. Indeed, it is partly because Obama was so eager to secure a nuclear agreement with Iran that he disdained any efforts to stop Tehran’s ally from slaughtering Sunnis when Assad first started nearly five years ago.

Continued....

[OUTLAW 09]

Since the Russian massive bombings after Geneva...it was only a matter of time.....

Rebel in Latakia with an IGLA-1(?) MANPADS. Functional?
pic.twitter.com/jRhTE0FCHh

What is interesting and not well known is that Libya had during the fighting there over 24,000 Russian MANPADs that the US tried to hit in their munitions bunkers but were largely untouched...even now no one seems to know where they went to???

Just that threat alone kept the A10s and C130 Spectre gunships out of Libya during the air campaign....

[OUTLAW 09]

Even the Surpreme Leader is getting into the Iranian info war fight with the US...non linear warfare hard at work these days..only the US cannot figure out the "game".....

But actually there is a grain of truth in this statement concerning the current Obama/Kerry concept of diplomacy....well so much for the Obama belief that Iran will "moderate".......

Khamenei.ir
‏@khamenei_ir
Americans smile, shake hands and say unctuous words in private meetings; this is for diplomatic meetings and has no value.

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA Div 13 retake Kaljibrin from #YPG Kurdish militia improve Mare chances to fight another day.

Footage
#US-backed rebel group (#FSA) destroys van of US-backed rebel group YPG/SDF with US weapon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tZhgVrA7VE&feature=youtu.be …

Assad/Putin helicopter drop 4 barrel bombs on besieged Daraya #Damascus.
#RussianCeasefire
https://youtu.be/afzdaWR1qX8

[OUTLAW 09]

Turkish checkmate of Russian S400s and their entire ISR abilities within the range of the KORKUT...and still on their soil so any cross over attack by Russia is a direct war event...with NATO....

Reports on #Turkey deploying air defence system KORKUT to Hatay and Kilis border towns with #Syria"

Rebels blow up regime tank in southern #Daraa city

Assad forces repelled from Daraya
http://fb.me/74J4VvH1P

Latakia: Rebels retake Garoujah after clashes in Jabal Turkmen

Daraya: Rebels repel Assad forces & kill 4

[OUTLAW 09]

BREAKING:

Explosion just reported near #Turkey’s parliament in capital #Ankara:

another attack in Turkey: large explosion in Ankara, reportedly a car bomb targeting a military service vehicle http://www.dailysabah.com/ankara/2016/02/17/large-scale-explosion-takes-place-near-military-staff-residences-in-ankaras-central-kizilay-district …

[OUTLAW 09]

Turks are edging ever closer to the Syrian border.....

Reports that #Turkish army has started shelling #Menagh airport and some #YPG targets near #Tall_Rifat

Turkey continues to fire artillery into #Syria and sent reinforcements to #Kilis and #Hatay, including air defence systems

Al-Jazeera reports the arrival of Turkish reinforcements to Kilis near Syrian border (near Aleppo) #Turkey #Syria

Bomb seems to have targeted military barracks in central #Ankara. Police say car exploded. Multiple casualties:

Turkish PM stated yesterday that Syria with Assad and Putin are a national security threat now this.....Article 5 trigger is getting closer......

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat......anything on your end on this development..........

Jund al-Aqsa has been virtually decapitated by a mass defection of its senior leadership to Jabhat al-Nusra.
Have only seen the leaflet announcement.....

Jund al-Aqsa is divided along three views: some want to join ISIS, some to Nusra & others to keep JaA

10 days after Nusra sources said Jund is infiltrated by Isis in rural Idlib. All clerical leadership has defected.

[OUTLAW 09]

.@ibrahimhamidi on Syria develpmnts: the YPG Kurds align with the US east of the Euphrates & with Russia to its west http://www.alhayat.com/Articles/14007641 …

Intriguing statistics....why is the core question...alienation maybe..by not being in a total Muslim nevironment..

Iyad El-Baghdadi ‏@iyad_elbaghdadi ·
Australia: 175 ISIS fighters per million Muslim population
Indonesia: 3 ISIS fighters per million Muslim population

Iyad El-Baghdadi ‏@iyad_elbaghdadi
Switzerland: 100 ISIS fighters per million Muslim population
Algeria: 7 ISIS fighters per million Muslim population

[OUTLAW 09]

Exclusive: Whistleblowers Warned Top Spy About Skewed ISIS Intel http://thebea.st/1SPZvWO via @thedailybeast

Sad humor........
StopTheWar Coalition criticizes #MSF for having their hospitals directly in the way of #Russia's bombs

[OUTLAW 09]

Turks are edging ever closer to the Syrian border.....

Reports that #Turkish army has started shelling #Menagh airport and some #YPG targets near #Tall_Rifat

Turkey continues to fire artillery into #Syria and sent reinforcements to #Kilis and #Hatay, including air defence systems

Al-Jazeera reports the arrival of Turkish reinforcements to Kilis near Syrian border (near Aleppo) #Turkey #Syria

Bomb seems to have targeted military barracks in central #Ankara. Police say car exploded. Multiple casualties:

Turkish PM stated yesterday that Syria with Assad and Putin are a national security threat now this.....Article 5 trigger is getting closer......

Target and method in #Ankara matches previous PKK attacks, expect movement at the border very soon

BREAKING
#Turkey Army "reinforcement" deployed in #Syria border, nearby #Kilis, 3 groups so far
FEB 17

[OUTLAW 09]

Assad today issued amnesty for draft dodgers because 10,000s refused to serve.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=320452 …

2 days ago #SDF/#YPG vowed to take #Ahres for regime by force to show they don´t collude. Didn´t happen. Credibility

Syria|n regime is trying to sell #YPG advances as their own, #YPG/#SDF will refute very soon. Credibility issues.

CNN appears to prove that it has a true creditability issue in reporting from Damascus...previously they declared videoed Russian troops as regime and had to be corrected by social media.....

When you took this pic at Dama Rose Hotel #Damascus, you knew what´s 3km west? Military Hospital 601, @fpleitgenCNN!

601 was the center of a major Assad torture and killing center......

[OUTLAW 09]

bellingcat
‏@bellingcat
Go home Russia, you're drunk - Russia’s Bizarre, Barely Coherent Defence It Didn’t Bomb Hospitals in Syria https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2016/02/17/russias-barely-coherent-defence-it-didnt-bomb-hospitals-in-syria/ …

This is beyond stupidity, even by @mod_russia standards.
http://eng.syria.mil.ru/en/index/syria/news/more.htm?id=12078613@egNews …

[OUTLAW 09]

Quneitra: dozens of pro Assad fighters killed in Tel Gharin

Pro Assad fighters panicking calling for help as their General is killed (not sure what area or when)

it's in Tell Ghrain in the Triangle of death between Daraa, Quenateria & Damas Suburb

[OUTLAW 09]

AL MARJ: Syrian Rebel rockets destroy ammunition dump for Assad forces

Syrian civilians killed by 'deliberate' strikes on hospitals, schools - World - CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/world/syria-msf-hospital-bombing-1.3448514 …

Syrian district destroyed by Russian cluster bombs in Aleppo in video | Daily Mail Online
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-

Hama: Syrian Rebels capture Madjana checkpoint again
http://fb.me/46bMle5Tu

Hama: big rebel operation in Ithriya, 9 Assad forces killed, 2 were commanders
http://fb.me/2Brynthus

Hama: Syrian Rebels kill 7 Assad regime forces in Habernafsah in IED attack

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels recaptured Sawameh after heavy clashes with YPG. Must be after Russians stopped bombing...

Daraya: Assad regime dropped 17 barrel bombs but was not able to progress
http://fb.me/2wPVjuRBB

Al Salamiyah: around 15 NDF pro Assad forces killed by rebels
https://zamanalwsl.net/news/68830.html#.VsSMkq993Xk.twitter …

[OUTLAW 09]

This is why the so called "Iraqi government" is an Iranian project. The "Interior Ministry" died fighting for Assad in Aleppo!

Nusra ended up killing him in Aleppo
http://fb.me/3jONfRu3Y

Latakia: Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime ammunition dump with TOW

Aleppo: Al Iys, Syrian rebels destroy regime cannon and pickup with mounted machine gun TOW hit

Assad forces repelled from Daraya
http://fb.me/74J4VvH1P

BREAKING
Massacres aftermath #ASSad terrorist dirty #SAA airstrikes on #Deir_Asafir #Damascus cs #Syria FEB 17

RedCrescent fraudulent arrived in #Madaya with ambulances, and all "AiD trucks" propaganda didn't.
#Syria FEB 17

SAA airstrikes destroyed a Masjid in south #Damascus #Syria FEB 17

[OUTLAW 09]

Even the UN is in bed with the starvation it appears....unbelievable in the 21st century.....

Baby in #Madaya suffering "poisoning"after consumed expired #UN powder milk
#Damascus #Syria FEB 17 via CMP Dimashq

Russia airstrikes on #Abu_alDuhur town, resulting 1 martyr & 4 wounded (2 children)
#Idlib cs #Syria FEB 17

[OUTLAW 09]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan setup an emergency security meeting in #Ankara, #Turkey.

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.....appears from the battle reports flowing in the so called shia regime troops have hit a wall and or being nickeled and dimed to death and the YPG is slipping and fading.

Appears they can take territory but then cannot hold it for long and lose troops in the whip lashing back and forth....

Appears FSA has gained some traction after a massive Russia air bombardment and strong ground offensive with everything except literally the kitchen sink....and TOWs appear to be flowing again....

[OUTLAW 09]

Unexploded submunitions from the site of today's cluster bomb attack on Taftanaz:
pic.twitter.com/8qqGXPGoz7

Really worth reading this US Daily Press briefing on Syria.....so much tap dancing and saying little to nohting .....

This is the official US line today. Then why are Western-backed rebel groups popping YPG trucks with US TOWs? https://twitter.com/AcrossTheBay/status/700022570133909506 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Target and method in #Ankara matches previous PKK attacks, expect movement at the border very soon

BREAKING
#Turkey Army "reinforcement" deployed in #Syria border, nearby #Kilis, 3 groups so far
FEB 17

Initial signs indicate PKK behind Ankara bombing, Turkish security official says

http://turkey.liveuamap.com/en/2016/17-february-initial-signs-indicate-pkk-behind-ankara-bombing …

Now in the global war on terror Turkey has their reason to cross the border into Syria and no one can say anything even the Russians who claim they are fighting IS are already there as well......

[OUTLAW 09]

Tank taken out by a #TOW on #Deraa front. #Southern_Front. S. #Syria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwJ53xUyxQU …

Bulgarian tank shells used by 1st Coastal Division, "пълен" cc @ain92ru https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8V8iCM5NJ4 … pic.twitter.com/nwEKR4iSkF

Rebel with a Zijiang M99 in Latakia

Definite that Russian troops are involved now in the fighting.....
Gorkas, Gorkas everywhere. Latakia.

ANNA News video with Suqur al Sahara released 10 mins ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pY06aYcWxA …

[CrowBat]

CrowBat......anything on your end on this development..........

Jund al-Aqsa has been virtually decapitated by a mass defection of its senior leadership to Jabhat al-Nusra.
Have only seen the leaflet announcement.....

Jund al-Aqsa is divided along three views: some want to join ISIS, some to Nusra & others to keep JaA

10 days after Nusra sources said Jund is infiltrated by Isis in rural Idlib. All clerical leadership has defected.Jund is recently kicked around by nearly everybody. Like JAN, it's under immense pressure to withdraw its pledge of loyalty to al-Qaida.

It's physically in trouble too: Chechens in Idlib are de-facto swimming in a sea of what they consider 'Syrian infidels', cut off from supplies by the Ahrar and others because everybody knows many of them would prefer to join the Daesh. But, in Idlib they're cut off from Daesh and too far away from it but to defect.


CrowBat.....appears from the battle reports flowing in the so called shia regime troops have hit a wall and or being nickeled and dimed to death and the YPG is slipping and fading.

Appears they can take territory but then cannot hold it for long and lose troops in the whip lashing back and forth....

Appears FSA has gained some traction after a massive Russia air bombardment and strong ground offensive with everything except literally the kitchen sink....and TOWs appear to be flowing again....It's a mix of of all that, plus such important facts like typical IRGC's weaknesses, but also plenty of delusion.

And it's also this consistent PRBS-bombardment by all possible Assad/IRGC/Russia-fans on the internet - which is creating hosts of entirely wrong impressions. Indeed, a kind of parallel reality.

Namely, typical IRGC's weaknesses are that all they do at war is overdependent on 'light infantry', 'infiltration tactics', etc., and that - no matter if 'genuine' (i.e. Iranian) IRGC, Hezbollah/Lebanon, Hezbollah/Iraq, Hezbollah/Syria, or any other sort of IRGC-run units deployed in Syria - its units are led by officers recruited and advanced per recommendation, very seldom by merit (if at all, then primarily because they were lucky enough to survive for long enough). So, while they've surely got few 'brilliant heads', plenty of courageous people too, they're making a mass of mistakes - and that all the time.

Their operational planning is nearly always at least 50% overenthusiastic (I often get to hear - sure: usually, it's weeks or months later - what was planned and what was eventually achieved, and never stop wondering why they never learn any kind of lessons about this). Their troops have a bare minimum of training; sure, they move fast in attack, are good in infiltration business, some even in nocturnal ops; but they're lightly armed and carrying very little supplies with them. Result: they depend on surprise and shock for early advance, but have a very limited range; they rapidly run out of steam, and have immense problems with overcoming and kind of serious obstacles. They easily 'get lost' when encountering any 'defence in depth'; are easy to ambush too; and they tend to stop and start suffering (heavy) casualties whenever there's something unexpected ahead of them.

Nobody in Tehran, Baghad or Damascus (and even less so in Moscow) is keen to boast about how many casualties the IRGC-run units are suffering in Syria. Sure, Tehran is regularly airing TV-shows from buarrials of different martyrs from Qom, but exact lists of casualties - especially those of Iraqi Shi'a Jihadists - are never released.

Similarly, whenever Assadists - whether RGD, NDF, SSNP, BPM, PFLP-GC or Arab Legion - suffer casualties, that's 'swept under carpet'. A week ago I posted reports (videos and photos) of an entire company of the RGD that was smashed by the IF in Eastern Ghouta. But, have you heard a single report about relatives of the people in question launching protests in Banias, and regime smashing this in force (as usually)? Nope. That's never mentioned.

So, precise figures are unknown, but cross-examination of a myrad of reports is that they - whether IRGC or any other 'regime' troops - are suffering up to 500 casualties for capture of any 'bigger village', up to 1,500-2,000 for any 'minor town' on average. At that rate, plus for reasons above, it's on hand that they're winning one pyrrhic victory after the other. Their units are melting away at a rate of something of one of their 'brigades' per every 10km of advance. No surprise I'm having my hands full trying to identify another three new units of Iraqi Shi'a jihadists deployed in Syria since early January... (and, I guess, these are only three I've managed to recognize so far; i.e. who knows how many other new units they've brought in).

But, who to hell cares how many Afghan Hazaras or Iraqi Shi'a get killed - if Damascus, Moscow and all sorts of Assad/Putler-fans can boast with 'advances' and 'victories' on the internet? Everything is fine, they're 'winning', every ####in farm, hill, village they capture is 'strategic', and Assad meanwhile does as if he now wants to win a clear-cut victory in this war - although he's no closer to this objective than, say, in July 2012.

...not to talk about Russians-related delusions: 'every bomb is a hit', indeed, every bomb is killing at least 10, if not 20 'terrorists', 'not a single civilian killed' etc. they're 'winning' this war, all the time, hands down...

99% of average people have not even the slightest trace of clue about such basics like influence of physical laws, wind etc. on dumb bombs dropped from 2,000-6,000m altitude - which is what Russians are doing 99% of time. Therefore, everybody is convinced Russians are speaking truth, and their super-turbo-wunderwaffen air power 'decisive'. If nothing else, they boast with figures; like 'VKS flew more sorties in one month than CENTCOM in entire year' - as if number of sorties would really mean that much on modern-day battlefield. Nobody ever comes to the idea to think at least about the following: all the Russian videos are showing their Sukhois carrying 2-4 small dumb bombs (usually 250kg). But, Su-34 is claimed to have been rated to carry 10,000kg. So, why they never carry more than 1,000kg? Why are they next to never sending Su-24s, Su-30s and/or Su-34s over 'distant' targets in eastern Syria - but carpet bomb there with Tu-22M3s? Indeed, why they always haul in old and tired Tu-22M-3s all the way from Russia - if they want to plaster something with a carpet of 10,000kg bombs...?

It's simply so that PRBS is much more important nowadays than ever before. Reality is then 'revealed' only in 'history books', 'years later', and - hand at heart - who to hell cares about these?

[OUTLAW 09]

SOHR Hundreds of fighters enter #Azaz through #Turkish territory coming frm #Idlib cntrysid
http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=44228

FSA forces in South of #Syria launched new offensive today, retook Tall Qurein which was lost to #IRGC last year.

Syria: Liwa Ahfad Sallahudeen (Kurdish #FSA group) condemned #YPG attacks against Syrian rebels in northern #Aleppo

Opposition activist @HadiAlabdallah arrived to Mare' town N-#Aleppo, besieged from 3 sides by #YPG & #ISIS.

HadiAlabdallah (Homs) is not local activist, but he traveled from Idlib -> Turkey -> Azaz -> Mare

APPEARS TOWS are flowing in unlimited numbers now.....
Four ATGM shots by one group in 24 hours in Daraa https://youtube.com/channel/UCNK2dw_xoeOkxqW7LlK1GqQ …

[CrowBat]

CrowBat........

Thanks...nice to see you back....so are we in the true sectarian war...Thanks, and sorry to 'interrupt' you here.

'Sectarian war' - from the standpoint of regime: no doubt.

They've got their Alawites-only PMCs (i.e. RGD, 4th Division etc.); they've got the Ba'ath Party Phalanga, their Christian Nazis (SSNP), all sorts of IRGC's Shi'a Jihadists from Hezbollah (whether from Lebanon, Iraq, or Syria), Iraqi PMUs etc. In essence, from regime's standpoint it's 'Syrian minorities' (reinfroced by Iraqi and Iranian majorities) vs 'Syrian majority'.

However, on the insurgent side it's the other way around: they're abandoning the split down ideological lines, joining and cooperating with each other better than ever before.

Azaz pocket is 'just the best example' for this: the HNC is at the top, the local Operation Room is under FSyA officers, while four 'coalitions' (or 'divisions') of insurgents there are led by Ahrar's power-brokers, but largely (60-70%) consisting of FSyA units.

BTW, one of FSyA units in Azaz pocket is Liwa Sallahaddin, which is entirely Kurdish. That means: thanks Oblabla, his YPG/SDF/JAT conglomerate is now not only fighting against US-vetted FSyA units of the JAS, JAM etc., but also US-supported FSyA units of Kurds...

Thanks to Ahrar, there is a similar process going on in Idlib and southern Aleppo too. But, especially because of the JAN, it's going to take a while longer to reorganize everything there in similar fashion. From that POV, defection of Jund's leadership to the JAN is something like 'encouraging signal': it shows that Ahrar's pressure upon Jihadists is starting to work.

[OUTLAW 09]

Hey @CJTFOIR, Marea, held by US-supported rebels, is under assault by ISIS. Maybe you could, I don't know, actually do your ostensible job?

It is only 100 air miles from where you sit in Turkey to Marea?????????

BUT WAIT...was not the US supported YPG suppose to be used to attack IS...??

WHERE are they...attacking FSA with Russian artillery and CAS support.....

[CrowBat]

CrowBat..thought you would like this comment yesterday from SDF/YPG....

If in fact is long gone from the area WHY are they still fighting FSA when IS is closer if they drove straight to IS territory.....so in fact they were expanding control over Arab land....have heard them argue WELL it use to be in say 1104 Kurdish before it became Arab so we are taking it back...

Change in tone. Jaish Thowar spokesman: SDF doesnt necessarily have 2 go thru Marea. Our aim is ISIS, regime &Nusra

BUT WAIT....the regime/shia jihadists are in the complete other direction...so why did SDF completely sidestep Assad and WHY did they accept Russian CAS...they lie about as bad as the Russian do not counting Assad....Just another example of all possible delusions not only of Assad and Putler-fans, but of the PKK/PYD too.

Syrian Kurds have a huge problem. This is that there is a giant gap between impressons their lobbyists in the West have created in the public - and reality.

In the public, they're presented as a sort of monolithic block, in which all Kurds think the same way, are 'pro-democracy', 'pluralist', 'tollerant', and - most importantly - 'anti-Daesh'.

In reality, this is simply BS. Nothing else.

There are at least three blocks of Syrian Kurds:
- one centred around that PYD
- one centred around remnants of about 14-15 different Kurdish parties, groupped within the Kurdish National Council (KNC), which in turn is closely tied to the KRG (Kurdish government in northern Iraq)
- and one that can't care less about the PYD and the KNC, and is fighting against Assad (see that Liwa Sallahaddin of the FSyA).

Problem: PYD is in complete dominance of politics of Syrian Kurds, but it is impossible to gauge which group enjoys greater popularity because neither the PYD nor the KNC ever cared to organize any kind of free elections (and are unlikely to do that in foreseeable future).

Essence of this problem is that calling the PYD an 'offshot' of the PKK (declared terrorist organization not only by Turkey, but NATO and USA at least since 1997) is an understatement. It is actually the 'Syrian branch of the PKK'. And it's not only as violent, militant and as intollerant as the PKK, but also maintaining as close links to the Assad regime (i.e. its intel agencies) as the PKK does. The PYD is smashing all sorts of dissent and protest against it, assassinating or forcing into exile any members of the KNC it can put its hands upon. And if not, then the Assadist intel agencies are doing that for it.

Theoretically, this should mean that the PYD should not have plenty of supporters within Syrian Kurds. However, thanks to the regime letting the PYD to take over a number of its garrisons in NE Syria, back in 2012, it had it easy to take over most of different Kurdish militias, and thus impose itself in control of that YPG. So, YPG is now de-facto PYD's military wing.

And now I'll come to the actual point of this post:

Because the PYD is actually 'Syrian branch' of the PKK, and the PKK remains primarily concerned with fighting Turkey, the PYD is primarily concerned with countering Turkish interests in Syria through establishing itself in power and consolidating control over Kurdish areas of Syria. A bi-product of this effort is creation of that 'Rojava' - a 'Kurdish state' inside Syria.

Make no mistakes: these two issues are centre-pieces of PYD's activity.

On the contrary, for the West the PYD is 'great news' - because it's said to be 'fighitng Daesh'. This is actually BS. The PYD didn't move small finger against Daesh before this assaulted the Ayn al-Arab ('Kobane') area, in 2014. Even ever since, it's actually remained extremely reluctant to launch a counter-offensive - supposedly 'for lack of weapons' (pure bollocks, considering how much arms they've got from Assadists). Their counteroffensive in NE Syria of 2015 was launched only after plenty of pressure from the DC. As soon as it reached the verge of areas predominantly populated by Kurds, that operation was stopped (and gains consolidated through ethnic cleansings of surviving local Arab population).

Even then, the PYD/YPG continued refusing to advance against the Daesh before Washington forced them to enter alliance with local Arab insurgents (FSyA), which resulted in creation of the SDF. The FSyA then suggested an advance on Raqqa - and nearly everybody bought this story: remember collossal announcements (particularly from Moscow) of a corresponding advance from back in December.

What happened instead?

Well, why should Kurds go shedding own blood for Syrian Arabs, right?

The PYD is perfectly happy by having created a tactical advantage for PKK's operations against Turkey. There's no doubt they've made this perfectly clear in Washington too (i.e. that they've said: we're not going to attack Daesh before we have connected Afrin enclave with YPG-controlled territory east of Euphrates).

Correspondingly, instead of ordering the SDF to attack Daesh, Oblabla ordered its re-deployment - via Turkey - to Afrin enclave, and attack on Azaz corridor (now pocket), back in November. Back then, hardly anybody paid attention; but since early February and these attacks on Menngh, Azaz and Tel Rifaat, we see what's actually going on.

Of course, there's no need to worry about image of the PYD, i.e. Syrian Kurds in the Western public: this is babbled that the reason for their attack on Azaz is presence of 'JAN, al-Qaida and Daesh' - although so far it didn't move small finger against all of these.... :rolleyes:

[OUTLAW 09]

More great news, #Khamenai back online..
http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/103205-160217-iran-banks-begin-reconnecting-to-swift-payments-system …

[OUTLAW 09]

NOW we have the reason for the Turkish border crossing into Syria....clear as a bell.....AND Obama and Kerry have not been supplying much effort in trying to defuse this development....maybe they no longer have any creditability with the Turks.....

CNN Trk ENG ‏@CNNTURK_ENG 1m1 minute ago

#BREAKING Turkish PM says YPG member Salih Neccer of Syrian origin is responsible for the terrorist attack in Ankara

1. Turkish views YPG a terrorist organization in Syria and is part and parcel of PKK even a US declared terrorist group
2. Syrian resident
3. Kurdish and member of YPG

AND with Russia claiming the "right to defend itself from terrorists" although a long way from Russia Turkey will claim the "same rights" when it is on their border by a group they view as being both terrorist and fully supported now by Russia which has been acting "barbaric" in their killing of Sunni civilians and which they use the term "terrorist state" when referring to Russia.

Putin and his ROC declared their adventure into Syria as a "Holy War".......he might just get one....

AND Obama is still "standing by".......

[OUTLAW 09]

The US/Obama supported so called Kurdish/Arab YPG/SDF is now working together with IS...????

How can that be when the declared Obama FP is to defeat IS...THEN why is the US working together to defeat a US sponsored moderate Syrian opposition group FSA......little wonder there are no US bombers in the area as Russia is flying CAS for IS and YPG.....

So is in reality the Obama FP exactly that of Putin...might actually be..? But no one wants to go that far in DC and state that publicly do they??

Now #ISIS and the #YPG attack #Marea simultaneously.

BUT WAIT...I thought the US funded, supplied with weapons and trained YPG/SDF was designed to attack only IS......not be fighting together with them..?

[OUTLAW 09]

ISIS carried out suicide attack on #PKK checkpoint at #Ein_Essa
#Raqqa #Syria FEB 18

SAA dropping barrel bombs over #Teir_Maela now
#Homs #Syria FEB 18

#RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #Hirbnafsah now
#Hama #Syria FEB 18

New photo shows #Russia|n advanced 8x8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) BTR-82A engagement in #Syria.

Multiples Russia airstrikes targeting #DeirEZzor now
#Syria FEB 18

83 Martyrs
[16 Fighters 8 Children 2 Women]
25 Hassaka
15 Aleppo
7 Homs
7 Hama
5 Daraa
4 Idlib
4 Damascus
#Syria FEB 17

SAA airstrikes on #Tel_Antar now
#Daraa #Syria FEB 18

'Unknown' explosion in the mountains surrounding #Douma moments ago.
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists shelling #Kafr_Shams town now..
#Daraa #Syria FEB 18

Russia airstrikes targeting #alFirdaous neighborhood yesterday FEB 17
2 martyrs
#Aleppo #Syria

Masjid in #alNashabiyah town, destroyed by #SAA airstrikes
#Damascus cs FEB 17 #SYria

SAA Tank Shelling from #Ramouse neighborhood, targeted #alMashd neighborhood, 3 martyrs
#Aleppo FEB 17 #Syria

Russia airstrikes targeting #Salah_alDin yesterday FEB 17
2 wounded
#Aleppo #Syria

Good morning world.
While you were sleeping, #RUSSIA was bombing children in #Talbiseh.
#Homs #Syria FEB 18 AGAIN.......

