November 2013 - Syria Special Weapons News

Chemical Weapons Watchdog to Double Syria Mission RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2013 -- The international chemical weapons watchdog overseeing the removal of Syria stockpile of poisonous arms will next month double the size of its mission, the organization said Friday.
Syrian Kurds Take Steps Toward Self-Rule VOA 29 Nov 2013 -- In much of Syria's Kurdish-dominated northeast, basic services are functioning and schools are open in marked contrast to other areas of the war-torn country.
Syria army continues mop-up operations Iran Press TV 28 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army continues operations against the foreign-backed Takfiri militants on two key fronts near the capital, Damascus.
Syria: Regime, Rebels Say Will Attend Talks RFE/RL 28 Nov 2013 -- Syria's government and the main Western-backed opposition coalition have both confirmed they will attend United Nations-sponsored peace talks.
Syrian National Coalition Says It Will Attend Peace Talks RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2013 -- Syria's government and its main opposition group confirmed on Thursday that they would take part in a UN-sponsored reconciliation conference to take place in Geneva next year.
Syria army continues mop-up operations across country Iran Press TV 27 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army has conducted successful mop-up operations in several areas across the Arab country, inflicting heavy losses on foreign-sponsored militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian govt. troops make more gains against militants Iran Press TV 26 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army continues to gain more ground in its fight against foreign-backed militants in several areas across the Arab country.
Syrian Rebels Say No Cease-fire for Peace Talks VOA 26 Nov 2013 -- The commander of the rebel Free Syrian Army says his group will not participate in a peace conference planned for January in Geneva and intends to pursue its fight to topple President Bashar al-Assad regardless.
Lebanon needs full support in face of Syrian conflict, says UN-backed group UN News Centre 25 Nov 2013 -- Lebanon needs strong, coordinated support in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the crisis in Syria, which has brought an inflow of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and has stoked inter-communal conflict, a United Nations-backed international group warned.
UN Chief Announces Syria Peace Talks In January RFE/RL 25 Nov 2013 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says a second round of Syrian peace talks will be held in Geneva on January 22.
Geneva conference on Syria set for January, UN chief announces UN News Centre 25 Nov 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that he would convene in Geneva on 22 January the long-sought international conference on Syria bringing together the Government and the opposition to a negotiating table for the first time since the conflict started in March 2011.
UN Says Syria Peace Talks Set for January VOA 25 Nov 2013 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced on Monday that the Syrian government and opposition will meet at the negotiating table in Geneva for the first time on January 22 - though neither side has confirmed this.
Syria army kills militants in mop-ups in NW Iran Press TV 24 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army continues its mop-up operations against the militants in the northwest of the country, killing a number of them, Press TV reports.
Hundreds of Syrian families flee into eastern Lebanon, UN agency confirms UN News Centre 22 Nov 2013 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today said that it is assisting nearly 500 Syrian families who have arrived in the eastern Lebanese town of Aarsal due to increased fighting across the border.
Syrian army continues operations across country Iran Press TV 21 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army continues its mop-up operations against foreign-sponsored militants across the country.
Oxfam warns of Syria refugees' situation in Lebanon Iran Press TV 21 Nov 2013 -- The international aid agency Oxfam has warned of the worsening situation of the thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Syria army retakes Qara town in al-Qalamoun Iran Press TV 19 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army has regained full control of the Qara town in the strategic al-Qalamoun area in the countryside of the capital Damascus.
Russia Blames Syrian Militants for Aid Supply Problems RIA Novosti 19 Nov 2013 -- Russia's foreign minister has blamed Syrian militants for difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid to the war-torn country where armed rebels have been fighting government troops for nearly three years.
Thousands flee Syria fighting to neighbouring Lebanon, UN agency reports UN News Centre 19 Nov 2013 -- The United Nations refugee agency and other humanitarian partners have been working with Lebanese authorities to cope with the influx of an estimated 6,000 people who have arrived from Syria in recent days.
Russia Pushes Diplomacy for Syria Peace Talks VOA 18 Nov 2013 -- Russia hosted closed-door talks Monday with Syrian diplomats in a renewed push for a Syrian peace conference in which Moscow says Tehran also must play a role.
