March 2017 - Syria Special Weapons News

US-led Coalition Boosting Airfield Capabilities in Syria VOA 31 Mar 2017 -- With the capture of a strategic airfield in northern Syria this week from Islamic State, U.S.-backed forces and the American military have access to five air installations in the region, a network that can prove decisive in the fight against Islamic State, according to U.S. officials and analysts.
Daesh Tries to Bait US-Led Coalition Into Damaging Syria's Tabqa Dam Sputnik 31 Mar 2017 -- Daesh terrorist group has attempted to bait the US-led coalition into damaging the Tabqa dam in the vicinity of the Syrian city of Raqqa, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson Col. Joseph Scrocca told Sputnik on Friday.
Syrian Army Advances in Hama, Liberates 16 Villages in Past 24 Hours Sputnik 31 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian government forces have gained control over 16 settlements in the north of the Hama province in the past 24 hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Friday.
Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 31 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 18 strikes consisting of 66 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Over 2,000 terrorists killed in clashes with Syrian army near Hama: Report Press TV 31 Mar 2017 -- Heavy clashes are underway between the Syrian army and Takfiri militants near the western city of Hama where about 2,200 terrorists have been killed in less than a week, the official SANA news agency says.
Incremental progress but 'we're not yet there,' UN mediator on Syria reports UN News 31 Mar 2017 -- The latest round of the United Nations-facilitated intra-Syrian talks concluded today in Geneva where UN envoy Staffan de Mistura told journalists the discussions had been serious and the parties engaged, but "we're not yet there."
Washington Takes Focus Off Syrian Regime Change VOA 31 Mar 2017 -- The battle to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appears to be over - at least as far as the Trump administration is concerned.
Senators McCain, Graham Assail Apparent U.S. Shift On Demand For Assad Removal RFE/RL 30 Mar 2017 -- Two veteran Republican senators are criticizing U.S. administration officials for saying the United States is no longer insisting on the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a prerequisite for resolving the six-year civil war in Syria.
Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 30 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 29 strikes consisting of 78 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Assad fate up to Syrians to decide: US secretary of state Press TV 30 Mar 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the fate of President Bashar al-Assad is up to the Syrian people to decide.
Number of Syrian refugees passes 5 million: United Nations Press TV 30 Mar 2017 -- The United Nations says the number of refugees, who have fled the foreign-backed militancy in Syria, has now gone beyond the five million mark.
Representatives of Syrian Kurds Say Withdrawing From Intra-Syria Talks Round Sputnik 30 Mar 2017 -- The representatives of the Syrian Kurds in the opposition High Negotiations Committee in Geneva said Thursday in a statement seen by Sputnik they were terminating their participation in the fifth round of the ongoing talks as the Kurdish issue was being ignored.
'Daesh Commanders Are Fleeing' as Battle to Liberate Raqqa Draws Nearer Sputnik 30 Mar 2017 -- In an interview with Sputnik Turkey, Nasir Hec Mansur, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said that Daesh commanders are fleeing Raqqa as the army successfully advances toward the city.
Syrian Nationals Should Decide on Future of President Assad – Tillerson Sputnik 30 Mar 2017 -- The future of Syrian President Bashar Assad should be decided by the Syrians, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday.
More must be done to place Syrian refugees; conflict sees worst violence in months - UN UN News 30 Mar 2017 -- The world's attention has moved away from Syria following the battle for Aleppo, despite the fact that the last few months have been "some of the worst" for civilians, the United Nations humanitarian chief today told the Security Council, reiterating calls for an end to the six year conflict.
Turkish PM: Turkey's Euphrates Shield operation in Syria complete Press TV 29 Mar 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has announced the end of the country's Euphrates Shield operation on Syrian soil.
Syrian troops, allies liberate vast area in northeastern Aleppo Press TV 29 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces, backed by allied fighters from popular defense groups, have liberated dozens of areas in the northwestern province of Aleppo from Takfiri Daesh terrorists as they continue to score victories in arduous battles against extremists across the country.
Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 29 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 28 strikes consisting of 70 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Daesh shelling, US airstrikes raise Syria dam breach fears Press TV 29 Mar 2017 -- Engineers working to open spillways in a major Syrian dam partly held by Daesh in Raqqah province have had to evacuate the site after the extremists shelled it following US airstrikes.
Syria, militants reach deal to evacuate 4 towns Press TV 29 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian government and anti-Damascus militants have reportedly reached a deal enabling the evacuation of civilians from four small towns in the Arab country.
Syrian Army Eliminates 2,200 al-Nusra Front Terrorists in Hama Since March 23 Sputnik 29 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army has eliminated over 2,200 militants from al-Nusra Front terrorist group and affiliated armed groups in Hama province since March 23, the Syrian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Ceasefire Regime in Syria Generally Observed - Senior Russian Diplomat Sputnik 29 Mar 2017 -- The future of Syrian President Bashar Assad was not discussed at a meeting with the delegation of the Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee (HNC), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said Wednesday.
Syrian Army Repels Attacks of Jabhat Fatah al Sham Militants Sputnik 29 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Armed Forces along with the fighters of the Hezbollah movement have repelled several attacks of Jabhat Fatah al Sham, a terrorist group formerly known as the al-Nusra Front and outlawed in numerous countries, near the country's border with Lebanon, a source close to Hezbollah told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Syria, Rebels Reach New Evacuation Deal for Besieged Cities VOA 29 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian government and rebels opposing President Bashar al-Assad have reached an agreement to evacuate civilians from towns besieged by fighters from both sides.
Syrian Peace Talks Tackle Key Issue of Elections for First Time VOA 29 Mar 2017 -- Syrian opposition representatives attending the intra-Syrian peace talks report the issue of a transitional government leading to a political settlement to end their country's brutal six-year long war has been broached for the first time.
US-backed Forces to Resume Anti-IS Operations at Syrian Dam VOA 28 Mar 2017 -- After suspending an offensive to assess the safety of Syria's largest dam, U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters said Tuesday they are poised to resume operations against Islamic State extremists who had occupied the massive structure.
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 28 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 30 strikes consisting of 72 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 28 Mar 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Russian general criticizes US-led coalition's bombing of Syria dam Press TV 28 Mar 2017 -- A high-ranking Russian military figure has leveled strident criticism against the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group over pounding a major dam held by the extremists in Syria's embattled northern province of Raqqah.
Some 40k Syrians displaced in fresh clashes near Hama: UN Press TV 28 Mar 2017 -- The United Nations (UN) says about 40,000 people, mainly women and children, have been forced out of their homes due to renewed violence perpetrated by militants near the government-held Syrian city of Hama.
Gearing Up: US-Led Coalition to Use Tabqa Base During Raqqa Operation Sputnik 28 Mar 2017 -- Nasir Hec Mansur, commander of a unit of the Syrian Democratic Forces told Sputnik Turkey in an interview that the US-led coalition forces will use the recently liberated Tabqa military base during the operation in Raqqa.
