Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Maj. Gen. Chalmers via teleconference in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room DoD 31 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: U.K. Major General Doug Chalmers, deputy commander, Strategy and Sustainment, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve
• Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 31 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on US-Russia Video Conference Discussing the Flight Safety Memorandum of Understanding DoD 31 Mar 2016
• Erdogan army fighting in Syria, says President Assad Press TV 31 Mar 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says an army led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fighting in Syria alongside Takfiri militants.
• Kurds Disagree With Assad's Logic Against Syrian Federalism Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party representative to the United States Mehmet Yuksel said that if Assad believes minorities in Syria are not eligible to form a federal system, one can easily argue that the president's Alawite minority should not have been able to rule over a central state for more than 50 years.
• Assad: Turkish Downing of Russian Jet Was Aggression Against Damascus Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- Bashar Assad said that Turkey's attack against a Russian aircraft in Syrian airspace can be considered aggression against Syria itself.
• Assad to Sputnik: Russian Military Operations in Syria Largely Successful Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian president stated that Russia has contributed to the peace process in Syria greatly.
• Assad to Sputnik: Deployment of UN Peacekeepers in Syria 'Impossible' Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- The deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Syria would be an illogical and impossible move, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik.
• Kurdish Representative Says Assad 'Not Ready' for Political Transition Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- Rodi Osman, the head of Syrian Kurdistan's representative office in Moscow said that the Syrian Kurds continue to insist on federalization despite recent statements by President Bashar Assad claiming that Syria is too small to be federalized.
• Assad Says Syria Ceasefire Can Be Assessed as 'Better Than Good' Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad stated that ceasefire process in Syria can be assessed as "better than good" and many groups have agreed to lay down their weapons in favor of politics.
• Turkey Threatens More Shelling on Syrian Kurds if Advance Continues Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- Turkish Armed Forces will continue to shell Kurdish militias in northern Syria along the Turkish border, if Kurdish forces cross the line between Jarabulus and Azaz, according to local media.
• Assad Ready for Snap Presidential Election if Syrian People Call for It Sputnik 31 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian president told Sputnik he is ready to hold snap presidential election if the people call for it.
• UN: Syrian Government Hindering Aid Delivery to Besieged Areas VOA 31 Mar 2016 -- The United Nations says the Syrian government is not allowing aid agencies to deliver life-saving humanitarian relief to hundreds of thousands of people living in several besieged areas in the country.
• No need for Syria's federalization: Assad Press TV 30 Mar 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has rejected certain efforts aimed at presenting a federal model for the future political system of the country, saying that Syria is too "small" for adopting such a model.
• Grim conditions in Syria despite greater access, UN aid chief warns Security Council UN News 30 Mar 2016 -- There are signs of humanitarian progress in Syria with more aid reaching those in urgent need, but conditions remain "dire" throughout the country with only 30 per cent of people in besieged areas reached and even fewer in hard-to-reach areas, the top United Nations humanitarian official said.
• IS 'Cyrillic Jihadists' Create Their Own Community in Syria VOA 30 Mar 2016 -- Over 5,000 jihadists from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are fighting in the ranks of the so-called Islamic State militant group in the Middle East. These Russian-speaking Muslims not only play a major role within the IS leadership, but also have built a community of their own in the areas controlled by the extremist group. In fact, they are now raising their children to be a second generation of jihadists, sources say.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Iraq, Syria AFPS 30 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 30 Mar 2016 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh
• US concedes Russian 'constructive role' in Syria Press TV 30 Mar 2016 -- The Pentagon has acknowledged Russia's "constructive role" in the Syrian peace process, which might ultimately lead to a "resolution" of the years-long conflict.
• Russia to Welcome Jaysh Al-Islam Exclusion From Intra-Syria Talks Sputnik 30 Mar 2016 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that the intra-Syrian talks were affected by a number of factors, including the certain names on the opposition delegation's lists, as well as the absence of the Kurdish representatives at the negotiations.
• Syrian Kurds Receive No Invitation to Join Next Geneva Talks' Round Sputnik 30 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Kurds did not reveive any invitation for the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, according to the head of the Syrian Kurdistan representative office.
• Second Group of Russian Bomb Disposal Technicians Leaves for Palmyra Sputnik 30 Mar 2016 -- According to media reports, second team of Russian bomb disposal technicians has departed to Syria to take part in the demining operation in recently liberated ancient city of Palmyra.
• Assad: Russian Military Bases in Syria Needed for World Power Balance Sputnik 30 Mar 2016 -- The president underscored that Damascus only considers the presence of Russian military bases on the territory of Syria.
• Assad: New Syrian Gov't Format Should Be Agreed Upon During Geneva Talks Sputnik 30 Mar 2016 -- The format of the new Syrian government should be agreed upon during the Geneva talks, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Sputnik.
• Assad:Terrorism in Syria, Iraq Directly Supported From Turkey, Saudi Arabia Sputnik 30 Mar 2016 -- Terrorism in Syria and Iraq is receiving direct support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, France and Great Britain, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to Sputnik.
• UN calls for more 'equitable' responsibility-sharing to relieve plight of Syrian refugees UN News 30 Mar 2016 -- Addressing a one-day, high-level conference in Geneva on Syrian refugees, senior United Nations officials stressed the needs to provide resettlement and other answers for their plight, urging third countries to share those responsibilities with Syria's immediate neighbours.
• Assad: New Government Should Include Opposition and Regime VOA 30 Mar 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government has been bolstered by a series of recent military gains, is striking an optimistic tone about the prospects of peace talks aimed at ending his country's five-year-long civil war.
• UN: Some Progress Delivering Aid in Syria; More Needed VOA 30 Mar 2016 -- The U.N. humanitarian chief said Wednesday that since January aid workers have reached nearly 400,000 Syrians in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, but continued safe access is urgently needed to reach millions more.
• UNHCR Seeks Homes for Nearly Half Million Syrian Refugees VOA 30 Mar 2016 -- The U.N. refugee agency is appealing to countries worldwide to provide homes for nearly one-half million of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. The UNHCR is urging representatives of more than 90 countries attending a ministerial-level conference to grant refuge to the Syrians through resettlement and other humanitarian programs.
• Syria military gains speed up political resolution: Assad Press TV 29 Mar 2016 -- Syria's president has hailed the recent Russia-backed advances of the country's army against Takfiri militants, saying that they contribute to a faster political settlement to the crisis in the Arab country.
• Syrian army advances against Daesh near city of Homs Press TV 29 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army soldiers have made new advances towards the town of al-Qaryatayn in the central province of Homs in their latest push against the Takfiri Daesh terrorists wreaking havoc in the Arab country.
• 50 Nusra Front terrorists cross into Syria via Turkey: Russia Press TV 29 Mar 2016 -- Russia says 50 militants belonging to al-Qaeda's Syrian branch, al-Nusra Front, have crossed Turkey's border into Syria.
• Iran urges intensification of Syria's anti-terror fight Press TV 29 Mar 2016 -- Iran's defense minister has called on Syria to intensify its military operations in order to root out terrorism following the Arab country's recent advances against Daesh terrorists.
• Russian Medals Order Could Indicate Number Of Syria Troops RFE/RL 29 Mar 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry is seeking to have 10,300 medals manufactured for "participants in the military operation in Syria," in what appears to be the closest official indication of the number of people who served in Russia's six-month military incursion in Syria.
• Russian Forces Get Set to Begin Clearing Palmyra of Mines Sputnik 29 Mar 2016 -- The group of Russian experts sent to Palmyra to assist demining operations is equipped with everything necessary for autonomous work, a source in the Russian military told RIA Novosti.
• One in 10 Syrian refugees will need resettling, UN agency warns ahead of conference UN News 29 Mar 2016 -- Supporting refugees is a global responsibility that must be widely shared, the UN refugee agency stressed today ahead of a one-day high-level conference it is hosting in Geneva tomorrow, focused on refugees from Syria and the need for generating a substantial increase in resettlement and other answers for their plight.
• Top US General: 'No Doubt' Russia Stabilized Syrian Regime VOA 29 Mar 2016 -- The top U.S. general says he has "no doubt" that Russian intervention in Syria propped up the government of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
• US to Continue Aiding Syria Rebels Amid Clashes With CIA-Armed Groups Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- The US-led coalition against Daesh remains committed to supporting local groups in Iraq and Syria to fight the terrorist group, a US defense official told Sputnik on Monday.
• Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 28 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Iran's Rouhani urges lasting ceasefire in Syria Press TV 28 Mar 2016 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has called for the continuation of ceasefire in Syria and acceleration of political negotiations to end a foreign-backed war that has gripped the Arab country for over five years.
• Russia ground troops not invloved in Palmyra operation: Kremlin Press TV 28 Mar 2016 -- The Kremlin says Russian ground forces did not participate in the Syrian government's operations to push back the Daesh Takfiri militants from the ancient city of Palmyra.
• Syria can restore Palmyra in five years: Official Press TV 28 Mar 2016 -- Syria's director general of antiquities and museums says the country can restore the ruins of ancient city of Palmyra, which were damaged by the Daesh Takfiri militants, in five years.
• Civilian deaths fall to lowest level in over 4.5 years: Group Press TV 28 Mar 2016 -- Civilian deaths in conflict-stricken Syria have dropped to the lowest monthly level in over four and a half years amid an ongoing truce that came into effect in the Arab country in February this year, a monitoring group says.
• Moscow: Recapture of Palmyra Helps Political Process in Syria Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- Moscow considers the recent success in the fight against terrorists in Syria as a real chance to help advance the political process in the war-torn country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.