[OUTLAW 09]

"Optics" sometimes trumps actual proven facts........

FSA repel #Isis attempt to advance into #Marea, but before it, #Russia was bombing the exact FSA positions where IS attacked. Look the pattern.. Coordination.
#Aleppo cs #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Social media open source analysis strikes again....

Eliot Higgins ‏@EliotHiggins

Debunked: The ace Hezbollah sniper…is actually from a video game
http://f24.my/1oJfFoe
via @Observers

Heavy clashes between #FSA and #PKK/SDF in #Ein_alTal, #Bustan_alBasha and #alHalk neighborhoods now
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 18

Little known fact not being mentioned by western MSM nor any western leader especially Obama and Kerry who already knew this from their IS briefings.....

Assad's government began besieging opposition-held areas more than 3 yrs ago because it did not have the manpower to take and hold territory

[OUTLAW 09]

ISIS carried out suicide attack on #PKK checkpoint at #Ein_Essa
#Raqqa #Syria FEB 18

SAA dropping barrel bombs over #Teir_Maela now
#Homs #Syria FEB 18

#RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #Hirbnafsah now
#Hama #Syria FEB 18

New photo shows #Russia|n advanced 8x8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) BTR-82A engagement in #Syria.

Multiples Russia airstrikes targeting #DeirEZzor now
#Syria FEB 18

83 Martyrs
[16 Fighters 8 Children 2 Women]
25 Hassaka
15 Aleppo
7 Homs
7 Hama
5 Daraa
4 Idlib
4 Damascus
#Syria FEB 17

SAA airstrikes on #Tel_Antar now
#Daraa #Syria FEB 18

'Unknown' explosion in the mountains surrounding #Douma moments ago.
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists shelling #Kafr_Shams town now..
#Daraa #Syria FEB 18

Russia airstrikes targeting #alFirdaous neighborhood yesterday FEB 17
2 martyrs
#Aleppo #Syria

Masjid in #alNashabiyah town, destroyed by #SAA airstrikes
#Damascus cs FEB 17 #SYria

SAA Tank Shelling from #Ramouse neighborhood, targeted #alMashd neighborhood, 3 martyrs
#Aleppo FEB 17 #Syria

Russia airstrikes targeting #Salah_alDin yesterday FEB 17
2 wounded
#Aleppo #Syria

Good morning world.
While you were sleeping, #RUSSIA was bombing children in #Talbiseh.
#Homs #Syria FEB 18 AGAIN.......

Video of the aftermath of this Russian air strike from today..
Russia airstrikes on #Talbiseh moments ago
1 martyr so far
#Homs #Syria FEB 18
https://youtu.be/VKheY15TYkM

[OUTLAW 09]

NOW we have the reason for the Turkish border crossing into Syria....clear as a bell.....AND Obama and Kerry have not been supplying much effort in trying to defuse this development....maybe they no longer have any creditability with the Turks.....

CNN Trk ENG ‏@CNNTURK_ENG 1m1 minute ago

#BREAKING Turkish PM says YPG member Salih Neccer of Syrian origin is responsible for the terrorist attack in Ankara

1. Turkish views YPG a terrorist organization in Syria and is part and parcel of PKK even a US declared terrorist group
2. Syrian resident
3. Kurdish and member of YPG

AND with Russia claiming the "right to defend itself from terrorists" although a long way from Russia Turkey will claim the "same rights" when it is on their border by a group they view as being both terrorist and fully supported now by Russia which has been acting "barbaric" in their killing of Sunni civilians and which they use the term "terrorist state" when referring to Russia.

Putin and his ROC declared their adventure into Syria as a "Holy War".......he might just get one....

AND Obama is still "standing by".......

Just what in the heck was PKK thinking.....?

If it had been IS they would not have "allowed" another jihadi group to take the credit for the large number killed and IS still needs the infiltration point Turkey so they are not about to "ruin relations" by taking on the Turkish security forces as well.

BUT PKK if they had not been behind it one would think they would be screaming immediately within minutes after the attack..."it ain't us"...but silence until they saw the handwriting of now direct Turkish army units coming across the border....and the strong air strikes on their positions in northern Syria.

#BREAKING#PKK: We are not responsible for #Ankara blast.

THERE is though a disquieting third possibility...that the FSB motivated a YPG member to carry out the attack as a false flag with the subtle message you Turkey are not safe anywhere from Russia so stay out of Syria.

May be a mixture of YPG and FSB behind the actual attack....as both share similar strategic goals in Syria.

[OUTLAW 09]

InformNapalm English @en_informnapalm

Russia TV re-runs Ukraine tactics in Syria:
http://bbc.in/1mHpIbx
pic.twitter.com/9LiejvFROC

[OUTLAW 09]

Hrriyet Daily News @HDNER

Explosion rocks military convoy in Turkeys southeast, casualties reported
http://bit.ly/1SAHH1E
pic.twitter.com/ioH7X3E61K

BREAKING: 7 dead in blast targeting Turkish military convoy in southeast Turkey: sources
http://bit.ly/1STP9Fk

[OUTLAW 09]

InformNapalm English @en_informnapalm

InformNapalm Exposes Russian Propaganda Fudge on Syria. Stale Sensations Analyzed
https://informnapalm.org/en/feb16-syria-propaganda/ … pic.twitter.com/IVIyNAm1cw

[OUTLAW 09]

Just what in the heck was PKK thinking.....?

If it had been IS they would not have "allowed" another jihadi group to take the credit for the large number killed and IS still needs the infiltration point Turkey so they are not about to "ruin relations" by taking on the Turkish security forces as well.

BUT PKK if they had not been behind it one would think they would be screaming immediately within minutes after the attack..."it ain't us"...but silence until they saw the handwriting of now direct Turkish army units coming across the border....and the strong air strikes on their positions in northern Syria.

#BREAKING#PKK: We are not responsible for #Ankara blast.

THERE is though a disquieting third possibility...that the FSB motivated a YPG member to carry out the attack as a false flag with the subtle message you Turkey are not safe anywhere from Russia so stay out of Syria.

May be a mixture of YPG and FSB behind the actual attack....as both share similar strategic goals in Syria.

Rather late for an "it ain't us....excuse......
PYD tweets the official Salih Muslim's statement denying Turkish accusations
https://twitter.com/pyd_rojava/status/700256105549709312 …

Notice the Twitter address...that says it all.......pyd_rojava.....

[OUTLAW 09]

NOW we have the reason for the Turkish border crossing into Syria....clear as a bell.....AND Obama and Kerry have not been supplying much effort in trying to defuse this development....maybe they no longer have any creditability with the Turks.....

CNN Trk ENG ‏@CNNTURK_ENG 1m1 minute ago

#BREAKING Turkish PM says YPG member Salih Neccer of Syrian origin is responsible for the terrorist attack in Ankara

1. Turkish views YPG a terrorist organization in Syria and is part and parcel of PKK even a US declared terrorist group
2. Syrian resident
3. Kurdish and member of YPG

AND with Russia claiming the "right to defend itself from terrorists" although a long way from Russia Turkey will claim the "same rights" when it is on their border by a group they view as being both terrorist and fully supported now by Russia which has been acting "barbaric" in their killing of Sunni civilians and which they use the term "terrorist state" when referring to Russia.

Putin and his ROC declared their adventure into Syria as a "Holy War".......he might just get one....

AND Obama is still "standing by".......

Here it comes.....and no one in the West/Obama can complain nor can Putin as Erdogan is "claiming the exact right" used by Putin for his grand entrance into Syria and the Obama declared war on IS via his AF coalition......Assad and Putin will loudly argue it is in violation of international territorial boundaries BUT WAIT...did not Putin cross the Crimean and eastern Ukrainian territorial borders in the "defense of ethnic Russian speakers from Nazi's and the Nazi junta in Kyiv"?

Hypocrisy is a mean thing when it comes back to haunt you...in this case Putin's own arguments being thrown back at him backed up by someone willing and able to use equal force and this is important...not afraid to use it......

Erdogan is stating just as does Obama "I am protecting the entire Turkish nation state from terrorism"....and it is for all to see on my borders being backed by Russia and Assad.

euronews ✔ @euronews

Erdogan claims Turkey's "right to retaliate" after Ankara bombing
http://bit.ly/20FRAdz
pic.twitter.com/pitPSa7oGq

AND Obama reactions yesterday and today..."standing by"......

NOW the Turkish PM is "messaging as well for those that did not get it the first time?......

ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: YPG is a pawn of Syrian regime and regime is directly responsible for Ankara attack

 ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: Turkey reserves the right to take any measure against Syrian regime

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes.....and no one in the West/Obama can complain nor can Putin as Erdogan is "claiming the exact right" used by Putin for his grand entrance into Syria and the Obama declared war on IS via his AF coalition......Assad and Putin will loudly argue it is in violation of international territorial boundaries BUT WAIT...did not Putin cross the Crimean and eastern Ukrainian territorial borders in the "defense of ethnic Russian speakers from Nazi's and the Nazi junta in Kyiv"?

Hypocrisy is a mean thing when it comes back to haunt you...in this case Putin's own arguments being thrown back at him backed up by someone willing and able to use equal force and this is important...not afraid to use it......

Erdogan is stating just as does Obama "I am protecting the entire Turkish nation state from terrorism"....and it is for all to see on my borders being backed by Russia and Assad.

euronews ✔ @euronews

Erdogan claims Turkey's "right to retaliate" after Ankara bombing
http://bit.ly/20FRAdz
pic.twitter.com/pitPSa7oGq

AND Obama reactions yesterday and today..."standing by"......

NOW the Turkish PM is "messaging as well for those that did not get it the first time?......

ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: YPG is a pawn of Syrian regime and regime is directly responsible for Ankara attack

 ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: Turkey reserves the right to take any measure against Syrian regime


Working hard info war wise to "deflect" what is coming his way.....

[B]PYD leader says Ankara bombing not their work and relates the attack to "Turkey's anti-ISIS fight" Wasnt he accusing TR of supporting ISIS!?

For literally months on end the PYD has been following the Putin narrative that Turkey has been the massive behind the scenes supporter of IS, for their weapons/supplies/funds/fighters and for purchasing IS oil....even the US Treasury CT shot down the PYD theory that Turkey has been funding IS and purchasing massive amounts of oil......

BUT overnight after the attack...suddenly Turkey is an "anti IS fighter"...he cannot have it both ways......

[CrowBat]

The US/Obama supported so called Kurdish/Arab YPG/SDF is now working together with IS...????

How can that be when the declared Obama FP is to defeat IS...THEN why is the US working together to defeat a US sponsored moderate Syrian opposition group FSA......little wonder there are no US bombers in the area as Russia is flying CAS for IS and YPG.....
I wouldn't say Oblabla is working directly with Putin. It's just like all the EU/NATO chancellors/prime ministers/presidents etc: they're politicians. They simply don't care doing anything - but what they think is in their interests, i.e. what's improving their position in day-to-day pools.

...and people deciding about these pools are your average, 'middle-class' people, who can't care either. Life's so simple if one declares all Syrians for terrorists - which is what we've all been taught since 70 years, by the Israelis.

Even between those 10% that should know better, widespread belief is that all anti-Assad Syrians are pro-JAN, at least Islamists, if not outright sympathising with the Daesh. 'Even' US-vetted groups are said to be 'cooperating with al-Qaida', or 'delivering arms to it'. In 'best case', who cares about people who at least have the history of cooperating with either, al-Qaida or the Daesh? So, why should anybody think about doing something _for_ Syrians?

Next issue is that hardly anybody is trying to connect the dots. For average Westerner, there's no relation between Assadist - or now Russian - terror against Syrian population, plus IRGC's terror against Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian population, and the flood of refugees that's destabilizing the EU.

Nah, they must all be fleeing from the Daesh - because we're affraid of the Daesh, of course. And those arriving here are all daemons, terrorizing women in Frankfurt, raping young boys in Vienna, bringing entirely unknown deseases with them, or at least stealing lifestock from German farms..

'Thanks Lord', Russians (say) are bombing Daesh. Sure, 'Americans' say the same, but Russians are flying so many combat sorties, and dropping so many bombs, and they fly all these fancy Sukhois, and not overpriced but 40-years old F-15s and F-16s, or 'non-functioning' F-35. Measured on ammount of 'bullets', it must be so that Russians are 'far more effective in destroying Daesh'. I.e. 'doing the right thing'. Pure logic, isn't it?

If Russians kill a few Syrians; well, we're back to the Rule No.1. Which says that all Syrians are terrorists...

...and otherwise, who cares: people are too busy paying back their debts, downloading porns, and being feed sensations about celebrities.

Most one can expect from them is to ask why should their taxpayer's money be spent to 'support people who cooperate with al-Qaida'. Not why is their taxpayer's money already spent to support al-Qaida (on the Arabian Peninsula) - through US provision of intel, advice, SAR, and tanker support for this intergalactic coalition led by Saudis, that is pulverising Yemen.

...and even if, we're turning in circles again, then Saudis are buying so much US and EU arms, that no matter how much are they demonized lately, nobody can really 'drop' them, because so many jobs are depending on them....

With such an 'electoral body', what do you expect, what should our glorious politicians do?

**********

BTW, in my 'write up' on Syrian Kurds posted above, I forgot to mention a fourth, though really obscure Kurdish block. Except for 1-2 video-reports by Vice News, you'll find next to nothing about it.

That fourth block is Daesh.

Kurds friendly to Daesh?

'Impossible'. Kurds are so pluralistic, and demoractic, and tollerant, and non-religious, and so lovely...

Actually, it is so that thousands of Kurds have joined. At the time the Daesh overrun Tabqa AB, back in summer 2014, certain assessments indicated that up to one third of the Daesh in Syria consists of Kurds. It's long since I've lost the count on how many of videos released by Daesh after they overrun Tabqa one could hear people either speaking one of Kurdish languages, or Turkish with strong Kurdish accent - or Farsi with strong Kurdish accent.

Sure, most of the Daesh-Kurds in question were subsequently exterminated by US air power during the 'YPG'- counteroffensive that removed the Daesh from all of NE Syria (together with two 'American' battalions of the Daesh, BTW).

But ask people: 'nah, this is impossible'. At best, 'no story'. And it remains 'impossible' even after Vice published its report about Iraqi Kurds that joined the Daesh; after FT (http://ekurd.net/israel-imports-oil-from-kurdistan-2015-08-24) and few other MSM-outlets have published report citing Kurds being the party that's buying most of oil from the Daesh (only to sell most of that to Israel); that Kurdish 'middlemen' are heavily involved in Daesh's slave trade (http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_german-tv-channel-films-isil-slave-trade-in-turkey_406023.html); and when 'YPG Commander' Sipan Hemo (who is actually from the PKK) speaks out (https://rojavareport.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/ypg-commander-sipan-hemo-the-isis-has-been-defeated/), then all that matters is that he declared the Daesh for 'defeated'.

Why should anybody care that he also mentioned 1,200 Iranians joining the Daesh...? - in turn confirming that handfull of reports about Iranian authorities arresting people underway to Iraq/Syria to join the Daesh (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-arrests-idUSKCN0SZ1BJ20151110#0BBykrFA9qOWcbX4.97)...

All of this doesn't matter: colloquial conclusion is actually as mindless as the one from 2002, namely that the USA as next 'must' invade Iraq. In this case it's: 'Kurds are our friends in Syria... let them do whatever they want, it's the right thing to support them'.

With that being the pre-evalent public opinion, what should clowns like Oblabla do?

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat....just a side question.......caught your comment that the Russian fighters are carrying far less bomb loads than they state officially their actual capacity is....any idea why.....ie Russia Syrian Express not able to keep up the resupply of munitions, not enough storage space a their airfields, or enough maintenance crews, or weather ie wind issues or even worse they cannot carry what they advertise and maintain safe aircraft handling???

[OUTLAW 09]

Putin himself doesn't have much time left, delivery of military material to SAA costs and Russia suffers http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/8-shades-of-crisis---russias-year-of-economic-nightmares/553703.html …

NOTE......referencing Geneva......
this war is not going to be over next week (like they're hoping) behind all this fake bravado the alawite sect is hurting badly

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #Isis in the mountains area of E #Qalamoun
Rebels destroyed a Tank w/ TOW
#Damascus cs #SYria FEB 18

SAA airstrikes on #alMarj area now
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

10#SAA barrel bombs on #Darayya so far
#Damascus #SYria FEB 18

MASSACRE in #alZabdiyah neighrbohood aftermath #RUSSIA airstrikes
#ALeppo #Syria FEB 18

MASSACRE in #alFirdaous aftermath #Russia airstrikes targeting the neighborhood
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 18

Destruction aftermath #Russia cluster bombs airstrikes on #Palmyra earlier
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA carried out dozens of airstrikes targeting villages in eastern #Ghouta
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

#RUSSIA airstrikes on #alSakhour, #alAnsari, #Tariq_alBab & #alAshrafiyeh neighborhoods
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 18

#SAA helicopters dropped barrel bombs over #Hayan & #Bayanoun
#ALeppo cs #SYria FEB 18

Russia flying in #Daraa cs as well..
#Syria FEB 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfcbK2s0Olc …

#SAA carried out airstrikes on #Tel_Antar
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 18

[OUTLAW 09]

I wouldn't say Oblabla is working directly with Putin. It's just like all the EU/NATO chancellors/prime ministers/presidents etc: they're politicians. They simply don't care doing anything - but what they think is in their interests, i.e. what's improving their position in day-to-day pools.

...and people deciding about these pools are your average, 'middle-class' people, who can't care either. Life's so simple if one declares all Syrians for terrorists - which is what we've all been taught since 70 years, by the Israelis.

Even between those 10% that should know better, widespread belief is that all anti-Assad Syrians are pro-JAN, at least Islamists, if not outright sympathising with the Daesh. 'Even' US-vetted groups are said to be 'cooperating with al-Qaida', or 'delivering arms to it'. In 'best case', who cares about people who at least have the history of cooperating with either, al-Qaida or the Daesh? So, why should anybody think about doing something _for_ Syrians?

Next issue is that hardly anybody is trying to connect the dots. For average Westerner, there's no relation between Assadist - or now Russian - terror against Syrian population, plus IRGC's terror against Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian population, and the flood of refugees that's destabilizing the EU.

Nah, they must all be fleeing from the Daesh - because we're affraid of the Daesh, of course. And those arriving here are all daemons, terrorizing women in Frankfurt, raping young boys in Vienna, bringing entirely unknown deseases with them, or at least stealing lifestock from German farms..

'Thanks Lord', Russians (say) are bombing Daesh. Sure, 'Americans' say the same, but Russians are flying so many combat sorties, and dropping so many bombs, and they fly all these fancy Sukhois, and not overpriced but 40-years old F-15s and F-16s, or 'non-functioning' F-35. Measured on ammount of 'bullets', it must be so that Russians are 'far more effective in destroying Daesh'. I.e. 'doing the right thing'. Pure logic, isn't it?

If Russians kill a few Syrians; well, we're back to the Rule No.1. Which says that all Syrians are terrorists...

...and otherwise, who cares: people are too busy paying back their debts, downloading porns, and being feed sensations about celebrities.

Most one can expect from them is to ask why should their taxpayer's money be spent to 'support people who cooperate with al-Qaida'. Not why is their taxpayer's money already spent to support al-Qaida (on the Arabian Peninsula) - through US provision of intel, advice, SAR, and tanker support for this intergalactic coalition led by Saudis, that is pulverising Yemen.

...and even if, we're turning in circles again, then Saudis are buying so much US and EU arms, that no matter how much are they demonized lately, nobody can really 'drop' them, because so many jobs are depending on them....

With such an 'electoral body', what do you expect, what should our glorious politicians do?

**********

BTW, in my 'write up' on Syrian Kurds posted above, I forgot to mention a fourth, though really obscure Kurdish block. Except for 1-2 video-reports by Vice News, you'll find next to nothing about it.

That fourth block is Daesh.

Kurds friendly to Daesh?

'Impossible'. Kurds are so pluralistic, and demoractic, and tollerant, and non-religious, and so lovely...

Actually, it is so that thousands of Kurds have joined. At the time the Daesh overrun Tabqa AB, back in summer 2014, certain assessments indicated that up to one third of the Daesh in Syria consists of Kurds. It's long since I've lost the count on how many of videos released by Daesh after they overrun Tabqa one could hear people either speaking one of Kurdish languages, or Turkish with strong Kurdish accent - or Farsi with strong Kurdish accent.

Sure, most of the Daesh-Kurds in question were subsequently exterminated by US air power during the 'YPG'- counteroffensive that removed the Daesh from all of NE Syria (together with two 'American' battalions of the Daesh, BTW).

But ask people: 'nah, this is impossible'. At best, 'no story'. And it remains 'impossible' even after Vice published its report about Iraqi Kurds that joined the Daesh; after FT (http://ekurd.net/israel-imports-oil-from-kurdistan-2015-08-24) and few other MSM-outlets have published report citing Kurds being the party that's buying most of oil from the Daesh (only to sell most of that to Israel); that Kurdish 'middlemen' are heavily involved in Daesh's slave trade (http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_german-tv-channel-films-isil-slave-trade-in-turkey_406023.html); and when 'YPG Commander' Sipan Hemo (who is actually from the PKK) speaks out (https://rojavareport.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/ypg-commander-sipan-hemo-the-isis-has-been-defeated/), then all that matters is that he declared the Daesh for 'defeated'.

Why should anybody care that he also mentioned 1,200 Iranians joining the Daesh...? - in turn confirming that handfull of reports about Iranian authorities arresting people underway to Iraq/Syria to join the Daesh (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-arrests-idUSKCN0SZ1BJ20151110#0BBykrFA9qOWcbX4.97)...

All of this doesn't matter: colloquial conclusion is actually as mindless as the one from 2002, namely that the USA as next 'must' invade Iraq. In this case it's: 'Kurds are our friends in Syria... let them do whatever they want, it's the right thing to support them'.

With that being the pre-evalent public opinion, what should clowns like Oblabla do?

Kurdish militias,dancing on the bodies of #FSA. After control of the city of Tel Refaat in #Aleppo
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ciFe6sfKudc …

[OUTLAW 09]

Putin himself doesn't have much time left, delivery of military material to SAA costs and Russia suffers http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/8-shades-of-crisis---russias-year-of-economic-nightmares/553703.html …

NOTE......referencing Geneva......
this war is not going to be over next week (like they're hoping) behind all this fake bravado the alawite sect is hurting badly

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #Isis in the mountains area of E #Qalamoun
Rebels destroyed a Tank w/ TOW
#Damascus cs #SYria FEB 18

SAA airstrikes on #alMarj area now
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

10#SAA barrel bombs on #Darayya so far
#Damascus #SYria FEB 18

MASSACRE in #alZabdiyah neighrbohood aftermath #RUSSIA airstrikes
#ALeppo #Syria FEB 18

MASSACRE in #alFirdaous aftermath #Russia airstrikes targeting the neighborhood
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 18

Destruction aftermath #Russia cluster bombs airstrikes on #Palmyra earlier
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA carried out dozens of airstrikes targeting villages in eastern #Ghouta
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

#RUSSIA airstrikes on #alSakhour, #alAnsari, #Tariq_alBab & #alAshrafiyeh neighborhoods
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 18

#SAA helicopters dropped barrel bombs over #Hayan & #Bayanoun
#ALeppo cs #SYria FEB 18

Russia flying in #Daraa cs as well..
#Syria FEB 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfcbK2s0Olc …

#SAA carried out airstrikes on #Tel_Antar
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 18

Remnants of #Russia РБК-500 АО-2,5 РТМ Bomb aftermath it's airstrikes on #Talbiseh earlier
#Homs #SYria FEB 18

[CrowBat]

CrowBat....just a side question.......caught your comment that the Russian fighters are carrying far less bomb loads than they state officially their actual capacity is....any idea why.....ie Russia Syrian Express not able to keep up the resupply of munitions, not enough storage space a their airfields, or enough maintenance crews, or weather ie wind issues or even worse they cannot carry what they advertise and maintain safe aircraft handling???

That with 'supply-related issues' would be my first reaction too.

But. I think it's as so often: much more complex than it appears at the first sight.

There's no doubt that Russians are hopelessly overdependent on overextended supply links to Syria: even their toilett paper has to be hauled all the way from Crimea to Lattakia. There are reports about maintenance issues with Su-24s and Su-34s in Syria. There are reports about especially Su-34s being time-consuming to bring into the air (need lots of pre-flight preparations) - which is something all the export customers for Su-30 have reported already years ago (a 'scrabmle' with Su-30 can easily take 30 minutes, because it takes quite long for all of its avionics to 'spool up'). There are reports about multiple issues with service entry of Su-30SM and Su-35S too.

Plus: both of these 'newest types in service' (Su-30 and Su-35) are heavily dependent on imported technology (including Indian computers and software), and Russians announced they intend to replace all of that with their own products. Moreover, the VKS has already announced an 'upgraded variant of the Su-34' is going to enter service by 2020.

Question: why 'upgrade' something that actually just entered service - except there are issues with what's available...?

Finally, it's really not as if Hmemmem AB/Basel al-Assad IAP is some 'sprawling air base'. It's a very densely packed place, now stuffed full of such easily inflammable stuff like aircraft, kerosene and plenty of ordnance.

So, from my POV, 'conclusion is on hand': there are supply-related issues ('don't spend more bombs but what we can haul to Syria'); there are PRBS-related issues ('the more missions you fly, the more we can claim to be bombing Daesh'); there are technology-related issues ('yes, that type is a broken piece of junk, and this is a pure maintenance-nightmare, but we've got nothing better and live from exporting both of them; so, you better shut up'); and there are security-related issues ('Hmemmem was shelled by Ahrar already 7 times; a number of explosions were reported from there too; but we have to maintain semblance of everything being a OK').

************

BTW, talking about Su-34s: remember all the Russian reports about Algerian order for Su-34s, from late December?

Pure hogwash. Algiers placed absolutely no such orders.

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat...had posted this early this morning and now am hearing an occasional it was a downed aircraft...anything on your end?

After loud explosion heavy dark black smoke was seen....there were no reported tanks being hit or ammo dumps being hit in that area.....

Unknown explosion in the mountains surrounding Douma
http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/18-february-unknown-explosion-in-the-mountains-surrounding …

Usually "unknown" loud explosions are usually code of an Israeli strike...but no on reported on Israeli strikes...

[OUTLAW 09]

Working hard info war wise to "deflect" what is coming his way.....

[B]PYD leader says Ankara bombing not their work and relates the attack to "Turkey's anti-ISIS fight" Wasnt he accusing TR of supporting ISIS!?

For literally months on end the PYD has been following the Putin narrative that Turkey has been the massive behind the scenes supporter of IS, for their weapons/supplies/funds/fighters and for purchasing IS oil....even the US Treasury CT shot down the PYD theory that Turkey has been funding IS and purchasing massive amounts of oil......

BUT overnight after the attack...suddenly Turkey is an "anti IS fighter"...he cannot have it both ways......

Turkey's Erdogan says despite denials by PKK/PYD figures, intelligence findings show it was their militants who carried out Ankara attack

[OUTLAW 09]

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

al-Nusra : “We are moving from Hama to N. Aleppo country side to support our brothers” -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7yipODWfCo&feature=youtu.be …

[OUTLAW 09]

Working hard info war wise to "deflect" what is coming his way.....