'31 troops killed in blast near Damascus' Iran Press TV 17 Nov 2013 -- At least 31 Syrian troops have been killed after a bomb blast rocked an army base near the capital Damascus, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.
Lavrov says Iran must take part in Geneva II Conference on Syria IRNA 16 Nov 2013 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes that Iran must take part in the initial stage of the Geneva-2 international peace conference for Syria, the Voice of Russia correspondent said.
Syria's Opposition Says No Preconditions for Geneva Talks Success RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2013 -- Syria's main opposition group said Saturday it sees no preconditions for the success of the international peace talks in Geneva aimed at ending Syria's conflict.
UN concerned that European Union countries may be denying entry to Syrians, other asylum-seekers UN News Centre 15 Nov 2013 -- The United Nations refugee agency today said it is deeply concerned over reports of some European Union (EU) countries denying entry or forcibly returning asylum-seekers, including people who fled the Syrian conflict.
Substantial work remains to rid Syria of chemical weapons, says OPCW-UN mission chief UN News Centre 15 Nov 2013 -- While there has been good progress so far in the effort to destroy Syria's chemical weapons, a great deal of work remains, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) heard today, as it approved a detailed destruction plan submitted by the Government.
Syrian Kurd Self-Rule Declaration Raises Concerns VOA 15 Nov 2013 -- The announcement by the most powerful Kurdish faction in Syria that it has declared self-rule over parts of northeastern Syria has generated angry reactions from Syrian rebels, rival Kurdish Syrian groups and Turkey. Moreover analysts say the Kurdish faction known as the Democratic Union Party or PYD, is tainted by an association with the Assad government in Damascus, and its self-rule declaration could have a negative impact on Kurds in Iraq and Turkey.
Syria forces retake control of 2 towns in Homs Province Iran Press TV 15 Nov 2013 -- Syrian government forces have regained control of two towns in the western Homs Province, and cleared more areas in the Qalamoun Mountains north of the capital, Damascus.
Albania Rejects U.S. Request To Destroy Syrian Chemical Weapons RFE/RL 15 Nov 2013 -- Albania has rejected a U.S. request to dismantle Syria's chemical weapons on its soil.
Albania Rejects US Request to Destroy Syria's Chemical Weapons VOA 15 Nov 2013 -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected a U.S. request that Albania host the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons stockpile.
US Cancels Russian Helicopter Buy Amid Syria Standoff – Senator RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2013 -- The United States has scrapped plans to purchase additional helicopters from state-run Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport amid pressure from federal lawmakers over Russian arms deliveries to Syria, a top US senator said Wednesday.
Syrian govt. forces make more gains against militants Iran Press TV 14 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army continues to gain more ground in its fight against foreign-backed militants in several areas across the country.
Putin Calls Assad to Discuss Peace Talks, Chemical Weapons RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2013 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday held a phone conversation with his Syrian counterpart to discuss anticipated peace talks and the process of dismantling the war-torn nation's chemical arsenal.
Syrian Kurds Defeat Islamists, Declare Autonomy VOA 14 Nov 2013 -- The most powerful Kurdish faction in Syria has declared self-rule over the territory it controls in the northeast of the country. The announcement further complicates the civil war in Syria, and presents a complex problem for neighboring Turkey and the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq.
Hezbollah Leader Says Militants Will Continue Fighting in Syria VOA 14 Nov 2013 -- The leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has pledged to keep his fighters in Syria as long as necessary.
Syrian army regains town south of Damascus Iran Press TV 13 Nov 2013 -- Syrian army forces have regained full control of a strategic town south of the capital Damascus following heavy clashes with foreign-backed militants.
Army makes new gains against Takfiri militants across Syria Iran Press TV 11 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army has reportedly managed to make new gains in its fight against foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists in two strategic areas in the crisis-hit country.
Hosting Syrian refugees - the cost conundrum IRIN 08 Nov 2013 -- In a speech to parliament on 3 November, King Abdullah II said the presence of 600,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan has put "enormous pressure" on his country's infrastructure.
Helping host communities help Syrian refugees IRIN 08 Nov 2013 -- Abu Firas and his family left the Syrian capital Damascus in March after their neighbour's house was hit by a bomb.