• Syria's Palmyra Retaken, Russian Airstrikes Avoided Monuments - Russian MoD Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- Syrian government forces and patriotic militias have retaken from terrorists most of the ancient city of Palmyra with support of Russian airstrikes which avoided targeting historical monuments, the commander of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said Monday.
• Daesh Crosses Turkey-Syria Border Despite Ankara's Efforts to Stem Flow Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- Turkey is trying to retain control over its borders, but Daesh militants are still managing to penetrate the country.
• Kremlin: Russian Forces to Continue Supporting Syrian Army Despite Pullout Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- Russia's Aerospace Forces will continue to lend support to the Syrian forces in their fight against terrorists despite the major withdrawal of the Russian military from Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
• Russia to Deploy Sappers, Robots to Syria to Demine Palmyra Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- Russia will deploy sappers and specialized robots to Syria in the next few days to demine the recently liberated city of Palmyra, Russian General Staff head Army General Valery Gerasimov said Monday.
• Palmyra Victory Proves Syria 'Can Crush Terrorists With Its Own Forces' Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- On Sunday, the Syrian Army and its allies, with air support from Russia, completely liberated the ancient city of Palmyra from Daesh militants; the joint military operation took three weeks.
• Syria Vows to Continue Fight Against IS After Taking Palmyra VOA 28 Mar 2016 -- Syria's army says the recapture of Palmyra will be a launching point for expanded operations against the Islamic State group, while the country's antiquities chief declared the already historic site will carry even greater significance as a survivor of the militants' campaign.
• Reaping Fruits of Victory: First Results of Russia's Air Campaign in Syria Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- The war on terrorism in Syria is not over yet. However, after the bulk of Russian forces were withdrawn from Syria one can take a closer look at some aspects of how the operation unfolded and the weapons involved.
• CIA Director Visited Moscow to Discuss Syria VOA 28 Mar 2016 -- U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan visited Moscow at the beginning of March, it was revealed Monday.
• Russian Deputy FM Expresses Optimism Over Syrian Peace Talks Sputnik 28 Mar 2016 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the Syrian reconciliation talks in Geneva have made some progress and must be sustained.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 27 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Syrian army's reseizure of Palmyra punches IS People's Daily 27 Mar 2016 -- Raging battles and airstrikes have helped the Syrian army recapture Palmyra taken by the Islamic State(IS) for the past 10 months.
• UN praises Syrian government victory in Palmyra Press TV 27 Mar 2016 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the Syrian army's recapture of Palmyra from Daesh terrorists, expressing hope that the Damascus government will try to rebuild and protect the UNESCO-listed city.
• Palmyra recapture shows success of army strategy: Assad Press TV 27 Mar 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hailed the liberation of the ancient city of Palmyra from Daesh, saying the victory shows the success of the army's strategy in its battle against terrorists.
• Syria army vows to liberate Raqqah, Dayr al-Zawr from Daesh Press TV 27 Mar 2016 -- After liberating the ancient city of Palmyra, the Syrian army has vowed to press ahead with counter-terror military operations and drive Daesh terrorists out of their major strongholds, particularly Raqqah Province.
• CIA-armed militias shooting at Pentagon-armed ones in Syria Press TV 27 Mar 2016 -- CIA-armed militants are now shooting at Pentagon-armed militias in Syria, showing a complete lack of control by the US over its war machine in the war-torn country.
• Syrian army captures entire Palmyra from Daesh terrorists Press TV 27 Mar 2016 -- Syrian armed forces have successfully established full control over the ancient city of Palmyra in the west-central Homs Province, latest in a string of victories over the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
• Assad Hails Recapture Of Palmyra From Islamic State RFE/RL 27 Mar 2016 -- Syrian government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have recaptured the historic city of Palmyra from Islamic State (IS) militants, an advance that President Bashar al-Assad hailed as an "important achievement" demonstrating the success of his army's fight against terrorism.
• Palmyra Liberation: Syrian Army Officer Reveals Details of Operation Sputnik 27 Mar 2016 -- Earlier on Sunday the Syrian Army together with the Desert Falcons fully liberated the ancient city of Palmyra from Daesh militants. A Syrian field commander told RT the details of the operation.
• Desert Falcons Thank Vladimir Putin for Support in Liberation of Palmyra Sputnik 27 Mar 2016 -- A field commander of Syria's Desert Falcons militia forces thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin on behalf of the Syrian people for supporting the country in the fight against terrorism.
• Russian Warplanes Destroy 8 Terrorist Command Centers in Palmyra Sputnik 27 Mar 2016 -- Russian warplanes have destroyed 8 terrorist command centers and 6 ammunition depots in Palmyra amid the ancient city's complete liberation by the Syrian army.
• Encircled: Syrian Army Poised to Storm Key Christian Town Near Palmyra Sputnik 27 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army and allied popular defense forces have closed their ring around Qariatein, a town 30 kilometers away from Palmyra, RIA Novosti reported citing a source on the ground.
• Triumph! Syrian Army Completely Liberates Palmyra From Daesh Sputnik 27 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Army and popular defense forces, supported by Russian warplanes, have successfully ended the operation to liberate Palmyra from Daesh terrorists, the SANA news agency reported on Sunday.
• Syrian Forces Recapture Palmyra From Islamic State VOA 27 Mar 2016 -- Syrian government forces backed by Russian airstrikes have retaken the ancient city of Palmyra from Islamic State, according to activists and state media, dealing a crucial symbolic and strategic defeat to the militants.
• Coalition Continues Counter-ISIL Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 26 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Russian airstrikes kill 100 terrorists in Syria Press TV 26 Mar 2016 -- Russia says its fighter jets have conducted 158 air raids against terrorist targets in Syria's central province of Homs over the past 24 hours, leaving at least 100 Takfiri militants dead.
• Syria army forces capture town near Palmyra Press TV 26 Mar 2016 -- Syrian forces have gained more grounds against the Daesh Takfiri militants in their fight around the ancient city of Palmyra on Saturday, liberating the town of al-Amiriyah.
• Heavy Fighting in Battle for Palmyra in Syria VOA 26 Mar 2016 -- Syrian government forces moved deeper into the Islamic State controlled city of Palmyra Saturday, recapturing several neighborhoods.
• Carter: U.S. Military Targets Key ISIL Terrorists AFPS 25 Mar 2016 -- The U.S. military killed several key Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists this week, including a senior ISIL leader and finance minister who led certain external affairs and plots, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said here today.
• Syria forces, allied fighters advance in Palmyra, capture citadel from Daesh Press TV 25 Mar 2016 -- Syrian forces made a major advance against terrorists in Palmyra Friday, capturing a citadel from Daesh Takfiri terrorists after closing in on the ruins of the ancient city in Homs Province.
• Daesh Begins Counteroffensive Against Syrian Army in Palmyra - Commander Sputnik 25 Mar 2016 -- Daesh has begun a counteroffensive against Syrian government forces around the citadel of Palmyra.
• Russian Warplanes Carry Out 41 Sorties Amid Palmyra Liberation Sputnik 25 Mar 2016 -- Russian warplanes carried out 41 sorties to support Syrian army's operation aimed at Palmyra's liberation, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• Syrian Army, Desert Falcons Gain Control Over Strategic Height Near Palmyra Sputnik 25 Mar 2016 -- Syrian government forces and Desert Falcons fighters have gained control over a strategically important height near Palmyra in the Homs province, a military source told Sputnik.
• Syrian Army, Desert Falcons Start Assault on Palmyra Citadel Sputnik 25 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army and the Desert Falcons militia commenced an assault on the ancient citadel of Palmyra on Friday morning, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
• Syrian talks end with 'no drama;' early April target date set for resumption - UN envoy UN News 24 Mar 2016 -- Both the Syrian Government and opposition delegations are taking the United Nations-mediated peace talks "very seriously," the UN envoy on the discussions said today, wrapping up the second round of the process by issuing a paper on "commonalties that exist between the two negotiating parties," and announcing that the talks could pick up again by the second week of April.
• US, Russia Push for New Syrian Constitution by August VOA 24 Mar 2016 -- The United States and Russia are calling for the drafting of a new Syrian constitution by August. They have also agreed to push both the Syrian government and the opposition to free all political prisoners, especially those who are vulnerable.
• Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 24 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• UN envoy sets April 9 as Syria talks target date Press TV 24 Mar 2016 -- The UN special envoy for Syria has designated April 9 as the "target date" for the resumption of indirect talks between the Syrian government and so-called opposition to resolve the crisis in the war-torn Arab country.
• Kerry: Partial truce in Syria has reduced violence Press TV 24 Mar 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry said in Moscow on Thursday a partial truce in Syria has produced a fragile but beneficial reduction in violence in the Middle Eastern country.
• Daesh continues smuggling oil to Turkey: Lavrov Press TV 24 Mar 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the flow of oil smuggled by Daesh across the Syrian-Turkish border is continuing despite attacks on the terror group's infrastructure, and the UN Security Council's ban on the illegal trade.
• Syrian forces enter Palmyra: TV Press TV 24 Mar 2016 -- Syrian armed forces have entered Palmyra after fierce clashes with Daesh terrorists controlling the ancient city since last year, state media say.
• Syria to Be Democratic, Non-Sectarian - Intra-Syria Talks Final Declaration Sputnik 24 Mar 2016 -- Syria shall be a democratic, non-sectarian state based on citizenship and political pluralism, the representation of all components of Syrian society, according to the final declaration of the intra-Syrian talks.
• Russian Jets Strike 146 Terrorist Targets Around Palmyra Sputnik 24 Mar 2016 -- From March 20 to March 23 Russian jets conducted 146 sorties, hitting 146 terrorist targets around Palmyra, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• Syrian Army Takes Giant Step to Crush Daesh in East Palmyra Sputnik 24 Mar 2016 -- The Desert Falcons militia together with the Syrian army are engaging Daesh in eastern Palmyra, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the city on Thursday.