[B]PYD leader says Ankara bombing not their work and relates the attack to "Turkey's anti-ISIS fight" Wasnt he accusing TR of supporting ISIS!?

For literally months on end the PYD has been following the Putin narrative that Turkey has been the massive behind the scenes supporter of IS, for their weapons/supplies/funds/fighters and for purchasing IS oil....even the US Treasury CT shot down the PYD theory that Turkey has been funding IS and purchasing massive amounts of oil......

BUT overnight after the attack...suddenly Turkey is an "anti IS fighter"...he cannot have it both ways......

Suddenly hard to distance yourself when you are attacking the US supported FSA, dragging their bodies and dancing on their bodies and even release a video of it.....who really believes you since the YPG is part and parcel of PKK and the YPG repeatedly claimed they are attacking sIS BUT are really not and get numerous RuAF CAS mission support when attacking FSA positions...

VIDEO: Kurdish (YPG)-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) condemns the #AnkaraAttack - @michaelh992

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes.....and no one in the West/Obama can complain nor can Putin as Erdogan is "claiming the exact right" used by Putin for his grand entrance into Syria and the Obama declared war on IS via his AF coalition......Assad and Putin will loudly argue it is in violation of international territorial boundaries BUT WAIT...did not Putin cross the Crimean and eastern Ukrainian territorial borders in the "defense of ethnic Russian speakers from Nazi's and the Nazi junta in Kyiv"?

Hypocrisy is a mean thing when it comes back to haunt you...in this case Putin's own arguments being thrown back at him backed up by someone willing and able to use equal force and this is important...not afraid to use it......

Erdogan is stating just as does Obama "I am protecting the entire Turkish nation state from terrorism"....and it is for all to see on my borders being backed by Russia and Assad.

euronews ✔ @euronews

Erdogan claims Turkey's "right to retaliate" after Ankara bombing
http://bit.ly/20FRAdz
pic.twitter.com/pitPSa7oGq

AND Obama reactions yesterday and today..."standing by"......

NOW the Turkish PM is "messaging as well for those that did not get it the first time?......

ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: YPG is a pawn of Syrian regime and regime is directly responsible for Ankara attack

 ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: Turkey reserves the right to take any measure against Syrian regime

Turkish PM: Hope allies will realize YPG is off-shoot of PKK, expect them to show clear solidarity - @CNNTURK_ENG

Turkish speak for "NATO you better pay attention to Article 5".....

EVEN the Russians see it coming and this is an attempt to elicit a positive spin on the somewhat rough tone Russia has been using against Turkey....as they fully realize turkey now has the "legal right" to cross the border and confront "terrorists" just as Putin has done....

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

We convey deepest condolences to Turkish people over terrorist attack in Ankara on Feb.17
http://tass.ru/en/politics/857546 …
pic.twitter.com/YCtClVtdgZ

NOTICE..they use the words "Turkish people" and not "Turkish government and it's people"......BUT THEN PKK undermines this Russian statement the very next day....

Six soldiers killed, one heavily wounded as PKK targets military convoy in southeast
http://www.unian.info/world/1268834-six-soldiers-killed-one-heavily-wounded-as-pkk-targets-military-convoy-in-southeast.html …
pic.twitter.com/DY6jLmCwQl

[OUTLAW 09]

Another apparent ballistic missile attack using cluster munitions in Syria, on a school @hrw
http://bit.ly/1Q2IgyR
pic.twitter.com/WdVSDWc1ho

[OUTLAW 09]

So has KSA ramped up the TOW deliveries after the US stopped them six months ago in order to force the FSA to compromise with Putin and Assad....

Unusual amount of TOWs flying now everywhere in Syria...

Note the desert camouflage of the #TOW launcher.
pic.twitter.com/muIuQFBCjy

TOW reached again E. #Qalamoun in #FSA battle vs #ISIS after 6 months absence. #Damascus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqqDV8Nkdg0 …
pic.twitter.com/sigMaYuqvx

[OUTLAW 09]

One has to ask the simple question...just what has the Russian FM spokeswoman been actually smoking lately...her statements are getting wilder and wilder.....in the face of countless videos, identification of Russian missiles, aircraft and bombs and actual eye witnesses she just keeps on lying....MAYBE she is just trying to convince herself that it did not happen.....

MFA Russia 
‏@mfa_russia
#Zakharova: Turkey is openly lying when reporting on the allegedly targeted destruction of civilians, schools, hospitals by Russian aircraft

BUT WAIT she forgot to mention the UN, US, France and the Germans are also saying the same thing?????

MFA Russia ‏@mfa_russia ·
#Zakharova: By urging Turkish Cypriots to take a hard line, Ankara is flagrantly interfering in the negotiation process

Russian speak for ...darn it we are not going to get that Med naval base after all.....

Besides the Greek side of the island has not figured out how to handle the massive Russian "black" money parked in their banks and they have been warned by the EU CB to close those accounts and freeze the money....

[OUTLAW 09]

One has to ask the simple question...just what has the Russian FM spokeswoman been actually smoking lately...her statements are getting wilder and wilder.....in the face of countless videos, identification of Russian missiles, aircraft and bombs and actual eye witnesses she just keeps on lying....MAYBE she is just trying to convince herself that it did not happen.....

MFA Russia 
‏@mfa_russia
#Zakharova: Turkey is openly lying when reporting on the allegedly targeted destruction of civilians, schools, hospitals by Russian aircraft

BUT WAIT she forgot to mention the UN, US, France and the Germans are also saying the same thing?????

MFA Russia ‏@mfa_russia ·
#Zakharova: By urging Turkish Cypriots to take a hard line, Ankara is flagrantly interfering in the negotiation process

Russian speak for ...darn it we are not going to get that Med naval base after all.....

Besides the Greek side of the island has not figured out how to handle the massive Russian "black" money parked in their banks and they have been warned by the EU CB to close those accounts and freeze the money....

BUT WAIT...was it not Russia that stated the MSF hospital hit this week as working for the French intelligence so therefore it could indeed be considered a legitimate target????

MSF says 63 of it's facilities were bombed in 2015. All in Russia/Assad bomb strike areas.
pic.twitter.com/87Haf15SWk

[OUTLAW 09]

I wouldn't say Oblabla is working directly with Putin. It's just like all the EU/NATO chancellors/prime ministers/presidents etc: they're politicians. They simply don't care doing anything - but what they think is in their interests, i.e. what's improving their position in day-to-day pools.

...and people deciding about these pools are your average, 'middle-class' people, who can't care either. Life's so simple if one declares all Syrians for terrorists - which is what we've all been taught since 70 years, by the Israelis.

Even between those 10% that should know better, widespread belief is that all anti-Assad Syrians are pro-JAN, at least Islamists, if not outright sympathising with the Daesh. 'Even' US-vetted groups are said to be 'cooperating with al-Qaida', or 'delivering arms to it'. In 'best case', who cares about people who at least have the history of cooperating with either, al-Qaida or the Daesh? So, why should anybody think about doing something _for_ Syrians?

Next issue is that hardly anybody is trying to connect the dots. For average Westerner, there's no relation between Assadist - or now Russian - terror against Syrian population, plus IRGC's terror against Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian population, and the flood of refugees that's destabilizing the EU.

Nah, they must all be fleeing from the Daesh - because we're affraid of the Daesh, of course. And those arriving here are all daemons, terrorizing women in Frankfurt, raping young boys in Vienna, bringing entirely unknown deseases with them, or at least stealing lifestock from German farms..

'Thanks Lord', Russians (say) are bombing Daesh. Sure, 'Americans' say the same, but Russians are flying so many combat sorties, and dropping so many bombs, and they fly all these fancy Sukhois, and not overpriced but 40-years old F-15s and F-16s, or 'non-functioning' F-35. Measured on ammount of 'bullets', it must be so that Russians are 'far more effective in destroying Daesh'. I.e. 'doing the right thing'. Pure logic, isn't it?

If Russians kill a few Syrians; well, we're back to the Rule No.1. Which says that all Syrians are terrorists...

...and otherwise, who cares: people are too busy paying back their debts, downloading porns, and being feed sensations about celebrities.

Most one can expect from them is to ask why should their taxpayer's money be spent to 'support people who cooperate with al-Qaida'. Not why is their taxpayer's money already spent to support al-Qaida (on the Arabian Peninsula) - through US provision of intel, advice, SAR, and tanker support for this intergalactic coalition led by Saudis, that is pulverising Yemen.

...and even if, we're turning in circles again, then Saudis are buying so much US and EU arms, that no matter how much are they demonized lately, nobody can really 'drop' them, because so many jobs are depending on them....

With such an 'electoral body', what do you expect, what should our glorious politicians do?

**********

BTW, in my 'write up' on Syrian Kurds posted above, I forgot to mention a fourth, though really obscure Kurdish block. Except for 1-2 video-reports by Vice News, you'll find next to nothing about it.

That fourth block is Daesh.

Kurds friendly to Daesh?

'Impossible'. Kurds are so pluralistic, and demoractic, and tollerant, and non-religious, and so lovely...

Actually, it is so that thousands of Kurds have joined. At the time the Daesh overrun Tabqa AB, back in summer 2014, certain assessments indicated that up to one third of the Daesh in Syria consists of Kurds. It's long since I've lost the count on how many of videos released by Daesh after they overrun Tabqa one could hear people either speaking one of Kurdish languages, or Turkish with strong Kurdish accent - or Farsi with strong Kurdish accent.

Sure, most of the Daesh-Kurds in question were subsequently exterminated by US air power during the 'YPG'- counteroffensive that removed the Daesh from all of NE Syria (together with two 'American' battalions of the Daesh, BTW).

But ask people: 'nah, this is impossible'. At best, 'no story'. And it remains 'impossible' even after Vice published its report about Iraqi Kurds that joined the Daesh; after FT (http://ekurd.net/israel-imports-oil-from-kurdistan-2015-08-24) and few other MSM-outlets have published report citing Kurds being the party that's buying most of oil from the Daesh (only to sell most of that to Israel); that Kurdish 'middlemen' are heavily involved in Daesh's slave trade (http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_german-tv-channel-films-isil-slave-trade-in-turkey_406023.html); and when 'YPG Commander' Sipan Hemo (who is actually from the PKK) speaks out (https://rojavareport.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/ypg-commander-sipan-hemo-the-isis-has-been-defeated/), then all that matters is that he declared the Daesh for 'defeated'.

Why should anybody care that he also mentioned 1,200 Iranians joining the Daesh...? - in turn confirming that handfull of reports about Iranian authorities arresting people underway to Iraq/Syria to join the Daesh (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-arrests-idUSKCN0SZ1BJ20151110#0BBykrFA9qOWcbX4.97)...

All of this doesn't matter: colloquial conclusion is actually as mindless as the one from 2002, namely that the USA as next 'must' invade Iraq. In this case it's: 'Kurds are our friends in Syria... let them do whatever they want, it's the right thing to support them'.

With that being the pre-evalent public opinion, what should clowns like Oblabla do?

KRG's flow of oil to Turkey (one of its lifelines against Baghdad) interrupted b/c of PKK terrorist attack on pipes.
http://goo.gl/pPTRfN

[OUTLAW 09]

Worth reading.....long read on just how bad Obama, CIA and CENTCOM "got it"....and goes to the heart of Obama's "standing by"....

http://mme.cm/JWAW00

Kyle Orton

Published: 17/02/2016 07:32 PM

America picked the wrong allies against the Islamic State


Over the last six weeks the regime of Bashar al-Assad—which by this point means in most areas Iranian-run ground forces and Russian air power—have made territorial gains in northern Syria that threaten the existence of the armed opposition in the area. This threat has been compounded by the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and allies, which have also drawn on Russian airstrikes to attack the rebellion in the same areas. The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) has made the PYD its main proxy inside Syria—the only force that can call in coalition airstrikes. This policy was obviously flawed given the view of the PYD by necessary anti-ISIS allies like Turkey and the demographic realities of ISIS, which require Sunni Arabs to be able to police their area and ensure that ISIS begins to look like a protector of Sunnis if Kurds occupy Arab areas; the PYD now attacking the crucial anti-ISIS demographic in alliance with the regime underlines that fact.

The Rebellion Surrounded in Aleppo

On January 12, an important rebel stronghold in north-eastern Latakia, on the Syrian coast, fell to an ideologically diverse pro-Assad coalition: the Syrian Arab Army, the National Defence Force (the largely-Alawite, Iran-built sectarian militia that has overshadowed the SAA), Mihrac Ural's al-Muqawama as-Suriya (ostensibly Communist), the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (the irredentist outfit descended from, as its party symbol attests, European fascism), and Iraqi Shiite jihadists under the control of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Latakia offensive was heavily directed by Russian military advisers and possibly included Russian troops. The offensive was carried into Aleppo, where the IRGC-led pro-Assad forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, set their sights on the narrow corridor in the north of the province around Marea and Azaz that kept supplies coming in from Turkey to the rebel enclave in eastern Aleppo city that rules over more than half-a-million people.

The rebels had been struggling to hold the Azaz corridor since the second week of Russia's intervention, which began on September 30, when Moscow killed hundreds of rebels in Aleppo, clearing the way for ISIS to sweep into areas the rebels had held them out of for years. ISIS's territorial advances in Aleppo in October 2015 were the largest since their capture of Ramadi and Palmyra five months earlier. This brought the pro-Assad and ISIS frontlines into contact; they made no move against one-another as the Assadists advanced on Azaz.

Meanwhile, the PYD was bearing down on the rebellion from the east. On January 2, the PYD pushed the rebels out of Tanab, a demarcation point between the PYD-held Efrin canton and the rebel-held corridor. The PYD claimed to have defeated Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Qaeda in Syria). The rebels were in fact al-Jabhat al-Shamiya (The Levant Front), Ahrar al-Sham, and three Free Syrian Army (FSA)-branded groups: The First Regiment, Division 13, and Division 16. The PYD would often use the Nusra pretext when attacking rebels, where they didn't outright deny their involvement and claim it was an intra-Arab dispute between PYD-aligned Arab militias like Jaysh al-Thuwar and jihadist-Salafists.

A Deniable Ally

Jaysh al-Thuwar has been flagged as part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an American-orchestrated conglomeration into which the PYD folded its armed wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG). The YPG was to give the PYD some deniability—originally the YPG was intended to be a broad-based armed formation of all Kurdish factions—but the PYD is undoubtedly still the leader of the YPG and now the SDF, both of which are "front groups for the Kurdistan Workers' Party or PKK," which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. That the PYD—in any of its iterations—is synonymous with the PKK is currently being denied by both the naïve and those with an agenda to push because the PKK is a registered terrorist organization.

Those with an agenda include the US State Department. After saving the Kurdish city of Kobane in northern Syria went from non-strategic to imperative in the space of two weeks in October 2014, the US fell into an alliance with the PYD, which became the only force in Syria able to call in US airstrikes. By the summer of 2015, the Obama administration preferred the PYD over its own trained rebel groups. The terrorism laws thus have to be circumvented—in this case, by flat denial. Just last week, the State Department said it remains "very firm" in opposing the PKK, but continues to regard the PYD as an asset.

Despite the denials, the PYD/YPG's own fighters don't make a secret of their organization's subservience to the PKK's command structure. When the US's envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition, Brett McGurk, journeyed to Kobane he met with one of the PYD's founders, Polat Can, who just happens to be a veteran officer of the PKK. In late January 2016, with Turkey and the PKK back at war, an English-speaking foreign fighter for the YPG was featured in a video calling for more foreign volunteers to either join the YPG or at least carry out terrorist attacks against Turkey. The YPG does not just take orders from the PKK's leadership in the Qandil Mountains, however. The extent of the PKK's dominance over the YPG can be seen in the YPG's self-reported casualty figures: between January 2013 and January 2016, half of the Kurds killed fighting for the YPG came from Turkey.

Peace Talks as Cover for a Military Escalation

On February 3, the pro-Assad coalition succeeded in cutting the rebels' supply line into Turkey, severing it south of Tel Rifaat, and connecting up with the pro-regime villages of Nubl and Zahra, which had been under incomplete sieges by insurgents essentially since the regime was forced out of northern Rif of Aleppo in July 2012. As the Iranian-led pro-Assad coalition moved toward tightening a siege on eastern Aleppo city on the ground, Russia bombarded it from the air. Within days, 70,000 people had fled from Aleppo, many toward Turkey.

In a masterly piece of maskirovka, the Russians announced their agreement to a ceasefire on Friday, which contained a loophole for continued strikes on terrorists big enough to permit Russia to bomb anyone they liked and claim to be adhering to the ceasefire, and which would allow Russia a week of internationally-sanctioned time to make its gains in Aleppo and then blame the rebels for breaking the ceasefire when they refused to be bound by the lines Russia would try to freeze in place after its aggression.

The proximate cause of this catastrophe was the Geneva III negotiations. It was obvious before the negotiations started that the Assad regime was too strong for negotiations to be meaningful and that swiftly the US was going to be faced with the choice of allowing the collapse of a process it was invested in, or forcing its own side to accept the edicts of the other side.

The US gave a strong indication of which track it was taking when it deliberately weakened the rebel hand in the run-up to these talks—stopping the shipment of TOW anti-tank missiles, among other things—ostensibly on the premise that it would make peace more likely. But—even on the best reading, where the intention was not to help defeat the rebels altogether—this was folly. The US cannot calibrate something like this with any delicacy: it either means to supply enough pressure to force Assad out, or it doesn't. But more than that: a strategy of weakening what is purportedly your own side would rely on the patrons of the other side doing the same, and they didn't and never claimed they would. To the contrary: they saw an opening and took it—obviating the need for talks at all, if they succeed. As one Western diplomat put it: "It'll be easy to get a ceasefire soon because the opposition will all be dead."

One view is that this is bad negotiating; another view—already prevalent in Syria—is that this is deliberate. If the US allows the destruction of the moderate rebels and lets the pro-Assad coalition make this a binary choice—the dictator or the terrorists—as they have wanted to all along, it won't matter if the US deliberately ran out the clock on those it claimed to be supporting or is engaged in post-facto rationalization. Everyone saw the US's pro-Iran tilt, symbolized most acutely by not punishing Assad for the chemical weapons attack, and every Sunni will believe it was a conspiracy—as ISIS has continuously told them.

The pro-regime coalition crushing the rebels in Aleppo City—either killing them or driving them from the battlefield—will not just be a propaganda (i.e. recruitment) victory for ISIS, but will open an immediate military opportunity. The spearheading of the offensive by foreign Shiite militias strongly indicates that the regime's chronic shortage of manpower is getting no better, so while an aerially-delivered and ground-supported round of massacre and expulsion is possible, actually holding new terrain is likely to prove impossible. If the pro-regime forces clear the rebels from Aleppo, it will be ISIS that fills the vacuum.

Continued...long read....


TOW Analysis : new batch of TOW reached Rebels in N. #Syria from the end of January, after drop early 2016. #Aleppo

[OUTLAW 09]

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/how-russia-and-iran-took-advantage-of-syrian-peace-talks-to-choke-aleppo-a6877396.html

Another example of just how bad the Obama WH "got taken in Geneva"...or did they really not care at all might be the real answer as Obama leaves office in roughly 300 days and he is so busy visiting foreign countries on his legacy lap list before he is out of office......

How Russia and Iran took advantage of Syrian peace talks to choke Aleppo

The supposed ceasefire is a fantasy – the surprise was to have Assad say so quite so quickly

Kyle Orton |
Wednesday 17 February 2016|


In the coming days and weeks many people will weep for the fate of Aleppo. Many of these people will also continue to support the nuclear deal, which has facilitated this US-Iran détente and supplied Iran the resources to make war. They will still consider it a triumph of diplomacy over military action – and never be called to account for the obvious contradiction.

The Geneva III peace process is the most immediate cause for this latest offensive against Aleppo, led on the ground by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its proxies, as well as Russian airstrikes. The regime and Russia have used it as a cover to gain ground. The US took the process seriously so sought to de-escalate, taking steps to weaken its own side. This included restricting the rebels' access to anti-tank missiles.

Russia, on the other hand, enabled the IRGC-run forces that control the Bashar al-Assad regime's security sector to cut the rebels' final Aleppo supply line into Turkey and move to impose a starvation-siege on the city like the ones they have imposed on forty-nine other areas in Syria. The regime coalition can then either bring the city to its knees and complete the reconquest, or quarantine the rebels in the city, freeing up resources to deploy against rebels on other fronts.

Meanwhile, at the peace talks the US increasingly acted to enforce the regime's edicts on the opposition. It was not difficult to see that this would happen. Anyone could see, all the way back in December, the only party on whom pressure could and would be exerted to keep Geneva III going was the moderate rebels. Russia and Iran were not going to pressure Assad and nobody can pressure Isis or Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Qaeda in Syria). So for the US the choice was simple: let a process it had invested political capital in fail and boost the rebellion to a point where it could apply enough pressure on the regime to eventually force negotiations on meaningful terms, or pressure the rebellion into accepting the regime's terms in order to preserve the process.

This Alice in Wonderland predicament was put on hold earlier this month, until 25 February, because the rebel representatives refused to engage with the regime and its backers while the bombardment and starvation of civilian areas continued in violation of a UN Security Council resolution, 2254, that Russia itself voted for. Amazingly, on that issue, too, the United States adopted the Russian position, arguing that allowing humanitarian access and ceasing war crimes was a precondition—ie it was something that should be up for negotiation.

At first glance, then, it can seem odd that Russia ostensibly agreed to a ceasefire on the morning of 12 February. But on closer examination this is less confusing.

First, a massive loophole is included so that Russian operations against terrorist groups—Isis and al-Nusra—do not have to cease. Russia defines all armed opposition in Syria as terrorist and regularly mislabels them either as Islamic State or al-Nusra to justify their strikes. That Russia apparently got the US to define a “couple of other groups” as terrorist is merely a bonus.

Second, the ceasefire was not supposed to start for a week, which meant a week of internationally-recognised time for the Russia-Iran-Assad coalition to advance on Aleppo. It also meant that once this ceasefire began, the pro-Assad coalition would be able to claim international legitimacy for the new battle lines it had imposed in Aleppo, and when the rebellion refused to be bound by this aggression, Russia could blame the rebels for violating the ceasefire.

Thus, the ceasefire is a fantasy. The surprise was to have Assad say so, in public, quite so quickly. Speaking to AFP, Assad announced—a mere twelve hours after the ceasefire was agreed—that his intention was to reconquer the whole country. Given that the premise of the ceasefire is as part of Geneva III, the essential element of which is a political transition that gets Assad out so a government can be formed in Damascus that works with the rebels fighting Isis rather than blitzing them, this was as good as a flat repudiation not only of the ceasefire but the overarching peace talks.

To further complicate matters, over the last ten days, both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have said they will deploy troops in Syria as part of the US-led effort against Isis. This was undoubtedly an answer to President Obama's call in December for US allies to do more, and also a political move to push the US into greater intervention in Syria. It now seems that some kind of Gulf deployment really will take place in Syria.

Officially, however, those Saudi troops would be aimed at Isis in Raqqa. The wildcard with regards to Aleppo is Turkey. President Recep This is not something Turkey can be indifferent to.
Tayyip Erdogan is politically invested in the Syrian rebellion and the downfall of Assad. Turkey also hosts 3 million Syrian refugees, which has already caused internal turbulence. Fifty-thousand people have fled Aleppo in just the last few days to avoid being trapped by the regime coalition's siege and hundreds of thousands more are likely to follow after a Russian-enabled attack on the city of Aleppo begins.

Continued.......



The fight against Iran's Shia Islamic State in #Syria
http://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-foreign-legion-leads-battle-in-syrias-north-1455672481 …

[OUTLAW 09]

2 #Konkurs #ATGM hit shia 23mm gun & other target
https://youtu.be/8T8pOGeMAeg

Mujahideen from JN arrive from Hama to Aleppo
https://youtu.be/Y7yipODWfCo

If it's about "foreign fighters" vs "Syrians" I'm sorry but even Jabhat al-Nusra is much more "Syrian" than YPG units...

[OUTLAW 09]

@washingtonpost editorial board says Obama needs to take military action in Libya ASAP
http://wapo.st/1QJYlpF
pic.twitter.com/lmMawtmmV2

BUT WAIT if he is not willing to engage IS in the "motherland Syria" WHY would he go into Libya?

Secondly anyone who had paid attention to the military operation in Libya knew Obama rapidly backed out of that initial engagement and handed it off totally and quickly to NATO....so again why would he go back in with 300 or less days left in office and when he is travelling the world taking his "legacy lap" on the taxpayer dime...for his great FP successes..

[OUTLAW 09]

@washingtonpost editorial board says Obama needs to take military action in Libya ASAP
http://wapo.st/1QJYlpF
pic.twitter.com/lmMawtmmV2

BUT WAIT if he is not willing to engage IS in the "motherland Syria" WHY would he go into Libya?

Secondly anyone who had paid attention to the military operation in Libya knew Obama rapidly backed out of that initial engagement and handed it off totally and quickly to NATO....so again why would he go back in with 300 or less days left in office and when he is travelling the world taking his "legacy lap" on the taxpayer dime...for his great FP successes..

EXCLUSIVE: Obama admin rejects plans to hit ISIS’ Libyan capital
http://thebea.st/1WsU11X

Hate to have said..."told you so".....

[OUTLAW 09]

@hrw claims Azaz hospital was hit with an SS-21 ballisitic missile, a short range and relatively accurate system https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/02/18/syria-great-danger-civilians-azaz …

Will monitor to see if social media open source analysis confirms this as usually HRW is not a great analysis group....for weapons strikes.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian supplies must be in a bind now in Syria as the Syrian Express is racing their turnarounds ............

Fast turnaround for #ВМФ #Бф BF Alexander Otrakovsky: LST 031 returned to Bosphorus only in 1 week from Sevastopol.
pic.twitter.com/Hu0xF5GQVA

#ВМФ #ЧФ Novocherkassk 142 transited Bosphorus en route to #Tartus #Syria : LST was back to Sevastopol 2 weeks ago

Tartus-bound #ВМФ Ropucha class LST #Бф BF Alexander Otrakovsky 031transits Bosphorus towards Marmara 12:30GMT

This the second 2016 Syria deployment for #ВМФ Ropucha class LST #Бф BF Alexander Otrakovsky 031

ВМф #вф Vologda-50 returned from #Tartus #Syria in 16 days & entered the Black Sea 05:40GMT

Normal is ten or so days for the rest of the fleet.....

[OUTLAW 09]

What a farce of a Obama comment...appears he simply "forgot the Syrian genocide and starvation" that is still ongoing and he seems to not care about that at all......but we are trying at Geneva is his mantra.....

President Obama ✔ @POTUS

We still have differences with the Cuban government that I will raise directly. America will always stand for human rights around the world.

[OUTLAW 09]

US Air Force Central Command commander Lt Gen Charles Brown confirms that US has told Russia where its special forces are located in Syria.

.@PentagonPresSec says this was done "out of the abundance of safety" to keep special operators safe from Russian air strikes in Syria.

.@PentagonPresSec says SecDef Carter was aware of this arrangement with the Russians.

With this disclosure, it seems that all sides of the Syrian conflict know where U.S. SOF are based except the American public.

[OUTLAW 09]

US Air Force Central Command commander Lt Gen Charles Brown confirms that US has told Russia where its special forces are located in Syria.

.@PentagonPresSec says this was done "out of the abundance of safety" to keep special operators safe from Russian air strikes in Syria.

