December 2018 - Syria Special Weapons News

Trump Defends 'Slow' Withdrawal of US Troops From Syria Sputnik 31 Dec 2018 -- The White House announced the pull out of its troops from the Arab Republic on 19 December. The US president noted later that the goal of American troops to eliminate Daesh* had been "mostly" achieved and thus the soldiers can now return home.
Trump agreed to reevaluate Syria evacuation: Graham Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has agreed to reevaluate his decision to immediately leave Syria, says Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, noting that the 30-day evacuation plan is now in a "pause situation."
US military admits killing more civilians in Syria, Iraq Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- The US military has issued a report, admitting killing additional civilians since it started its military campaign in Iraq and Syria in 2014.
Trump defends withdrawing US troops from Syria Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to withdraw American troops from Syria, saying he is "just doing what I said I was going to do" during his 2016 election campaign.
Trump Defends His Planned Troop Withdrawal from Syria VOA 31 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday defended his planned withdrawal of all 2,000 American troops from Syria, attacking critics of the action as chronic complainers.
Iraq targets gathering of Daesh commanders in Syria IRNA 31 Dec 2018 -- The Iraqi F-16 jetfighters bombarded a Daesh(ISIS) gathering attended by 30 commanders of the terrorist group in Syria, the Iraqi military sources said in a statement released on Monday.
More Arab countries to reopen embassies in Damascus in coming days: Kuwait Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- Kuwait says it expects more Arab countries to reopen diplomatic missions in Damascus in "coming days" amid promising signs that the incumbent Damascus government led by President Bashar al-Assad is being admitted back into the Arab world.
Iraqi warplanes hit strategic Daesh position in eastern Syria, kills 30 commanders Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- Iraqi military aircraft have pounded a strategic position of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr after Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, allowed Iraqi fighter jets to conduct airstrikes against the extremists in Syria without waiting to be granted formal authorization for the assaults.
Iraq to play bigger role in Syria to fight Daesh: PM Press TV 31 Dec 2018 -- The Iraqi prime minister has hinted that his country would play a bigger role in Syria to fight Daesh terrorists after the withdrawal of the US forces.
Iraqi Forces Announce 30 Daesh Commanders Eliminated in Syria's Deir Ez-Zor Sputnik 31 Dec 2018 -- The airstrike comes after RT Arabic reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had granted Iraqi jets general permission to conduct strikes on the Daesh* terrorist group in the country.
Kurdish YPG Militia to Disarm After Peace Returns to Syria – Spokesman Sputnik 31 Dec 2018 -- The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) will lay down their arms only after peace returns to Syria, the militia's spokesman Nuri Mahmud said.
Ceasefire Breaches Recorded in Syria's Idlib De-Escalation Zone Sputnik 31 Dec 2018 -- Over the past 24 hours, members of illegal armed groups violated ceasefire regime in 20 areas in Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve Monthly Civilian Casualty Report Operation Inherent Resolve 30 Dec 2018 -- The Coalition has worked by, with and through partners since 2014 to defeat ISIS in designated parts of Iraq and Syria, liberating nearly 8 million Iraqis and Syrians from ISIS's brutal rule and reducing its control of territory to approximately one percent of what it previously held.
US presence in Persian Gulf creating insecurity: Top military official IRNA 30 Dec 2018 -- Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran said the presence of the United States in the Persian Gulf has nothing, but insecurity in the region.
US exit from Syria insignificant: Iran top cmdr IRNA 30 Dec 2018 -- Chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said that given the huge number of the US forces currently present in the region, its recent exit from Syria is not a remarkable measure.
US Vacates First Warehouse in Syria Amid Pullout – Reports Sputnik 30 Dec 2018 -- The United States has cleared the first military warehouse in the northeastern Syrian province of Hasakah, media reported.
US forces leave Hasakah base following Trump's decision to evacuate Syria Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- The United States has reportedly evacuated a military base in Syria, the first step towards delivering on President Donald Trump's recent pledge to pull American forces out of the war-torn Arab country.
US: Anti-IS Coalition Airstrikes Killed Over 1,000 Civilians VOA 30 Dec 2018 -- U.S.-led coalition airstrikes against Islamic State have killed over 1,000 civilians in Iraq and Syria since 2014.
Turkey to continue cooperation with Russia, Iran on Syria ISNA 30 Dec 2018 -- Turkey intends to continue close cooperation with Russia and Iran in Syria, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday after negotiations in Moscow.
Syria key player in Middle East region, Bahraini foreign minister says Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifah has described Syria as a key player in Middle East politics, stating that the Manama regime stands by Syria in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression.
US presence in Persian Gulf only fuels insecurity: Iran chief commander Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the United States is only fueling insecurity in the Persian Gulf through its presence in the strategic region.