• In Lebanon, Ban prasies country's generosity towards Syrian refugees UN News 24 Mar 2016 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived this morning in Lebanon, starting with a visit to the Headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, in Naqoura and then holding a joint press conference where he praised the generosity the country and Lebanese people have shown towards Syrian refugees.
• Putin Praises Obama's Leadership in Syria VOA 24 Mar 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian President Vladimir Putin say that cooperation between the two countries has been instrumental in achieving an unexpectedly successful cessation of hostilities in war-torn Syria
• Russian commander confirms active ground troops in Syria Press TV 23 Mar 2016 -- Russia has deployed a group of special forces in Syria to conduct "reconnaissance and other special tasks" in the war-torn country, a senior Russian military commander says.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 23 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Coalition Has Momentum in Fight Against ISIL, Carter, Dunford Say AFPS 23 Mar 2016 -- While not complacent about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's capabilities, Defense Department leaders are confident that momentum against the terror group is firmly in the hands of the coalition arrayed against it.
• Syrian army liberates key area in Homs, edges closer to Palmyra Press TV 23 Mar 2016 -- Syrian forces have edged closer to retaking the ancient city of Palmyra after establishing full control over new areas in the central province of Homs and inflicting heavy losses on Daesh terrorists, new reports say.
• Mogherini Says Realizes EU Responsible for Bringing Peace to Syria Sputnik 23 Mar 2016 -- Federica Mogherini said she realized Europe bore some responsibility for Syrian reconciliation after terrorist attacks in Brussels.
• Syrian Ceasefire Generally Holding Despite Violations Sputnik 23 Mar 2016 -- Despite recorded violations, the cessation of hostilities in Syria has been generally observed, according to Col. Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, the commander of the Russian military contingent in Syria.
• Russia Deploys Special Forces to Syria for Reconnaissance Missions Sputnik 23 Mar 2016 -- Units of Russian special forces have been deployed in Syria to carry out "many tasks", including reconnaissance and target-designation, the commander of the Russian military contingent in Syria said.
• Syrian Army Fighting Daesh Near Historic City of Palmyra Sputnik 23 Mar 2016 -- Syrian army is fighting Daesh on the outskirts of Palmyra to recapture the historic city, a source in the offensive's headquarters said Wednesday.
• Russia Supplied Syrian Army With Modern Weaponry to Defeat Terrorists Sputnik 23 Mar 2016 -- The commander of the Russian military contingent in Syria said that Russia has supplied the Syrian government forces with modern weaponry.
• Syrian Army Kills 70 Daesh Militants in Battle East of Palmyra - Source Sputnik 23 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army and allied militia took full control of the Haya mountain range east of Palmyra, killing at least 70 Islamic State (Daesh) militants in the past 24 hours, a source in the command of the Syrian Armed Forces in Palmyra told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
• Progress made on humanitarian track for Syria, reports UN advisor UN News 23 Mar 2016 -- The advisor to the United Nations envoy on Syria today reported further progress in the humanitarian relief efforts in that conflict-battered country, including with more areas reached, medical kits getting through checkpoints, and children being vaccinated.
• Iranians Fuel Property Frenzy in Syria VOA 22 Mar 2016 -- The Iranian government is encouraging prominent Tehran developers to buy property in well-off Shi'ite majority neighborhoods in Syria's capital, analysts and construction industry sources in Tehran said.
• Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 22 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 22 Mar 2016 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh
• Computer Hacking Conspiracy Charges Unsealed Against Members of Syrian Electronic Army US Dept. of Justice 22 Mar 2016 -- Three Syrian nationals, all current or former members of the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), were charged with multiple conspiracies related to computer hacking, according to two criminal complaints unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia.
• US Indicts 'Syrian Electronic Army' for Computer Hacking VOA 22 Mar 2016 -- The U.S. Justice Department has indicted three members of the so-called "Syrian Electronic Army," a group it says was dedicated to compromising the computer systems of the U.S. government, international groups and media organizations it regarded as being antagonistic towards the Syrian regime.
• Syrian Opposition's HNC Says Over 25 Areas in Country Under Siege Sputnik 22 Mar 2016 -- Asaad Zoubi, the head of the Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee's delegation to the Geneva peace talks said that there are more than 25 areas under siege.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Warren via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 21 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel Steve Warren, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
• Political transition 'mother of all issues' for Syria talks - UN mediator UN News 21 Mar 2016 -- The UN mediator for the Intra-Syrian talks said today that political transition is the "mother of all issues" in the ongoing peace negotiations involving the Government and the opposition.
• Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 21 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Progress Continues in ISIL Fight, Inherent Resolve Spokesman Says AFPS 21 Mar 2016 -- Coalition forces and their partners on the ground are making sustained progress in the fight in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said today.
• Russia says to unilaterally monitor Syria truce if gets no response from U.S. People's Daily 21 Mar 2016 -- Russiawill unilaterally monitor the cease-fire situations in Syriaas from Tuesday if the United Statesfails to respond to Moscow's proposal on a joint monitoring mechanism, the Russian general staff said Monday.
• Arab League blocks bid for Kurdish federal region in Syria Press TV 21 Mar 2016 -- The Arab League has rejected the "separatist" Kurdish push for a federal government system in Syria, citing the risks it poses to the territorial integrity of the conflict-ridden country.
• Crackdown Amid Ceasefire: Syrian Army Pounds Al-Nusra in Idlib Province Sputnik 21 Mar 2016 -- A major Al-Nusra Front terrorist attack has been foiled by the Syrian Army and the country's National Defense Force in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, according to Sputnik's Arabic edition.
• Russian Pullout From Syria 'Positive Step' - Saudi Arabia Sputnik 21 Mar 2016 -- King of Saudi Arabia said that withdrawal of the main continent of Russian forces after broadly completing counterterrorist objectives in Syria is a "positive step".
• Syrian Kurds Accuse Ankara of Allowing Terrorists to Enter From Turkey Sputnik 21 Mar 2016 -- Turkey will take all the responsibility for allowing terrorists to enter Syria.
• Counter-Punch: Syrian Army Destroys Dozens of Daesh Terrorists in Aleppo Sputnik 21 Mar 2016 -- At least 50 Daesh terrorists were killed when the Syrian Army and the country's National Defense Force managed to repel a massive attack in the northern province of Aleppo, according to media reports.
• Russia Says to Control Syria Ceasefire Unilaterally From March 22 Sputnik 21 Mar 2016 -- According to the head of the General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, Russia will unilaterally control the Syria ceasefire starting March 22 if Washington fails to respond to Moscow's proposal on a joint control mechanism.
• Israel-Syria Border Quiets as Humanitarian Aid Increases VOA 21 Mar 2016 -- Less than an hour after a car bomb exploded wounding his leg in the Syrian province of Quneitra, Dr. Abu Hamzeh was in Israel.
• Syria forces retake key areas in Lattakia, kill militants in Raqqah. Press TV 20 Mar 2016 -- Syrian forces have regained control over key areas in the coastal province of Lattakia and killed a large number of Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the northern city of Raqqah.
• New US Training Program for Syrian Rebels 'Just Another Waste of Money' Sputnik 20 Mar 2016 -- The US Defense Department reportedly plans to launch a new train-and-equip effort in Syria. The new effort will focus on preparing a small contingent of rebels outside Syria.
• Show Time: Syrian 'Desert Falcons' Ready to Take Back Palmyra From Daesh Sputnik 20 Mar 2016 -- Fighters of the 'Desert Falcons' militia will strike with full force in order to free the ancient city of Palmyra.
• Iraqi Kurdish Leader Says Federation Solution for Future Syrian State Sputnik 20 Mar 2016 -- The creation of a federal system would be an appropriate solution for the future Syrian state, President of Iraqi Kurdistan Masoud Barzani said on Sunday.
• From Palmyra to Raqqa: Syria, Russia on Course to Hit Daesh Where It Hurts Sputnik 20 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), assisted by Russian military aircraft and its local allies, has launched a massive operation to free the iconic ancient city of Palmyra, seized by Daesh in May 2015, in what would most likely pave the way for a campaign to push the terrorists out of Raqqa, the de facto capital of the caliphate.
• Pentagon Says New Effort to Train Syrian Rebels to Consider 'Prior Lessons' Sputnik 20 Mar 2016 -- As the US $500 billion train-and-equip program aimed at training five thousand rebels in Syria spectacularly failed, the defense department is giving the effort another try, claiming that the lessons of the prior fiasco have been learned.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 19 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• The Best is Yet to Come: Syrian Army Ends First Stage of Palmyra Offensive Sputnik 19 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian government troops and militias on Saturday successfully finished the first stage of their offensive on jihadist-held ancient city of Palmyra, a source in the Syrian command said.
• Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 18 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Counter-ISIL Fight Enters Second Phase to Dismantle Terrorist Group AFPS 18 Mar 2016 -- As U.S-led coalition forces enter the second phase in Iraq and Syria to degrade and ultimately defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command today discussed operations to dismantle the extremist group.
• Russia says no ground troops involved in operation for Palmyra Press TV 18 Mar 2016 -- Russia says it has no ground troops involved in the operation to liberate Syria's Palmyra and the 'advance' to retake the historic city is carried out by the Syrian army.
• Syrian Opposition Sets Red Lines on Release of Detainees in Peace Talks Sputnik 18 Mar 2016 -- The Riyadh-formed Syrian High Negotiations Committee (HNC) opposition delegation in the Syrian peace talks has set 'red lines' in its negotiations with the Syrian government delegation regarding the numbers of detainees to be released by the government, HNC spokeswoman Bassma Kodmani said on Friday.