Syrian Army Discovers Secret Daesh Weapons Caches in Aleppo Sputnik 28 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army has discovered several shelters which belonged to the terrorists in the vicinity of Aleppo, a Syrian military source told Sputnik Arabic.
Russian Experts Defuse Over 1,800 Explosive Devices in Palmyra, Syria - MoD Sputnik 28 Mar 2017 -- Russia has cleared 940 buildings and a 28-mile stretch of roads of more than 1,800 explosive devices in the liberated Syrian city of Palmyra, the Russian General Staff said Tuesday.
Over 10,000 Militants Trying to Capture Hama - Russian Military Sputnik 28 Mar 2017 -- A group of 10,000 ex-Nusra Front militants attempted to capture the Syrian Hama about a week, the Russian General Staff said Tuesday.
Supporting Syrian refugees not only an act 'of generosity' but also of 'enlightened self-interest' - UN chief UN News 28 Mar 2017 -- Visiting the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan that is hosting about 80,000 Syrian refugees, the United Nations chief urged the parties to the conflict in Syria and the countries that have influence over them to realize that the crisis is not only a tragedy for Syrian people but also a threat to regional stability and global security.
Russia and Iran Vow Partnership in Syria VOA 28 Mar 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signed bilateral agreements with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Tuesday during his first visit to Moscow.
Russia can use Iran bases for anti-terror battle in Syria: Zarif Press TV 28 Mar 2017 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran could, if necessary, allow Russia to use its military bases on "a case by case basis" for missions against terrorists in Syria.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 27 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 34 strikes consisting of 80 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Conducts OIR Missions Against ISIS NNS 27 Mar 2017 -- The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is currently launching missions against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from the Arabian Gulf.
Kurdish-led forces capture Tabqa airbase west of Syria's Raqqa from IS control People's Daily 27 Mar 2017 -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fully captured the Tabqa airport west of the northern city of Raqqa on Sunday, following battles with the Islamic State (IS) group, the SDF spokesman told Xinhua.
More militants leaving last bastion in Syrian city of Homs Press TV 27 Mar 2017 -- A second group of militants and their families are leaving the last opposition-held neighborhood in the western Syrian city of Homs under a deal signed last year with the Damascus government.
U.S.-Backed Fighters Capture Key Air Base In Northern Syria From Islamic State Fighters RFE/RL 27 Mar 2017 -- A U.S.-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance in northern Syria says it has driven Islamic State (IS) militants out of a strategic air base that was the site of an IS massacre in 2014.
HNC Calls for Syria's Assad to Step Down, Be Held Accountable for Alleged Crimes Sputnik 27 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee (HNC) delegation head, Nasr Hariri, stated that "no less than 2,000 including 275 women, and several hundreds of children" have been killed as a result of the aerial campaigns of the Syrian government since the start of the ceasefire.
US Central Command Backs Syrian Rebel Claim Tabqa Dam Structurally Sound Sputnik 27 Mar 2017 -- US Central Command announced that Tabqa dam that lies on the Euphrates River upstream from the Syrian city of Raqqa remains structurally intact, as claimed earlier by anti-government forces advancing on the city about 25 miles to the south.
Some 1,300 People, Including 436 Militants, Leave Syria's Homs Sputnik 27 Mar 2017 -- A total of 1,276 people, including 436 militants, left the al-Waer neighborhood in the Syrian city of Homs on Monday under an agreement with the authorities on a local truce, an informed source in the country's security services told Sputnik.
Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 26 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Syrian Democratic Forces Deny Allegations of Tabqa Dam Being Damaged Sputnik 27 Mar 2017 -- SDF on Monday refuted media reports about the Tabqa Dam partly collapsing.
Residents warned of catastrophic dam failure in northern Syria Press TV 26 Mar 2017 -- Members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group have ordered the residents of their major urban stronghold in Syria to immediately evacuate the city of Raqqah, warning of imminent flash floods that could submerge countless settlements on the banks of Euphrates River due to failure in Tabqa Dam.
France's optimism on Raqqah recapture far from reality: Russia Press TV 26 Mar 2017 -- Russia has rejected the US-led coalition's "rosy forecasts" on surrounding and swiftly retaking the Syrian city of Raqqah from Daesh, saying any such victory could only be achieved through concerted cooperation among all parties fighting terror in the Arab state.
SDF Units Liberate Airport Near Syrian Tabqa From Daesh on Way to Raqqa Sputnik 26 Mar 2017 -- SDF reportedly pushed Sunday the militants of Daesh terrorist group out of the military airport, located near the Syrian city of Tabqa.
Syria's Biggest Dam Partially Collapses Due to SDF-Daesh Fight Near Raqqa Sputnik 26 Mar 2017 -- Syria's largest Tabqa Dam located on the Euphrates river partially has collapsed on Sunday as a result of the fighting between armed units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and militants of Daesh near the city of Raqqa.
U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 25 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Army troops kill large number of terrorists throughout Syria Press TV 25 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces have killed over 20 members of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorist group during operations in the country's southern province of Dara'a.
Coalition Official Says Final Drive On IS In Raqqa Is Near RFE/RL 25 Mar 2017 -- The French defense minister says the Western-backed coalition in Syria is ready to launch its final push to drive Islamic State (IS) militants from their de facto capital in Raqqa.
Syrian Army Liberates Part of Al-Manshiyya Neighborhood in Syria's Daraa Sputnik 25 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army forces liberated from terrorists the part of al-Manshiyya neighborhood of the Syrian city of Daraa, according to a source.
Syrian Army Liberates Kokab in Hama Province From Nusra Militants Sputnik 25 Mar 2017 -- According to a military source, Syrian army backed by militia pushed out Jabhat Fatah al Sham (former Nusra Front, outlawed in Russia) terrorists from the village of Kokab in the Syrian province of Hama.
UN envoy calls for urgent measures to protect ceasefire in Syria UN News 25 Mar 2017 -- Voicing deep concern over recent escalation of fighting in Syria, the United Nations Special Envoy for the country has urged Iran, Russia and Turkey to undertake urgent efforts to uphold the ceasefire which has been in effect since late December last year.
Hoping to build with 'incremental, constructive steps' - UN envoy for Syria UN News 25 Mar 2017 -- Speaking to the media in Geneva yesterday, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria said that he is not expecting miracles, breakthroughs or breakdowns but is hoping to build on the previous rounds of talks on the war-ravaged country with some incremental, constructive steps.
Syrian, Russian Warplanes Pound Rebel Targets; Scores Killed, Wounded VOA 25 Mar 2017 -- Warplanes of the Syrian government and its Russian allies pounded rebel targets across the country Saturday, killing scores of people, including inmates at a rebel-held women's prison in the northwestern city of Idlib.
We Mean Business: Syria Will Fire Scuds at Israel in Response to Airstrikes Sputnik 26 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian government has announced that it will retaliate should Israel continue to conduct airstrikes on Syrian territory.
