Syria Revolution - Imagery
03 April 2012
Syrian government security forces have conducted operations in Az-Zabadani since the start of pro-democracy protests last year, but renewed their focus on the town in recent months. From mid-January to late March 2012, the number of Syrian government forces and equipment in the area increased significantly despite a reported ceasefire, and these forces continue to conduct security operations in the town.
On 17 January 2012, press reports stated Syrian government security forces agreed to withdraw from Az-Zabadani by the following morning.
Two days later, press reports indicated the Syrian government withdrew its armored vehicles and other military equipment from Az-Zabadani, indicating that the Syrian government forces were honoring the ceasefire.
In February 2012, media reports noted Syrian government security forces resumed operations in Az-Zabadani, inconsistent with the ceasefire agreement.
By 5 February 2012, Syrian government forces emplaced artillery 6.5km outside of Az-Zabadani, putting the entire town within range of artillery fire. Days later, Syrian government security forces massed in areas around Az-Zabadani. Between 5 and 11 February 2012, security forces shelled farmland outside the town, likely in support of armored vehicle movements along a main road into the town. On 11 February 2012, armored vehicles were on the outskirts of the town, and, 2 days later, they were inside the town. Armored vehicles took positions both outside a hospital and in a residential area.
As of late March 2012, government security operations persist throughout Az-Zabadani. Two armored vehicles remain outside the hospital. Armored vehicles continue to move about the town. In late March 2012, armored vehicles arrived on a road outside the town.
| Satellite imagery of developments in Az-Zabadani, Syria between February and March 2012 | |
| Click on the small image to view a larger version | |
Syrian artillery take position outside Az Zabadani by 5 February 2012. |
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Military deployments in the vicinity of Az Zabadani between 25 January and 7 February 2012. |
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Military deployments in the vicinity of Az Zabadani between 11 February and 13 February 2012. |
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Artillery impacts around Az Zabadani between 5 and 11 February 2012. |
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Syrian military units take positions outside Az Zabadani hospital between 11 and 13 February 2012. |
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Syrian military presence in Az Zabadani residential area between 20 and 25 February 2012. |
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In late March 2012 armored vehicles arrived on a road outside the town of Az Zabadani. |
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