• Russian Air Group Leaving Syria According to Schedule Sputnik 18 Mar 2016 -- The Russian air group is leaving Syria in accordance with the approved schedule, according to the General Staff.
• Russian Jets Continue Strikes on Terrorists in Syria, Conduct 25 Sorties Sputnik 18 Mar 2016 -- Russian aviation will continue strikes on Daesh and al-Nusra Front terrorist groups in Syria, carrying out an average of 25 sorties daily, the Russian General Staff said Friday.
• Kremlin: Syrian Army Carries Out Palmyra Offensive Without Russian Military Sputnik 18 Mar 2016 -- The Russian military is not involved in the Syrian armed forces' campaign to reclaim the city of Palmyra, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
• Opposition: Syria's New Constitution Must Guarantee Kurds' Rights, Freedoms Sputnik 18 Mar 2016 -- The new Syrian Constitution should fully guarantee rights and freedoms of the Kurds living in the country, a member of the Syrian opposition delegation formed after meetings in Moscow and Cairo, Qadri Jamil, told Sputnik on Friday.
• Intra-Syrian talks advancing without 'excessive rhetoric,' says UN envoy UN News 18 Mar 2016 -- As the first week of the new round of intra-Syrian talks ended today, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria said the "proximity system" of the discussions, whereby parties are meeting indirectly through his mediation, has contributed to the talks moving forward.
• Syria government, opposition reject federal system: De Mistura Press TV 17 Mar 2016 -- The UN special envoy for Syria says both the Damascus government and the Syrian opposition oppose federalization in the war-ravaged country.
• Top US Defense Officials Refute Putin's Syria Claims VOA 17 Mar 2016 -- Top U.S. defense officials are launching renewed criticism at Russian President Vladimir Putin, charging that Moscow's military intervention in Syria failed to achieve its stated goals, and that it likely lessened Russia's standing in the region.
• Kurds Claim Federal Region in Northern Syria VOA 17 Mar 2016 -- Syrian Kurds declared a federal region Thursday in areas they control in the northern part of the country, a move that was immediately rejected by both the Syrian government and an opposition group.
• Daesh committing 'genocide' against Shias, Christians: Kerry Press TV 17 Mar 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry has determined that the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group is committing "genocide" against religious minorities in Iraq and Syria.
• Remarks on Daesh and Genocide US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
• Kerry: IS Atrocities Are Genocide VOA 17 Mar 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has determined that atrocities committed by the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria constitute genocide.
• Under Military Pressure, IS Lost 22 Percent of Its Territory in 15 Months VOA 17 Mar 2016 -- Increased military pressure against Islamic State fighters in both Syria and Iraq led to the group losing 22 percent of its territory in the past 15 months, with about half of the loss coming since the beginning of this year.
• Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 17 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Kurds in Northern Syria to Draft Federalization Document Within 6 Months Sputnik 17 Mar 2016 -- The inaugural council of the self-declared Democratic Federal System for Rojava and Northern Syria plans to enact a federalization law within the next six months, a Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) source said on Thursday.
• Syrian National Opposition Coalition Opposes Kurds' Federalization Sputnik 17 Mar 2016 -- The National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces declared its opposition to the Kurdish groups' declaration of a federal region in northern Syria, Sky News Arabia reported Thursday.
• Kurds Announce Creation of Federal Region in Northern Syria Sputnik 17 Mar 2016 -- Kurds have announced the creation of a federal region in northern Syria on Thursday, media reported.
• Over 40 Syrian Armed Groups Intent on Joining Truce - Reconciliation Center Sputnik 17 Mar 2016 -- The total number of Syrian armed groups that have joined the ceasefire regime has reached 43.
• Russian Pullout From Syria to Solidify Geneva Peace Talks - OIC Sputnik 17 Mar 2016 -- The withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria is a positive step that should solidify the ongoing peace negotiations in Geneva, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said in a release on Thursday.
• UN Blocked From Delivering Aid to Besieged Areas in Syria VOA 17 Mar 2016 -- The United Nations is appealing to the Syrian government to provide the permits needed to send humanitarian aid convoys into besieged and hard-to-reach areas and to allow a life-saving vaccination campaign for children to go ahead.
• Putin: Russia Could Boost Syrian Military Presence Again, if Needed VOA 17 Mar 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says even with his troop withdrawal from the Syrian warfront he could if necessary, within 'several hours,' ramp up Moscow's military presence there again.
• Putin lauds Russian military ops in Syria Press TV 17 Mar 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed Russia's military forces returning from Syria, saying their achievements in the militant-riddled Arab country has laid the ground for peace there.
• Army makes inroads against Daesh in Syria Press TV 17 Mar 2016 -- Syrian army forces have launched fresh successful operations against Daesh Takfiri terrorists in different parts of the country.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Warren via Teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 16 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel Steve Warren, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman
• Putin's Syria Gambit: Russian Pundits Ponder What Moscow Achieved RFE/RL 16 Mar 2016 -- about 10 percent of Russia's military assets in the country, mostly warplanes that can be returned to Syria in just hours -- as a victorious end to a limited, focused military campaign.
• Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 16 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Russia: Turkey's actions undermine Syria peace efforts Press TV 16 Mar 2016 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday Turkey's actions in the region reduce the effectiveness of the cessation of hostilities in Syria.
• Another group of Russian jets leave Syria: Moscow Press TV 16 Mar 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says another group of Russian jets have left Syria and flown back to their home bases in line with Moscow's partial withdrawal from the war-hit country.
• Damascus' Proposals Rule Out Possibility of Syria's Federalization Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- Head of the Syrian government's delegation on intra-Syrian talks Bashar Jaafari said that the respect of the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, no divisive approaches politely called federalization are the Basic Elements for a political settlement in Syria.
• US Will Not Recognize 'Self-Rule' Semi-Autonomous Kurdish Zone in Syria Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- US Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner stated that Washington remains committed to the unity and territorial integrity of Syria.
• Russia's 'Largely Achieved' Syrian Objectives in Facts and Figures Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- Amid Russia's partial pullout from Syria, Sputnik provides the facts and figures to illustrate what has been accomplished in the five months and fourteen days since the launch of Russia's air campaign.
• Russia to Continue Fight Against Terrorism in Syria Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- Deputy Secretary General of the Russian Security Council Evgeny Lukyanov said that Russian military presence would remain at Syria's Tartus Naval Base and at the Hmeymim Airbase to continue strikes against terrorists.
• Russia's Hmeymim, Tartus Facilities in Syria Not Military Bases Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- Russia's Hmeymim and Tartus facilities cannot be named as 'Russian military bases', Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.
• Smoke on the Euphrates: Syrian Army Decimates Daesh in Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Army and the country's National Defense Force have reportedly managed to take full control two neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria's largest city, as well as a strategic route connecting a nearby city with an oilfield.
• Damascus Unsurprised by Russia's Syria Pullout - Assad's Aide Sputnik 16 Mar 2016 -- Moscow's decision to withdraw its air group from Syria has not surprised official Damascus, a political and media adviser to the Syrian President Bashar Assad said Wednesday.
• Syrian Kurds Set to Declare Autonomous Federal Region in Syria VOA 16 Mar 2016 -- Representatives of Syria's largest Kurdish party say they plan to declare an autonomous federal region for the areas they control in the northern part of the country.
• Kerry to Meet with Putin on Moscow's Troop Withdrawal From Syria VOA 16 Mar 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry plans to travel to Moscow next week to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin's troop withdrawal from Syria and the new push for peace in the war-torn country.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room DoD 15 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
• Syria: opposition raises issue of detainees, aid access as UN-mediated talks continue UN News 15 Mar 2016 -- On a day that began with a minute of silence in honour of those that have lost their lives during the five-year conflict in Syria, the United Nations envoy mediating peace talks among the Syrian parties gave a progress report, saying that opposition representatives raised the issue of detainees today, as well as humanitarian aid to Daraya and other sites of heavy fighting.
• Syria withdrawal: Which of Russia's forces are being pulled out? Russia Beyond the Headlines 15 Mar 2016 -- Russia is withdrawing more than half of its fighters and bombers from Syria, while leaving its missile defense systems and naval fleet in the Mediterranean. Despite the pullout, the Russian armed forces will continue to strike positions Moscow says are held by ISIS militants.
• What Motivated Moscow's Announced Syria Withdrawal? VOA 15 Mar 2016 -- In announcing a partial draw down of Russian forces from Syria this week, President Vladimir Putin insisted that Russia's nearly 6-month military campaign had largely achieved its goals.
• Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 15 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Pentagon Says Top IS Commander Died From Air Strike Injuries RFE/RL 15 Mar 2016 -- Top Islamic State commander (IS) Umar al-Shishani, also known as 'Omar the Chechen,' died from injuries he received from a U.S. air strike, Pentagon officials confirmed on March 14.
• US: IS Commander 'Omar the Chechen' Has Died VOA 15 Mar 2016 -- The United States says that a top Islamic State commander known as Omar the Chechen has died from injuries he suffered a week ago when an American airstrike targeted him in Syria.
• Putin orders withdrawal of Russian air forces deployed in Syria People's Daily 15 Mar 2016 -- The Russian air forces deployed in Syria would start withdrawal from March 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
• Syria victorious in mini-world war: Iran official Press TV 15 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian people have so far been triumphant in the "mini-world war" waged by foreign parties in their country, a senior adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, says.
• Daesh commander alive with no injuries, report says Press TV 15 Mar 2016 -- News of the death of a senior commander of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in a US airstrike in Syria is rejected, a report says.