Statement by Pentagon Spokesman Captain Jeff Davis on U.S.-Russia Video Conference DoD 24 Mar 2017
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 24 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
'US-led assault on Raqqah unlawful if not coordinated with Damascus' Press TV 24 Mar 2017 -- Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bashar al-Ja'afari has stressed that any US- or Turkish-backed military offensive against the militant-held northern city of Raqqah must be coordinated with the Syrian government otherwise it would be illegitimate.
Syrian army besieges last Daesh stronghold in Aleppo Press TV 24 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army is besieging the last stronghold of the Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the northern province of Aleppo, weeks after launching a campaign to liberate the entire province.
Syrian Army Regains Control of Industrial Area in Eastern Damascus Sputnik 24 Mar 2017 -- Elite units of the Syrian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the Allied detachments, have regained control of all the facilities and compounds of buildings previously captured by militants of the terrorist group Nusra Front (banned in Russia) in an industrial zone in the east of Damascus, according to the Syrian Armed Forces Command.
Syrian Democratic Forces Take Part of Road Linking Raqqa, Aleppo Under Control Sputnik 24 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) managed to establish control over the key sectors of the road, connecting Raqqa with Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor as part of the Operation Euphrates Rage, SDF said in a statement on Friday.
Syrian Army Kills Tahrir al Sham Extremists' Commander in Western Hama Province Sputnik 24 Mar 2017 -- Syria's government army has killed a field commander of the Tahrir al-Sham militant group in the north of Hama, the capital of Syria's western province of the same name.
Russian, Turkish Tensions Reopen Over Syria VOA 23 Mar 2017 -- The Turkish foreign ministry says it has summoned Russia's top diplomat in Turkey over the killing of one of its soldiers that has been blamed on a Syrian Kurdish group that Moscow is supporting. The dispute is putting increasing strain on rapprochement efforts between the countries.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 23 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Putin: Russian weapons proved efficient in Syria war Press TV 23 Mar 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country's defense technology has proved its "exceptional reliability and efficiency" during the ongoing fight against the Daesh Takfiri group.
U.S.-Backed Forces Airdrop Behind Enemy Lines In Syria For First Time RFE/RL 23 Mar 2017 -- The U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State (IS) extremists has for the first time airdropped troops behind enemy lines near a strategic Syrian town outside the group's self-declared capital of Raqqa, the Pentagon has said.
Full Throttle: US Apache Helicopters to Take Part in Raqqa Operation Sputnik 23 Mar 2017 -- The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Nasir Hec Mansur, in an interview with Sputnik Turkey, said that the US is carrying out preparations for the Raqqa operation.
Statement by Ministers of the Global Coalition: Meeting on the Defeat of ISIS US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2017
Remarks at the Ministerial Plenary for the Global Coalition Working to Defeat ISIS US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2017
The Global Coalition - Working to Defeat ISIS US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2017
Russia Deals Major Blow to Turkey's Syria Policy VOA 22 Mar 2017 -- Russian and Turkish soldiers are facing off over the Syrian Kurdish canton of Afrin. Ankara says the area that borders its territory is under the control of PYD 'terrorists' affiliated with the Kurdish insurgent group the PKK. But Moscow, like Washington, views the PYD and its YPG militia which controls Afrin as key to fighting Islamic State.
Local Forces Launch Daring Assault Behind Enemy Lines in Syria AFPS 22 Mar 2017 -- Local forces in Syria launched a multi-pronged offensive that included a daring air assault behind enemy lines to liberate Tabqa Dam, located 25 miles upstream from the city of Raqqa, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve public affairs officer said today.
US-led coalition air-drops allied militants near Daesh-held Raqqah Press TV 22 Mar 2017 -- The US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has air-dropped ground forces near Syria's militant-held northern city of Raqqah in what the US military describes as preparations to recapture the extremists' main stronghold in the Arab country.
Syria conflict aimed at transforming Arabs' identity: Assad Press TV 22 Mar 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says sponsors of the ongoing militancy in his country seek to change the identity and culture of Arabs through dissemination of Takfiri ideologies, which condone acts of violence as legitimate methods of achieving certain goals.
Syrian Kurdish militias, Turkish military exchange cross-border fire Press TV 22 Mar 2017 -- Cross-border tensions are rising between Kurdish militias in Syria and Turkey's military after a Turkish soldier was fatally shot from a Kurdish-controlled area in northwestern Syria.
Coalition Airdrops SDF Forces in Syria's Tabqa, Backs Offensive With Air Fire Sputnik 22 Mar 2017 -- The US-led coalition against the Daesh terror group banned by numrous countries has airdropped partner forces to the vicinity of Tabqah dam near the Syrian city of Raqqa, US Central Command spokesperson Maj. Josh Jacques told Sputnik on Wednesday.
Israel Vows to Continue Launching Airstrikes on Targets in Syria Sputnik 22 Mar 2017 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Tel Aviv will continue to carry out operations aimed at disrupting weapons transfers from Iran to Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Shia movement which Israel considers to be one of the top threats to its security.
Most of Daesh Leader Baghdadi's Deputies Dead - Tillerson Sputnik 22 Mar 2017 -- Most of the deputies of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of Daesh, have been killed by the US-led coalition against the terror group, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said at the coalition ministerial in Washington on Wednesday.
Monitor: Airstrike Kills 33 Civilians in Northern Syria VOA 22 Mar 2017 -- A Syrian war monitor said Wednesday an airstrike believed to be carried out by a U.S.-led coalition has killed at least 33 people at a school near the key city of Raqqa.
Battling IS, Kurdish Fighters Court Russia And US to Forge New Future VOA 22 Mar 2017 -- Kurdish commanders in northern Syria said this week Russia is building a military base there, and will help train its fighters. Moscow disputed the claims, but analysts say it is a sign of the Kurds' growing role in the region.
Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 21 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 21 Mar 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Syria launches counterattack near capital after militant incursion Press TV 21 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army is engaged in a military operation to repel an infiltration attempt by Takfiri Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorists and other militants in a northeastern suburb of the capital city, Damascus, state media say.
Russia Summons Israeli Envoy Over Concern About Air Strikes In Syria RFE/RL 21 Mar 2017 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said on March 20 that it had summoned Israel's ambassador to express concern about air strikes that hit close to Russian forces last week around the Syrian city of Palmyra.
Governor Reveals How Many Militants Exposed in Aleppo Since Liberation Sputnik 21 Mar 2017 -- More than 6,000 militants have been exposed in Syria's Aleppo since December last year, Aleppo province governor Hussein Diab said Tuesday at a meeting with a delegation of Russian lawmakers and PACE representatives.
Kurds Say Pentagon Plans to 'Send 1,000 Troops to Syria in the Coming Weeks' Sputnik 21 Mar 2017 -- A representative of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance largely made up Kurdish and Arab militias, has confirmed that the Pentagon is planning to deploy an additional 1,000 US ground troops to Syria to assist the SDF in the upcoming operation aimed at liberating Raqqa, the de facto capital of Daesh's caliphate.