.@PentagonPresSec says SecDef Carter was aware of this arrangement with the Russians.

With this disclosure, it seems that all sides of the Syrian conflict know where U.S. SOF are based except the American public.

And "Of course" they provided the locations of theirs as well right?
NOT!

[OUTLAW 09]

More than a dozen Israeli strikes inside the A2/AD bubble in Syria, allowed to strike or capable to avoid it? https://twitter.com/Military_Edge/status/700360211853373444 …

UPDATED: Reported Israeli Strikes in Syria 2013-Today Mapped
http://bit.ly/1ToKXvQ by @DavidADaoud & @PatMegahan
pic.twitter.com/59Nhp6ov78

[OUTLAW 09]

BREAKING
Moment #SCD rescue operation victims of 1st #SAA airstrike, then the 2nd hit them all#Douma #Syria FEB 18

SCD removing #Russia Tochka Missile in #Aazaz
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists airstrikes targeting #alBala village
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropping barrel bombs on #Darayya
#Damascus #SYria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropping barrel bombs over #Talaf town
#Hama cs #SYria FEB 18

SCD found dozens of #Russia Cluster Bombs in #Haryatan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SCD collect remnants of #Russia ClusterBombs aftermath it's airstrikes on #Maarat_alNouman
#Idlib #SYria FEB 18

Remnants of #Russia SHOAB0.5 Cluster Bombs aftermath it's airstrikes on #alMakramiyah village
#Homs cs #Syria FEB18

[OUTLAW 09]

BREAKING
Moment #SCD rescue operation victims of 1st #SAA airstrike, then the 2nd hit them all#Douma #Syria FEB 18

SCD removing #Russia Tochka Missile in #Aazaz
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists airstrikes targeting #alBala village
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropping barrel bombs on #Darayya
#Damascus #SYria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropping barrel bombs over #Talaf town
#Hama cs #SYria FEB 18

SCD found dozens of #Russia Cluster Bombs in #Haryatan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SCD collect remnants of #Russia ClusterBombs aftermath it's airstrikes on #Maarat_alNouman
#Idlib #SYria FEB 18

Remnants of #Russia SHOAB0.5 Cluster Bombs aftermath it's airstrikes on #alMakramiyah village
#Homs cs #Syria FEB18

BREAKING
#SAA double-tap shelling targeted a popular market in #Douma, massacre reported
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 18

[OUTLAW 09]

Not less than 60 #SAA terrorists exterminated in the last month at the fronts of #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 18

Intense bombing by Assad helicopters in addition to numerous rocket attacks on #Daraya today. #Damascus #Syria

Dozens of #SAA exterminated after heavy clashes with Rebels in #Hirbnafsah fronts
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 18

Hezbollah terrorists shelling grad rockets targeting #Alzlah area in the besieged #Zabadani #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists shelling on #alHarak, wounded 4 civilians, (2 women, 1 baby)
#Daraa #SYria FEB 18

Brother Bilal Abdul Kareem reporting from inside #Aleppo, 4 airstrikes within 1 hour nearby a School
#Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropped bombs over #Bayanoun, filmed by brother Abdel Karim
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA shelling with heavy artillery on #Joubar neighborhood now
#Damascus #Syria FEB 18

3 #RUSSIA airstrikes so far targeting #Ghassa_Abboud Square, #Alsinaa and #Alhajjanah neighborhoods

SAA terrorists dropped barrel bombs over #Hayan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropped barrel bombs over #Hayan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18
#DeirEzzor #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists advancing in #Kinsaba town..
#Latakia #Syria FEB 18

[OUTLAW 09]

Here it comes.....and no one in the West/Obama can complain nor can Putin as Erdogan is "claiming the exact right" used by Putin for his grand entrance into Syria and the Obama declared war on IS via his AF coalition......Assad and Putin will loudly argue it is in violation of international territorial boundaries BUT WAIT...did not Putin cross the Crimean and eastern Ukrainian territorial borders in the "defense of ethnic Russian speakers from Nazi's and the Nazi junta in Kyiv"?

Hypocrisy is a mean thing when it comes back to haunt you...in this case Putin's own arguments being thrown back at him backed up by someone willing and able to use equal force and this is important...not afraid to use it......

Erdogan is stating just as does Obama "I am protecting the entire Turkish nation state from terrorism"....and it is for all to see on my borders being backed by Russia and Assad.

euronews ✔ @euronews

Erdogan claims Turkey's "right to retaliate" after Ankara bombing
http://bit.ly/20FRAdz
pic.twitter.com/pitPSa7oGq

AND Obama reactions yesterday and today..."standing by"......

NOW the Turkish PM is "messaging as well for those that did not get it the first time?......

ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: YPG is a pawn of Syrian regime and regime is directly responsible for Ankara attack

 ANADOLU AGENCY (ENG) ‏@anadoluagency · 1h1 hour ago

Davutoglu: Turkey reserves the right to take any measure against Syrian regime


BREAKING
#Turkey FM calls for a Emergency Meeting with #UN & #EU Security Council ambassadors

Knowing the Turks if the UNSC does not pass anything and the EUSC waves off on anything then the light will turn Green and the Turks will move arguing rightly no one cared so we must protect ourselves from terrorists if the world does not want to.....

The exact flipped argument Putin used and still uses.....in both eastern Ukraine an Syria....

[OUTLAW 09]

Ajnad al-Sham security office splits & joins Jaish al-Islam, calls on others to follow suit. #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

DAY SEVEN of the Munich 1938 approved Russian SEVEN DAYS of extended air strikes in support of their general offense very similar to Debaltseve in Minsk 2....


Meanwhile in #Syria on the last #Munich-legitimated day of the war against civilians ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qM1RIOsoUw …

[OUTLAW 09]

US Air Force Central Command commander Lt Gen Charles Brown confirms that US has told Russia where its special forces are located in Syria.

.@PentagonPresSec says this was done "out of the abundance of safety" to keep special operators safe from Russian air strikes in Syria.

.@PentagonPresSec says SecDef Carter was aware of this arrangement with the Russians.

With this disclosure, it seems that all sides of the Syrian conflict know where U.S. SOF are based except the American public.

BUT WAIT when the Turks requested information on the US troops they were rejected by the USAF.....

BUT WAIT the USAF flies only with Turkish approval from a Turkish AF....

US trusts Russia more than #Turkey. Because US didn't give up the location of special ops in Iraq to Turkey

[OUTLAW 09]

Appears Russia is telling Assad to either get in the boat or jump overboard now.......

uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN0VR287 …


President Bashar al-Assad was out of step with the views of his main ally, Russia, when he said he planned to fight on until he re-established control over all of Syria, Russia's envoy to the United Nations was quoted as saying on Thursday.

In the first public sign of cracks in the alliance between Moscow and Damascus, the envoy, Vitaly Churkin, said Russia had helped Assad turn the tide of the war so it was now incumbent on him to follow Russia's line and commit to peace talks.

Churkin said Russia was working towards a peaceful settlement for Syria, and that attempting to take back control over the whole country would be a futile exercise which would allow the conflict to drag on indefinitely.

Asked in an interview with Kommersant newspaper about Assad's comments that he would keep fighting until all rebels were defeated, Churkin said: "Russia has invested very seriously in this crisis, politically, diplomatically, and now also in the military sense.

"Therefore we of course would like that Bashar al Assad should take account of that."

Continued........


Cracks, maybe. Or just part of the game.
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0VR240 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Heavy outgoing shelling from Kilis #Turkey at #SDF/#YPG targets inside #Syria tonight - @taylieli

Footage from #Kilis apparently, #Turkish outgoing artillery fire can be heard:
https://twitter.com/taylieli/status/700391031221723140 …

Not much information but some reports suggest #Turkeys artillery fire is targeting more then 20 locations in #Syria & is very intense now

Turkish military has started heavy howitzer barrage towards afrin, maranaz and mingh airport area held by ypg/sdf.

More than 40 shells of #TAF fired from #Kilis, have pounded ypg/sdf held villages/towns near Afrin-Mingh.

Unconfirmed: A drone has crashed 300 mt away from Guvecci Gendarme HQ of Yayladagi/#Antioch, into the #Syria-n territorries.

Dori Gold in Moscow has met with Lavrov. Russia is worried about reconciliation with Turkey. Israel is in dilemma.

[OUTLAW 09]

Efficient use of #ATGM by Rebels in Tell #Qareen: 5 #Konkurs destroyed main defences to enable ground assault.#Deraa
pic.twitter.com/YiIClXHItY

Pro-#YPG channel says, Turkish troops move "ammunition" into #Syria.
But w/o much evidence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHAN44oizxo …

[OUTLAW 09]

BREAKING
#Turkey FM calls for a Emergency Meeting with #UN & #EU Security Council ambassadors

Knowing the Turks if the UNSC does not pass anything and the EUSC waves off on anything then the light will turn Green and the Turks will move arguing rightly no one cared so we must protect ourselves from terrorists if the world does not want to.....

The exact flipped argument Putin used and still uses.....in both eastern Ukraine an Syria....

Ankara bombing has given Turkey the “justification” & “legitimacy" it needed to go after Syria's Kurds, experts say http://www.businessinsider.com/ankara-bombing-turkey-kurds-russia-2016-2 …

Quoted in the article.........


In any case, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Thursday that Turkey will continue to shell YPG positions — ignoring Washington's earlier request that Turkey hold its fire against the US-backed Kurdish forces while it works to "de-escalate" the situation.

He also issued a veiled threat, likely directed at Washington: "Those who ... back an organization that is the enemy of Turkey, risk losing the title of being a friend of Turkey


Believe this is what triggered the Erdogan comment....and it does appear the US is basically siding now with YPG which virtually all in the ME knows is tied directly to the PKK a US declared terrorist group since the 1980s.....

MORE: US Spox Kirby says #AnkaraAttack is an open question.
Rejects Turkish PM "certain link with #YPG” assertion - @WashingtonPoint

[OUTLAW 09]

Not less than 60 #SAA terrorists exterminated in the last month at the fronts of #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 18

Intense bombing by Assad helicopters in addition to numerous rocket attacks on #Daraya today. #Damascus #Syria

Dozens of #SAA exterminated after heavy clashes with Rebels in #Hirbnafsah fronts
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 18

Hezbollah terrorists shelling grad rockets targeting #Alzlah area in the besieged #Zabadani #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists shelling on #alHarak, wounded 4 civilians, (2 women, 1 baby)
#Daraa #SYria FEB 18

Brother Bilal Abdul Kareem reporting from inside #Aleppo, 4 airstrikes within 1 hour nearby a School
#Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropped bombs over #Bayanoun, filmed by brother Abdel Karim
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA shelling with heavy artillery on #Joubar neighborhood now
#Damascus #Syria FEB 18

3 #RUSSIA airstrikes so far targeting #Ghassa_Abboud Square, #Alsinaa and #Alhajjanah neighborhoods

SAA terrorists dropped barrel bombs over #Hayan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists dropped barrel bombs over #Hayan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 18
#DeirEzzor #Syria FEB 18

SAA terrorists advancing in #Kinsaba town..
#Latakia #Syria FEB 18

Data shows that there is numerous cases of 'double-tap' attacks (ie a second attack that happens between 20-60 mins after the first)

Dozens of #RUSSIA ClusterBombs found in #Tel_Mardikh village #Saraqeb
after airstrike yesterday FEB 17#Idlib #Syria
pic.twitter.com/9vKzLHag7M

[OUTLAW 09]

Ankara bombing has given Turkey the “justification” & “legitimacy" it needed to go after Syria's Kurds, experts say http://www.businessinsider.com/ankara-bombing-turkey-kurds-russia-2016-2 …

Quoted in the article.........

Believe this is what triggered the Erdogan comment....and it does appear the US is basically siding now with YPG which virtually all in the ME knows is tied directly to the PKK a US declared terrorist group since the 1980s.....

MORE: US Spox Kirby says #AnkaraAttack is an open question.
Rejects Turkish PM "certain link with #YPG” assertion - @WashingtonPoint

Kurdish envoy say #Russia promise to protect #YPG against potential Turkish ground offensive
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-18/kurds-warn-turkey-of-big-war-with-russia-if-troops-enter-syria …


This statement is interesting for two reasons............
1. confirms that the YPG was just using the US and that the US is having a hard time admitting that simple fact and YPG is in fact a regime militia and if I were them I would not trust the statement..is IMO designed to keep them fighting and not pulling out of Aleppo and the current ground offensive

2. If Turkey crosses over as does the KSA all Russia has a resistance force is a limited small seized GRU Bde, air assets and offshore naval assets.

Against that is balanced the entire Turkish/KSA military power within a short distance to their targets and that includes naval assets. Russia has a number of naval vessels parked off of Syria and quietly Turkish subs have been ever so slowly maneuvering into their general area....

Everything Putin needs in a so called "big war" has to be hauled from Russia...BUT here is the key while he threatens war...he is not prepared for an actual short but brutal exchange either with Turkey/KSA and or NATO.....

Right now the home front polling definitely indicates they do not want a war over Syria now ...and are not supporting in increasing numbers the Russian air strikes....and his overall polling numbers are actually starting to slide as the economic disaster facing Russia is becoming well known by the home front. and the home front realizes it hangs together with Ukraine and Syria and the sanctions.

It is becoming now for Putin a "butter or bullets" race....

[OUTLAW 09]

Aggressive #turkey threatens to start #WW3
pic.twitter.com/tl9NxbbIhJ

[OUTLAW 09]

So #Russia would defend #Rojava because of "the territorial sovereignty of #Syria" ?! ...
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-18/kurds-warn-turkey-of-big-war-with-russia-if-troops-enter-syria …

Footage
The #FreeSyrianArmy now also uses a D-30 piece in the #Ghab plain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u5VuYNNgxY …
#Hama #Syria

Same procedure as every day.
#Russia with 2nd air strike on first responders in #Douma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9-q2ySJCZk …

Putin's plan:
1 Assad-controlled part
1 Pro-Putin kurdish part
Wipe out Assad arab opposition
West fights ISIS

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express on the move again.....

FLOT's Azov 151 and Minsk 127 are returning from Syria 10 days after the southbound pass.
pic.twitter.com/PevZcUoEXA

Ropucha cls landing ships Azov of BlackSea Fleet & Minsk of Baltic Fleet have hull colors of their respective fleets
pic.twitter.com/XPZ0mEBgXj

Black sea fleet ships always look more engaged during Bosphorus transits. Baltic and North Sea ships more relaxed.
pic.twitter.com/7bdKfOQwB4

[OUTLAW 09]

Interesting article........

The West Is Repeating the Mistakes of the 1930s
http://natl.re/IM07r7
pic.twitter.com/YHzEXCCXn0

So the term Munich 1938 concerning the somewhat totally failed Syrian talks that was coupled with a massive Russian bombing campaign might not be so wrong.....or the so called "ceasefire which has not ceased firing" Minsk 2 agreement.

[OUTLAW 09]

The Russian FM just cannot be that utterly nave........they really expect KSA to tell them what they are up to when Russia unannounced flew into Syria and started bombing FSA ALL the while telling the world we are here to destroy IS.....

The KSA has clearly signaled Russia it's intentions and stated them clearly..it is up to the Russian FM to then figure it out......

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Bogdanov: We are waiting for explanations from Riyadh regarding plans for participation in operation against #ISIS
http://tass.ru/en/politics/857746

WHAT is really interesting is that actually this FM statement fully indicates Russia has done nothing to attack directly via ground forces IS...rather they have fully attacked FSA....


MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. Moscow is waiting for specific explanations from Riyadh regarding Saudi Arabia’s plans for participation in the operation against the terrorist group Islamic State (outlawed in Russia) in Syria, special presidential representative for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told TASS on Thursday.

"One should be aware what plans our Saudi partners have. We have no specifics at this point, only statements. They are sending some planes to Turkish territory," he said. At the same time Bogdanov added that Riyadh had so far not joined any of the mechanisms of coordinating operations in Syria. In the meantime, we have such coordination mechanisms, including our contacts between our military and Israel and the four-party mechanism in Baghdad, which is open to all those who wish to participate in the coordination of information regarding joint struggle against terrorists," Bogdanov said.

"So far, the Saudis have not joined any of these mechanisms. If they want (to act jointly) with Americans, they should coordinate their participation in the anti-ISIS coalition (ISIS is former name of IS - TASS)," he added. According to Bogdanov, Saudi Arabia expressed its readiness to take part in the fighting in Syria, not but unilaterally. "They are ready to take part in the fighting, but not on a unilateral basis. The decision on their participation should be taken, for example, by the anti-ISIS coalition," he said.

Possible ground operation in Syria must be agreed with Damascus or UN SC

According to Mikhail Bogdanov, it is necessary to coordinate any military action in Syria, including the ground operation, with this country’s authorities or through UN Security Council mechanisms.

"We believe that, just like Iraq, Syria is a sovereign state. It has a central authoritative power, and [such ground operation — TASS] should be coordinated with it," he said. "Alternatively, this issue should be addressed in the collective format within the UN Security Council. [It is necessary] to develop a consolidated decision on what is the best way to counter terrorists in Syria."

NOTICE Russia fails to admit that actually Assad only controls only 20% of their own country AND Russia admits that the Kurds control 15% so Assad is not the "authoritative power' any longer when he only controls 20% ......actually when one goes strictly by who controls what IS controls the most.
However, he expressed doubts that such operation would be technically possible. "I have no notion of how Saudi Arabia will be sending ground troops either to Jordan or to Turkey. As we know, Turkey has no border with Saudi Arabia. Of course, troops could be deployed with the help of aircraft," Bogdanov added.

Establishment of no-fly zone in Syria impossible, inexpedient

The establishment of a no-fly zone in Syria in conditions of an operation being held there to fight the Islamic State terrorist group, banned in Russia, is impossible and inexpedient, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told a TASS correspondent Thursday.

"What no-fly zone can we talk about when aircraft of the anti-ISIL coalition led by the United States fly there, when the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation continue their operation coordinated with the official Syrian authorities," Bogdanov, who is also the Russian president’s special representative on the Middle East and Africa, said answering a relevant question.

"How would we fight terrorists jointly with Western partners, having in mind that it is necessary to deliver strikes at the positions of militants, weapons depots, infrastructure that financially feeds terrorists?" he said.

The United States realizes the importance of the Syrian Kurds’ participation in the delegation of the Syrian opposition, Ankara does not show similar understanding, Russian presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov went on to say.

"Currently, the Kurdish Self-Defense Forces control about 15% of Syria’s territory. Naturally, the Kurds have the same right, just like any other citizens of Syria, to take part in the political process," he said. "The Americans have a significant level of understanding of this factor. Unfortunately, our Turkish partners who are members of and participants in the International Syria Support Group do not have this understanding to date."

Moscow believes that Kurds "must necessarily take part in both the discussions on the ceasefire and in the geopolitical process," Bogdanov noted. Otherwise, a considerable part of Syrian territory just falls out of the geopolitical settlement process.

Lt. General Brown says CENTCOM does not communicate with Russia about where Russia should or shouldn't bomb.

[OUTLAW 09]

Refugees being manipulated by cynical #Russian strategy, says #Lithunia ForMin
http://en.delfi.lt/lithuania/foreign-affairs/refugees-being-used-as-a-weapon-of-war-by-russia-says-minister-linkevicius.d?id=70445206 …
pic.twitter.com/24MN4R7ta8

Even the Baltic Lithuania can recognize non linear warfare in action BUT the Obama WH totally misses it.......

[OUTLAW 09]

Reference Russian info warfare.....

STRATCOMCOE @STRATCOMCOE

Journal "Defence Strategic Communications" has been published, featuring articles by @arcre_uk and @ChrisMacN1:
http://bit.ly/1RQ4NjB

[CrowBat]

EXCLUSIVE: Obama admin rejects plans to hit ISIS’ Libyan capital
http://thebea.st/1WsU11X

Hate to have said..."told you so".....
For once, such accusations are not truth.

Everywhere else except in the USA, it's well-known - even if largely unreported - that the Daesh in Libya is repeatedly hit by F-15Es from Lakenheath - and even more so by the French. That USN's EP-1s from NAS Rota, USAF's RQ-4s from NAS Sigonella etc. are flying regular recce sorties over Libya (and Tunisia), just like Rafales equipped with RECO-NG pods (and supported by C-135FR tankers).

There's also a mix of US, British, and French SF and PMC troops on the ground in the country.

Not only the Libyan Dawn, but even members of the Libyan National Army are regularly complaining about presence of foreign troops (like in this report French Troops Present at Benina Air Base (http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/french-troops-libya%E2%80%99s-banina-airbase)).

So, everybody knows about this - only Washington and Paris are keeping this as 'secret': why?

[OUTLAW 09]

The Russian use of non linear warfare to support their political war against the West ie US has three critical core geo political goals that have not changed since 2009 when Russia floated the idea of an economic union from Portugal to the Russian far East naturally under the Russian sphere of influence in what they have repeatedly stated they wanted "a new Yalta"......

1. damaging and discrediting NATO
2. damaging and discrediting the EU
3. completely disconnecting the US from Europe and the ME

If we watch the current Obama WH in their actions aimed against Turkey one wonders if the Obama WH actually supports the same Russian geo political goals because they sure are not pushing back.....

PM Davutoglu: those who support (YPG) which is an enemy of Turkey risk losing Turkey's friendship
@statedeptspox: US continue to support YPG

Flash: US Spox Kirby says, if Ankara wants to pull out of anti-ISIS Coalition, it's for Ankara to decide..

If as the DoS states....they want to pull out...then does in fact Turkey need the US "approval" to move against terrorists residing across their borders and attacking them why because they are not part of the US anti IS grouping that has really not truly damaged IS in the least?

Virtually any knowledgeable ME analyst knows that the US supported Kurdish YPG is in fact part and parcel of the US declared "terrorist" group PKK.

Yet they are bound and determined to ignore this and throw it in the face of the Turks......literally right now the strongest NATO military member next to the strongest non NATO member the Ukrainian armed forces.....

The US appears to fully sided with the Russians in supporting Iran and the Shia and blatantly ignores the Sunni ME in their drive for the Obama "legacy".......

[OUTLAW 09]

The Russian use of non linear warfare to support their political war against the West ie US has three critical core geo political goals that have not changed since 2009 when Russia floated the idea of an economic union from Portugal to the Russian far East naturally under the Russian sphere of influence in what they have repeatedly stated they wanted "a new Yalta"......

1. damaging and discrediting NATO
2. damaging and discrediting the EU
3. completely disconnecting the US from Europe and the ME

If we watch the current Obama WH in their actions aimed against Turkey one wonders if the Obama WH actually supports the same Russian geo political goals because they sure are not pushing back.....

PM Davutoglu: those who support (YPG) which is an enemy of Turkey risk losing Turkey's friendship
@statedeptspox: US continue to support YPG

Flash: US Spox Kirby says, if Ankara wants to pull out of anti-ISIS Coalition, it's for Ankara to decide..

If as the DoS states....they want to pull out...then does in fact Turkey need the US "approval" to move against terrorists residing across their borders and attacking them why because they are not part of the US anti IS grouping that has really not truly damaged IS in the least?

Virtually any knowledgeable ME analyst knows that the US supported Kurdish YPG is in fact part and parcel of the US declared "terrorist" group PKK.

Yet they are bound and determined to ignore this and throw it in the face of the Turks......literally right now the strongest NATO military member next to the strongest non NATO member the Ukrainian armed forces.....

The US appears to fully sided with the Russians in supporting Iran and the Shia and blatantly ignores the Sunni ME in their drive for the Obama "legacy".......

So as the EU and NATO is unraveling due to the refugee flows from Syria caused directly by Assad and Putin and when Russia is just as militarily aggressive again in Ukraine...where is the Commander in Chief....off visiting Cuba for his "legacy".....when his "legacy might one day read...he allowed NATO and the EU to unravel on his watch....and yet did nothing...

BUT this says it all..as literally the ground reality being reported straight from those being air struck by the RuAF right before IS and YPG ground attacks are saying something totally different than DoS.......and DoD.

Both Pentagon and @StateDept deny any link btw Russia and YPG forces, while reports insist Russia AF opens ways for them. Why deny?

[OUTLAW 09]

The Russian use of non linear warfare to support their political war against the West ie US has three critical core geo political goals that have not changed since 2009 when Russia floated the idea of an economic union from Portugal to the Russian far East naturally under the Russian sphere of influence in what they have repeatedly stated they wanted "a new Yalta"......

1. damaging and discrediting NATO
2. damaging and discrediting the EU
3. completely disconnecting the US from Europe and the ME

If we watch the current Obama WH in their actions aimed against Turkey one wonders if the Obama WH actually supports the same Russian geo political goals because they sure are not pushing back.....

PM Davutoglu: those who support (YPG) which is an enemy of Turkey risk losing Turkey's friendship
@statedeptspox: US continue to support YPG

Flash: US Spox Kirby says, if Ankara wants to pull out of anti-ISIS Coalition, it's for Ankara to decide..

If as the DoS states....they want to pull out...then does in fact Turkey need the US "approval" to move against terrorists residing across their borders and attacking them why because they are not part of the US anti IS grouping that has really not truly damaged IS in the least?

Virtually any knowledgeable ME analyst knows that the US supported Kurdish YPG is in fact part and parcel of the US declared "terrorist" group PKK.

Yet they are bound and determined to ignore this and throw it in the face of the Turks......literally right now the strongest NATO military member next to the strongest non NATO member the Ukrainian armed forces.....

The US appears to fully sided with the Russians in supporting Iran and the Shia and blatantly ignores the Sunni ME in their drive for the Obama "legacy".......


What a Russian FM farce.....seems they do not know Kurds do reside Turkey.
This statement is a blatant farce trying to pressure Erdogan to change his mind before Geneva....which he will not especially since the Russian AF is providing CAS for YPG attacks on FSA in Aleppo which Churkin is ignoring.

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Churkin: If Turks want the Kurds to remain in Syria, Ankara should encourage them to participate in Syrian talks http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160218/1034993564/turkey-syria-megotiations-churkin.html#ixzz40asHu3li …

[OUTLAW 09]

For once, such accusations are not truth.

Everywhere else except in the USA, it's well-known - even if largely unreported - that the Daesh in Libya is repeatedly hit by F-15Es from Lakenheath - and even more so by the French. That USN's EP-1s from NAS Rota, USAF's RQ-4s from NAS Sigonella etc. are flying regular recce sorties over Libya (and Tunisia), just like Rafales equipped with RECO-NG pods (and supported by C-135FR tankers).

There's also a mix of US, British, and French SF and PMC troops on the ground in the country.

Not only the Libyan Dawn, but even members of the Libyan National Army are regularly complaining about presence of foreign troops (like in this report French Troops Present at Benina Air Base (http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/french-troops-libya%E2%80%99s-banina-airbase)).

So, everybody knows about this - only Washington and Paris are keeping this as 'secret': why?

CrowBat....caught awhile ago a single comment that even Russian GRU is on the ground as well but discounted it...anything to it?

[CrowBat]

According to Kurdish sources, Turkish Army is meanwhile shelling following places held by the YPG/SDF/JAT conglomerate: Afrin, Selame, Dayr Cemal, Tel Rifaat (hm...), Menngh, Ayn Deqne, Merenaz, Kistar, Kfar Anton, Malkyie, and Kfar Nasih.

Especially this with Tel Rifaat is suspicious: the place is nearly 40km south of Turkish border, and somehow I doubt Turks would be wasting their rocket-assisted shells to hit it.