• Syria forces backed by Russian airstrikes advance toward Palmyra Press TV 15 Mar 2016 -- Syrian forces backed by Russian airstrikes have made major gains to the west of the central city of Palmyra, which is held by the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, a report says.
• Russia military withdrawal from Syria positive sign: Zarif Press TV 15 Mar 2016 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has hailed as a "positive sign" Russia's decision to begin withdrawing its troops from conflict-stricken Syria, where a ceasefire extends into a third week.
• Syria denies Russia troops withdrawal linked to disagreement Press TV 15 Mar 2016 -- Damascus has denied that Russia's announcement to withdraw its military forces from the Arab country "reflects a Syrian-Russian difference."
• Russia Says Forces Have Begun Drawdown In Syria RFE/RL 15 Mar 2016 -- Russian has begun the withdrawal of military assets from Syria following an order by President Vladimir Putin, according to statements by the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Kurds Notify Russian, US Centers of Turkey Violating Ceasefire in Syria Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- People's Protection Units (YPG) officials sent the ceasefire coordination centers a notice that Turkey violated ceasefire in Syria by shelling of YPG positions.
• Syrian Ceasefire Turns Violent Rebels Against Each Other Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- The largely observed ceasefire in Syria has apparently forced some rebel groups which were fighting together against the government troops to use their violence against each other. When Division 13 of the Free Syrian Army and the al-Nusra Front clashed, the jihadists had to escape from a town in Idlib Province.
• Russian Campaign in Syria Disrupts Terrorists' Expansion Plans Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- Russia's air campaign in Syria prevented terrorist plans to expand into Russia and other countries, as well as undermined their administrative system and economic potential, Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said Tuesday.
• Syrian Army Recaptures Part of Highway East of Deir Ez-Zor From Daesh Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army has regained a section of an Eastern Syrian highway from the Daesh terrorist group, a local source told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• Russia to Keep All Equipment in Syria to Defend Facilities, Including S-400 Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- Russia will keep doing everything necessary to protect its bases in Syria both from the air and from the ground, Kremlin Administration head Sergei Ivanov said Tuesday.
• Russian Su-24, Su-25, Su-34 Warplanes Leaving Hmeymim Airbase in Syria Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- Russian Su-24 attack aircraft, Su-25 close air support jets and Su-34 fighter-bombers are being withdrawn from the Hmeymim airbase in Latakia, according to media reports.
• With Syrian peace talks underway, UN urges support for negotiations and impacted Syrians UN News 15 Mar 2016 -- Marking the fifth anniversary of the Syrian conflict, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed to the stakeholders and the Security Council to fulfil their responsibilities and to help make the United Nations-mediated peace talks a success.
• First Russian Warplanes Arrive Home as Syrian Withdrawal Starts VOA 15 Mar 2016 -- The first wave of Russian warplanes arrived home Tuesday from Syria, following President Vladimir Putin's surprise announcement to withdraw most of his forces from the Middle Eastern country after a five-and-a-half-month operation.
• Russia begins shipping out Syria equipment: Defense Ministry Press TV 15 Mar 2016 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says the country has started shipping its military equipment and materials out of Syria.
• Putin's Pullout: Behind Russia's New Syria Surprise RFE/RL 15 Mar 2016 -- Vladimir Putin surprised his country and the world on March 14 by ordering the start of a partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria, less than six months after the beginning of an air campaign that followed a swift and secretive buildup on the ground. What are the motives and messages behind the announcement?
• Russian Aerospace Forces to Be Withdrawn From Syria According to Schedule Sputnik 15 Mar 2016 -- Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Col.-Gen. Viktor Bondarev said that the return of main part of the aviation group from Syria will be fulfilled according to the schedule.
• Putin Orders Withdrawal of Russian Forces from Syria VOA 14 Mar 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria, as new U.N.-mediated peace talks on Syria began in Geneva.
• Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 14 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• UN envoy expects Syria talks to yield 'clear roadmap' Press TV 14 Mar 2016 -- The UN special envoy for Syria says he expects the talks on Syria to result in a clear roadmap, if not an agreement, to resolve the crisis in the war-ravaged country.
• UN-Mediated Syria Peace Talks Open In Geneva RFE/RL 14 Mar 2016 -- United Nations-mediated peace talks have started in Geneva between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and representatives of Syrian opposition factions.
• Russian Air Campaign Helping Political Settlement Process in Syria – Lavrov Sputnik 14 Mar 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow has consistently backed the promotion of intra-Syrian dialogue in accordance with the decisions that were made back in 2012.
• New Intra-Syrian Talks Doomed to Fail Without Kurds - Kurdish Delegate Sputnik 14 Mar 2016 -- Talks between Syrian government and opposition delegates are doomed to failure if the Kurds do not attain full representation at the negotiating table, the co-chair of the People's Council of Western Kurdistan told Sputnik on Monday.
• Putin Orders Start of Withdrawal From Syria Beginning Tuesday Sputnik 14 Mar 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow will begin withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria.
• At Least 161 Cases of Chemical Weapons Use Registered in Syria Sputnik 14 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian-American Medical Society (SAMS) have recorded at least 161 cases of chemical weapon`s usage in Syria since the start of the five-year conflict.
• UN Envoy Warns of 'Worse War' in Syria If Peace Talks Fail VOA 14 Mar 2016 -- U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura began a new round of peace talks Monday in Geneva, warning that the only alternative to the negotiations is returning to 'even worse war than we had so far.'
• Syria Peace Talks Resuming With Divide Over Assad's Future VOA 14 Mar 2016 -- U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is due to meet with Syria's warring parties for 'substantive' talks Monday in Geneva aimed at ending the country's five-year conflict.
• Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 13 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Syrian PM's comments on Assad disruptive to peace: Kerry Press TV 13 Mar 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry has slammed as "disruptive to peace" remarks by his Syrian counterpart who has described President Bashar al-Assad's ouster as a "red line."
• Russia says has evidence of Turkey forces on Syria soil Press TV 13 Mar 2016 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has evidence that Turkish forces are on Syrian territory despite Ankara's denial of troops' entry to the war-torn Arab country.
• Militant infighting intensifies in Syria's Idlib Press TV 13 Mar 2016 -- A fresh wave of infighting has erupted between rival anti-government groups in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, leaving a number of militants dead or injured.
• Syrian forces make more headway in Homs Press TV 13 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army and its allied forces have recaptured new areas from Takfiri militants in the central-western province of Homs, inflicting heavy losses on the terrorists, military sources say.
• Kerry Meets European Ministers In Paris Ahead Of Syria Talks RFE/RL 13 Mar 2016 -- U.S.Secretary of State John Kerry met with the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Italy, and Germany – along with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini - in Paris on March 13.
• Nusra Front Shelling in Two Syrian Provinces Kills 10 Sputnik 13 Mar 2016 -- 10 people were killed and about 30 wounded in the Syrian provinces of Damascus and Idlib as a result of continuous shelling by the Nusra Front militants, according to the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation.
• Ceasefire in Syria Violated 29 Times Over 24 Hours - Reconciliation Center Sputnik 13 Mar 2016 -- According to Russian center for Syrian reconciliation, the ceasefire regime in Syria has been violated 29 times over the past 24 hours.
• Syrian Gov't, Opposition Must Have Right to Veto in Transitional Body Sputnik 13 Mar 2016 -- One of the leaders of the Syrian Popular Front for Change and Liberation Qadri Jamil said that it is too early to talk about the federalization of Syria, as the balance between central and local authorities should be discussed first at the reconciliation negotiations.
• Al-Nusra Attacks Syria's Chief US Proxy Group, Steals TOW Missiles Sputnik 13 Mar 2016 -- The al-Nusra Front terrorist group seized weapons systems and bases from a key US proxy group in Syria's Idleb province.
• Reaching New Heights: Syrian Army Targets Hill Overlooking Key Idlib Town Sputnik 13 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Army and the country's National Defense Force have reportedly managed to move closer to Kabani hill near the border between Latakia and Idlib Provinces.
• US: Syria 'Clearly Trying to Disrupt' Peace Talks VOA 13 Mar 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday accused Syria of "clearly trying to disrupt' the U.N.-sponsored peace talks aimed at ending the bloody five-year civil war in the country by demanding that there be no discussion of removing President Bashar al-Assad from power.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Syrian jet crashes over central Hama province Press TV 12 Mar 2016 -- A Syrian government fighter jet has crashed in the country's western-central province of Hama.
• Russia urges Turkey not to torpedo Syria peace talks Press TV 12 Mar 2016 -- Russia has called on Turkey to stop actions that could torpedo Syria's peace talks and disrupt the ceasefire in the war-stricken country.
• Syrian Air Force MiG-21 Jet Downed, Pilot Killed - Source Sputnik 12 Mar 2016 -- A Syrian Air Force MiG-21 jet reportedly has been downed near a military airfield in Hama Governorate.
• Russian Defense Ministry Says 42 Armed Groups Join Syrian Ceasefire Sputnik 12 Mar 2016 -- The number of armed groups that have joined the Syrian ceasefire reached 42, while negotiations with three more are underway, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday.
• Inside the Battle Between Syrian Army and Daesh Terrorists in Homs Sputnik 12 Mar 2016 -- Over a year ago the terrorist group Daesh captured the strategically important city al-Quaryatayn in the southeast province of Homs. Over time, the city has become a stronghold for the terrorists, as it is situated on the main transport route between Damascus and Palmyra.
• We Stand for Unity': Damascus Opposes Federalization, Partition of Syria Sputnik 12 Mar 2016 -- Syria's leadership opposes the partition of the republic and does not support the idea of the country's federalization, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said Saturday.