Russia denies reports of building military base with Syrian Kurds Press TV 21 Mar 2017 -- Russia has vehemently dismissed a Reuters report which claims it is constructing a military base in the Afrin district of Syria's Aleppo Province in alliance with the Kurdish militia controlling the area.
U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIS AFPS 20 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Russian Defense Ministry Has No Plans to Create New Bases in Syria Sputnik 20 Mar 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry commented on reports claiming Russia is creating a new base in Syria.
Russia strikes deal to train Syria's Kurdish forces Press TV 20 Mar 2017 -- Russia has signed an agreement with the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) to set up a military base in northwestern Syria and train the forces in the war-ravaged country.
Syrian forces retake Damascus areas from militants Press TV 20 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces have managed to retake control of areas of Damascus hours after they were captured by foreign-backed Takfiri militants on Sunday.
Kurdish YPG Hope to Strengthen Cooperation With Russia in Syria Sputnik 20 Mar 2017 -- The Kurdish People's Protection Units General Command spokesperson Redur Xelil says that YPG hope to strengthen collaboration with Russia to combat terrorism in Syria.
Syria to Consider Any Military Op Without Gov't Approval As 'Invasion' - Assad Sputnik 20 Mar 2017 -- Damascus will consider any military operation without the approval of the Syrian authorities to be an invasion, be it Raqqa or any other city, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Russian journalists.
Assad Believes Russia Will Provide Additional Military Assistance Sputnik 20 Mar 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad told Russian journalists that he is confident Damascus will receive additional military assistance from Russia if it is required to fight terrorism, but so far the current level of support is sufficient.
US Received No Notification on Russian Presence in Syria's Afrin - Pentagon Sputnik 20 Mar 2017 -- The Pentagon spokesman said that the US Department of Defense hadn't received any official notification from Russia on the country's presence in the Syrian town of Afrin.
Syrian Warplanes Annihilate Militant Supply Lines East of Damascus Sputnik 20 Mar 2017 -- Syrian military aircraft carried out a series of strikes on militant supply lines in the eastern suburbs of Damascus, state television reported Monday.
Spotlight: Syria's key Homs city soon to be rebel free, completely back under gov't control People's Daily 19 Mar 2017 -- The central city of Homs will soon be free of any rebel presence, as the first batch of rebels and their families started evacuating their last stronghold in the city on Saturday under an activated deal with the government.
Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 19 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Israel threatens to destroy Syrian air defense systems Press TV 19 Mar 2017 -- Israel's minister for military affairs, Avigdor Lieberman, has warned the Syrian government against launching ground-to-air missiles at Israeli warplanes carrying out strikes inside Syria, threatening to destroy Syrian air defense systems.
Syria repels massive Takfiri attack near Damascus Press TV 19 Mar 2017 -- Syrian ground forces and warplanes have repelled a multi-pronged attack by the Takfiri terror group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in Damascus' countryside.
Escalation Looming? Israel to Crush Syrian Air Defense if Jets Targeted Again Sputnik 19 Mar 2017 -- Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has threatened to destroy Syria's air defense systems if they target the Israeli jets once again.
Syrian Army Carrying Out Special Operation Against Militants at Damascus Edges Sputnik 19 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army's elite units are carrying out a special operation in the Jobar district at the eastern edges of Damascus, a Sputnik correspondent reported Sunday.
Israeli Minister Confirms Airstrikes in Syria Targeted Arms for Hezbollah Sputnik 19 Mar 2017 -- The Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes on a convoy in Syria, carrying a batch of weapons for Hezbollah, according to Israeli Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Yisrael Katz.
Major Clashes Reported in Damascus after Anti-government Rebels Infiltrate Tunnels VOA 19 Mar 2017 -- Syrian forces and rebels battled on the fringes of Damascus Sunday after the insurgents infiltrated the capital through tunnels overnight and staged a surprise assault on government-held parts of the city.
Trump's Daesh Strategy: Just Follow Obama's Plan but 'Try Harder' Sputnik 18 Mar 2017 -- US President Donald Trump's plan to defeat Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) looks much like that of Barack Obama, according to officials familiar with the matter. It also seems that Trump is unlikely to deliver on his election promise to consider joining forces with Russia in Syria.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 18 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Militants begin leaving last bastion in Syria's Homs Press TV 18 Mar 2017 -- A first group of militants and their families has been evacuated from their last bastion in Syria's western city of Homs under a Russian-backed deal struck with the Syrian army earlier this week.
Operation to Withdraw First Group of Militants From Syrian Homs Completed Sputnik 18 Mar 2017 -- A total of 300 militants and 1,065 civilians, who are members of their families, left the al-Waer neighborhood of the Syria city of Homs, according to Homs Governor Talal Barazi.
Syrian Army Takes Control Over 11 Settlements East of Aleppo Sputnik 18 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces seized control over two strategic heights and 11 settlements east of Aleppo, according to a military source.
Coalition Strikes Hit ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 17 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Pentagon Spokesman: Dozens of Terrorists Believed Killed in U.S. Strike in Syria AFPS 17 Mar 2017 -- Military officials believe dozens of core al-Qaida leaders were killed in a U.S. strike in Jinah, Syria, yesterday, according to a Pentagon spokesman.
US Airstrike Rounds Out Brutal Anniversary Week in Syria War VOA 17 Mar 2017 -- This week marked the sixth anniversary of the Syrian war - and it was an especially brutal seven days, with a mosque allegedly damaged by a U.S. airstrike, a twin suicide bombing in Damascus and claims of phosphorus-bomb attacks by Russian and Syrian warplanes.
Israel Defense Forces Deny Claims of Losing Aircraft Over Syria Sputnik 17 Mar 2017 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied to Sputnik on Friday claims that one of its aircraft was shot down over Syria.
Israeli Jets Attacked by Missiles From Syrian Territory - Military Sputnik 17 Mar 2017 -- Israeli Air Force planes were targeted from the ground after they attacked several targets on the territory of Syria, a spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told Sputnik on Friday.
Syrian army: Israeli jet shot down, another hit Press TV 17 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army says four Israeli jets breached the Arab country's airspace on Friday morning, adding its air defense shot down one of the aircraft and hit another.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 16 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
'Tightening the Noose': Syrian Democratic Forces Now Control Areas Around Raqqa Sputnik 16 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces' troops have gained complete control of areas surrounding the "capital" of Daesh.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 15 Mar 2017
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 15 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Unaccompanied kids hardest hit by Syria crisis: UN Press TV 15 Mar 2017 -- The United Nations children's fund has expressed concerns about the plight of the Syrian children affected by the country's six-year-long conflict, saying those kids separated from their families are the most vulnerable.
31 killed in Damascus court house bombing Press TV 15 Mar 2017 -- A terrorist bomb explosion has rocked a court building in the Syrian capital Damascus, leaving scores of people dead and injured.
Aid convoys reach four Syria villages: ICRC Press TV 15 Mar 2017 -- Several aid trucks have made their way into four Syrian villages, delivering relief supplies to tens of thousands of people there, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says.