Anyway, one of Turkish artillery volleys yesterday has hit a YPG convoy that was moving from Afrin in direction of Azaz. Kurds are not particularly keen to talk about details, but what they do mention is 'large number of KIA'.

BTW, the convoy in question got moving few hours after an Assadist helicopter landed in Afrin, full of ammo.

[OUTLAW 09]

#RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #Haryatan now
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

#SAA warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the Farms area of #Khan_alSheikh
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 19

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #SAA at #Khan_alSheikh fronts
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 19

#SAA airstrikes on #Deir_Asafir, dozens of martyrs and several wounded reported
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 19

#SAA airstrikes targeting #Jisreen village
#Damascus cs #SYRIA FEB 19

#Russia carried out 6 airstrikes so far targeting #Sheikh_Essa as heavy clashes between #FSA & #YPG take place
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

#SAA shelling heavy artillery targeting #alHara town
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 19

4 #SAA Airstrikes so far targeting #Deir_Asafir, casualties reported among civilians
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 19

35 Martyrs
[7 Fighters 3 Women 1 child]
5 Aleppo
5 Homs
5 Idlib
4 DeirEzzor
3 Damascus
3 Daraa
2 Latakia
2 Hama
1 Raqqa
#Syria FEB 18

[OUTLAW 09]

Kurdish Government Minister in the AK Party Cevdet Yılmaz: the PKK/PYD since its inception has members of Syrian Baath regime & works for it

Deraa: One of the most highest ranking ISIS leaders defects with some of his fighters in Laja. I think they joined some rebel brigade...

Jobar: Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime vehicle in IED attack

Al Marj: Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime BMP

Syrian Rebels destroyed 14.5 cannon and killed a number of pro Assad forces in Jobar

Latakia: up to 16 pro Assad fighters killed in yesterday's clashes

Latakia: Syrian Rebels shoot down Russian reconnaissance aircraft in the village of Ain Beida in mountains of Latakia.

[OUTLAW 09]

KSA is now using their financial power as a "hard power" and letting Lebanon feel that they are in fact a version of Iran with Hezbollah and Amal existing within it's borders......

Should have been done ages ago, that country has become Iran lite-
Saudi withdraws all assets in Lebanese banks closed all bank accounts

[OUTLAW 09]

Kurdish Government Minister in the AK Party Cevdet Yılmaz: the PKK/PYD since its inception has members of Syrian Baath regime & works for it

Deraa: One of the most highest ranking ISIS leaders defects with some of his fighters in Laja. I think they joined some rebel brigade...

Jobar: Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime vehicle in IED attack

Al Marj: Syrian Rebels destroy Assad regime BMP

Syrian Rebels destroyed 14.5 cannon and killed a number of pro Assad forces in Jobar

Latakia: up to 16 pro Assad fighters killed in yesterday's clashes

Latakia: Syrian Rebels shoot down Russian reconnaissance aircraft in the village of Ain Beida in mountains of Latakia.

Some FSA units are turning back to their inherent original skill sets in combating the shia militias.......

High-quality & lightning operations return back in Rural Hama
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1501

[OUTLAW 09]

The Syrian Kurds seem to have sided with their own very enemy...Iran.....but forgot this Khomeini statement shortly before he died and they forget the very fact that Iran is still publicly hanging Kurds on a monthly basis inside Iran....


Khomeini: All Kurds are kuffar & we helped kill 100,000 Kurds in Iran..

And they really trust Russia who is jointly working with Iran in Syria with thousands of transnational shia jihadists????

Kurds seem to forget they are Sunni's also.....

[CrowBat]

CrowBat....caught awhile ago a single comment that even Russian GRU is on the ground as well but discounted it...anything to it?
Got no reports about the GRU (except usual babbling in the Russian media), and no clue how do they imagine to 'fit' into the situation there.

Libyan Dawn is never going to accept them (and is supported by Qatar), while the LNA (supported by Egypt and UAE) is not even happy about US/British/French presence.

To think anybody there would something like 'welcome Russians' therefore appears as another delusion to me.

***********

Anyway, regarding your earlier question about that JAN report that they're moving to Azaz: no trace of any such movements. It was the 13th Division FSyA that re-deployed 500 combatants from western Aleppo via Turkey to Azaz pocket, yesterday.

Almost instantly they launched a counterattack on the JAT force that was threatening the road between Azaz and Mare'a, and forced this some 1-2km back. This morning, they're attacking the JAT in Sheikh Isa, further south-west.

In the light of the fact that the SSNP, BPM, and IRGC have captured Kinsabba in NE Lattakia yesterday, I would say that the JAN is much more likely to become extremely busy in that area as next (and thus unlikely to come to the idea to move back to Azaz). They've botched up almost anything they could on battlefields of NE Lattakia and S Idlib, the last few months - and are (as described above) - already under immense pressure from Ahrar and others. If the JAN does not manage to get its stuff together on the battlefield soon, they'll be in serious trouble 'even' in Idlib.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia says international meeting for #Syria cease-fire cancelled
http://wapo.st/1SDPtaR?tid=ss_tw …


Russian airstrikes have since pulverized rebel groups and helped turn the tide of the civil war.

What is a serious problem that western MSM seems incapable to understanding is their use of a descriptive word for what is say ongoing in eastern Ukraine and or now in Syria.

When they use say the term "civil war" constantly instead of say "rebellion" that term "civil war" connotes that the government might have a valid say in attempting to "win" and thus needs not to answer the grievances of their civil society...

BUT the term "rebellion" takes on a totally different meaning.....meaning the government through their actions gave the "rebels" a serious reason to rise up against the government.in this case a 40 plus year dictatorship with the civil society demanding rule of law, transarenchy and good governance......in an open "rebellion" by 70% of the civil society says the government had better listen to their grievances ...........

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia says international meeting for #Syria cease-fire cancelled
http://wapo.st/1SDPtaR?tid=ss_tw …


What is a serious problem that western MSM seems incapable to understanding is their use of a descriptive word for what is say ongoing in eastern Ukraine and or now in Syria.

When they use say the term "civil war" constantly instead of say "rebellion" that term "civil war" connotes that the government might have a valid say in attempting to "win" and thus needs not to answer the grievances of their civil society...

BUT the term "rebellion" takes on a totally different meaning.....meaning the government through their actions gave the "rebels" a serious reason to rise up against the government.in this case a 40 plus year dictatorship with the civil society demanding rule of law, transarenchy and good governance......in an open "rebellion" by 70% of the civil society says the government had better listen to their grievances ...........

Notice the term...turned the tide ....one hears that term often from those reporting the fighting in Syria...BUT notice where they are reporting from...AND notice they do not utter a single word that with the massive Russia air strikes support transnational shi jihadi mercenary army and the Kurds Russia has actually pushed the potential of an open sectarian war into the forefront....

We are "far from turning the tide"...and this is coming from mainline US journalists.....residing in of all place Beirut the capital of "Iran lite" and Moscow.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia'n thermobaric rocket launchers (TOS-1) shelling #Latakia mountains #Syria
pic.twitter.com/rrKl7OCEzG

[OUTLAW 09]

For once, such accusations are not truth.

Everywhere else except in the USA, it's well-known - even if largely unreported - that the Daesh in Libya is repeatedly hit by F-15Es from Lakenheath - and even more so by the French. That USN's EP-1s from NAS Rota, USAF's RQ-4s from NAS Sigonella etc. are flying regular recce sorties over Libya (and Tunisia), just like Rafales equipped with RECO-NG pods (and supported by C-135FR tankers).

There's also a mix of US, British, and French SF and PMC troops on the ground in the country.

Not only the Libyan Dawn, but even members of the Libyan National Army are regularly complaining about presence of foreign troops (like in this report French Troops Present at Benina Air Base (http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/french-troops-libya%E2%80%99s-banina-airbase)).

So, everybody knows about this - only Washington and Paris are keeping this as 'secret': why?

NYT reports US strikes hit #ISIS camp in #Libya, targeting those behind attacks on tourists in #Tunisia, killing 30+ http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/02/20/world/middleeast/us-airstrike-isis-libya.html?emc=edit_na_20160219&nlid=29964788&ref=cta&_r=0&referer= …

[OUTLAW 09]

Notice the term...turned the tide ....one hears that term often from those reporting the fighting in Syria...BUT notice where they are reporting from...AND notice they do not utter a single word that with the massive Russia air strikes support transnational shi jihadi mercenary army and the Kurds Russia has actually pushed the potential of an open sectarian war into the forefront....

We are "far from turning the tide"...and this is coming from mainline US journalists.....residing in of all place Beirut the capital of "Iran lite" and Moscow.

Notice in the article the US and Russia met in bilateral meetings today...just as they are doing for eastern Ukraine....the so called superpower Russia and the equally so called superpower US have got to fully understand that unless they include those impacted by Russian expansionism ie Ukraine and FSA in those bilateral meetings nothing is going to go anywhere fast??

Otherwise the perception by Ukraine and FSA that Kerry is going to dictate to them which he has in the past........increases.

[davidbfpo]

Citing Crowbat in part, from Post 1620:
Everywhere else except in the USA, it's well-known - even if largely unreported - that the Daesh in Libya is repeatedly hit by F-15Es from Lakenheath - and even more so by the French. That USN's EP-1s from NAS Rota, USAF's RQ-4s from NAS Sigonella etc. are flying regular recce sorties over Libya (and Tunisia), just like Rafales equipped with RECO-NG pods (and supported by C-135FR tankers).

Well I've not seen any UK reporting on the USAF sorties to Libya from RAF Lakenheath. The nearest is this rather funny "smokescreen" in a local story:
The 48th Fighter Wing will be undertaking this nocturnal training at the USAF base until Friday, February 12. A spokesman for RAF Lakenheath said: “Night time flying operations are required to maintain aircrew proficiency and to ensure our pilots remain ready to meet future challenges.”

It is more likely the F-15s are deployed elsewhere, as indicated here in December 2015:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/raf_lakenheath_f_15_pilots_return_from_daesh_fight _just_in_time_for_christmas_1_4350994

Then their return to the UK from Turkey:http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/12/16/12-usaf-f-15-fighters-returning-raf-lakenheath-turkey/77419528/

This redeployment in November 2015 I expect indicates a "hot war" was expected:
The 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, currently assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at the Suffolk base, will relocate to Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Link:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/hundreds_of_air_crew_to_leave_raf_lakenheath_as_us _air_force_relocates_squadrons_1_4300054

[OUTLAW 09]

Syria #Russia'n airstrike hit Sheikh Hamoud mosque during Friday prayers in #Talbiseh town in northern #Homs

News: Kurdish #YPG prepare assault on rebel hold western #Aleppo countryside to cut off #Aleppo from #Turkey

Russia'n airstrike killed entire family in Sheikh Isa in northern #Aleppo
Still unclear who control town
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.474445&lon=37.147865&z=13&m=b …

Footage
Brutal air strikes also today on #Arbin near #Damascus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYvx9wK30xM …

Marea today. Still under #FSA / Fateh Halab control.
But #ISIS & #YPG are close.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSfsHDI2-PA …

Footage
Large fire after #Russian air strike near the #Zayzoun power plant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKiia6qMf2c …

Without sarcasm:
Combined #Assad/#Putin terrorist air forces massively bomb all provinces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EoxbUsdVTI …

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.....can you confirm or deny?????

FSA commander in #Azaz: "No reinforcements reached us via #Turkey."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXTV0JkRs6s …

[OUTLAW 09]

Citing Crowbat in part, from Post 1620:

Well I've not seen any UK reporting on the USAF sorties to Libya from RAF Lakenheath. The nearest is this rather funny "smokescreen" in a local story:

It is more likely the F-15s are deployed elsewhere, as indicated here in December 2015:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/raf_lakenheath_f_15_pilots_return_from_daesh_fight _just_in_time_for_christmas_1_4350994

Then their return to the UK from Turkey:http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/12/16/12-usaf-f-15-fighters-returning-raf-lakenheath-turkey/77419528/

This redeployment in November 2015 I expect indicates a "hot war" was expected:
Link:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/hundreds_of_air_crew_to_leave_raf_lakenheath_as_us _air_force_relocates_squadrons_1_4300054

US is flying from somewhere and this strike was carried out in "night time" so maybe the Lakenheath F15s just got "lost during their night flight training" just as the RuAF accidental got lost in Syria.....

BTW...it takes a lot of arm twisting to get the Italians to accept additional US fighter aircraft into any airfield outside of the number by SOFA treaty allowed numbers...this was a major hindrance during the ramp up for Libya air strikes...it took the Italians forever to agree....as they use the opportunity to "ask" the Us for "other" items in exchange.....

[OUTLAW 09]

THIS was suppose to be the FIRST day of the Syrian "ceasefire" very loudly PR announced by Kerry, Lavrov and the UN in Munich 1938..........

WHAT happened to those loudly announced US SEVEN humanitarian aid convoys that were to go into besieged Sunni towns?..not a single one was allowed by Russia and or Assad......

BUT as always Kerry get's it wrong again....again and again......

Happy first #Munich ceasefire day, dear #Syria!
From today on,all children are #terrorists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaUwqIkNIb4 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Aleppo: The unexploded Russian Ballistic missiles dropped on civilians in Azaz
http://fb.me/4lMbJ9t71

Aleppo: 4 Assad forces killed when Rebels targeted their pickup

[OUTLAW 09]

The Russian FM just cannot be that utterly nave........they really expect KSA to tell them what they are up to when Russia unannounced flew into Syria and started bombing FSA ALL the while telling the world we are here to destroy IS.....

The KSA has clearly signaled Russia it's intentions and stated them clearly..it is up to the Russian FM to then figure it out......

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Bogdanov: We are waiting for explanations from Riyadh regarding plans for participation in operation against #ISIS
http://tass.ru/en/politics/857746

WHAT is really interesting is that actually this FM statement fully indicates Russia has done nothing to attack directly via ground forces IS...rather they have fully attacked FSA....



Lt. General Brown says CENTCOM does not communicate with Russia about where Russia should or shouldn't bomb.

Interesting to say the least...APPEARS some in Moscow do anticipate a KSA intervention into Syria as being not an "if" BUT "WHEN" and the utter embarrassment that Russia will suffer as they have not a strong "resistance force" on the ground to counter the Saudi's and the Saudi/Turkish AFs have enough AC to handle what Russia has in Syria........

Putin called King Salman asking him to come to Russia to talk about Syria...

There is an increasing hardening of the opinion it will come near the Jordanian border region and go into southern Syria while Turkey handles the northern portion.....this would be confirmed by the video of large convoys carrying the armor vehicles for at least three armored BDEs that popped up then disappeared with a single comment from a single Saudi source....old footage...just enough of a teaser for the Russian intel to understand the message THUS the urgent flying of their newest ISR recce jet to Syria......this was also backed up two days later with an equally long convoy video carrying about the same amount of armored vehicles from Kuwait into the KSA for the "alleged exercise".......so equipment appears to being prepositioned for at least six fully armed and manned armored BDEs.

Indication are that the KSA King will not travel to Putin simply out of "perception images" meaning it would appear the King is bowing down to Putin...rumors say if Putin wants to talk he has to come to the KSA.

Some comments coming out of the KSA seem to indicated they cannot believe Putin has not realized he has burnt all his bridges with the Sunnis over his brutal air strikes killing only Sunni's and his Shia/Kurdish/Iraqi ground offensive also killing Sunni's......

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia is again air striking hospitals....WONDER what their excuses will be this time????? Last time is was US air strikes and wonder of wonders...MSF working for the French intel services.....

BREAKING
#RUSSIA airstrikes targeted the ER Hospital field of #Ashrafiyeh neighborhood
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 19

Aleppo's Health Directorate confirmed it's Hospital in #Ashrafiyeh neighborhood, constantly bombed by #Russia airstrikes & #YPG from it's positions at #Sheikh_Maqsoud, resulting deactivation of Hospital field due material damage, no martyrs & 6 wounded
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 19

[OUTLAW 09]

FSA destroyed #SAA terrorists 23' Cannon exterminating a number of it's mercenaries in outskirts #Tel_Refaat TOW hit.
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 19

[OUTLAW 09]

THIS was suppose to be the FIRST day of the Syrian "ceasefire" very loudly PR announced by Kerry, Lavrov and the UN in Munich 1938..........

WHAT happened to those loudly announced US SEVEN humanitarian aid convoys that were to go into besieged Sunni towns?..not a single one was allowed by Russia and or Assad......

BUT as always Kerry get's it wrong again....again and again......

Happy first #Munich ceasefire day, dear #Syria!
From today on,all children are #terrorists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaUwqIkNIb4 …

Syrians do have a sense of humor in all of this.......
Syrian ceasefire will hold if rebels cease & Russia fires.

Russia airstrikes targeting #Anadan
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

Russia airstrikes on #alLataminah
#Hama cs #Syria Feb 19

[OUTLAW 09]

Breaking: A Big operation in reef Western Aleppo by the Mujahideen to drive out the regime.

Worrying unconfirmed reports of an impending YPG offensive on Darat Izza & Atma with aims to cut road between #Aleppo & Bab al-Hawa crossing

Airstrikes continue on Latamnah in rural #Hama, some reports say by Russian jets others by regime. #Syria
http://youtu.be/9b7LQ83iatE

[OUTLAW 09]

THIS was suppose to be the FIRST day of the Syrian "ceasefire" very loudly PR announced by Kerry, Lavrov and the UN in Munich 1938..........

WHAT happened to those loudly announced US SEVEN humanitarian aid convoys that were to go into besieged Sunni towns?..not a single one was allowed by Russia and or Assad......

BUT as always Kerry get's it wrong again....again and again......

Happy first #Munich ceasefire day, dear #Syria!
From today on,all children are #terrorists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaUwqIkNIb4 …

Well concerning those loudly US proclaimed humanitarian aid convoys....

Regime is stealing aid that has just been delivered to Moadamiya after Munich deal and 18 months of Assad seige

The UN was repeatedly warned this would happen and yet they delivered the aid at the locations told to them by Assad and not to the actual residents of Moadamiya for distribution.

[OUTLAW 09]

Well that highly touted Obama Syrian strategy is now totally in shambles it appears and that great anti IS force that Obama, CIA and CENTCOM trained, feed, funded and armed is doing exactly what now.....fighting for Assad and Putin?

Who would have ever stated a US President spent US taxpayers money in training Russian para military units......?????

Assad’s adviser Bouthaina Shaaban says YPG has partnered w/ regime forces to liberate #Syria from “terrorism” I.e. Anyone who is anti-Assad

Obama is simply "standing by" as he is now out of whatever very limited ideas he had.......BEGS though a core question...has Obama played the US public in that he has actually been supporting all along Putin's expansionism efforts in Ukraine and now Syria...it is a valid question now that one can evaluate his actual moves in both areas...which fit nicely into Putin's efforts of damaging NATO, EU and yes even the US.

[OUTLAW 09]

Reports of intense #Russia|n airstrikes with cluster munitions targeting Ma’arat al-Artiq in north rural #Aleppo, #Syria

Airstrikes continue on Latamnah in rural #Hama, some reports say by Russian jets others by regime. #Syria
http://youtu.be/9b7LQ83iatE

Footage of airstrike on Deir al-Asafir in rural #Damascus said to be by Russian jets
http://youtu.be/2EoxbUsdVTI

YPG/SDF supported by Russian airstrikes are trying to break into Sheikh Isa in north rural #Aleppo, heavy clashes w/ rebels reported. #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Both Pentagon and @StateDept deny any link btw Russia and YPG forces, while reports insist Russia AF opens ways for them. Why deny?


Appears DoD and the DoS really does need some social media assistance....OR are they simply lying to the journalists which is no different than what the Russian FM does these days...appears there are great parallels between Putin's administration and the Obama administration when it comes to lying.to the public...

YPG/SDF supported by Russian airstrikes are trying to break into Sheikh Isa in north rural #Aleppo, heavy clashes w/ rebels reported. #Syria

[OUTLAW 09]

Wow...Obama WH trying to appear for the US public as being now "tough with Putin"...there are four specific ways to demonstrate that "toughness" but Obama just "talks" and Putin knows it....so again what a wow statement........means absolutely nothing

U.S. to Russia on Syria ceasefire: 'Put up or shut up'
http://cnn.it/1XwnXvj

Read the article...it is just all talk ...heck the headlines by CNN sound even tougher than the actual article does....

IF the Obama WH was serious about attacking and destroying IS then they should simply state ..we are signing off on and supporting the Sunni Islamic Armies of Turkey and KSA to enter Syria and attack IS...Sunni's staking care of a Sunni jihadi movement...best of all choices....then take Assad and Russian into the UNSC for direct violations of three UNSC resolutions and charge Assad with war crimes and declare the deliberate killing of civilians and use of cluster munitions against civilians by Russia also a war crime....AT the same time deliver to Iran the statement all shia militias and IRGC out of Syria ......

Russia will not go to war as it is not fully prepared to do so.....yes it is loud and threatens the use of nuclear weapons but in the end the destruction of Russia as a result of war is not their goal these days......they want to rake in more money into their pockets and a war would stop that.

[OUTLAW 09]

Hassan Hassan
‏@hxhassan
Libya emerges as the main battlefield for the ISIS attempt to inherit Al Qaeda. My article on how it's doing that
http://timep.org/commentary/five-years-later-libya-is-becoming-a-jihadist-academy/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

Faylaq al-Rahman has merged w. Al-Ittihad al-Islami Ajnad al-Sham:

[OUTLAW 09]

This is exactly what the Turks were warning the US on their support of and still their verbal support to YPG....

YPG:

“We’ll abolish rotten borders.. make Erdogan drown in his blood.. fight of [Syria] is the fight of [#Turkey]”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqM20tkzOK0 …

This is what led to the Turkish blunt warning to the US...choose either Turkey or the YPG but choose wisely......

Appears Obama, CIA and CENTCOM choose unwisely????????

AND YPG is not a terrorist organization?...and since when does the US actively feed, arm and funded terrorist activities?????

Great summary via @nytimes on US tangled relations with Turkey and Kurds, in the wake of #AnkaraBombing -
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/19/world/europe/turkey-car-bombing.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

"Tangled is a bad choice of words...."disastrous relations" is a better one.....and all the Biden calls in this world is not going to repair this damage for months to come if at all before Obama leaves office in about 300 days....

[OUTLAW 09]

VIDEO: Activist films the moment a shia 'elephant' rocket strikes Darayya, #Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPycyBVlpEY …

VIDEO: Footage of #SDF/#YPG Shaddadi campaign against #ISIS in #Syria -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AObCPuuQQHA …

SDF/YPG Hawl front 3km from #ISIS held Shaddadi, and Abdulaziz front 5 km away - @4rj1n

[OUTLAW 09]

This is exactly what the Turks were warning the US on their support of and still their verbal support to YPG....

YPG:

“We’ll abolish rotten borders.. make Erdogan drown in his blood.. fight of [Syria] is the fight of [#Turkey]”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqM20tkzOK0 …

This is what led to the Turkish blunt warning to the US...choose either Turkey or the YPG but choose wisely......

Appears Obama, CIA and CENTCOM choose unwisely????????

AND YPG is not a terrorist organization?...and since when does the US actively feed, arm and funded terrorist activities?????

Great summary via @nytimes on US tangled relations with Turkey and Kurds, in the wake of #AnkaraBombing -
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/19/world/europe/turkey-car-bombing.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

"Tangled is a bad choice of words...."disastrous relations" is a better one.....and all the Biden calls in this world is not going to repair this damage for months to come if at all before Obama leaves office in about 300 days....

The last paragraph of the article is the critical piece of the article that truly depicts the Obama WH failure...they have placed all their "faith into the Kurds" AND basically ignored the Syrian Sunni's in the FSA that have just as effectively been fighting Assad AND IS for the last two years pushing them out of long held areas NOT out of Kurdish territories BUT Syrian territories....TOTALLY ignored by this Obama WH...

If the Obama WH had really looked around and had a true Syrian strategy he would not in the jam he is in now.......failed Munich 1938, failed Geneva and over all a total Syrian failure...on his legacy watch.....

BTW...the NYTs did not go deeply into the true ties of the YPG to the PPK that many ME analysts state is in fact a given......

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian contracted planes will soon be dropping food aid to trapped Syrians in an operation partly financed by the U.S and UN...but not Russia.
http://nyti.ms/20HGmoW

[OUTLAW 09]

For those SWJ readers that do not believe Russia has gone full in with Iran ie forming a transnational Shia jihadist front against anything that is Sunni think again...this is about as clear as you can get it....

While Russia threatens the Turks.......it does have an inherent feeling the Saudi's are also about to move....thus the floated "lead balloon" about the King coming to see Putin about Syria...not ever going to happen in Putin's lifetime.

In Russia and really worth translating it in full......

"Turkey runs the risk of a full-fledged war" over #Syria against both Iran+Russia, says top Kremlin pol http://vz.ru/news/2016/2/15/794349.html …

If Erdogan expects US & NATO to adopt the AKP's position on the Kurds, Ankara better be prepared to wait a very long time.

"The perpetrator is the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union (PYD) and the YPG. We have no doubt about that"
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ankara-suicide-bomber-definitely-ypg-member-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nID=95432&NewsCatID=338 …

“We’re in no position to confirm or deny assertions made by the Turkish government with respect to responsibility" http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-says-cannot-confirm-or-deny-ypg-responsibility-in-ankara-blast.aspx?PageID=238&NID=95409&NewsCatID=510 …

Kremlin signaling doesn't get much clearer than this, peeps.
Who's excited about Operation CONSTANTINOPLE FREEDOM?

[OUTLAW 09]

When an American President is constantly "standing by" and constantly only talking "soft power" with no leverage...at some point this failure gets you this....

Where will Vova strike next?
“It is now a strategy of geopolitical confrontation..It could be anywhere in the world"
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/vladimir-putin-syria-campaign-united-states-focus-europe-poland-russia …

Turkey can close #Incirlik airbase to US jets, says #Erdogan advisor
http://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/seref-malkoc-incirlik-ussu-abdye-kapatilabilir-2417910 …

And the negative reporting just keeps coming in on this failure...what many in the US do not understand is that a private US/Erdogan agreement was in place ......the YPG would not advance beyond a certain point in Syria...for that agreement in place then Turkey allowed the USAF the use of Incirlik AB....now that private agreement has been badly violated by both the US and their proxy YPG..thus the threat which is not a threat BUT rather a statement of fact.

IMO the US simply does not get it....have they considered that in fact the KSAAF F15Cs that just flew in from Saudi are there to be used when the US is kicked out....then this WH is truly negligent in it's risk assessments.

[OUTLAW 09]

For those SWJ cold warriors still out there....

Priyom.org
‏@priyom_org
Plenty of (testing? exercise?) XPA2 this morning around 9-10 MHz. Freqs heard: 8184, 9283, 10256, 10427.

This was an "old SU/FSB SVR station" seems to be super active again....

[OUTLAW 09]

Citing Crowbat in part, from Post 1620:

Well I've not seen any UK reporting on the USAF sorties to Libya from RAF Lakenheath. The nearest is this rather funny "smokescreen" in a local story:

It is more likely the F-15s are deployed elsewhere, as indicated here in December 2015:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/raf_lakenheath_f_15_pilots_return_from_daesh_fight _just_in_time_for_christmas_1_4350994

Then their return to the UK from Turkey:http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/12/16/12-usaf-f-15-fighters-returning-raf-lakenheath-turkey/77419528/

This redeployment in November 2015 I expect indicates a "hot war" was expected:
Link:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/hundreds_of_air_crew_to_leave_raf_lakenheath_as_us _air_force_relocates_squadrons_1_4300054

CONFIRMED...