• Countdown to Victory: Syrian Army Closing In on Aleppo-Raqqa Border Sputnik 12 Mar 2016 -- Syrian Army troops and allied popular units have significantly advanced against Daesh terrorists in the southeastern parts of Aleppo province and are now moving towards the Euphrates and its nearby regions in Raqqa province, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
• Syria Talks to Go Ahead as Planned VOA 12 Mar 2016 -- The United States' top diplomat said the U.N.-sponsored peace talks on Syria should go ahead as planned Monday despite what he called 'perceived truce violations' by the Syrian government.
• As UN Prepares to Resume Syrian Talks, US Condemns Cease-Fire Violations VOA 11 Mar 2016 -- The United States on Friday condemned the Syrian government for hampering deliveries of humanitarian aid and for launching airstrikes that have reportedly hit civilians.
• Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 11 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Warren via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 11 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel Steve Warren, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
• OIR Spokesman: 82nd Airborne Division Completes Iraq Mission AFPS 11 Mar 2016 -- The 82nd Airborne Division relinquished command of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq, to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) March 8 in Baghdad, Combined Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters here today.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 11 Mar 2016 -- Royal Air Force aircraft, flying as part of the global coalition against Daesh, have struck further terrorist targets in support of the Iraqi ground forces.
• Key powers discuss possibility of Syria federal division: Diplomats Press TV 11 Mar 2016 -- Major powers have discussed a federal division of Syria as a possible option to end five years of foreign-backed militancy in the Arab state, UN diplomats say.
• Obama 'proud' didn't bomb Syria over claimed chemical arms use Press TV 11 Mar 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has said he is "proud" that he stood up to intense pressure in 2013 and refused to order airstrikes against Syria on allegations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons near Damascus.
• Syrian Army Destroys Daesh Command Center, Firing Positions Near Palmyra Sputnik 11 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian army has destroyed four Daesh firing positions, a large disguised ammunition depot and a command center northwest of the city of Palmyra, a source in the operational headquarters of the army said Friday.
• Russian-Syrian Humanitarian Aid Delivered to Syria's Al Tall Sputnik 11 Mar 2016 -- The Russian-Syrian humanitarian aid is delivered to partially seized by militants Syria's southern city of Al Tall in the Damascus province, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Friday.
• Adherence to the Cessation of Hostilities US Dept. of State 11 Mar 2016 -- "After two weeks, the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria is still largely holding. None of the armed factions, nor the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) itself, has indicated they want the Cessation to end, and so the United States, the UN, and other members of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) consider it still in effect. "
• UN aid officials, partners appeal for 'real peace' ahead of Syrian conflict anniversary UN News 11 Mar 2016 -- Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Syrian conflict, senior United Nations humanitarian officials and their partners today made a joint appeal for a political solution to end the fighting and pledged to keep up pressure for access to all civilians in the country.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 10 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 10 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Syrian army recaptures villages, areas in Aleppo Press TV 10 Mar 2016 -- Syrian army soldiers have cleared several villages and areas of Takfiri Daesh terrorists in the northern province of Aleppo, a military source says.
• ISIL top commander 'not dead' after US strike in Syria Press TV 10 Mar 2016 -- Despite US defense officials' assessments that Omar al-Shishani, a high-ranking commander of the Takfiri Daesh group in Syria, "likely died" in a US airstrike, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the militant has survived the attack.
• Syrian Monitor: US Strike Did Not Kill Islamic State Commander VOA 10 Mar 2016 -- A group that monitors violence in Syria says an Islamic State militant described as the group's military commander was seriously injured, but not killed, in an airstrike last week.
• Syrian Army Destroys Daesh Tunnel Depot, Restores Security in Aleppo Sputnik 10 Mar 2016 -- Syrian army units active in the northern city of Aleppo found and destroyed a tunnel used by terrorists as an arms depot, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Wednesday.
• UN Medical Team Enters Yalda District of Damascus for 1st Time in 5 Months Sputnik 10 Mar 2016 -- UNRWA has provided health care in the Yalda district of Damascus, Syria for the first time since September 2015.
• Russian, Syrian Aviation Drives Nusra Front Away From Suburbs of Idlib Sputnik 09 Mar 2016 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian aviation have driven al-Nusra Front militants away from the Syrian city of Idlib.
• Five Syrian Moderate Opposition Commanders Join Ceasefire - Russian MoD Sputnik 09 Mar 2016 -- Truce agreements with five Syria's moderate opposition field commanders have been concluded in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Syrian Aviation Drops Leaflets Urging Deir ez-Zor Militants to Surrender Sputnik 09 Mar 2016 -- Syrian army helicopters dropped leaflets across a number of villages in the eastern Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor calling on militants to lay down arms, local sources told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Syrian Army Wins Back Strategic Region in Homs in Blitz Offensive Sputnik 09 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Army seized back part of al-Quaryatayn city in the eastern part of Homs province and a strategic hilltop as part of its ongoing advance on Daesh terrorists, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
• UN: Syria talks to begin next week, as humanitarian aid reaches more besieged areas UN News 09 Mar 2016 -- The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria today announced that 'substantive' UN-mediated peace talks will begin next Monday, as humanitarian aid convoys continue to reach more people in besieged and hard-to-reach areas following a nationwide cessation of hostilities that began on 27 February.
• Inherent Resolve Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 09 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Counter-ISIL Operations Aim to Isolate Raqqa AFPS 09 Mar 2016 -- Coalition operations continue to isolate the Syrian city of Raqqa, the so-called capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
• Daesh rocket attacks kill 9 civilians in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 09 Mar 2016 -- At least nine civilians have been killed and 15 others injured in rocket attacks by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group on residential neighborhoods in the province of Dayr al-Zawr in eastern Syria.
• Ceasefire in Syria an open-ended process: UN envoy Press TV 09 Mar 2016 -- The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura says the nearly two-week-old ceasefire in Syria does not need to be renewed because of its "open-ended" nature.
• Syrian forces seize four villages from Takfiri militants in Aleppo Press TV 09 Mar 2016 -- Syrian government forces have seized four villages from Takfiri militants in the northern province of Aleppo, local media report.
• Syria militants use phosphorus in chemical attack in Aleppo: Kurds Press TV 09 Mar 2016 -- Militant groups operating in Syria have used yellow phosphorous in a chemical attack on a mainly Kurdish residential district in the northern city of Aleppo, a Syrian Kurdish group says.
• War in Syria could cost $1.3 trillion by 2020: Report Press TV 09 Mar 2016 -- An international charity organization says the years-long war in Syria will cost the country $1.3 trillion if the conflict lasts until 2020.
• Syria Talks Open; Focus on Key Issues Expected Monday VOA 09 Mar 2016 -- United Nations Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura says "substantive" talks on a political transition in Syria are expected to begin on Monday and will not last beyond March 24.
• U.S. Air Strikes Likely Killed Top IS Commander, 'The Chechen' RFE/RL 09 Mar 2016 -- Pentagon officials said U.S. air strikes last week likely killed a top Islamic State (IS) commander known as Umar 'the Chechen' al-Shishani, along with 12 other IS fighters.
• Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Syria Airstrike DoD 08 Mar 2016 -- A U.S. airstrike on March 4, near al Shaddadi, Syria, targeted senior ISIL leader Tarkhan Tayumurazovich Batirashvili, also known as Abu Umar al-Shishani, and 'Omar the Chechen.'
• US Trying to Determine if Key IS Leader Killed in Airstrike VOA 08 Mar 2016 -- The United States is trying to determine if an airstrike last week in Syria killed a top Islamic State leader.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DOD 08 Mar 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
• Key Players No-Shows as Syria Talks Re-Open VOA 08 Mar 2016 -- Political talks between the Syrian government and opposition are set to formally resume Wednesday, although key players will be absent.
• Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 08 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Turkey fires artillery rounds into Syria after alleged attack Press TV 08 Mar 2016 -- Turkey's military opened rounds of artillery fire Tuesday into Syrian territories after an alleged rocket attack from across the border killed one person and injured another.
• Damascus ready to attend talks; opposition remains undecided Press TV 08 Mar 2016 -- Syria has announced its readiness to attend the peace talks slated to resume next week, while the Saudi-backed opposition is still undecided whether to partake in the sessions.
• Syrian Kurds Deny Shelling Turkish Territory Sputnik 08 Mar 2016 -- There were no shelling from the Syrian territory toward Turkey, according to a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
• Kurds Account for 80% of US-Trained Syrian Democratic Forces Sputnik 08 Mar 2016 -- About 80 percent of US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces were Kurds, according to Commander of US Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
• US Observes Russian-Kurdish Cooperation in Syria - CENTCOM Commander Sputnik 08 Mar 2016 -- United States has seen Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria cooperating militarily with Russian forces
• Russia, Syria Attacked No Opposition Groups Party to Ceasefire Sputnik 08 Mar 2016 -- According to Russian Defense Ministry, Russian and Syrian air forces have conducted no airstrikes on opposition groups which had joined the Syrian ceasefire.
• No Peace for Al-Nusra: Syrian Army Advances on Western Idlib Sputnik 08 Mar 2016 -- With a ceasefire currently in place in Syria, the country's army and National Defense Force reportedly managed to take full control of two more villages in the western province of Latakia, in an attack that left dozens of Al-Nusra Front terrorists killed or wounded.
• Syrian Army Begins Assault on Main Daesh Stronghold in Homs Sputnik 08 Mar 2016 -- Syrian army launches offensive against Daesh stronghold in southwestern part of Homs province, according to a source.
• Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 07 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 07 Mar 2016 -- Daesh terrorists have again been struck hard by Royal Air Force aircraft over Syria and Iraq.