Syria peace talks in Astana constructive: Envoy Press TV 15 Mar 2017 -- Syria's ambassador to the United Nations has expressed satisfaction with the latest round of the intra-Syrian negotiations in the Kazakh capital city of Astana, saying the discussions were "constructive."
Syrian Democratic Forces Continue to 'Build Arab Element' - Coalition Sputnik 15 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to increase the number of Arabs among their ranks amid the advancement to liberate the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Daesh terror group (outlawed in many countries), US Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. John Dorrian said in a briefing on Wednesday.
Free Syrian Army Decision to Skip Astana Talks Final - Chief of Staff Sputnik 15 Mar 2017 -- The decision of the Free Syrian Army not to send its representatives to the talks on Syria in Astana is final, Ahmed Berri, the Chief of Staff of the Free Syrian Army told Sputnik.
Peace in Syria an imperative 'that cannot wait,' UN chief Guterres says as war enters seventh year UN News 15 Mar 2017 -- As the brutal war in Syria enters its seventh year, peace "is a moral and political imperative both for the Syrian people and for the world," United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said today, urging the conflict parties to fully back a fragile ceasefire and ensure aid access, as well as to support UN-facilitated talks set to pick up again late this month.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 14 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Syria talks officially kick off in Astana Press TV 14 Mar 2017 -- A third round of talks aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria has officially gotten underway in Kazakhstan's capital Astana.
Top EU Diplomat Unveils Syria Plan As Conflict Enters Seventh Year RFE/RL 14 Mar 2017 -- The European Union unveiled a plan to support the reconstruction of war-torn Syria on the eve of the sixth anniversary of the first protests against President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Russian Delegation Comments on Syria Opposition's Decision to Skip Peace Talks Sputnik 14 Mar 2017 -- Russia regrets that the Syrian armed opposition delegation decided to not take part in the ongoing talks in Astana on the situation in the country, head of the Russian delegation Alexander Lavrentyev said Tuesday.
Kremlin Aware of Challenges to Astana Talks on Syria Sputnik 14 Mar 2017 -- Russia had been aware of challenges to the Syrian talks in Astana since their inception, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday, adding the negotiating process was not made easier by emerging differences between the parties.
Syria 'worst man-made disaster since World War II' – UN rights chief UN News 14 Mar 2017 -- The conflict in Syria is the "worst man-made disaster the world has seen since World War II," the United Nations human rights chief today said, calling for an end to all tortures, executions and unfair trials, and at the very least, for the names and localities of people held in detention or information about where they are buried.
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 13 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 13 Mar 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
US Military Can Bring Additional Forces to Syria Without Exceeding Cap - DoD Sputnik 13 Mar 2017 -- The US military can bring in additional troops to Syria for short periods of time without exceeding the existing formal cap of some 500 servicemen on the ground, US Department of Defense spokesperson Capt. Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Monday.
US Marine Corps Unit Arrives in Northern Syria Sputnik 13 Mar 2017 -- A unit of the US Marine Corps has arrived at an airfield in the al-Hasakah province in Syria's north, a Kurdish source told Sputnik.
Syria militants reach Homs evacuation deal with government Press TV 13 Mar 2017 -- Foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants have reached an agreement with the Syrian government for the imminent evacuation of civilians and extremists from the western Syrian city of Homs.
UNICEF: 2016 Worst Year Yet For Children In Syria's Civil War RFE/RL 13 Mar 2017 -- The United Nations says 2016 was the worst year yet for children affected by Syria's six-year-long civil war, with at least 652 being killed and many millions more suffering as refugees.
US Dispatches New Batch of Armored Vehicles, Military Personnel to Syria Sputnik 13 Mar 2017 -- The US has sent a new batch of armored vehicles and hardware to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to an SDF source who asked to remain anonymous. In an interview with Sputnik Turkey, the SDF representative shared the details of this new delivery.
Syrian Kurds Plan to Declare Autonomy in Manbij at the Risk of Angering Turkey Sputnik 13 Mar 2017 -- The Democratic Union Party (PYD), one of the leading Kurdish political forces in Syria, has indicated that it plans to establish a "democratic autonomous administration" in Manbij, which made headlines last week when Russia and the United States tried to prevent Turkish-led forces and the Syrian Kurds from clashing over the city.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 22 strikes consisting of 82 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Dunford: Americans Should Be Proud of Role U.S. Troops Play in Iraq, Syria AFPS 12 Mar 2017 -- Indigenous Iraqi and Syrian forces have made tremendous progress taking the fight to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and Americans should be very proud of the role played in the effort by a small number of U.S. troops, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during an interview.
Iran Refutes Media Allegations on Plans to Set Military Base in Syria Sputnik 13 Mar 2017 -- IRGC Deputy Commander for political affairs Brig. Gen. Rasul Sanayee Rad claims that Tehran is not planning to establish a military base in the Syrian province of Latakia.
Western disinformation against Damascus lacks credibility: Syrian president Press TV 12 Mar 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the era of spreading disinformation by most of the Western media against the Syrian government has passed and their credibility is questioned even by the people in the West.
Syria: UN chief Guterres condemns terrorist attacks in Damascus UN News 12 Mar 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the terrorist bombings in the Syrian capital of Damascus yesterday, his spokesman said today.
Al-Qaida-Linked Group Claims Deadly Damascus Blasts VOA 12 Mar 2017 -- The death toll from twin bombings on a religious shrine in the capital Damascus has risen to 74, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Officials Release Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 11 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 28 strikes consisting of 111 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Unauthorized forces in Syria are invaders: Syrian president Press TV 11 Mar 2017 -- President Bashar Assad says all foreign troops deployed to his country without the approval of the Syrian government are invaders, apparently referring to US and Turkish forces.
Syrian Armed Opposition Sets Conditions for Attending Astana Talks Sputnik 11 Mar 2017 -- Syria's armed opposition delegation for the Astana peace talks the meeting to start after March 20 in order to assess the establishment of ceasefire regimes in the Al Waer and East Ghouta areas, the deadline for which has been set for March 20, according to official statement.
President Bashar Assad Hopes Syrian War Will End in 2017 Sputnik 11 Mar 2017 -- In an interview with Chinese Phoenix Television, published by the news agency SANA, President Bashar Assad said he hopes Syrian war will end in 2017.
Damascus Didn't Consent to US Military Presence in Manbij - Bashar Assad Sputnik 11 Mar 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad does not consider presence of the US military in Syria as helpful in fight against terrorism.
UNSC: Astana Ceasefire Agreement Enabled Continuation of Syrian Political Talks Sputnik 11 Mar 2017 -- The UN Security Council says that the continuation of the intra-Syrian political dialogue in Geneva became a possibility because of the ceasefire agreement achieved during talks in Astana.
Twin Blasts Kill at Least 46 in Damascus VOA 11 Mar 2017 -- At least 46 people, most of them Iraqi pilgrims, were killed and more than 120 others wounded Saturday in Damascus in twin bombings that targeted a religious shrine.