Massive anti-polio campaign to reach 20 million children across Middle East - UN agency UN News Centre 08 Nov 2013 -- Aiming to stop a polio outbreak in Syria from spreading across the region, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is spearheading the largest-ever immunization campaign in the Middle East today, with plans to vaccinate some 20 million children in seven countries and territories against the highly infectious virus.
Syria army seizes key base near Aleppo Int'l Airport Iran Press TV 10 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army has regained full control of a strategic base near Aleppo International Airport, following heavy fighting with foreign-backed militants.
Syria Opposition Seeks Rebel Backing for Geneva Talks VOA 10 Nov 2013 -- Syria's main Western-backed opposition coalition has announced it will not attend proposed peace talks in Geneva unless it receives the backing of rebels on the ground.
Syrian Rebels Meet on Possible Geneva Peace Talks VOA 09 Nov 2013 -- Syrian opposition leaders are meeting in Istanbul through Sunday to decide whether to participate in a peace conference tentatively to be held in Geneva under U.N. auspices in coming weeks.
Russia Dismisses US Doubts Over Syrian Chemical Arms Data RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2013 -- Russia considers unfounded US skepticism over the sincerity of Syria's declaration of its chemical weapon stockpiles, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday.
Mass Polio Immunization Campaign Underway in Syria VOA 08 Nov 2013 -- The largest-ever immunization campaign in the Middle East is underway to stop an outbreak of polio in Syria from spreading throughout the region.
Syria: joint OPCW-UN chemical weapons team verifies site in Aleppo UN News Centre 07 Nov 2013 -- The Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations overseeing destruction of Syria's weapons stockpiles today confirmed verifying 22 of the 23 sites disclosed by Damascus.
One Syria CW site remains to be verified Iran Press TV 07 Nov 2013 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says only one of the declared chemical weapons sites in Syria remains to be verified.
Syria forces retake three towns near Damascus Iran Press TV 07 Nov 2013 -- Syrian army forces have continued their battle against foreign-backed militants around the capital, retaking three towns near Damascus.
KSA trains Syria militants to topple Assad govt. Iran Press TV 07 Nov 2013 -- Saudi Arabia is training foreign-backed militants in Syria as part of a new push to topple the government of President Bashar al-Assad, a new report says.
Inspectors Verify 'Dismantled' Syrian Chemical Weapons Site VOA 07 Nov 2013 -- The international mission overseeing the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons program says it has now been able to verify the non-operation of one of the two remaining sites where safety and security concerns had prevented inspectors from visiting.
Kerry Discusses Syria Regional Fallout in Israel VOA 06 Nov 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Wednesday in Jerusalem and discussed several topics, including the fallout from the civil war in neighboring Syria and how the fighting affects Israeli security.
Official Praises Progress in Eliminating Syrian Chem Weapons AFPS 06 Nov 2013 -- A senior administration official praised the United Nations effort to rid Syria of chemical weapons and said the United States will continue to support the effort.
Bomb blasts kill 16, injure scores in Syria Iran Press TV 06 Nov 2013 -- At least 16 people have been killed and scores of others injured in two bomb blasts hitting the Syrian capital Damascus and the southwestern city of Suwayda.
Syria: top envoys brief on latest UN efforts to tackle worsening Syria crisis UN News Centre 05 Nov 2013 -- International efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria continue apace, with two United Nations officials reporting today on their work towards convening a political conference that brings all sides in the conflict to the negotiating table, and overseeing the destruction of the country's chemical weapons stockpiles, reported on their latest activities today.
Locations Mulled for Destruction of Syria's Chemical Weapons VOA 05 Nov 2013 -- The Special Coordinator for the Joint OPCW-UN Mission charged with eliminating Syria's chemical weapons said she expects to know by November 15 where Syria's chemical weapons will be destroyed.
Possible Syrian Peace Talks Pushed Back VOA 05 Nov 2013 -- A date for possible peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in Syria is being pushed back with diplomats now hoping they can take place before the end of the year.
Planning for winter in Jordan's Za'atari camp IRIN 04 Nov 2013 -- One hour of heavy rainfall on 2 November soaked Za'atari camp for Syrian refugees in northern Jordan, highlighting the need to prepare the camp for the upcoming winter season.