Odd US F-15s bombing Libya flew out of Lakenheath and not Aviano...adds 3000+ kms to strike sortie. Maybe Italy said "no."

Fully agree...Italy did in fact said no based on SOFA....US had that problem before during Libya air strikes and it cost the US four free Reaper UAVs and bomb mounts for guided munitions in order for the Italians to yes to Aviano.

[OUTLAW 09]

You're not gonna believe it, but we may have found Russian ground troops in Syria (again).
Investigation to be published tomorrow at 9AM GMT

Russian info war against Germany........
GER intelligence services to check if Kremlin leads propaganda campaign against the land & Chancellor

Putin works to increase pressure on @NATO: Russian Ships With Kalibr Cruise Missiles to Be on Permanent Med Sea Duty http://m.sputniknews.com/world/20160219/1035029292/russia-military-navy-missiles-syria.html …

One of their Kalibr ships cleared the Black Sea and I posted it under Russian Syrian Express.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Understand what Russia is doing, not just in #Syria: The War of Western Failures: Hopes for Syria Fall with Aleppo http://m.spiegel.de/international/world/a-1077140.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=http://m.realclearworld.com/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

When an American President is constantly "standing by" and constantly only talking "soft power" with no leverage...at some point this failure gets you this....

Where will Vova strike next?
“It is now a strategy of geopolitical confrontation..It could be anywhere in the world"
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/vladimir-putin-syria-campaign-united-states-focus-europe-poland-russia …

Turkey can close #Incirlik airbase to US jets, says #Erdogan advisor
http://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/seref-malkoc-incirlik-ussu-abdye-kapatilabilir-2417910 …

And the negative reporting just keeps coming in on this failure...what many in the US do not understand is that a private US/Erdogan agreement was in place ......the YPG would not advance beyond a certain point in Syria...for that agreement in place then Turkey allowed the USAF the use of Incirlik AB....now that private agreement has been badly violated by both the US and their proxy YPG..thus the threat which is not a threat BUT rather a statement of fact.

IMO the US simply does not get it....have they considered that in fact the KSAAF F15Cs that just flew in from Saudi are there to be used when the US is kicked out....then this WH is truly negligent in it's risk assessments.

As the US continues to not understand the Turkish views of YPG their political tone is getting sharper and sharper....Erdogan is prepping the Turkish public for a move on the Syria Kurds ...remember the PKK is also parked in northern Syria as well and most of the public does in fact support that move...

While the Russian seem so intent on the Turks with their threats of a Russian Iran War against the Turks if they move into Syria......nothing is being said equally on the Saudi side of southern Syria......where the Saudi's will in fact make their move....

Turkey's Erdogan: Syrian Kurds are using US-supplied weapons 'against civilians'
http://read.bi/1TqfyJl
pic.twitter.com/IxiKss9wtL

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia Syria Express video....

Russian Ropucha Class Large Landing Ships Azov and Minsk on the Bosphorus
https://youtu.be/yrkad7P2KbE

[OUTLAW 09]

This was clearly stated to the German media outlet Der Spiegel thus fact checked....either the US has "allowed it" which I doubt as it has been the standard Obama policy to block delivery for over 4 years of MANPADs even though certain groups were in fact vetted similar to the TOWs...WHICH have flowed fast and heavy after the US stopped them...again probably w/o US approval.

OR what I am assuming...the Saudi's are no longer listening to the US as they view Obama weak and a failure and they are moving to defend their national security that they stated they would do.....just as Turkey has stated they will defend their national security with or without the US.

Saudi FM al-Jubeir to Der Spiegel: We will provide the moderate oppo in Syria with surface-to-air missiles to deter Assad jets & helicopters

[OUTLAW 09]

Aftermath of airstrikes, reportedly #Russia|n, on Deir al-Assafir in rural #Damascus, #Syria
http://youtu.be/ztg3OkgruJI

Russian airstrikes on Otaya in rural #Damascus today where a @SyriaCivilDef member was injured
http://youtu.be/-7HQyAChjtE

[OUTLAW 09]

This was clearly stated to the German media outlet Der Spiegel thus fact checked....either the US has "allowed it" which I doubt as it has been the standard Obama policy to block delivery for over 4 years of MANPADs even though certain groups were in fact vetted similar to the TOWs...WHICH have flowed fast and heavy after the US stopped them...again probably w/o US approval.

OR what I am assuming...the Saudi's are no longer listening to the US as they view Obama weak and a failure and they are moving to defend their national security that they stated they would do.....just as Turkey has stated they will defend their national security with or without the US.

Saudi FM al-Jubeir to Der Spiegel: We will provide the moderate oppo in Syria with surface-to-air missiles to deter Assad jets & helicopters


No more French weapons getting to Hezbollah......

Saudi Arabia halts $3B Lebanese arms deal amid Iran dispute
http://bigstory.ap.org/c77c5f28bdcf4b07ac77b8c7986c52cc …

AND they shut down all Saudi banks in Lebanon...

[OUTLAW 09]

Hassaka Media Center: 120 civilians were killed in airstrikes on villages near Shadadi south of Hassaka last night.
Shadadi was being attacked by YPG and the Russians were providing CAS....

Russia carried out airstrikes targeting the Association Electricity building of #Kafr_Naha, 6 wounded & 1 martyr
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

SCD collecting #RUSSIA Cluster bombs aftermath it`s airstrikes on Association Electricity
#Kafr_Naha #Syria FEB 19

SCD extinguish fire in the Plastic Factory located between #Aazaz & #Kafr_Kalbin
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

Another Russian air strike on a school.....when they claim they are not attacking hospitals and schools.....BUT they are.....

SCD collect #Russia Cluster Bombs aftermath it's airstrikes targeting the School of #Kafr_Zeta
#Hama #Syria FEB 19

[B]Rebels destroyed #SAA T72 Tank exterminating a number of it's terrorists at #alMarj area
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 19

[OUTLAW 09]

Obama needs an urgent answer to this posted social media comment....

American special forces participate in the YPG ethnic cleansing operations in northern Syria .......

There were in fact clear photos of either CIA or US SOF personnel standing near YPG personnel of one particular unit that has been often accused of ethnic cleansing by the HWR and AI.....will not link to the photos due to OPSEC reasons but they are out on the net for all to see...but it is a serious accusation if US military/CIA personnel are in and around proven ethnic cleansing and or have direct knowledge of that and do not report it..

Does in fact Obama support the YPG's ethnic cleansing of Sunni Arabs from areas that are being taken over by YPG in the name of fighting IS??

[CrowBat]

Citing Crowbat in part, from Post 1620:

Well I've not seen any UK reporting on the USAF sorties to Libya from RAF Lakenheath.Well, not necessarily in the MSM. Their editors are really killing any such stories well in advance (one exception coming to my mind was an article by Tim Ripley in AirForces Monthly mag, published sometimes in October 2015 - or so; though even their editor insta-killed my text on a follow-up about similar ops over Tunisia).

Anyway... this air strike from last night was de-facto 'announced for days in advance'. Tell me I'm boasting if you like, I don't mind, but it was known all around the Med (bar Syria).


It is more likely the F-15s are deployed elsewhere, as indicated here in December 2015:Sorry, but air strikes on Daesh in Libya are flown from LN, not from Turkey.

[CrowBat]

[B]Russia is again air striking hospitals....WONDER what their excuses will be this time?????It's simple: that these are militant hospitals and that Turks are accusing them of bombing hospitals (as if others don't) - which auto-means that such accusations must be wrong. :rolleyes:


You're not gonna believe it, but we may have found Russian ground troops in Syria (again).Should that mean those troops sleeping in stolen UNHCR-tents and driving T-90s and BTR-80s around Aleppo... nah... can't be: I'm shocked now... :D

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
#Daraya today.
#Assad's bombs keep falling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxh4Rf7Ut9M …

Footage
More powerful air strikes on #EastGhouta civilians today - "by #Russia & #Assad".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S7n33h8gHk …

Despite all propaganda&strikes on it,the #FSA keeps fighting #ISIS in #Syria.
East Qalamoun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjCu74avR8Y …

If kurdish #YPG advance towards Omari oil field 100km south of al-Shaddadih they are the biggest oil/gas trader in #Syria

Aleppo Rebels take entire control of Youth Housing Complex
overlooking Alcastelo road/Sheikh Maksoud
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.250018&lon=37.152243&z=15&m=b …

[OUTLAW 09]

The three core Putin geo political goals of his non linear war against the West are slowly being fulfilled and the West does not see it coming.......

1. damaging and discrediting of NATO

Putin has now has succeeded as NATO fully supported Paris in bombing terrorists after the Paris attack BUT tells another NATO country equally threatened and attacked by terrorists this response......because of the Russia/Iranian loudly threatened war if Turkey crosses over.

Breaking: (expected) #NATO will NOT help #Turkey if war breaks out with #Russia -
http://m.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/a-1078275.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=https://www.google.it/ …

NATO evidently does not realize the central value of a NATO member sitting on the Black Sea entrance and controlling a vital portion of the Med. and fielding the largest military force inside the currently very weak military wise NATO....right now Ukraine has more tanks and IFVs than five of the larger NATO members.....

What NATO does not seem to fully understand is that the key to the refugee flow sits in Turkey who has 2.5M Syrian refugees right now with another 150K sitting on their border and could if they wanted to flood the EU just as Greece has done.

What NATO does not realize is that by turning their back on Turkey it will nudge it far closer to the KSA and the two regional powers wll often in the future clash with NATO planning if it does not fit their geo political views for their region....AND Turkey has contributed far more troops to NATO missions over the last 20 years than 15 of the other NATO members combined.....Turkey can now pass on NATO missions if asked....

NOTE: Turkey will be rethinking their position inside NATO after this rejection and the US should not be surprised nor the rest of NATO.

2. damaging and discrediting EU

Putin has succeeded as the EU has absolutely just about unraveled due to the massive flow of Syrian refugees.....and more are coming after the deliberate Russia attack on civilians further driving more into refugee status.....

Refugees being manipulated by cynical #Russian strategy, says #Lithuania ForMin
http://en.delfi.lt/lithuania/foreign....d?id=70445206 …
pic.twitter.com/24MN4R7ta8

NOTE: Turkey has largely supported the 2.5M Syrian refugees on their own dime and the EU had promised 3B Euros to assist BUT has now not even provided a single Euro. Merkel realizes this and is urgently trying to weave Turkey into a coherent EU answer to the refugees...and the EU is dragging it's feet as usual.

NOTE: Turkey has defined for EU/NATO/US a clear and concise statement concerning what they view as a serious threat to their national security and neither US/NATO/EU has even responded to this declaration......even now NATO is shying away

AFP news agency 
‏@AFP
BREAKING Kurdish militant group warns foreign tourists not to visit Turkey: statement

What has been NATO/EU/US response to this threat....do not attack the source of the terrorists BUT we want you to attack IS not the Kurds....BUT WAIT it is the Kurds attacking Turkey...AND Russia is providing them open support..

3. disconnecting the US from NATO and EU..

He is half way there with this NATO decision as the decision was largely driven by the US....as well as the US adamantly holding onto their support of a grouping that are in the eyes of a NATO member...terrorists.....

Anyone want to argue Putin is not "winning" his non linear war against the West.....?????

As I have a number of other US actions that indicate they have been disconnected from the ME and have largely allowed the EU to unravel over the refugee crisis as the refugee crisis is in reality easy to stop ...kick Assad out and stop the bombing...but the US has largely accepted the Russian positions and are following Putin's led now so that is out of the question.......

[OUTLAW 09]

Heavy clashes between #FSA & #SDF barbies in outskirts of #Aazaz right now
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

[OUTLAW 09]

The three core Putin geo political goals of his non linear war against the West are slowly being fulfilled and the West does not see it coming.......

1. damaging and discrediting of NATO

Putin has now has succeeded as NATO fully supported Paris in bombing terrorists after the Paris attack BUT tells another NATO country equally threatened and attacked by terrorists this response......because of the Russia/Iranian loudly threatened war if Turkey crosses over.

Breaking: (expected) #NATO will NOT help #Turkey if war breaks out with #Russia -
http://m.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/a-1078275.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=https://www.google.it/ …

NATO evidently does not realize the central value of a NATO member sitting on the Black Sea entrance and controlling a vital portion of the Med. and fielding the largest military force inside the currently very weak military wise NATO....right now Ukraine has more tanks and IFVs than five of the larger NATO members.....

What NATO does not seem to fully understand is that the key to the refugee flow sits in Turkey who has 2.5M Syrian refugees right now with another 150K sitting on their border and could if they wanted to flood the EU just as Greece has done.

What NATO does not realize is that by turning their back on Turkey it will nudge it far closer to the KSA and the two regional powers wll often in the future clash with NATO planning if it does not fit their geo political views for their region....AND Turkey has contributed far more troops to NATO missions over the last 20 years than 15 of the other NATO members combined.....Turkey can now pass on NATO missions if asked....

NOTE: Turkey will be rethinking their position inside NATO after this rejection and the US should not be surprised nor the rest of NATO.

2. damaging and discrediting EU

Putin has succeeded as the EU has absolutely just about unraveled due to the massive flow of Syrian refugees.....and more are coming after the deliberate Russia attack on civilians further driving more into refugee status.....

Refugees being manipulated by cynical #Russian strategy, says #Lithuania ForMin
http://en.delfi.lt/lithuania/foreign....d?id=70445206 …
pic.twitter.com/24MN4R7ta8

NOTE: Turkey has largely supported the 2.5M Syrian refugees on their own dime and the EU had promised 3B Euros to assist BUT has now not even provided a single Euro. Merkel realizes this and is urgently trying to weave Turkey into a coherent EU answer to the refugees...and the EU is dragging it's feet as usual.

NOTE: Turkey has defined for EU/NATO/US a clear and concise statement concerning what they view as a serious threat to their national security and neither US/NATO/EU has even responded to this declaration......even now NATO is shying away

AFP news agency 
‏@AFP
BREAKING Kurdish militant group warns foreign tourists not to visit Turkey: statement

What has been NATO/EU/US response to this threat....do not attack the source of the terrorists BUT we want you to attack IS not the Kurds....BUT WAIT it is the Kurds attacking Turkey...AND Russia is providing them open support..

3. disconnecting the US from NATO and EU..

He is half way there with this NATO decision as the decision was largely driven by the US....as well as the US adamantly holding onto their support of a grouping that are in the eyes of a NATO member...terrorists.....

Anyone want to argue Putin is not "winning" his non linear war against the West.....?????

As I have a number of other US actions that indicate they have been disconnected from the ME and have largely allowed the EU to unravel over the refugee crisis as the refugee crisis is in reality easy to stop ...kick Assad out and stop the bombing...but the US has largely accepted the Russian positions and are following Putin's led now so that is out of the question.......

What a farce by a French NATO member...Hollande bombs who he wants in response to Paris and via NATO denies it to Turkey and along with Germany and US forces NATO to back away from Turkey which in the end will nudge Turkey far closer to KSA and the two will indeed go together into Syrian under the banner of an Islamic Army jointly leading with KSA.

Hollande says that there is risk of war between Russia and Turkey. Is it the end of NATO?

Further indicators that Turkey is moving into Syria and a 1.2 hour Obama telephone call to Erdogan is not going to stop it as Turkey fully feels the US has sided against both Turkey and Sunni's in their support of the Russian bombing and relentless killing of Syrians BECAUSE Kerry refused to counter the Russian demands to continue their bombing and their unabashed support for the YPG.....

Latest: Russia asks Security Council meeting "urgently." Russia deeply concerned with stated plans by Turkey to send troops in Syria.

NOTE: Appears that Russia does not understand the Un....under the UN Charter any member state that defines an serious national security threat has the inherent right to defend itself...nothing the UNSC says and or does cannot revoke the Charter rignts...

US State dept spox once again refutes Turkish official, this time Turkish FM Cavusoglu, saying "US trusts YPG until otherwise proven"

Does the US simply not care any more about NATO falling apart?

Erdogan live: I'm disappointed w/ West, we've provided documents. Why don't they designate YPG as terrorists.

[OUTLAW 09]

John Schindler @20committee

As Hollande is 1st Western leader to publicly admit a Russo-Turkish war over #Syria is a real possibility, I remind:
http://observer.com/2016/02/mounting-evidence-putin-will-ignite-wwiii/ …

So was NATO basically lying .........

Yes, there is real issue of Kurdish determination, but the latest developments is a part of hybrid war. NATO said it was ready for such war.

In case of Turkey, there is possible same scenario as in Eastern Ukraine, instead Rus.speaking population, Kurds are used for hybrid attack

APPEARS they were not believing that it was a true non linear war...??

[OUTLAW 09]

"Western-armed rebels"
Never heard such a bad joke
Reality in #Daraya
People have no chance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94iKpyfbjaM …
pic.twitter.com/7BElfOvhYo

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia introduced to UNSC draft of resolution on protection of sovereignty of Syria
https://twitter.com/ru_rbc/status/700775137797214208 …

BUT WAIT...did not Putin violate the territorial sovereignty of Ukrainian Crimea and eastern Ukraine....AND the West never called the UNSC for a similar resolution for Ukraine...why not?

Nothing like Russian double standards hard at work.....or better yet non linear warfare.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia introduced to UNSC draft of resolution on protection of sovereignty of Syria
https://twitter.com/ru_rbc/status/700775137797214208 …

BUT WAIT...did not Putin violate the territorial sovereignty of Ukrainian Crimea and eastern Ukraine....AND the West never called the UNSC for a similar resolution for Ukraine...why not?

Nothing like Russian double standards hard at work.....or better yet non linear warfare.....

AFP news agency ✔ @AFP

#BREAKING France rejects Russian UN text on Syria, slams 'dangerous' escalation

LET's see if the US states anything similar to what they French are saying....probably not even though UNSC US Ambassador has been muzzled by the WH for literally months now on Ukrainian issues.

Turkey’s PM says that #Russia continues behaving like a terrorist organization & forcing civilians to flee #Syria.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/16/russia-rejects-war-claims-over-bombing-of-syria-health-facilities …

[OUTLAW 09]

http://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2016/02/19/turkey-has-right-to-self-defense-against-terrorism-obama-tells-erdogan

Turkey has right to self-defense against terrorism, Obama tells Erdoğan


US President Barack Obama called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday to offer condolences for a bomb attack in Turkish capital Ankara on Wednesday that killed at least 28 people, the White House said.

The US president voiced his concerns over the PYD/YPG's recent advance in northern Syria to Erdoğan and said he called on the Kurdish group to immediately stop its actions that creating tensions with Turkey and Syrian opposition and undermining fight against Daesh, the Turkish presidential sources said.

Obama also told Erdoğan that the US is determined to keep supporting its NATO ally, Turkey and underlined the country's right of self defence.

In a daily press briefing with reporters, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said more details on the call would be released later Friday.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria during the phone call which took one hour 20 minutes, Turkish presidential sources said.

Turkey was shaken by a deadly car bombing that rocked Ankara on Wednesday, killing 28 people and injuring 81. The attack was carried out by a Syrian national named Saleh Nejar, 24, who was born in Syria's Hasakah province.

Turkish authorities have detained 17 suspects in operations carried out across the country. The PYD and its YPG are largely accepted as the Syrian affiliate of the PKK, which is recognized as a terror organization by the U.S., EU and NATO.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian non linear warfare hard at work......

Friday, February 19, 2016

Russian Draft resolution on Turkish "Plans For Foreign Ground Intervention Into Syria"

at 3:21 PM


The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2199 (2015), 2249 (2015) and 2254 (2015),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Strongly condemning continued cross-border shelling of the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic as well as incessant flow of foreign terrorist fighters, the incursion of military personnel and the illegal movement of weapons and related materiel in contravention of its relevant resolutions and with complicity or direct involvement of some States including Syria's neighbors,

Expressing its grave alarm at the reports of military buildup and preparatory activities aimed at launching foreign ground intervention into the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic,

Reiterating that the only sustainable solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process as set forth in its resolution 2254, the Joint Statement on the outcome of the multilateral talks on Syria in Vienna of 30 October 2015 and the Statements of the International Syria Support Group of 14 November 2015 and 12 February 2016,

1. Strongly demands to fully respect the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic and immediately halt any cross-border shelings and incursions as well as abandon all attempts or plans for foreign ground intervention into the Syrian territory,

2. Demands to refrain from provocative rhetoric and inflammatory statements inciting further violence and interference into internal affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic,

3. Reaffirms that all States shall prevent and suppress the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and the illegal movement of weapons and related materiel into the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic,

4. 4. Decides that all States shall commit to and unconditionally implement the provisions of its resolution 2254 (2015) in order to facilitate the efforts aimed at bringing an end to the Syrian conflict.

5. 5. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Amazing that the exact things Russia accuses Turkey of doing they are tonight doing the same thing in eastern Ukraine AND yet the Obama WH says nothing similar in the UNSC since 2014.......

[OUTLAW 09]

KSA now showing their Islamic Army leadership .....they view the Lebanon to be an Iran lite......their own version of KSA non linear warfare hard at work....

[BREAKING/EXCLUSIVE] Top GCC source to me just now: Saudi and UAE are about to withdraw their funds from Lebanese Central Bank.


NNA - Commenting on Saudi Arabia's decision to halt its aids to the Lebanese army and security forces, "Lebanese Forces" chief Samir Geagea on Friday held Hezbollah responsible for "losing billions of dollars" as a result of its permanent attack on Saudi Arabia.

Geagea called in a tweet on the government to instantly convene to take the appropriate measures in this regard, either through officially asking Hezbollah to desist from attacking the Kingdom from now on, or to dispatch an official delegation to the Kingdom to ask Saudi Arabia to activate once more its frozen aids.

[OUTLAW 09]

Republican Guard armour in Daraya: Two ZSU-23-4s and a ZSU-57-2. Further under the bridge you see their tanks
pic.twitter.com/O2SVD1k0Ct

Syrian APS every where
pic.twitter.com/B4wmkHShZf

[OUTLAW 09]

More scenes of the never ending bombs dropped by Assad helicopters on the #Damascus suburb of #Daraya
http://youtu.be/Gxh4Rf7Ut9M

Regime has besieged 12,000 civilians in #Daraya for 3yrs+ with no aid access & under the incessant rain of barrelbombs &other banned weapons

Daraya civil council has been in constant contact with UN officials about the situation in the city but with no response & no action
#Syria

Jabhat al-Sham: Scenes of clashes bet. rebels & YPG/SDF leading to capture of the youth hostel in Khaldiya, #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/3olIdT8IglM

FSA 13 Division uses a TOW missile against a YPG 23 mm gun around Tal Rifa'at, #Aleppo, #Syria
http://youtu.be/J9GPp4z5oXc

Reports now of clashes between rebels & YPG/SDF on the outskirts of #Azaz in north rural #Aleppo, #Syria

Reports rebels have taken new positions from YPG/SDF following heavy clashes near Sheikh Maqsoud/al-Ashrafieh in #Aleppo

Reports of continued Turkish artillery shelling on YPG positions in Deir Ballout in Afrin north rural #Aleppo, #Syria

FSA Suqour al-Jabal firing 120mm mortar rounds at regime positions in Kinsabba, Jabal al-Akrad, #Latakia http://youtu.be/GbQ_CnZGIk8

Everything in Talaf, #Hama, #Syria has been bombed by Russia & Assad; schools, homes, even mosque; 10K displaced
http://youtu.be/zL_lHnjKkuc

Russian/Assad airstikes reported in Saraqeb & Holuz in rural #Idlib & Zaizoun in rural #Hama, #Syria

SCD hush to save Newborns after #RUSSIA bombed the Hospital in #IDLIB #SYRIA FULL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-9amMGlS6U …

Aleppo: Syrian Rebels capture Bani Zeid from the so called "SDF" just an hour ago

Reports rebels have taken new positions from YPG/SDF following heavy clashes near Sheikh Maqsoud/al-Ashrafieh in #Aleppo

RUSSIA airstrikes targeting a busy road in #Saraqeb, so far 4 martyrs and several wounded
#IDLIB #SYRIA FEB 19

SAA terrorists airstrikes target #Erbeen
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 19

Unknown" helicopters dropped Ammunition over #Efrin region
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian non linear warfare hard at work......

Friday, February 19, 2016

Russian Draft resolution on Turkish "Plans For Foreign Ground Intervention Into Syria"

at 3:21 PM


Amazing that the exact things Russia accuses Turkey of doing they are tonight doing the same thing in eastern Ukraine AND yet the Obama WH says nothing similar in the UNSC since 2014.......

The hypocrisy of the Russians is amazing. The reasons they quote for protecting territorial borders are the same ones they broke with Ukraine.

Yet they ignore that do they not???

Russian Embassy, UAE ✔ @RusEmbassyUAE

#Russia-initiated #UNSC draft resolution on #Syria sovereignty - a moment of truth for #UN |
http://goo.gl/FCPVf9
pic.twitter.com/y01OlDGBMN

[OUTLAW 09]

Tajamu Fastaqim: A message to the YPG after rebels capture the al-Adem building in al-Ashrafiyah, #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/mNhJNnwcuBc

Same exact tactics they pulled in the other Arab areas they took over.....and they have been as well accused by HWR and AI of ethnically cleansing Arabs from the villages YPG takes over.

Claims Kurdish forces are moving mills, ovens, power generators, civilian cars & tractors from Tal Rifa'at to Afrin

FSA Suqour al-Jabal: TOW vs Kornet launcher atop the officer's building in new #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/hawywQoeiX0

[OUTLAW 09]

94 civilians were killed across #Syria on Friday, acc. to the LCC.
Count does not include the alleged #Shaddadi ppl.
https://twitter.com/AEJKhalil/status/700915942184902656 …

When pressed abt shelling civilians, Assad stooge Taleb Ibrahim says "I wish the president had nukes to nuke Syria"
http://youtu.be/PAxE9nNeBfE

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Syrian Express on the move again....

Russian Navy Northern Fleet Project 500 Cargo Ship Yauza is crossing the Bosphorus southbound
pic.twitter.com/4Hbo9Cl0UV

[OUTLAW 09]

SDF arrested 100s of boys(15-18) in #alHano_UmJarn & #alFarhany villages and warned #alTayna village of new arrests & destruction of the villages will happen as well if they "try something" against #SDF
#Hasakah #Syria FEB 20

If ethnic cleansing is not a problem for you.....it is a "political/military problem" now for the EU and NATO....

SDF stealing houses, cars, goods, personal objects of civilians houses in #Tel_Refaat & taking w/ convoy to #Efrin
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEN 20

[OUTLAW 09]

SAA terrorists advanced 30 KM in #Latakia countryside since #RUSSIA air support began in 5 months.
30 km in 5 months..

[OUTLAW 09]

Some more info on that "great US proxy" that made them look like fools....

FYI: Assad's regime just said YPG is pretty much a unit in the Syrian army.
Here's @brett_mcgurk w a YPG rep.

JaT has also 300 fighters in Tal Abyad. The de facto leader is Salah Jabbo from Jabhat al Akrad. JaT is financed by USA being part of SDF

Jaysh Al thuwar in Efrin is composed of nearly 1000 members. 300 Jabhat al Krad (Kurds) 100 Salajeqa group (Turkmans) 600 mainly SRF (Arabs)

Kurdish militant group #TAK claims #Ankara bombing - ends with “Biji Serok Apo!” reference to #PKK leader Ocalan:

Ocalan was used by #Assads father as terror card against #Turkey.
Then he was sold to #Turks, when suited him.