Russia Starts Preparations to Modernize Naval Base in Syrian Tartus Sputnik 11 Mar 2017 -- Viktor Ozerov, the head of the Russian Federation Council's defense committee, said that the capital modernization work of the naval base in Syria's Tartus will start by the end of 2017.
Security Council encourages Syrian parties to take part in UN-supported talks 'without preconditions' UN News 10 Mar 2017 -- Looking forward to the early resumption of the United Nations-facilitated intra-Syrian negotiations, the Security Council today encouraged the Syrian parties to return to talks in good faith "and to engage constructively and without preconditions" on the agenda set out by UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura when they resume.
Coalition Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 10 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 22 strikes consisting of 82 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Turkey shells border posts near Syria's Manbij, kills army soldiers Press TV 10 Mar 2017 -- Turkish military forces have shelled the positions of Syrian government troops and their allied fighters from popular defense groups in the country's northwestern province of Aleppo, leaving several soldiers dead and injured.
Syria calls on UN to force Turkey to withdraw troops Press TV 10 Mar 2017 -- Syria has called on the United Nations and the Security Council to oblige Turkey to immediately withdraw its "invading forces" from the Syrian territory, stop cross-border attacks and maintain regional and international security and stability.
Putin, Erdogan Pledge Cooperation To Help Bring End To Syrian Conflict RFE/RL 10 Mar 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, citing improved bilateral ties, pledged to work together to help bring an end to the conflict in Syria.
Israel Warns Russia That Iran's Presence In Syria Blocks Peace Deal RFE/RL 10 Mar 2017 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told Russian President Vladimir Putin there can never be peace in Syria as long Iran maintains troops and advisers there.
Syrian Democratic Forces Pledge to Defeat Daesh 'Capital' Raqqa Single-Handedly Sputnik 10 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which include US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters, are ready to liberate the Syrian city of Raqqa from Daesh without support from foreign troops, according to SDF spokesman Jihan Sheikh Ahmed.
Damascus Calls on UN to Make Turkey Stop Aggression and Withdraw Army From Syria Sputnik 10 Mar 2017 -- Syria's Foreign Ministry has sent complaints to the UN Secretary-General and UN Security Council President over the Turkish army's continuing "aggression" against the war-torn country, the SANA news agency reported Friday.
Syrian Troops Reach Euphrates Bank for First Time in Four Years Sputnik 10 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces have reached the Euphrates bank east of Khafsah for the first time in four years, maintaining control of a nine-mile coastline, the Russian General Staff said Friday.
Putin hails closer Moscow-Ankara ties on Syria crisis Press TV 10 Mar 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised close interactions between Moscow and Ankara as part of efforts to find a promising solution to the nearly six-year-long foreign-sponsored militancy in Syria, which has killed thousands of people and left the Arab country in ruins.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 09 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, conducting 22 strikes consisting of 82 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 09 Mar 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
US deploys Marines with heavy artillery for Raqqah assault Press TV 09 Mar 2017 -- Hundreds of US Marines armed with heavy artillery have arrived in Syria to help allied local forces in preparation for an offensive to recapture the city of Raqqah from Daesh terrorists, officials say.
U.S. Deploys Extra Troops To Syria In Battle To Oust IS From Raqqa RFE/RL 09 Mar 2017 -- About 400 additional U.S. forces have been temporarily deployed to Syria with heavy artillery in preparation for a fight to oust the extremist group Islamic State (IS) from its self-declared headquarters in the northern city of Raqqa.
US mulls boosting Kuwait force for Syria, Iraq deployment: Report Press TV 09 Mar 2017 -- Washington is mulling the creation of a 1,000-strong Kuwait-based military force allegedly aimed at engaging Daesh in Syria and Iraq.
US Marines Deploy to Syria as Agreement on Raqqa Assault Eludes Allies VOA 09 Mar 2017 -- A contingent of U.S. Marines has arrived in northeast Syria to provide artillery support for local forces in an upcoming assault on Raqqa, the defacto capital of the Islamic State terror group, U.S. officials said.
Turkey warns US on Raqqah push with Kurdish help Press TV 09 Mar 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has warned of a major damage to US relations with Ankara if Washington includes Kurdish forces in the operation to retake Syrian city of Raqqah from Daesh.
Syrian army troops retake al-Jarrah airbase in Aleppo from Daesh Press TV 09 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces have retaken an airbase in the country's northern province of Aleppo from Takfiri Daesh terrorists.
Syrian Democratic Forces Vow Offensive on Raqqa in a Few Weeks Sputnik 09 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces, including the Kurdish YPG faction, are moving closer to the Daesh stronghold in Raqqa, Syria, located along the Euphrates River.
Syrian Army Retakes Kashish Military Airport East of Aleppo From Daesh Sputnik 09 Mar 2017 -- Syrian troops on Thursday drove militants of Daesh from the territory of the Kashish military airport east of the city of Aleppo, an informed source at the scene told Sputnik Thursday.
Syrian Democratic Forces Flush Daesh Out of Menxer Hill Near Raqqa Sputnik 09 Mar 2017 -- The units of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces alliance (SDF) have liberated the strategic West Menxer Hill near the Syrian city of Raqqa from Daesh, the SDF statement read Thursday.
Next intra-Syrian talks set for late March - UN envoy UN News 09 Mar 2017 -- The next round of the United Nations-facilitated intra-Syrian talks is expected to convene on 23 March to discuss issues related to governance, constitution, elections and counter terrorism, the UN Special Envoy for Syria has said.
Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes AFPS 08 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
ISIS on Trajectory Toward Lasting Defeat, Defense Official Says AFPS 08 Mar 2017 -- Despite a long road ahead for the U.S.-led coalition in its fight to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the enemy is being degraded by every measure and is on a trajectory to lasting defeat, a defense official told reporters on background today.
Turkey Pushes Syria Safe Zones VOA 08 Mar 2017 -- Turkey is pushing the idea once again of establishing safe zones in northern Syria and wants the issue on the agenda at the next round of U.N.-led peace talks in Geneva, which are scheduled for later this month.
US Marines Arrive in Syria to Aid Raqqa Offensive - Reports Sputnik 09 Mar 2017 -- US marines have arrived in Syria to establish an outpost in support of the operation to retake Raqqa.
Iranian Official Says 2,100 Fighters Killed In Syria, Iraq RFE/RL 07 Mar 2017 -- More than 2,000 fighters sent by Iran have been killed in conflicts in Syria and Iraq, according to the head of the Iranian veterans' affairs office.
Turkey won't plan Manbij attack without US, Russia coordination Press TV 06 Mar 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says his country will not plan an attack on the Kurdish-held city of Manbij without the coordination of US and Russia.
Syrian soldiers, allied fighters recapture 18 villages in Aleppo Press TV 07 Mar 2017 -- Syrian forces have regained control over more than a dozen villages in the country's northern province of Aleppo.