• 'US building two airbases in northern Syria's Kurdish region' Press TV 07 Mar 2016 -- The United States has almost completed the establishment of an airbase in Syria's Kurdish-held northern territory amid construction of a second base there, a new report says.
• Turkey shelling Syria Kurdish fighters in Aleppo: YPG Press TV 07 Mar 2016 -- A Syrian Kurdish official says Turkey has fired artillery shells at Kurdish fighters in Syria's northern province of Aleppo.
• Iran, Russia urge diplomacy to settle Syria crisis Press TV 07 Mar 2016 -- Senior Iranian and Russian diplomats have once again reaffirmed the importance of settling the five-year-old crisis in Syria through political approaches.
• Biden rules out military solution for Syria Press TV 07 Mar 2016 -- US Vice President Joe Biden has ruled out a military solution to end the years-long conflict in Syria, urging all parties involved to focus on a political settlement.
• Saudi-backed Syria opposition group 'to attend peace talks' Press TV 07 Mar 2016 -- A Saudi-backed Syrian opposition group says it will take part in the upcoming round of UN-brokered peace talks for Syria in Geneva.
• Syria Ceasefire Regime Violated Eight Times in Past 24 Hours Sputnik 07 Mar 2016 -- During the past 24 hours, the cessation of hostilities in Syria was violated eight times (two times in Hama province, three times in Aleppo, three times in Idlib), according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Now 35 Syrian Armed Groups Agree to Ceasefire - Reconciliation Center Sputnik 07 Mar 2016 -- The total number of illegal armed groups that have declared their commitment to the implementation and adoption of the terms of the cessation of hostilities in Syria reached 35, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Russia Sends List of Syrian Settlements Requiring Humanitarian Aid to UN Sputnik 07 Mar 2016 -- The Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria has prepared a list of conflict-torn settlements requiring humanitarian aid and appealed to the United Nations, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.
• Russian Jets Only Bombing Terrorists' Positions in Syria – Russian MoD Sputnik 07 Mar 2016 -- Russian bombers are currently only targeting positions held by Daesh and al Nusra Front terrorists, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.
• Russia Delivers 620 Tons of Humanitarian Aid to Syria - Russian MoD Sputnik 07 Mar 2016 -- The Russian Federation has delivered hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid to several of Syria's most conflict-ravaged provinces, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
• Syria: water restored in Aleppo after a 48-day shutdown, UNICEF reports UN News 07 Mar 2016 -- A facility that provides drinking water to more than two million people in and around the Syrian city of Aleppo has resumed its operations over the weekend, following a 48-day deliberate shutdown, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported.
• Syrian Opposition Ready to Attend Geneva Peace Talks VOA 07 Mar 2016 -- The main Syrian opposition group signaled Monday it intends to take part in renewed U.N.-led peace talks set to begin later this week.
• Germany's Tornado Jets Made Some 150 Flights as Part of Syria Operation Sputnik 07 Mar 2016 -- Germany's Tornado reconnaissance jets made about 150 flights in Syria as a part of the counter-terrorist operation in the country
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 06 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Shelling in Syria's Aleppo kills 14, injures 40 Press TV 06 Mar 2016 -- Terrorist militants have fired a barrage of mortars and rockets into a busy market in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, leaving at least 14 people dead and 40 more injured.
• Disillusioned Volunteer Says Syria A Battle For War Booty, Territory RFE/RL 06 Mar 2016 -- Ideals give way to disillusionment easily in Syria, where foreign militants who go with ideals of helping the Syrian population often find themselves embroiled in battles between rival groups for plunder and territory instead.
• Daesh Hunts for Elders, Local Leaders Joining Syrian Truce Sputnik 06 Mar 2016 -- Daesh terrorists are taking efforts to capture elders and administration leaders of towns, field commanders of 'moderate' Syrian opposition, who had signed ceasefire agreements in order to set the ceasefire regime back, according to the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation.
• Russian Reconciliation Center Records 15 Ceasefire Violations in 24 Hours Sputnik 06 Mar 2016 -- Over the past 24 hours the cessation of hostilities in Syria was violated 15 times, according to the Russian reconciliation center.
• Nusra Front Terrorists Shell Turkey to Provoke Return Fire Sputnik 06 Mar 2016 -- The Nusra Front terrorists shelled Turkish territory several times from Syria to provoke return fire from Turkish armed forces, the head of Russia's reconciliation center said Sunday.
• Spring Cleaning: Syrian Army Crushes Terrorists in Latakia Province Sputnik 06 Mar 2016 -- Amid a ceasefire arrangement that has restored calm to much of Syria and the promise of Aleppo regaining access to electricity, the Syrian Army and the country's National Defense Force have continued a joint offensive against terrorist groups in the western province of Latakia, media reports said.
• Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 05 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• US sending nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to bomb Daesh Press TV 05 Mar 2016 -- The US is set to deploy its nuclear-capable B-52 bombers against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group in Iraq and Syria, a report says.
• Syrian opposition groups call for Russia's protection from Daesh Press TV 05 Mar 2016 -- Several Syrian opposition groups have requested protection from Moscow as the Takfiri terrorists launch manhunt for those participating in a recently announced ceasefire, the Russian military says.
• YPG says Turkish troops fired on it in northeast Syria Press TV 05 Mar 2016 -- A Syrian Kurdish group says the Turkish army has fired on its members in northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli on the border with Turkey.
• Syrian Rebels Seize Iraq Border Crossing From Islamic State RFE/RL 05 Mar 2016 -- Syrian rebel fighters seized control of a crossing on the Iraqi border, activists said, after air strikes from the U.S.-coalition battered Islamic State fighters, pushing them back from the Syrian side of the border.
• Russia Delivers 3,5 Metric Tons of Aid to Syria's Latakia Province Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- The specialists of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation delivered food and drinking water to the residents of the settlement of Latakia as well as provided them with medical treatment, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Turkish Armed Forces Bombed Syrian Territory on March 4 Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- Turkish tanks from the territory near the Turkish town of Akcabaglar shelled the settlement of Dikmedase Idlib province in Syria on March 4, 2016, at 16:00, according to the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation.
• Syrian Reconciliation Center Records Nine Ceasefire Violations Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- Nine violations of the cessation of hostilities in Syria have been recorded, including six in the province of Aleppo and one each in Latakia and Daraa, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Russia Announces 30 Moderate Syrian Opposition Groups Join Ceasefire Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- The total number of 'moderate' opposition units joining the reconciliation process in Syria has reached 30, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation to Protect Opposition Leaders Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- Lt. Gen. Kuralenko, commander of the Hmeymim-based Russian center for Syrian reconciliation, said that Russian experts held 23 meetings with Syrian opposition and political forces since the center began operations, in which group leaders requested protection from Daesh.
• Demoralizing Daesh: Syrian Army Liberates Strategic Village Near Palmyra Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- With the ceasefire currently in place in Syria, the country's Army and National Defense Force have liberated one more key village in Homs Province from Daesh terrorists, media reports said.
• Turkish Forces Attack Daesh Targets in Syria's Aleppo Sputnik 05 Mar 2016 -- Turkish forces have launched artillery fire against Daesh targets in the north of Syria's Aleppo province, Turkish media report.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 04 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Iraqi Forces Preparing for Mosul Assault, OIR Spokesman Says AFPS 04 Mar 2016 -- With coalition support, Iraqi security forces are preparing for the assault to reclaim the key city of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said today.
• Water returns to Syria's Aleppo after Daesh stoppage Press TV 04 Mar 2016 -- Water has returned to pumping stations in Syria's Aleppo city after Daesh Takfiri terrorists stopped water supplies to residents for 48 days.
• UN envoy calls for no foreign interference in Assad fate Press TV 04 Mar 2016 -- The UN special envoy for Syria says it is only the Syrian people who should decide the fate of their President Bashar al-Assad, rejecting foreign interference in the country's affairs.
• Arms supplied daily to Syria militants via Turkey border: Russia Press TV 04 Mar 2016 -- Columns of trucks carrying cargo and weapons for militants in Syria cross into the war-wracked country from Turkey on a daily basis, Russian Defense Ministry says.
• Syria militants not observing agreement on cessation of hostilities: YPG Press TV 04 Mar 2016 -- A Syrian Kurdish group says foreign-backed militants in Syria's northern Aleppo Province have not been observing an agreement for cessation of hostilities in the country.
• Britain, France, Russia, Germany Pledge Work Toward Syria Peace RFE/RL 04 Mar 2016 -- Leaders from Britain, France, Russia, and Germany pledged to work toward a more substantial peace process to resolve the crisis in Syria, even as a U.S.-Russian-brokered truce began to show signs of unraveling and a major Syrian opposition group dismissed the chance for new talks.
• US State Dept Asserts Syrian Diaspora Vote to Result in Assad's Ouster Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- The votes cast in the new elections in Syria by the diaspora, displaced from the country during the five year civil war, will most likely result in the ouster of the sitting Syrian President Bashar Assad, US Department of State spokesman Mark Toner said on Friday.
• Denmark Considers Sending Extra Servicemen, Fighter Jets to Syria Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- The office of the Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced on Friday that the country may expand its anti-Daesh campaign in Syria by sending F-16 fighter jets, C130J transport aircraft and 400 military personnel to the war-torn country.
• Russian MoD Accuses Turkey of Ongoing Hostilities in Syria's Aleppo, Idlib Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- Ankara is fully responsible for ongoing hostilities in Syria's Aleppo and Idlib provinces as Turkey ensures steady supply of weapons to terrorists and keeps shelling groups of Kurdish militia fighting against al-Nusra Front, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
• Truce Reached With Syria's Jaysh al-Islam, Opposition Groups – Russian MoD Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- A ceasefire deal has been reached with the field commander of Syria's militant group Jaysh al-Islam and five other opposition forces, the commander of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said Friday.