So again is the US actually supporting a known US/EU/NATO declared "Kurdish terrorist group" in the name of fighting another "terrorist group"??

[OUTLAW 09]

Destruction in #Qaboun neighborhood due #SAA systematic terrorists non-stop shelling
#Damascus #SYria FEB 20

MORE Destruction of civilians houses due #RUSSIA airstrikes on #alRastan
#Homs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSIhZvOD9_s …

One of several #SAA terrorists airstrikes on #Erbeen while ago
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w-mS1B0fPA …

RUSSIA ClusterBombs targeting civilians houses in #alMakramiyah village
#Homs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbh7Mk5aggE …

Martyrs & wounded victms of #SAA terrorists shelling on #alGhanto
#Homs #Syria FEB 20

[davidbfpo]

Well, well clarity:
One of the masterminds behind last summer's massacre of British tourists in Tunisia is believed to have been killed in a US bombing raid on an Islamic State (Isil) camp in Libya......US F-15 Strike Eagle jets carried out the raid from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, authorised the use of a British base on Thursday, while travelling back from the Falklands via Ascension Island.
Mr Fallon said: "I welcome this strike that has taken out a Daesh training camp being used to train terrorists to carry out attacks. I was satisfied that its destruction makes us all safer, and I personally authorised the US use of our bases.”
Link:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/12164765/US-warplanes-strike-Isil-camp-in-Libya-targeting-Tunisia-terror-attacks-militant.html

[OUTLAW 09]

Destruction in #Qaboun neighborhood due #SAA systematic terrorists non-stop shelling
#Damascus #SYria FEB 20

MORE Destruction of civilians houses due #RUSSIA airstrikes on #alRastan
#Homs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSIhZvOD9_s …

One of several #SAA terrorists airstrikes on #Erbeen while ago
#Damascus cs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w-mS1B0fPA …

RUSSIA ClusterBombs targeting civilians houses in #alMakramiyah village
#Homs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbh7Mk5aggE …

Martyrs & wounded victms of #SAA terrorists shelling on #alGhanto
#Homs #Syria FEB 20

Aleppo's rebel zones prepare for total siege
http://news.yahoo.com/aleppos-rebel-zones-prepare-total-siege-080433184.html;_ylt=AwrXgyLhH8hWYEoAsZfQtDMD;_ylu= X3oDMTByb2lvbXVuBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYw Nzcg-- …

The US led coalition kills dozens of civilians in Hasakeh & displaces many
http://en.eldorar.com/node/1519

1 woman killed & several civilians critically injured by YPG/SDF gunfire from Sheikh Maqsoud targeting the Castello road. #Aleppo

[OUTLAW 09]

Fatah Halab groups invovled: Nour al-Din Zinki, Liwa al-Huria al-Islami & Suqour al-Jabal. +50 regime forces/militias reportedly killed

Nour al-Din Zinki posting vids from rebel advance towards New Aleppo & Jamiat Zahra y’day
http://youtu.be/NlS78S2-tqE http://youtu.be/C0dWUQghh7k

FSA Jaish al-Izza new batch of fighters trained by defected Assad officers to join fronts in northern #Syria
http://youtu.be/Ni72-9o7nNY

SAA terrorists dropping barrel bombs over #Teir_Maela
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR0WIkaCfvE …

SAA arresting campaign in #alJerbeh & #Masaken_Barzah neighborhood don't stop..
#Damascus #Syria FEB 20

Syria Heavy clashes at western entrance of #Aleppo when rebels try to advance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwyQvXu0sIs …
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.186988&lon=37.071283&z=16&m=b …

Assad-forces looting Maskan village in northern #Aleppo
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.396346&lon=37.114906&z=15&m=b …

News
Fighting slowly increases in the #Ghab plain as pro-#Assad force captured mostly all of #Latakia and will focus on #Idlib soon.

[OUTLAW 09]

Remember the US DoS and the DoD both publicly stated this week when directly asked "their Kurdish proxy YPG is not getting Assad and Russian CAS"....it's publicly available to be reread ....

WHY because it is simply "unthinkable that an Obama, CIA and CENTCOM" project could have run off the geo political rails so badly......

Social media is carrying now daily confirmed evidence that basically shows that either the fog of war has blinded both the US DoS and DoD OR they are badly lying........

Syria'n regime dropped barrel bombs with helicopters on northern #Aleppo housing complexes to support kurdish #YPG attacks
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.247492&lon=37.144432&z=15&m=b …

These barrel bombs came immediately after a series of RuAF air strikes (videoed) on the exact FSA positions that YPG was actively attacking.....

THAT is not coordination???? So the US cannot be lying right??

BUT WAIT US info warfare hard at work right???

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat......please check this video....the radar next to the TOW impact site...

Ground surveillance radar, comms dish, or AD dish?

FSA Suqour al-Jabal: TOW vs Kornet launcher atop the officer's building in new #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/hawywQoeiX0

[OUTLAW 09]

Remember the US DoS and the DoD both publicly stated this week when directly asked "their Kurdish proxy YPG is not getting Assad and Russian CAS"....it's publicly available to be reread ....

WHY because it is simply "unthinkable that an Obama, CIA and CENTCOM" project could have run off the geo political rails so badly......

Social media is carrying now daily confirmed evidence that basically shows that either the fog of war has blinded both the US DoS and DoD OR they are badly lying........

Syria'n regime dropped barrel bombs with helicopters on northern #Aleppo housing complexes to support kurdish #YPG attacks
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=36.247492&lon=37.144432&z=15&m=b …

These barrel bombs came immediately after a series of RuAF air strikes (videoed) on the exact FSA positions that YPG was actively attacking.....

THAT is not coordination???? So the US cannot be lying right??

BUT WAIT US info warfare hard at work right???

Ever notice the use by Obama of unilateral appeasement in both eastern Ukraine and Syria.....WITHOUT demanding a single reciprocal move by Putin??

From the Obama call yesterday with Erdogan....

Interesting @POTUS re #Turkey-#YPG clashes.
As YPG widely "exploited" circumstances, "reciprocity" seems given?!

Obama indicated that yes the YPG has exploited the situation to take more Arab Sunni territory BUT the Turks should show reciprocity in not shelling them now....BUT he did not emphasize that the US would rein in the YPG did he in any comments coming out of DC??

Or does he mean from today on, meaning Turkey should cease fire if #YPG holds all it captured Arab towns and villages and doesn't advance any more and does attack FSA any longer?!

Hate to disappoint Obama the YPG continues they attacks today on FSA...so much for reciprocal moves by the YPG.....

So much for that long Obama 1.2 hour phone call...meant nothing to the Turks.

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian Tu-214r ,Hmemiem , #Syria
pic.twitter.com/QHDXFbpekB

ANY difference from Russian military destruction of eastern Ukraine and Syria...none....

Eerie footage shows war-scarred landscape of Debaltseve devastated by Ukrainian conflict
http://dailym.ai/1TwdiBL
pic.twitter.com/fx2qJCxZUe

Over the night of the 18/02/16, Turks from BBP sent Turkmen in Aleppo(near Sex Mesqud) a sizeable amount of supplies
pic.twitter.com/tXCs6AA3zz

Al Arabiya English ✔ @AlArabiya_Eng
#BREAKING Syrian opposition has agreed to a 2- to 3-week truce if Russia stops air strikes, opposition sources say

[OUTLAW 09]

Putin could not have actually believed the Russian condemnation of Turkey would have passed the UNSC did he......????


The Associated Press ✔ @AP
Putin: Kremlin disappointed by rejection of proposed UN Syria resolution aimed at stopping Turkey's actions
http://apne.ws/1UdSw9f

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian info war hard at work now with Italian journalists......

Fake: #Italian Journalist Claims Ukrainians Fighting on Side of #ISIS, read:
http://www.stopfake.org/en/fake-italian-journalist-claims-ukrainians-fighting-on-side-of-isis/ …
pic.twitter.com/LJsJYd2DtO

CIT (en) @CITeam_en

Russian vehicles transferred from Hmeymim airbase to al-Raqqah governorate:
https://citeam.org/russian-vehicles-transferred-from-hmeymim-airbase-to-eastern-syria/ …
pic.twitter.com/nBmfVBx3Yg

CNN never realized what they had videoed and still really does not realize it....

Reference Kurds....they are just as corrupt as the Iraqi's are these days.....
Meanwhile, political crisis escalates in #Iraq's #Kurdistan
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/12/us-iraq-kurds-idUSKCN0S60HX20151012 …
pic.twitter.com/65kPOsWrrL

FSA's #Southern_Front & Daraya local council renew their commitment & readiness to protect aid agencies in
#Daraya

FSA News
#FSA carries out special op against #daesh forces in #Qalamoun #Syria. More in this report:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1f76b208716e924aa72bc2632/files/160219_english_2_.pdf …

YPG is a unit of the Syrian army" says Bouthaina Shaaban, political & media adviser to #Assad

Well so much for that US sponsored proxy......

[OUTLAW 09]

RUSSIA airstrikes on #alBab & #Qabasin, more than 6 airstrikes on these towns
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 20

#RUSSIA airstrikes on #Busra_alSham now
#Daraa #Syria FEB 20

Moment #RUSSIA airstrikes on #Kafr_Nasij..
Look how the "cloud" of smoke is "running"..
#Daraa cs #Syria FEB 20
Appears to be a new type of bomb...totally unusual smoke pattern after the explosion took the form of a T shape w/mushroom cloud forming as it rose through the T shape....

[OUTLAW 09]

http://www.voanews.com/content/shifting-allegiances-a-free-for-all-in-northern-syria/3194684.html

Shifting Allegiances, A Free-for-All in Northern Syria


CONTINUED........
Where do the Kurds come into this?

The YPG dominates the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces. Some Sunni Arab and Turkmen militias are also members of the SDF but several have checkered histories and have formed opportunistic alliances in the past with rebel militias they are now fighting. Some have even worked with jihadists in the past. Some fighters are from Western-backed militias such as the Hazzm Movement and the Syrian Revolutionaries Front, which collapsed last year after being attacked by by Islamist militias and al-Nusra.

The SDF, which was unveiled in October, was embraced by U.S. officials as a proxy army to partner with in northern Syria to fight Islamic State and was seen by Washington as an alternative to a ground force the Obama administration had hoped to recruit from scratch and train and equip.

Until the Assad offensive, the Kurdish-dominated SDF focused on fighting IS to the east of the Euphrates River and received arms supplies from the U.S. to do so. But in December it seized the Tishrin dam from the terror group and some of its fighters — to the anger of Ankara — crossed west of the river. There were signs SDF fighters would move into the Aleppo countryside. PYD leaders have made little secret they want to unite Kurdish cantons along the border.

Once the Assad offensive started SDF fighters — mainly Kurdish — launched attacks on FSA and other rebels in the Aleppo countryside not from the East but from their enclave at Afrin to the West, seizing at first a couple of villages. But they have quickly expanded, exploiting the Assad offensive and Russian airstrikes, which noticeably have not been targeting them, to seize more towns and territory, including a major airbase that has been in rebel hands since August 2013. This week they occupied the strategic town of Tell Rifaat, just 15 kilometers form the border with Turkey.

YPG commanders — and the PYD’s social media propaganda machine — deny the Kurdish action has been coordinated with the Assad regime or the Russians. They contend they have sheltered Arab Sunni families who have fled heavy fighting in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin and by taking towns are ensuring they are denied to the regime.

Syrian rebel commanders, however, insist there has been clear military coordination, and say they will never forgive what they consider treachery by the Kurds.

The spectacle has been bewildering of U.S.-backed Kurds — who now appear to be Russian-backed, too — battling U.S.-backed rebel militias, prompting head-scratching from some analysts and triggering loud accusations from rebels that Washington and Moscow are in league with each other. The Obama administration has urged the Kurds to restrain themselves but the rebels say that if Washington really wanted the YPG to stop it could exert more pressure.

Where does this Leave the US ?

The realignments and shifts will impact U.S. strategy in Syria, say analysts. The Obama administration has made the defeat of the Islamic State its top priority in Syria and has argued only a political solution and not a military one can resolve the five-year-long civil war that has left upwards of 250,000 people dead. It has been reluctant to get drawn into the civil war, although it has wanted to see Assad’s ouster.

But some analysts warn that even the U.S. objective of defeating IS will be undermined by the events of the past week. “The U.S. requires partnerships with Syrian armed opposition groups in order to destroy ISIS and al-Qaida affiliate Jabhat al Nusra in the long term,” warns analyst Jennifer Cafarella in a paper for the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.

“Without local Sunni partners that hold the support of the population, the U.S. faces high costs to destroy ISIS and al-Qaida in Syria and risks failure,” she says.

Rebel commanders say that the U.S. will find fewer militias trusting it in the future. “America by its inaction is pushing fighters to join IS or Jabhat al-Nusra,” says Abu Ali Sijjo. “They are pushing us towards extremism,” he warns.

What is Turkey doing?

Turkey’s leaders have long argued that Western policy has been flawed and that IS can’t be vanquished until Assad is ousted. The two are connected, they say, and extremists will thrive in the chaos of the civil war. They lobbied last year for the U.S.-led international coalition to carve out a safe haven for the rebels — and civilians — in northern Syria. Last autumn, it looked as if Washington would agree to this in return for the use of a NATO airbase in Turkey for coalition warplanes striking at IS. But after weeks of talks Washington decided against establishing a safe haven.

Turkish and Gulf allies such as Saudi Arabia have been lobbying for a ground force to intervene in Syria but in recent days they have made it clear that such a force would have to be agreed by the coalition and there are no signs of Western appetite for such an intervention. Now the Turks are calling for a smaller safe haven to be established around the border town of Azaz to protect the tens of thousands of displaced civilians there — and to avoid the Turks having to open the border to admit them.

The Turks have warned also they will not tolerate the Kurds expanding their territory in the Aleppo countryside and are continuing to shell YPG positions. The shelling though hasn’t stopped YPG advances. And, according to the rebels, isn’t helping them either as it is it not deterring the Russian airstrikes.


Worth the reading of this article...while highly accurate in it's assumptions events have literally overtaken it and now via the failed Obama and Kerry actions the US has actually lost both parties.

YPG went literally off the reservation and that is both a CIA and CENTCOM failure and the US does not "get the Turks".....nor really wants to......

Josh Rogin
‏@joshrogin
By trying to juggle Turkey and the Kurds, the Obama administration may lose both
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2016-02-19/u-s-scrambles-to-hold-anti-islamic-state-coalition-together …

Really worth reading......

America Is Now Fighting A Proxy War With Itself In Syria
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikegiglio/america-is-now-fighting-a-proxy-war-w... …

[OUTLAW 09]

Map of the military situation and displacement patterns. Data and Graphics
pic.twitter.com/tdibjOUG1d

More cluster munitions dropped by Russian jets on Latamnah in rural #Hama, #Syria yesterday morning
http://youtu.be/7uAF8W3T6x4

RUSSIA Tochka Missile found in #Marea
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 20
pic.twitter.com/jqkbR3uT3n

[OUTLAW 09]

Turkish answer to the Obama phone call yesterday........

Rebels groups crossing through border town of #Atmeh, y'day FEB 19 as they head towards and through #Turkish territory to join battles against #SAA & it's allies terrorists in other areas of the country. It "appears" that Turkey has new and improved cooperation and coordination with Rebel opposing the Syrian-Russian-Iranian terrorist alliance

Rebel groups crossing through #Atmeh (through Turkey)y'day FEB 19 join battles against #SAA terrorists

Another #IRGC commander by the name of Hamid Ridha Ansari was killed by FSA in #Syria in yesterday's fighting.

If kurdish #YPG advance towards Omari oil field 100km south of al-Shaddadih they are the biggest oil/gas trader in #Syria....

BUT WAIT I thought it was IS...????

al-Shaddadih was taken by the YPG yesterday and they did not actively engage the IS located in the town but rather chose to fight the FSA units which were facing the IS front lines in and near Shaddadih for literally the last two years......

[OUTLAW 09]

Would fully agree with this BUT it is not Turkey Putin should be extremely worried about rather the KSA who is not a member of NATO and not tied to the US and who has declared Assad and Putin to be a danger to their national security....

.@DerSPIEGEL: "Merkel is concerned that Putin is doing what he can to provoke #Turkey as way to test #NATO" http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/natosource/nato-concerned-over-possible-russia-turkey-hostilities …

NATO official: #Russia's & #Turkey's forces "both active in fierce fighting... just few kilometers from each other"

[B]FINALLY Germany "sees" the Russian non linear war with Turkey......
Berlin officials have begun talking of "#Putin's #hybrid war against #Turkey"
pic.twitter.com/mkyGbbnfM3

[OUTLAW 09]

http://www.voanews.com/content/shifting-allegiances-a-free-for-all-in-northern-syria/3194684.html

Shifting Allegiances, A Free-for-All in Northern Syria



Worth the reading of this article...while highly accurate in it's assumptions events have literally overtaken it and now via the failed Obama and Kerry actions the US has actually lost both parties.

YPG went literally off the reservation and that is both a CIA and CENTCOM failure and the US does not "get the Turks".....nor really wants to......

Josh Rogin
‏@joshrogin
By trying to juggle Turkey and the Kurds, the Obama administration may lose both
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2016-02-19/u-s-scrambles-to-hold-anti-islamic-state-coalition-together …

Really worth reading......

America Is Now Fighting A Proxy War With Itself In Syria
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikegiglio/america-is-now-fighting-a-proxy-war-w... …


Carl Bildt ✔ @carlbildt

There were those who believed we should go soft on Russia in Ukraine since they would facilitate a peace in Syria. Didn't turn out too well.

[OUTLAW 09]

Humor.......

#Putin: #Russian forces in #Syria deserve highest praise, 'They've broken all our old civilian #bombing records'
pic.twitter.com/C8GUiGijRc

Financial Times: #Russia steps up Syria cyber assault http://uatoday.tv/news/financial-times-russia-steps-up-syria-cyber-assault-595434.html …

[davidbfpo]

New or old, but with a Russian soldier now. Doesn't look well compared to previous photos. From:http://www.mfs-theothernews.com/2016/02/russian-soldier-takes-selfie-with.html
http://lwlink3.linkwithin.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14559886813069&key=503c38809682907e0e07931326b1c03d&libId=ikve1o7k01012xfu000DA2fclw57q&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mfs-theothernews.com%2F2016%2F02%2Frussian-soldier-takes-selfie-with.html&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-gvEVUozLqXU%2FVsidT22KtfI%2FAAAAAAAB2Zg%2F1nALR6sA Xhw%2Fs1600%2FCbkkqDTVIAEA16Q.jpg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfzIr7UkGPk&title=MFS%20-%20The%20Other%20News%3A%20Russian%20Soldier%20tak es%20selfie%20with%20Iranian%20Brigadier%20General %20Soleimani.&txt=

[OUTLAW 09]

New or old, but with a Russian soldier now. Doesn't look well compared to previous photos. From:http://www.mfs-theothernews.com/2016/02/russian-soldier-takes-selfie-with.html
http://lwlink3.linkwithin.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14559886813069&key=503c38809682907e0e07931326b1c03d&libId=ikve1o7k01012xfu000DA2fclw57q&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mfs-theothernews.com%2F2016%2F02%2Frussian-soldier-takes-selfie-with.html&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-gvEVUozLqXU%2FVsidT22KtfI%2FAAAAAAAB2Zg%2F1nALR6sA Xhw%2Fs1600%2FCbkkqDTVIAEA16Q.jpg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FfzIr7UkGPk&title=MFS%20-%20The%20Other%20News%3A%20Russian%20Soldier%20tak es%20selfie%20with%20Iranian%20Brigadier%20General %20Soleimani.&txt=

David......this photo as well as the recent one of him at an anti US rally had him standing but with a slanted walk of someone who has had a brain injury and he did not talk and this one is showing him with a hallow and distance look......and he is really thin when compared to is previous Syrian photos...

We had never held seen a single talking interview since he was back in Iran thus the story that he had a head injury might in fact be true....he definitely is not involved actively in military affairs as he was prior to the alleged injury that is for sure.

[OUTLAW 09]

http://www.spectator.co.uk/2016/02/putins-winning-in-syria-but-making-a-powerful-new-enemy/


Putin’s winning in Syria – but making a powerful new enemy

This time he’s taking on Turkey’s President Erdogan, a ruler as ruthless as he is

Owen Matthews


Russia’s bombing of the city of Aleppo this week sent a clear message: Vladimir Putin is now in charge of the endgame in Syria. Moscow’s plan — essentially, to restore its ally Bashar al-Assad to power — is quickly becoming a reality that the rest of the world will have to accept. America, Britain and the rest may not be comfortable with Putin’s ambitions in the Middle East, or his methods of achieving them. But the idea of backing a ‘moderate opposition’ in Syria has been proved a fantasy that leaves the field to Putin and Assad.

The Syrian partial ceasefire, brokered in Munich last week by America’s John Kerry, only served to reinforce this sense of Putin’s power. Under the terms of the deal, all combatants were to cease hostilities while humanitarian aid was delivered to rebel enclaves besieged by government troops. Except Russia, whose planes have continued bombing ‘terrorist targets’ — and since Assad insists that all his enemies are ‘terrorists’, the Munich ceasefire effectively means business as usual for Russian and Syrian warplanes. In recent days, they have bombed Médecins Sans Frontières hospitals in rebel-held Idlib and Azaz, and Free Syrian Army positions in the northern suburbs of Aleppo. In response to international condemnation, the Russian foreign ministry has declared that it ‘has still not received convincing evidence of civilian deaths as a result of Russian air strikes’.

Presidents Putin and Obama have both sought to intervene in the conflict militarily, but all the successes have been Russia’s. Between August 2014 and December last year, the US Air Force made 4,669 air strikes to aid Syria’s elusive ‘moderate opposition’ and degrade Isis. But while this made little impact strategically, Russian air power has proved decisive. Since last September, a single squadron of Russian bombers flying some 510 sorties a week has turned the balance of the war in Assad’s favour. Russian armour and tanks have reinvigorated the Syrian army’s battered forces. Ostensibly flown in to protect the Khmeimim airbase, Russian T-90 tanks have since been reported in the vanguard of Syrian army assaults on rebel strongholds south of Aleppo.

Putin is also seeking to reconcile Syria’s warring factions. While the Pentagon spent billions trying to train an army of democracy–friendly moderates which turned out not to exist, Russian military intelligence has been working with its Syrian counterparts to identify rebel groups who would be willing to cut a deal with Assad. The senior Syrian officer corps was largely trained in Moscow during the Cold War. According to one well-placed Russian diplomat, the Kremlin has drawn up a list of 38 potential opposition allies and has been actively wooing them since last October. The list is said to include the Syrian National Council’s current president, Khaled al-Khoja, together with three of his predecessors — Ahmad Jarba, Ahmad Moaz al-Khatib and Hadi al-Bahra.

Throughout the winter, a number of rebel leaders have gone to Moscow to discuss terms — with mixed success. Late last month, a Russian attempt to bring several Syrian opposition parties together in Moscow collapsed. Brigadier General Manaf Tlass, a close Assad ally who defected from the Syrian Republican Guard in 2012, has drawn up an 11-point ‘national project’ which envisions a general ceasefire, followed by a joint regime-rebel assault on Isis. It is a proposal backed by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and part of a wider strategy that Russia pursued successfully in Chechnya in the early 2000s: reward rebels who are willing to change sides with a place at the winners’ table, while mercilessly bombing those who resist.

Russia’s new best friends are Syria’s Kurds. Earlier this month, the ‘Rojava Democratic Self-Rule Administration’ proclaimed itself the new government in Kurdish-held northern Syria and opened its first overseas representative office, in Moscow. Meanwhile, 200 Russian military advisers have been deployed to the Kurdish-controlled town of Qamishli, next to the Turkish border, to secure a military airport for Russian use. That gives Russia a stronghold from which to strike Isis in northeast Syria and protect its new Kurdish friends from attack by Turkey.

A wider Kurdish-Russian pact could be a game-changer for Assad — but it also massively raises the risk of the Syrian conflict spilling over into a wider war. A deal between the Kurdish YPG militia and Damascus would deprive the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces — a coalition that includes Arab and Assyrian groups — of some of their most effective soldiers. It would also further confuse United States policy in Syria, since the Kurds have been Washington’s closest allies in the region for years.

The danger is that Russia’s overtures to the Kurds could put Moscow on a direct collision course with the Turks. Ankara sees the Syrian Kurdish YPG as an offshoot of Turkey’s home-grown Kurdistan Workers’ Party — or PKK — which has been fighting a renewed insurgency against the Turkish state since last summer. Turkey’s tough-talking president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has repeatedly declared that he will not tolerate a de-facto Syrian Kurdish state on his southern border.

Last week, Turkey’s army — the second largest in Nato — backed up Erdoğan’s words by shelling YPG positions from across the frontier, ostensibly in self-defence. Moreover, Erdoğan recently said that a Turkish-US buffer zone mooted for northern Iraq in 2003 would have preserved Iraq from its current problems with Isis. Erdoğan added that he saw no need ‘currently’ for a similar buffer zone in northern Syria — but said that the Turkish military had all the parliamentary authority it needed to create one if the order was given.

More worryingly, Putin and Assad have accused the Turkish army of running weapons to Ankara-backed rebel groups deep inside Syrian territory via the Bab al-Salam border crossing point. The Russians expect Turkey to go further. ‘At a certain point, a full Turkish intervention is inevitable,’ Fyodor Lukyanov, who heads Russia’s Council on Foreign and Defence Policy, told Bloomberg last week. ‘That would mean a completely different conflict, with a much larger force fighting on the side of the opposition and the risk of a direct Russian-Turkish conflict.’ Nationalist-leaning media on both sides are already fighting a war of words. It’s highly likely that another clash — beginning with, say, a Russian airstrike hitting Turkish troops inside Syria — would escalate quickly. In that case, Turkey could potentially invoke article five of Nato’s founding treaty, which states that an ‘armed attack against one [member] shall be considered an attack against them all’. The terrifying result: war between Nato and Russia.

To further complicate the situation, Saudi Arabia moved fighter jets to Turkey last week to carry out strikes inside Syria — and both Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers agreed that Saudi special forces troops deploying via Turkey might be involved in a future operation to liberate Raqqa from Isis. But Saudi troops on the ground in Syria would be a red rag to Assad’s other key ally, Iran — which already has troops from its revolutionary guards fighting in Syria.

Speaking at a security conference in Munich, US senator John McCain correctly predicted that Russia would not observe the recent ceasefire. ‘Russian presses its advantage militarily, creates new facts on the ground, uses the denial and delivery of humanitarian aid as a bargaining chip, negotiates an agreement to lock in the spoils of war, and then chooses when to resume fighting,’ he said. ‘The only thing that has changed about Mr Putin’s ambitions is that his appetite is growing with the eating.’

Certainly part of Putin’s plan in Syria is to distract international attention from his own unfinished intervention in eastern Ukraine. That conflict has cost Russia dearly: international banking sanctions and falling oil prices have sent inflation soaring and halved the value of the ruble. Putin is also ambitious to restore his country’s status as a world power. And he would like to show potential allies in the Middle East and the wider world that Russia stands by its friends. For the first time since the 1980s, Moscow’s military and diplomatic backing is something truly worth having.