US-Led Coalition Troops in Syria's Manbij Ensure No Persistent YPG Presence Sputnik 07 Mar 2017 -- The US-led coalition has sent additional troops to Syria's Manbij on a deterrence mission and to ensure the forces of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) are not constantly present in the area, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson told Sputnik on Tuesday.
UNSC Vote on Resolution on Chemical Weapons Use in Syria 'Provocative' - Moscow Sputnik 07 Mar 2017 -- Moscow considers the situation with voting in the UN Security Council on a draft resolution on alleged chemical weapons use in Syria provocative, Director of the Foreign Ministry Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Mikhail Ulyanov told Sputnik on Tuesday.
Armed Forces Chiefs Meet in Turkey Over Syrian Kurdish Tensions VOA 07 Mar 2017 -- The U.S. top general, Joseph Dunford, along with the chief of Russia's general staff, Valery Gerasimov, were hosted by their Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya. According to officials, the meeting sought to find ways to avoid potential confrontations among the forces operating in Syria.
U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIS AFPS 06 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 06 Mar 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Daesh terrorists impose 'Afghan dress' in Syria's Raqqah Press TV 06 Mar 2017 -- The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has imposed an 'Afghan-style' dress code on men in Syria's northern province of Raqqah so that its members can't be distinguished from civilians.
Syrian Army Advances Against Daesh in Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 06 Mar 2017 -- Syrian army units clashed with terrorists of groups affiliated with Daesh in the southern outskirts of the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor, local media reported on Monday.
Kurds Shed Light on Russia-Damascus Deal to Prevent Turkey's Attack on Manbij Sputnik 06 Mar 2017 -- Control over six villages to the west of the Syrian city of Manbij has been turned over to the Syrian Army, sources in the Manbij Military Council (MMC) said.
Kurdish-Led SDF Take Control Over Strategic Highway Between Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa Sputnik 06 Mar 2017 -- The units of the Syrian Democratic Forces alliance gained control of a highway leading from Raqqa, Daesh's de facto capital, to Deir ez-Zor, cutting off an escape route for terrorists, the SDF press service said Monday.
Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 05 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Pentagon proposes increased military engagement in Syria Press TV 05 Mar 2017 -- In a proposal presented to the White House, the Pentagon has called for a significant increase in US military engagement in Syria including more Special Operations forces, attack helicopters and artillery, US officials say.
Daesh bombings kill over dozen in Syria's Aleppo province Press TV 05 Mar 2017 -- More than a dozen people have been killed and several others injured after members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out two separate bomb attacks in Syria's northern province of Aleppo.
66,000 displaced in fresh fighting in northern Syria: UN body Press TV 05 Mar 2017 -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says a total of 66,000 people have been displaced due to fresh fighting in northern Syria, where Turkey has been carrying out operations.
Syrian forces liberate 15 villages from Daesh in Aleppo Press TV 05 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air support, have retaken 15 villages from Daesh terrorists in the country's northern regions.
Syrian Government Forces Gain Ground In Aleppo Province RFE/RL 05 Mar 2017 -- Syrian state media say government troops have gained ground and widened their control over villages formerly held by Islamic State (IS) militants in the northern part of the country.
Russian General Reveals Details of Palmyra's Liberation Sputnik 05 Mar 2017 -- The success of the operation for the liberation of Syria's Palmyra was made possible thanks to the actions of the Russian Air Force and the dedication of the Syrian military, Col. Gen. Andrei Kartapolov, the commander of the Russian military contingent in Syria, said Sunday.
Syrian Army Liberates Almost 100 Populated Areas From Daesh Sputnik 05 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian government forces have freed almost 100 populated areas from Daesh terrorist group after liberating two more settlements since Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday.
US-backed Syrian Forces Resume Offensive to Recapture Raqqa VOA 05 Mar 2017 -- U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said Sunday their offensive to retake Raqqa, the de facto capital of so-called Islamic State (IS), has resumed after a halt that lasted for one week.
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 04 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Syria loses contact with reconnaissance jet near Turkey Press TV 04 Mar 2017 -- A Syrian fighter jet has gone missing during a reconnaissance mission close to the border with Turkey.
Syrian government seeks talks with unified national opposition: Chief negotiator Press TV 04 Mar 2017 -- The main condition for the Syrian government to continue peace talks is to negotiate with a "unified" national opposition which is not linked to any foreign countries, says Syria's ambassador to the UN and chief negotiator.
Russia says US, France, UK sought to 'poison' Syria talks Press TV 04 Mar 2017 -- Russia has accused Britain, France, and the United States of having attempted to "poison" the atmosphere of the latest round of the intra-Syrian negotiations.
Syrian Army Lost Contact With Jet Flying Reconnaissance Mission Near Turkey Sputnik 04 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army lost contact with a jet performing a reconnaissance mission near the Turkish border, local media said Saturday.
Turkish PM Says Syrian MIG-23 Warplane Fell on Syria-Turkey Border Sputnik 04 Mar 2017 -- A Syrian military jet has crashed in south Turkey's Hatay province, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Saturday.
Daesh, Al-Nusra Front Squeezed by Syrian Arab Army, Lose Ground in Syria Sputnik 04 Mar 2017 -- Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) and al-Nusra Front continue to lose ground in Syria. Commenting on the creation of a new terrorist coalition, the "Organization for the Liberation of the Levant," in Syria, Russian Ambassador to Syria Alexander Kinshchak told Sputnik that he is convinced that the Syrian Arab Army will finally defeat the terrorists.
Syrian Army Forces Out Daesh From 29 Settlements Northeast of Aleppo Sputnik 04 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army has made strides against the Daesh terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) northeast of Aleppo, capturing 29 locations from the militants, the army's press service said Saturday.
Syrian Army Creates Buffer Zone Between Kurds and Turkish Military Sputnik 04 Mar 2017 -- The Manbij Military Council has agreed to hand over areas to the west of the strategically important city in the Aleppo province to the Syrian Arab Army as part of a Russia-sponsored deal that will help to create a buffer zone between the Turkish military and the Kurds and allow the Syrian Democratic Forces to focus on the Raqqa offensive.
Syrian Army Presses Offensive Against IS Near Turkish Border VOA 04 Mar 2017 -- Syrian news reports say government forces pressed forward Saturday in pursuit of Islamic State extremists in northern Syria, gaining control of 15 more villages near the Turkish border and slowing a rival push against IS fighters by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels.
Intra-Syrian talks conclude in Geneva with ‘clear agenda’ and plans to resume later this month UN News 03 Mar 2017 -- The United Nations-facilitated intra-Syrian talks are “moving in the right direction,” the UN Special Envoy for Syria said today, wrapping up the latest round of discussions in Geneva with counter-terrorism added to the agenda and plans to resume in late March.
Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 03 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
De Mistura Says Syria Opposition Groups Come Closer to Merger at Geneva Talks Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- The groups of Syrian opposition have made a progress on the issue of the delegations' unification at the fourth round of Geneva talks, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said Friday.
UN Envoy de Mistura Announces End of Geneva 4 Round of Intra-Syrian Talks Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- The UN special envoy for Syria has announced the end of the fourth round of negotiations in Geneva.