• Syria Parliamentary Election Not to Interfere in Peace Process - Kremlin Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a telephone conference with the leaders of Germany, France, Italy and Britain that the Syrian authorities' decision to hold parliamentary election in April would not interfere in the peace process in the country, the Kremlin's press service said Friday.
• Kurdish Militia Chief Slams Ankara for Backing Terrorists' Advance in Syria Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- Turkey has been giving cover to Islamist militants and aiding them in the fight against Kurdish self-defense forces near its border with Syria, the head of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) has alleged.
• Military Sources: Turkish Tanks Not Shelling YPG VOA 04 Mar 2016 -- Turkish tanks shelled Islamic State positions in northern Syria and not those of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, Turkish military sources said on Friday, after the YPG said it was being targeted.
• Turkey Pushes Programs to Educate Syrian Refugee Children VOA 04 Mar 2016 -- With an estimated 500,000 Syrian refugee children in Turkey not attending school, the government is continuing to push for more educational programs. In a suburb of Istanbul, a pilot project is addressing the massive problem of educating children living outside refugee camps.
• All Hands On Deck: Russian Military Sets Up High-Tech Radar System in Syria Sputnik 04 Mar 2016 -- Russian military have set up electronic systems, which allows monitoring violations of the ceasefire in Syria.
• Humanitarian Groups Call for Sustained Cease-fire in Syria VOA 03 Mar 2016 -- Humanitarian groups say the cease-fire in Syria is an improvement, but needs to be more strictly enforced and sustained.
• Suspended Syrian Peace Talks to Resume Next Week VOA 03 Mar 2016 -- The United Nations' special envoy for Syria reported the cessation of hostilities in Syria is largely holding, so political talks aimed at ending the five-year-long civil war will be resumed next week as planned.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 03 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Syria peace holding despite minor breaches: UN envoy Press TV 03 Mar 2016 -- The UN special envoy for Syria has given an upbeat assessment of truce in Syria, saying the ceasefire agreement engineered by the US and Russia has been holding across the country despite minor breaches.
• Some 30 towns, villages in Syria's Hama join national reconciliation Press TV 03 Mar 2016 -- Some 30 towns and villages in the Syrian province of Hama have joined the national reconciliation process through the mediation of a Russian center, the head of the center says.
• Kurdish fighters retake strategic hill in surprise attack in Aleppo Press TV 03 Mar 2016 -- A coalition of mostly Kurdish and Syrian forces has recaptured a strategic region from Takfiri terrorists in Syria's northwestern province of Aleppo.
• [P]GCC decision on Hezbollah in line with Israeli agenda: Syria Press TV 03 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian government says the move by the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC) in declaring the Hezbollah resistance movement a "terrorist group" is in line with the Israeli regime's agenda.
• Jaish al-Islam Leaders in Damascus Join Ceasefire Regime in Syria Sputnik 03 Mar 2016 -- Jaish al-Islam leaders in the Damascus province decided to join the ceasefire regime in Syria, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Kurds Receive No Official Invitation to Join Next Syria Peace Talks Sputnik 03 Mar 2016 -- Syrian Kurds have received no official invitation to join the next round of Syrian peace talks, set to begin on March 9, despite a promise made by the countries organizing the negotiations, the head of the Syrian Kurds' representative office in Moscow said Thursday.
• Amnesty: Russian, Syrian Airstrikes Target Hospitals Deliberately VOA 03 Mar 2016 -- Amnesty International accused Russian and Syrian forces Thursday of deliberately targeting Syrian hospitals and medical facilities with airstrikes to ease the path for pro-regime ground forces advancing on northern Aleppo.
• Syria Suffers Nationwide Power Blackout VOA 03 Mar 2016 -- For the first time since the eruption of civil war in 2011, a nationwide electricity blackout hit Syria in the early hours Thursday.
• House Panel Accuses Assad, Russia, Iran of War Crimes in Syria VOA 02 Mar 2016 -- The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday unanimously passed two resolutions to increase pressure on the Obama administration to do more to stop Islamic State terrorists and to help the people of Syria.
• Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 02 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Over 200 killed in Kurds-Daesh clashes on Turkey-Syria border Press TV 02 Mar 2016 -- Fighters from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have clashed with the Takfiri Daesh terrorists near the Turkish border over the weekend, leaving a total of 206 people dead, among them civilians.
• 18 militants killed in Syria car bomb Press TV 02 Mar 2016 -- At least 18 militants, including a commander, have been killed in a car bomb explosion in Syria's southern province of Quneitra.
• Syria truce violated 31 times in three days: Russia Press TV 02 Mar 2016 -- Russia has announced that a truce it engineered with the United States for Syria has been violated on numerous occasions after it took effect.
• Seven killed in clashes near Jordan-Syria border Press TV 02 Mar 2016 -- At least seven people have been killed as clashes erupted between Jordanian security forces and Takfiri Daesh militants in the northern city of Irbid.
• Russian MoD Accuses Turkey of Attempts to Derail Syrian Ceasefire Sputnik 02 Mar 2016 -- Russia considers continuing artillery shelling of Syrian territory by Turkey to be a provocative act aimed at derailing reconciliation process in the war-torn country, the commander of the Russian center for reconciliation in Syria said Wednesday.
• Some 200 Civilians Remain Blocked by Turkish Army in Southern Kurdish City Sputnik 02 Mar 2016 -- About 200 people remain locked in the basement of buildings in the Kurdish town of Sur in southern Turkey fearing Turkish army would open fire on them if they go to the streets, Co-Chair of the Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Kamuran Yuksek told Sputnik Turkey on Wednesday.
• Hasty Retreat: Syrian Army Destroys Daesh Defenses in Raqqa Sputnik 02 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Army and allied popular units have inflicted heavy losses on Daesh terrorists in the northern Raqqa province in a series of fierce clashes with the enemy, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
• US Sees Positive Movement Toward Resumption of Syrian Peace Talks VOA 02 Mar 2016 -- A senior U.S. official said the agreements on the cessation of hostilities in Syria and the delivery of humanitarian aid are broadly holding, making him optimistic that the planned resumption of political negotiations will go forward.
• Russia, Syria Said Using Migrant Crisis As 'Weapon' Against West RFE/RL 02 Mar 2016 -- NATO's top commander warned that Russia and Syria have turned the refugee crisis into a 'weapon' against the West at a time when it lacks resources to counter a 'resurgent, aggressive' Russia.
• Syria: UN-mediated peace talks to resume on 9 March UN News 01 Mar 2016 -- The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, today announced that intra-Syrian peace talks he has been mediating in Geneva will resume next Wednesday, 9 March.
• Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 01 Mar 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 01 Mar 2016 -- Royal Air Force aircraft have inflicted further losses on Daesh terrorists in Syria and Iraq.
• Next round of Syria talks to open on March 9: UN envoy Press TV 01 Mar 2016 -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said Tuesday the next round of negotiations to end the deadly conflict in the Arab country will kick off on March 9.
• Russia after Turkey-Syria border closure over arms flow Press TV 01 Mar 2016 -- Russia's foreign minister has called for the closure of the Turkish border with Syria, saying the region is used to smuggle weapons into the Arab country to supply terror groups operating in Syria.
• Syria patience limited on truce breaches: President Assad Press TV 01 Mar 2016 -- President Bashar al-Assad of Syria says the army has so far refrained from responding to breaches of the ceasefire in the country but there are 'limits' to its patience.
• Syria Ground Operation Yet to Be Discussed at Military Level - Riyadh Sputnik 01 Mar 2016 -- A ground operation in Syria is yet to be discussed at a military level, Saudi Defense Ministry adviser Ahmed Asiri told Sputnik.
• Daesh Prepares 'Powerful Attack' on Key Kurdish-Held Syrian City Sputnik 01 Mar 2016 -- Daesh terrorists are preparing a new attack on the Kurdish-held city of Tell Abyad in Syria, Kurdistan National Congress spokesman Selahattin Soro said Tuesday.
• Russian Jets Not Striking Syrian Moderate Opposition Observing Truce Sputnik 01 Mar 2016 -- Russian warplanes did not attack regions controlled by Syria's 'moderate' opposition whose members joined the Moscow-Washington ceasefire agreement.
• Daesh Executes 8 Dutch Members for Attempt to Desert Near Raqqa - Source Sputnik 01 Mar 2016 -- Daesh executed eight militants near Daesh's de facto capital of Raqqa on suspicion they were plotting to desert, a source among the residents told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• Syrian Army Wins Back Hama-Aleppo Supply Line Amid Nationwide Offensive Sputnik 01 Mar 2016 -- The Syrian Army and its popular allies have recaptured the government forces' main supply line from Hama to Aleppo after a series of fierce firefights with Daesh terrorists, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
• Assad: Syria Truce a 'Glimmer of Hope' VOA 01 Mar 2016 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Tuesday the cessation of hostilities in his country's five-year war is a 'glimmer of hope.'
• Al-Qaida Recruitment in Syria May Jump VOA 01 Mar 2016 -- Rebel commanders and opposition activists are warning that jihadist recruitment of Syrian fighters is likely to jump in the coming months because of the collapse of some moderate militias and a shake-up of others in the wake of a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in northern Syria.
• Saudi says discussed Syria incursion with US Press TV 01 Mar 2016 -- A Saudi official says the kingdom and the US discussed the possibility of a ground incursion in Syria two weeks ago but they have not made a decision.
• Saudi Jets to Launch Missions From Turkish Airbase Upon US Order - Riyadh Sputnik 01 Mar 2016 -- According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, Riyadh will kick off it's combat missions in Syria as soon as the United States gives the green light.