Putin’s intervention in Syria is an act of reckless geopolitical buccaneering — just like his invasion of Georgia in 2008 and his annexation of Crimea in 2014. But it’s worth asking the question: if Assad wins decisively, and peace breaks out, is Putin’s plan so terrible? Washington and Moscow want many of the same things: an end to hostilities on the ground, the destruction of radical Islamist groups such as Isis and the Al-Nusra Front, the establishment of a transitional government and, eventually, free elections. Even the Americans are willing to fudge on a key rebel demand — that Assad, personally, be removed from power. They agree that he could at least stay for a transitional period.

If Putin’s latest gambit does bring peace to Syria, even if it is a peace on Assad’s terms, it may one day be counted as a success, albeit a self-serving one. But it is also Putin’s riskiest move yet, and growing riskier by the second. So far Putin’s opponents have consisted of the disorganised regimes of former Soviet nations. In his Syrian war, he faces a ruler every bit as choleric and ruthless as himself — Erdoğan — and an increasingly belligerent Saudi Arabia. The prospect of peace in Syria is now dependent on the wisdom, restraint and goodwill of Putin and Erdoğan: an unsettling prospect.

[OUTLAW 09]

Appears that Russia has forgotten that they did the exact same thing in eastern Ukraine that they are accusing Turkey of........and they are still in eastern Ukraine even with Minsk 2...so what will they do in a Syrian agreement?

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Lavrov: provocative Turkish acts that violate the Syrian Arab Republic's territorial integrity are inadmissible

So is Russia now going to say move their 100K troops from Russia to Syria to stop the Turks.....if I were them I would be watching the Saudi's.....

[OUTLAW 09]

Appears that Russia has forgotten that they did the exact same thing in eastern Ukraine that they are accusing Turkey of........and they are still in eastern Ukraine even with Minsk 2...so what will they do in a Syrian agreement?

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Lavrov: provocative Turkish acts that violate the Syrian Arab Republic's territorial integrity are inadmissible

So is Russia now going to say move their 100K troops from Russia to Syria to stop the Turks.....if I were them I would be watching the Saudi's.....

What the heck is Kerry trying to do..he announced this week that the Russians, UN and Assad had agreed to SEVEN aid deliveries and not a single one has occurred.....even his own spokesperson stated that but could provide no details when asked about it....

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Lavrov & John Kerry discussed humanitarian aid, planned cessation of hostilities in Syria
http://sptnkne.ws/aFy5
pic.twitter.com/r0jOkkunI4

[OUTLAW 09]

There was an attempt at Russia info war today indicating that the rebels had agreed to a truce if the bombing was stopped...was a definite Russia disinformation attempt to confuse the HNC.....


Riad Hijab: No truce unless all fighting is halted, sieges are lifted & detainees released

State readout of Kerry Lavrov call on US RU UN meeting in Geneva on #Syria truce-modalities not fully agreed yet

Translation: Kerry and Lavrov agreed not to ceasefire in Syria, not just yet..

[OUTLAW 09]

Ashura Day for shia #ATGM style:
https://youtu.be/W4C7PZ29J9Q

Another strike on infantry from #Khan_Tuman by Ahrar Al Sham with #Konkurs #ATGM, S. #Aleppo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4C7PZ29J9Q …

Almost 2 dozen killed in Jabal Turkman/Akrad in the last few days

Cluster bomb #UXO handled like Pétanque boules.
Recycled soon into #IED's ?
https://youtu.be/abJ4lf9HFeQ

I thought this was a rumour first but rebels have apparently given YPG/SDF 72 hours to withdraw from Menagh airbase. #Aleppo

[OUTLAW 09]

There was an attempt at Russia info war today indicating that the rebels had agreed to a truce if the bombing was stopped...was a definite Russia disinformation attempt to confuse the HNC.....


Riad Hijab: No truce unless all fighting is halted, sieges are lifted & detainees released

State readout of Kerry Lavrov call on US RU UN meeting in Geneva on #Syria truce-modalities not fully agreed yet

Translation: Kerry and Lavrov agreed not to ceasefire in Syria, not just yet..

Syria Opposition HNC
‏@SyrianHNC_en
The deadline set in #Munich for a cessation of hostilities has passed without response from Russia or the #Assad regime.

When asked whether Assad will be part of the rebuilding of Syria, Kerry stutters and scratches his head.
https://youtu.be/DHQWVk4rb8k?t=431 …

[OUTLAW 09]

Here is perfect example of why Obama and Kerry are failing in Syria...if you voice a threat you better be able to back it up........

In response to Kerry's demand Hizb & Shi'ite Iraqi militias leave Syria or be targeted, Iraqi militias threaten to hit US embassy w missiles

And #Obama donated tons of american weapons, tanks, humvees to the same shia terrorists. And still gives CAS to them

[OUTLAW 09]

Reports rebels have liberated the cluster of buildings between Sheikh Maqsoud & youth housing in #Aleppo from YPD/YPG militias.

Faylaq al-Sham rebels thwart an #ISIS infiltration attempt in Qara Kubri, north rural #Aleppo; report several ISIS fighters killed.

Pro-Assad Shia militants get hit by Ahrar Konkurs missile in Khan Touman, south rural #Aleppo,
http://youtu.be/W4C7PZ29J9Q

Is Russian destruction of Sunni resistance in Syria different fr US in Iraq?
http://www.thetakeaway.org/story/russian-airstrikes-syria-crush-anti-assad-rebels/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

The US is seeking to rein in Turkey and Saudi Arabia from military action in Syria if the ceasefire fails
http://on.ft.com/1SX2ZXu

For Saudis the risk of inaction is far greater. The internal pressure is tremendous.


.@JohnKerry called Russia's Lavrov to complain about the "indiscriminate" & continued Russian bombing in #Syria$

Saudi response.......Complain?

[OUTLAW 09]

What dope is the entire Russian FM on lately...total altered state of utter non reality....

MFA Russia ✔ @mfa_russia

#Zakharova: We call on the US, other NATO countries to be responsible in choosing targets, like Russian aerospace forces are doing in Syria

27 hospitals and countless schools/mosques later and over several thousand civilians killed by deliberate indiscriminate bombing and cluster munitions and an occasional thermobarbic bomb or two later.......

These are the so called Russian "responsible chosen targets"????????

Guess if one repeats a lie long enough they will believe it..."we are not killing civilians just terrorists"....

[OUTLAW 09]

The US is seeking to rein in Turkey and Saudi Arabia from military action in Syria if the ceasefire fails
http://on.ft.com/1SX2ZXu

For Saudis the risk of inaction is far greater. The internal pressure is tremendous.


.@JohnKerry called Russia's Lavrov to complain about the "indiscriminate" & continued Russian bombing in #Syria$

Saudi response.......Complain?

Well that's something: after 5 years of war, Amos Harel reports Israel starts to side w the Syrian rebels (Heb)
http://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/.premium-1.2856776 …

= no more Israeli objections to supplying the opposition in Syria w MANPADS

[OUTLAW 09]

Video of one of the Russian Syrian Express on the move....

Russian Navy Northern Fleet Cargo Ship Yauza on the Bosphorus
https://youtu.be/hud0OoqXhj4

[Bill Moore]

Great news if true, entertaining if it isn't.

http://www.wnd.com/2016/02/sniper-kills-isis-executioner-during-beheading-class/


Sniper kills ISIS executioner during beheading class

'We got rid of 21 terrorists with 1 bullet'


An Islamic State executioner’s head exploded during a class on beheading after a well-aimed shot by a British Special Air Service sniper.


The SAS mission rivals a similarly spectacular success in Raqqa last month. An eight-man squad posed as ISIS wives before taking out a high-value target, WND reported Jan. 19.

SAS apparently practiced gender flexibility to get close enough to kill select target. Sounds similar to an operation the Israeli special operations forces ran in Lebanon. As for portraying ISIL wives, they had to the ugliest and last picked of the lot.

[OUTLAW 09]

Footage
Syrian rebels fight back as #YPG forces attack #Aleppo's Ashrafiyye district.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po-ndOOUwYw …

Turkey Army shelling with heavy artillery, targeted #Nahiyat_Jandayris area earlier this morning
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

BREAKING
#ISiS Car Bomb explosion at 60th Street, #SAA heald area in #alZahara neighborhood
#Homs #Syria FEB 21

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #SAA terrorists at #Aziziyah & #Tel_Mamo fronts now
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 21

78 Martyrs
[14 Fighters 4 Children 3 Women 1 Tortured]
28Aleppo
11Daraa
8Damascus
7Idlib
4DeirEzzor
2Homs
2Hama
1Hasaka
1Raqqa
#Syria FEB 20

[OUTLAW 09]

CrowBat.....have you heard anything on the ground offensive in the southern front area......

Rebels’ Offensive in S. #Syria Gains Ground, killing ~50 pro-#Assad militants incl. officer
http://ow.ly/YypLr

[OUTLAW 09]

The US Kerry and Obama talk about giving Assad 18 months for a transition after backing down from their demands that he go now period end of story...it was an Obama WH unilateral appeasement move gained they thought in agreement with Putin........which displayed to Turkey and KSA that the US was not to be trusted......as the US had abandoned almost over night their demands voiced for four years long years that Assad had to go as he was the core problem.

NOW in an article yesterday in SputniK International English version the 100% Russian owned propaganda outlet ....there was an article with Assad where he openly stated he plans on leading Syria for the next ten years and will recovery the entire country and rebuild it.

So evidently he has not come off his demands to lead the country...AFTER the Russian UNSC Ambassador Churkin "reminded him that he needed to get onboard with the Munich agreements" this week....

SO again this Russian demand WAS all for show...ie disinformation a la info warfare directed against Kerry/Obama.

Wonder if Putin let Obama and Kerry know about this....seriously doubt it...

Just increases the view that Obama and Kerry have absolutely no clue about what they are doing in the ME......

[OUTLAW 09]

From Sputnik today.........

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160221/1035117492/syria-saudi-arabia-turkey-troops.html#ixzz40mri6yIF

Bashar Assad said that if Saudi Arabia and Turkey send their troops to Syria, the Damascus authorities will treat them as terrorists.



MOSCOW (Sputnik) – If Saudi Arabia and Turkey send their troops to Syria, the Damascus authorities will treat them as terrorists, Syrian President Bashar Assad said.

"If this happens, we shall treat them as terrorists. We defend our country. Nobody has the right to interfere in Syria – neither from a political, nor from a military point of view. This would be a violation of international law, and for us, as well as for citizens of Syria, the only possibility is to defend our motherland," Assad told El Pais newspaper.

Assad stressed that Turkey had been involved in events of Syria from the very beginning and sent terrorists to the country.

Last week, media reported that Saudi Arabia could send thousands of ground forces to Syria, most likely in coordination with Turkey, to take part in the fight against the Daesh jihadist group. Shortly after that, Turkey reportedly sent troops to its border, and also intensified the shelling of Kurdish-held areas in northern border regions of Syria.

On Monday, a spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Omer Celik, said Turkey had no plans to conduct a ground operation in Syria.

Riyadh has been a nominal member of a US-led international coalition that has been carrying out airstrikes against Daesh jihadists in Syria and Iraq since 2014. However, the operations in Syria have been conducted without the approval of the Syrian government or the UN Security Council.

Russia has also been leading a separate campaign against Daesh militants in Syria since last September, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad, having outlawed the group.


NOTICE...Sputnik said nothing about the YPG and the PKK terror attacks on Turkey as the causes for the shellings.....

With Sputnik...it is always about the "narrative" that they want you to read and hopefully agree with.

[OUTLAW 09]

RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #Hayan town now
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

Children wounded and 2 martyrs victims of #RUSSIA Cluster Bombs on #Ayn_Jarah
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA Cluster Bombs airstrikes on #Ayn_Jarah town
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA renew it's airstrikes on #Hirbnafsah
#Hama cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA airstrikes targeted #alSaleheiyah village
#DeirEzzor #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA airstrikes with Cluster Bombs on #Kafr_Naha
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #alBab now
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA airstrikes on #Anadan now
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA airstrikes on #Khan_Touman
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #SAA terrorists as they try to break into #alZarbah
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

#RUSSIA airstrikes on #Bostan_alBasha & #alHalk as "airsupport" to #PKK Gangs
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 21

#PKK terrorists arrested dozens of boys (between 15-18 years old) in #Sheikh_Maqsoud
#Aleppo #Syria FEB 21

#SAA terrorists shelling Grad Rockets targeting #Karouj & #Kalas areas in #Turkmen_Mount
#Latakia cs #Syria FEB 21

Death toll rises to 28 killed, aftermath #isis double car bomb explosions at #SAA CP in #alZahara
Homs #Syria FEB21

2nd #Isis car bomb explosion at #SAA checkpoint in the 60th Street of #alZahara neighborhood
#Homs #Syria FEB 21

SAA terrorists dropped barrel bombs over #Teir_Maela
#Homs cs #Syria FEB 21

Video shows #Russian fighters striking civilian areas in #Syria
http://ara.tv/zc9e3
via @AlArabiya_Eng

[OUTLAW 09]

YPG General Command: A unknown military aircraft has attacked our positions in #Syria.
http://tr.hawarnews.com/ypg-askeri-bir-ucak-mevzilerimize-saldirmistir/ …

[OUTLAW 09]

Russia moved more MiG-29 fighter jets & helicopter to Erebuni airbase in #Armenia at border to #Turkey

Clashes here between Sultan Murad rebels & PYD/YPG around Sheikh Maqsoud in #Aleppo several hours ago
http://youtu.be/QEsM6heE0h4

Some of the clashes between Tajamu Fastaqim rebels & PYD/YPG before taking key positions in al-Ashrafieh, #Aleppo
http://youtu.be/Lv1wkQ6Eqq4

In #Aleppo mosque, Akram Kabi head of pro-Assad Iran backed Shia militia Harakat Nujaba calling for death of Sunnis http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/5207.htm …

Jaish al-Izza rebel Gvozdika targeting regime officers & Iranian personnel at Shlaiweit CPs in rural #Hama, #Syria
http://youtu.be/UqBHeKgb0kw

[OUTLAW 09]

"The Assad regime has consistently refused to allow any surgical supplies ['vital medical items', says the U.N.] into opposition areas." [B]

[B]Western diplomat gets it spot on: "While [Russia] complain in the [U.N.] about Turkey, they do all they can to provoke things."

[OUTLAW 09]

Saudi official: "[Obama] thinks he could never do anything about [#Syria]. Well, you certainly can't from the sidelines."

Saudi official: "Can this really be incompetence … Do[es the U.S.] really think they can walk away from their responsibilities like this?"

[OUTLAW 09]

Saudi official: "[Obama] thinks he could never do anything about [#Syria]. Well, you certainly can't from the sidelines."

Saudi official: "Can this really be incompetence … Do[es the U.S.] really think they can walk away from their responsibilities like this?"


Russia Guilty Of Syria War Crimes, Says Amnesty
http://news.sky.com/story/1645573/russia-guilty-of-syria-war-crimes-says-amnesty …

.@FT: seeking to hold off human rights watchers' voices, Russia steps up Syria cyber assault
http://on.ft.com/1oytHZO
pic.twitter.com/box4BSnUNf

[OUTLAW 09]

#Breaking - #PKK kidnapped 3 reporters who work for #AnatolianAgency in Nusaybin.
https://twitter.com/ValkryV/status/701344614482112512 …

YPG General Command: "Unidentified jet bombed our positions near Tishrin, east of #Hasaka on Friday; 3 killed & 2 wounded" -

MORE: YPG: "We know that the jet doesn't belong to the anti-#ISIS coalition.”


BREAKING: #SDF captures Taher, Soltana south of #Shaddadi tonight #Syria - @QSD00963

[OUTLAW 09]

Russian version of "burning down their villages in order to save them" approach to COIN..........worked well in Georgia and Chechnya so why not in Ukraine and Syria......

New level of crazy Putin praises Russian armed forces for 'protecting civilians' with Syria air strikes http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-russian-air-strikes-syria-protecting-civilians-bombing-killing-deaths-assad-a6886461.html …

[OUTLAW 09]

RUSSIA airstrikes targeting #alBab now
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 21

A blessed grad rocket struck a gathering of regime troops in Nubul and Zahraa. 20 were reportedly killed or injured

The Russian Connection Between #Syria and #Ukraine | @Joe_Nye in the National Interest
http://hvrd.me/YuXkx
pic.twitter.com/sClsvGv0Nw

Wesley Clark: In #Syria, #Russia is the real threat (updated)
http://usat.ly/1Xmof81

The 'Damascus Gate Knives Commando Unit' - The latest on Facebook.
They reported killing a SAA Lt. today in Damascus with a knife attack....

The arrival of rebels to Azaz from Turkey from direction of Northern Countryside. Reinforcements for 'Sunni army'

Currently stationed at Erebuni Russian air base, ~10 miles from Turkish border:
22 Mig-29s+1 Mig-29S
7 Mi-24P+1 Mi-8MT

[OUTLAW 09]

In case anyone thinks a war between Turkey and Russia would remain regionally contained.
pic.twitter.com/iBRGkl0hkr

People tend to forget about NATO's little arrangement at Incirlik.

Just FYI, Turkey has nuclear weapons........currently an estimated 50 US nuclear devices are stored in Incirlik.......

[OUTLAW 09]

Heavy clashes between Rebels & #SAA terrorists in outskirts of #Kinsaba as #SAA try to adavance towards the villages
#Latakia #Syria FEB 21

Assad siege on #Daraya is longest since revolution began, lasting more than 1185 days + more than 6500 regime barrel bombs dropped on city.

#SAA terrorists shelling IRAM targeting #Darayya
#Damascus #Syria FEB 21

Doctors survived #RUSSIA airstrikes on #Maarat_alNouman denounces bombardment of #MSF Hospitals
#Idlib #Syria FEB 21

[OUTLAW 09]

SYRIA Rebels Announce The Massive Assault In #Quneitra

Russia carried out 6 airstrikes so far targeting #Sheikh_Essa as heavy clashes between #FSA & #YPG take place
#Aleppo cs #Syria FEB 19

Entire family killed by #Russia terrorists airstrikes on #Sheikh_Essa before yesterday FEB 19
#Aleppo #Syria

Aleppo: New wave of #Russia|n airstrikes targeting the town of #Hraytan now
pic.twitter.com/dwtSlLqcDq

[OUTLAW 09]

Lebanese Minister of Justice @Ashraf_Rifi resigns from the Government, says he won't be a part of an Iranian statelette in #Lebanon.

Defense Minister Shoygu has meeting with Iranian President Rouhani in Tehran.
http://bit.ly/1LA9hoa

Turkish FM pleased #US convinced of ‘#PYD’s unreliability’
http://www.turkishweekly.net/2016/02/20/news/turkish-fm-pleased-us-convinced-of-pyd-s-unreliability/ …
pic.twitter.com/N4ovaKcHf6

[OUTLAW 09]

AFP news agency ✔ @AFP

#UPDATE: 'Provisional agreement' on terms of Syria ceasefire reached with Russia: Kerry
http://u.afp.com/ZnQG
pic.twitter.com/4XnHxT5iNj

BUT WAIT...Russia just keeps on bombing in support of YPG and attacks civilians again today....

Provisional agreement reached with Putin...thought the US had to include the HNC and the FSA as the recognized opposition...AND they have been rather quiet...AND Assad said today he is going to rule another 10 years and rebuild Syria.....

[OUTLAW 09]

So YPG is not a Assad militia.....so much for being a US supported proxy.....

Regime high-level delegation visited YPG-held Tal Abyad last Tuesday
pic.twitter.com/rEN2R6HCJw

[OUTLAW 09]

Video purports to show Nusra and Ahrar al-Sham fighters arriving to Azaz in Turkish coaches (via Turkey)
https://youtu.be/8UPkJBQHFQc

[davidbfpo]

A longer than usual BBC explanation about what is happening in northern Syria; although minus Crowbat's more rigorous reporting. So he will take exception to the diagram! As I suspect would many other readers.
http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/76E1/production/_88333403_syria_turkey_kurds_v4_624map.png
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35595023

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/A446/production/_84545024_kurd_groups_turk_govt_624in.png

[CrowBat]

Following this conflict on the internet is becoming next to impossible - at least without becoming incredibly sarcastic.

Commentary by that gang of Keystone Cops in Moscow, named something like 'Government of the Russian Federation', is cited more than often enough above. Meanwhile, Spaniards are happy to cite smiling Assad when he says “80 countries support the terrorists in Syria” (http://elpais.com/elpais/2016/02/20/inenglish/1456005883_962894.html), while that clown named Stephen Kinzer is teaching everybody The media are misleading the public on Syria (http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2016/02/18/the-media-are-misleading-public-syria/8YB75otYirPzUCnlwaVtcK/story.html).

I think it's about the time for some serious reality check about Syria, gentlemen. It is becoming obvious that we have completely misunderstood the situation there; at least that we have been misled. Result is that we have no clue what's going on in Syria, nor how things work in international diplomacy and media. But worst of all, we all fell for lies about Assad, Syria - and especially Russia.

1.) Assad, Russia, Iran - and Kurds of course - are all victims of an international conspiracy between the CIA, Israel, al-Qaida, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar (delete 'Israel' if you prefer, and especially should you try to draw any connections between 'Israel' and 'Kurds').

Anything else you might have read about this topic is a lie.

2.) All Syrians not siding with Assad are terrorists. Correction: all are al-Qaida, at least 'foreign armed Islamist terrorists'.

Alternativelly, we are granted the right to admit that there is only one anti-Assad fighting force in Syria, which is al-Nusra, made up of 'rebels' or 'moderates', but actually being al-Qaida.

Anything else you might have read about this topic is a lie.

3.) Anybody else - including any foreign countries, their official representatives, intelligence services, military services etc. - opposing Assad, or just saying one word against him, is a terrorist too.

4.) These foreign armed Islamist terrorists have destroyed Aleppo with their artillery and air strikes, not Assad, and even less so Russians.

Who to #### cares what happened in Homs, or all of southern Damascus? Even less so in north-western Hama. Actually: entire Syria.

Most of that was never reported on the internet and thus never happened.

Anything else you might have read about this topic is pure misinformation.

5.) Syrian Arab Army is led by Bashar al-Assad, personally. It is the only force on the ground fighting the Daesh.

Anything else you might have read about this topic is pure misinformation.

6.) But OK, Bashar al-Assad is so kind, and as a true friend he invited Russians to aid him in destroying the Daesh. Why not let them have their piece of fame too?

7.) True enough, Putler said that Assad failed to introduce reforms and thus caused the war, and one of Putler's talking heads repeated that only a few days ago. But, this doesn't matter any more, because what Putler said yesterday doesn't matter today. Moreover, Russians are bombing terrorists in Syria, especially Daesh, and all Syrians are terrorists (except those siding with Assad, of course), and thus Russians are the only ones being right there.

8.) Russian Army is now in Syria and fighting Daesh. Of course, Putler said that there are no Russian troops in Syria, and that he would never deploy Russian Army to Syria. Therefore: Russian Army is there and not there, depends on the weather, Putler's mod, and whether Russian soldiers are granted permission to sleep inside stolen...correction: tents provided by the UNHCR.

9.) MSF hospitals are militant hospitals, supported by Turkish Islamists. Therefore, they are legitimate targets for Russian bombs - dumb or not.

10.) Russian dumb bombs have precision of a JDAM because they're dropped with help of the SVP-24 nav/attack system. Indeed, SVP-24 is the core reason for effectiveness of the Russian Intergalactic Air-Space Force in Syria. This nav/attack system is a super-turbo-wunderwaffe, between others capable of switching off physical laws and weather, and transforming CBUs into iron bombs.

That means: when you see a RT-video showing a Su-34 carrying RBK-500s, don't worry. By the time that bomb kills some Syrian civilian, it's going to be transformed into a FAB-500M-62. That's why Keystone Cops can say that Russians do not use CBUs in Syria.

11.) So, the only reason why the civilian in question was killed was because he was stupid enough to put his head into the place where one of bomblets that fell off during transformation (yes, from RBK-500 to FAB-500M-62, you dumbass!) came down. The bomblet was even so kind to - just like majority of Russian CBUs - fail to detonate upon hitting that civilian. But, well... #### happens.

Ah yes - and FAB-500M-62 has the precision of the JDAM, even more so if supported by SVP-24.

13.) But nah, of course, this should not mean that Russians are bombing Syrian civilians. Their pilots would never do so. Never. Keystone Cops said so. Period.

14.) Even less should this mean that Russians are bombing hospitals. They let the Hezbollah target these with Russian-made SS-21s.

As 'learning by doing', i.e. training...

And, hand at heart, even if, why not? Go back to Rule No.2: all Syrians that are against Assad, and anybody supporting them, are al-Qaida.

Everything clear?

[CrowBat]

A longer than usual BBC explanation about what is happening in northern Syria; although minus Crowbat's more rigorous reporting. So he will take exception to the diagram! As I suspect would many other readers.Thanks for this brilliant confirmation that I should stick to my policy of ignoring BBC's reporting.

Sufficient to say that this was prompted by few opportunities to discuss BBC's reporting about various conflicts in the Middle East and Africa with various of local BBC-correspondents.

'Mind the gap'.

[CrowBat]

Ah well... let me try to remain sane (and un-sarcastic too)....

Those 500 'Islamist rebels' that moved from Turkey into Azaz pocket, three days ago, were fighters of the 13th Division FSyA, re-deployed from western Aleppo via Turkey.

(Sorry, but coudn't get any kind of confirmation for Ahrar's and JAN's claims about them moving to Azaz.)

Anyway, the 13th near-instantly went into an offensive against the YPG/SDF/JAT conglomerate. After three days (or, better said: nights) of bitter fighting, they've recovered Kaljibrin and Sheikh Isa, thus securing the supply link between Mare'a and Azaz.

During the same time, JAS in Mare'a has beaten back another Daesh assault on that town.

...and all of this despite another '50 or so' Russian air strikes - flown in support of the YPG/SDF/JAT and in support of the Daesh...

That's why the newest maps of that area now look as on attachment below.

The YPG/SDF/JAT conveniently covered-up this defeat by posting loads of reports about 'their' liberation of Shaddadi (town in Hassakah Province) from the Daesh. The operation in question was actually run by the JAT, because this place is predominantly populated by Sunni Arabs who refused to cooperate with the YPG. But then: why shold 'Arabs' earn any merits for their battle against the Daesh?

The rest of the cover-up was delivered by another 'strategic victory' of the Ba'ath Party Phalanga's 'Tiger Force' against the Daesh.

This 2000-strong 'elite branch of the Syrian Arab Army', reinforced by at least one brigade of the 4th Division (Assad's PMC), has failed to breach through to al-Bab, or to capture the Aleppo Thermal Powerplant (contrary to Kinzer's announcement they captured that facility already a week ago) etc.

But, nevermind: they've managed to encircle a gang of about 500 Daesh in eastern Aleppo province, south of al-Bab.

Whatever... another little-reported, at least much overseen development is the advance of Soleimani's Afghan... erm... 'Syrian Arab Army'... that is: another brigade of the 4th Division, PFLP-GC's Liwa al-Quds, and one of Russian Army Battalions (those fine young gentlemen caught by the CNN while bivacouing in stolen UNHCR-tents, or taking selfies of themselves in company of Maj Gen Soleimani) from Khan Nasir in direction of Raqqa. Supposedly, they've captured some 'strategic Hill 5' some 89km from that city.

Seems that after the YPG decided it is more important to crush anti-Assad insurgents in the Azaz pocket than fight the Daesh, Assad and Putler decided to get there as first....