Syria army conducts successful ops. across country Iran Press TV 05 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army has conducted successful cleanup operations across the country, inflicting heavy losses on foreign-sponsored militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Diplomats Meet In Geneva To Prepare Syria Peace Conference RFE/RL 05 Nov 2013 -- Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, has opened talks with senior diplomats in Geneva in a new drive to set the stage for a Syria peace conference, dubbed 'Geneva 2.'
UN warns of humanitarian situation in Syria Iran Press TV 04 Nov 2013 -- The United Nations has warned against the humanitarian situation in Syria, saying over nine million people are in need of urgent aid due to the crisis in the Middle Eastern country.
Arab League supports Geneva 2 peace talks Iran Press TV 04 Nov 2013 -- The Arab League has formally supported the forthcoming Geneva 2 peace conference on Syria, urging the opposition to attend the talks.
US, Saudi Arabia Differ on Tactics, Agree on Goals in Syria VOA 04 Nov 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal say their countries agree on the goal of removing from power Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But they disagree on how best to do that. Kerry also met Monday Saudi capital with King Abdullah to discuss Syria, Iran, Egypt, and Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Bomb goes off in Syria's Homs, 7 killed Iran Press TV 04 Nov 2013 -- Seven people have died in a bomb blast in Syria's central province of Homs, as the Syrian army continues operations against the foreign-backed Takfiri militants.
'Crisis takes $2.2bn toll on Syria industry' Iran Press TV 03 Nov 2013 -- Syrian Minister of Industry Kamaleddine Tohme says the ongoing conflict in his country has taken a heavy toll on Syria's industrial sector, and cost it over two billion dollars.
Syrian troops take full control of al-Sfeira town Iran Press TV 03 Nov 2013 -- Units of Syrian Army troops have taken full control of al-Sfeira town in Syria's northwestern province of Aleppo and killed dozens of foreign-sponsored militants.
Syrian troops make more gains against militants Iran Press TV 02 Nov 2013 -- The Syrian army continues to gain more ground in its fight against foreign-backed militants in several areas across the country.
Russia Boosting Arms Shipments to Syria – US Officials RIA Novosti 02 Nov 2013 -- Russia has increased its weapons shipments to Syrian President Bashar Assad's government since last year, military aid that is likely "more significant" than Iranian arms supplies to Damascus, according to senior US diplomats.
INTERVIEW: Head of OPCW-UN team awaits next steps on destruction of Syria's chemical weapons UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations overseeing the destruction of Syria's weapons programme confirmed yesterday that the Government has destroyed critical production equipment, rendering them inoperable. By doing so, Syria has met the deadline set by the OPCW Executive Council to complete the destruction of such equipment by 1 November.
UN agency reaches 'record' number of Syrians with food, but many remain cut off UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said that it is reaching close to 3.3 million people in Syria – a record for its operations – but many are still without food in areas cut off by fighting, particularly in Damascus and the capital's besieged suburbs.
Brahimi comments on Geneva Syria talks Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- UN-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi says the proposed Geneva conference on the Syrian crisis could not be held without the participation of the foreign-backed opposition coalition.
Syrian forces retake strategic northern city of Safira Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- Syrian troops have regained control of the key city of Safira in the country's north after days of fierce fighting against foreign-backed militants.
Israel Reportedly Strikes Syrian Base RFE/RL 01 Nov 2013 -- Reports say Israeli warplanes have struck inside Syria, although Tel Aviv has refused to confirm any strike.
Geneva conference must include Syrian Government and opposition, says Arab League-UN envoy UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The proposed Geneva II conference to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis must include representatives from the Government as well as the opposition, the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Lakhdar Brahimi, told a news conference in Damascus today.
UN Envoy: 'Everyone Ready to Assist' Syria Peace Talks VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- The international envoy to Syria is holding out hope fresh peace talks can still take place in a matter of weeks.
UN Food Agency Falls Short of Syria Aid Goal VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- The World Food Program says it has distributed food aid to a record 3.3 million Syrians in October, up from 2.7 million in September but still short of its four-million person target.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

November 2013 - Syria Special Weapons News