Syrian Army Pushes Daesh 12 Miles Away From Palmyra Toward Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Army and allies have pushed Daesh terrorists for over 12 miles away from recently liberated Palmyra.
HNC: Geneva 4 Closes With No Clear Results, But on More Positive Note Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- HNC delegation head Nasr Hariri stated that the last round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva closes with no clear results, but with it was more positive than previous rounds.
Syrian HNC to Try to Form Opposition Delegation With Cairo, Moscow Platforms Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- High Negotiations Committee (HNC) Deputy General Coordinator Yahya Kodmani stated that HNC was not against the existence of the Moscow or Cairo platforms, but thought members of the Moscow platform were closer to the Syrian government than opposition.
Russian Aviation, Special Forces Play Key Role in Crushing Daesh Near Palmyra Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- Russia's Aerospace Forces and Special Operations Forces played the key role in decimating Daesh terrorists in the battle for Palmyra, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi, the chief of the Russian General Staff Main Operational Directorate, said on Friday.
Russian Jets Destroy 2,300 Terrorist Targets in Syria in February Sputnik 03 Mar 2017 -- The Russian General Staff shared the details of Moscow's operation against terrorists in Syria in February.
Officials Provide Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 02 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Turkey seizes Kurdish-held villages in northern Syria Press TV 01 Mar 2017 -- Turkish-backed militants have seized two Kurdish-held villages in Syria, inching closer to Manbij, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to capture.
Turkey tells Kurds to leave Syria's Manbij or face attack Press TV 02 Mar 2017 -- Turkey has threatened to strike Syrian Kurdish forces if they do not withdraw from the northern city of Manbij near the Turkish border.
Turkey Sets Up Military Bases in Syrian Cities of al-Bab, Azaz Sputnik 02 Mar 2017 -- Reliable sources in the Middle East have told Sputnik that Turkey continues setting up military bases in the north of Syria. Kurdish politician Rezan Hiddo spoke to Sputnik Turkiye about what Turkey's Armed Forces are up to in the area.
Erdogan: Turkey Ready to Crush Daesh in Syria Jointly With Russia Sputnik 02 Mar 2017 -- The Turkish leader said Ankara was ready to fight Daesh jointly with Russia if Moscow sent a corresponding request.
Syria reserves right to use force against Turkey: Envoy Press TV 02 Mar 2017 -- Syria's ambassador to the United Nations says Damascus reserves the right to use force against Turkey's military invasion of the Arab country.
Syrian army says has liberated Palmyra from Daesh terrorists Press TV 02 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army says it has fully liberated Palmyra from the grip of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, marking the second recapture of the ancient city.
Daesh pulls back from much of Syrian ancient city: Report Press TV 02 Mar 2017 -- Daesh Takfiri militants reportedly withdrew from much of Palmyra overnight amid a major push by the Syrian army to rid the ancient city of the terrorists.
UN Panel Alleges Aleppo War Crimes RFE/RL 02 Mar 2017 -- A UN panel has said the evacuation of eastern Aleppo, after months of siege and bombardments by Russian and Syrian forces, was one of many war crimes committed by those fighting for control of Syria's second-largest city.
HNC Hopes 'Russia Will Play an Important Role in Syrian Settlement' Sputnik 02 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) delegation on Thursday expressed hope that Russia will play an important role in restoring peace in Syria.
Syrian Army Destroys Jabhat Fatah al Sham's Command Post Near Damascus Sputnik 02 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian army destroyed a command post of the Jabhat Fatah al Sham terror group, outlawed in Russia, in the town of Harasta near the country's capital of Damascus, local media reported on Thursday.
Jaafari: Syria Counterterror Operation to Continue Until Country Fully Liberated Sputnik 02 Mar 2017 -- Bashar Jaafari, the head of the Syrian government delegation to the intra-Syria talks in Geneva, said that the operation against the terrorists in Syria would be continued until the country is fully freed from terrorism.
Russia-Backed Syrian Army Completely Liberates Palmyra From Daesh Sputnik 02 Mar 2017 -- The Syrian Army, supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces, has completed the operation to liberate the historic city of Palmyra from Daesh terrorists, according to the Kremlin spokesman citing Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's report to President Vladimir Putin.
Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 01 Mar 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Gen. Townsend via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 01 Mar 2017 -- Presenter: Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve
War crimes committed by all parties in battle for Aleppo - UN-mandated inquiry on Syria UN News 01 Mar 2017 -- The battle late last year for control over Syria's war-ravaged Aleppo was a stage of unrelenting violence, with civilians on both sides falling victim to war crimes committed by all parties, read a report issued today by the United Nations-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria.
UN: Both Sides in Syrian Conflict Committed War Crimes VOA 01 Mar 2017 -- Opposing sides in the fight for control of Aleppo committed war crimes, according to a new United Nations report.
Syria talks should focus on unity govt. during transition period: Russia Press TV 01 Mar 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has underlined the need for the Syria peace talks underway in the Swiss city of Geneva to focus on warring sides reaching a consensus on how the war-torn country will be governed during the transition period.
US seeks Turkey's role in liberating Syria's Raqqah Press TV 01 Mar 2017 -- A US commander says talks are under way with Turkey on the role Ankara might play in the operation to liberate Syria's Raqqah, a city under the control of the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
Syrian forces enter Daesh-controlled Palmyra Press TV 01 Mar 2017 -- Syrian army forces have reportedly entered the ancient city of Palmyra, which fell to the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group for a second time a few months ago.
Russia Ceases Bombing US Allies in Syria After Deconfliction Call - Coalition Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- The commander of the Operation Inherent Resolve said Moscow had stopped accidental bombing of the US-led coalition's allies after a deconfliction call.
Much to Turkey's Dismay: US Expects Syrian Kurds to Join Raqqa Liberation Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- Syrian Kurds are likely to participate in the liberation of Raqqa, according to the chief of the US-led coalition against Daesh. Apparently, Turkey will not be happy.
Syrian Army Storming Hotel Complex in Daesh-Held Southwestern Palmyra Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- Syrian troops are storming the Daesh-held historic city of Palmyra.
Syrian Government Forces Capture Palmyra Citadel From Daesh - Reports Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- Syrian government forces along with their allies have recaptured Palmyra citadel from Daesh on Wednesday, securing complete control of the firing range over the city of Palmyra.
US Sets Up Military Base in Syrian Manbij to 'Defend It From Turkish Attack' Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- A high-ranking representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces, who wished not to disclose his name, has told Sputnik Turkiye that the US is "taking all necessary measures" to defend the Syrian city of Manbij from an attack by the Turkish military. It has set up a military base in the city and hung up its flag as a "warning sign" to Ankara.
Syrian Army Destroys Daesh Bomb-Loaded Vehicles, Kills 10 Militants Near Palmyra Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- At least two bomb-loaded armored vehicles with Daesh suicide attackers heading to the Syrian army positions near the southwestern entrance of Palmyra were destroyed, according to a source.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

March 2017 - Syria Special Weapons News