Jordanian lawmakers demand restoration of full Syria relations Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Jordanian legislators have reportedly called on the Amman government to restore full diplomatic relations with neighboring Syria amid promising signs that the incumbent Damascus government led by President Bashar al-Assad is being admitted back into the Arab world.
Assad allows Iraqi jets to hit Daesh militant redoubts in Syria anytime: Report Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly allowed Iraqi fighter jets to conduct airstrikes against the positions of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the war-ravaged country without waiting to be granted formal authorization for the assaults.
Turkey, Russia agree to 'coordinate' anti-terror Syria operations Press TV 30 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow and Ankara have reached a consensus on coordination of counter-terrorism military activities in Syria amid the withdrawal of American troops from the Arab country.
Syrian Army Stations Along Western Border of Manbij Region - Correspondent Sputnik 30 Dec 2018 -- The Syrian army established itself on the territories along the western border of the Syrian region of Manbij, Aleppo province, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
Syria Allows Iraq to Conduct Air Raids Against Daesh – Report Sputnik 30 Dec 2018 -- The Iraqi military has conducted two airstrikes this month against Daesh on the territory of Syria, leaving dozens of terrorists dead. They reportedly used intelligence obtained from Damascus to locate the terrorists' positions.
US evacuates first military warehouse in Syria IRNA 29 Dec 2018 -- Following its surprise decision last week to withdraw its troops from Syria, the first US military warehouse near the Iraqi border was evacuated on Friday.
Turkey will continue close cooperation with Iran on Syria IRNA 29 Dec 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday that 'we will continue our close co-operation with Iran on Syria and regional issues'.
Turkey to continue cooperation with Iran, Russia on regional issues, Syria: Turkish FM Press TV 29 Dec 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey would continue to be in close cooperation with Iran and Russia on regional developments, especially the Syria conflict as Ankara is reportedly preparing to launch a military incursion against US-backed Kurdish militants in northern Syria.
Iran's IRGC: US pullout from Syria sign of defeat Press TV 29 Dec 2018 -- The deputy commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says President Donald Trump's decision to pull out US troops from Syria is a sign of Washington's defeat in the region.
US may let Kurdish militants to keep arms after Syria pullout: Officials Press TV 29 Dec 2018 -- US officials say the Pentagon is considering recommending that Kurdish militants be allowed to keep American-supplied weapons after the withdrawal of troops from Syria.
Kremlin Confirms Information on Syrian Army Taking Control of Manbij Sputnik 29 Dec 2018 -- On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan brushed off the report on Manbij passing under the Syrian government's control as a "psychological operation", saying that "there is nothing definite yet".
US Withdrawal From Syria a Step in Right Direction – Russian Envoy to UN Sputnik 29 Dec 2018 -- The White House announced the withdrawal of its troops from the Arab Republic on 19 December. The US president noted that the goal of American troops of eliminating Daesh had been achieved and thus they can now return home.
US Commanders Recommend Letting Kurdish Fighters Keep Weapons – Reports Sputnik 29 Dec 2018 -- US Commanders planning the pullout of the US troops from Syria are recommending that Kurdish fighters battling Daesh forces be allowed to keep US-supplied weapons, four officials said on condition of anonymity.
Turkey will have no business in Syria's Manbij if YPG leaves, says Erdogan Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country's military forces will have no business in Syria's northern town of Manbij once Kurdish militants from the US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG) withdraw from the area.
Kremlin: Entry of Syrian Army to Menbej positive step towards restoring stability IRNA 28 Dec 2018 -- The Russian presidency welcomed the entry of the Syrian Arab Army to Menbej area in the northern countryside of Aleppo and the hoisting of the Syrian flag there.
Iran welcomes hoisting of Syria flag in Menbej IRNA 28 Dec 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday welcomed hoisting of Syrian flag in Menbej, north of the country.
Syrian army foils terrorists' infiltration attempts in Hama countryside IRNA 28 Dec 2018 -- Army units operating in Hama northern countryside thwarted attempts by terrorist groups to infiltrate and attack military posts positioned in the area to protect the safe villages and towns.
Syria itself should decide on foreign military advisors: Russia IRNA 28 Dec 2018 -- Syria itself should decide on continuation of presence of foreign military advisors in the country, a Russian official said.
Iran: Return of Syrian Army to Manbij, 'important step' Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has welcomed the arrival of Syrian government forces for the first time in years in the strategic northern city of Manbij, previously held by Kurdish militants from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Kuwait to reopen embassy in Syria for first time in seven years Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- In another sign of thawing relations between the Syrian government and the Arab world after years of diplomatic row in the wake of foreign-sponsored militancy, Kuwait has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus next month.
Russia, Turkey, Iran to hold talks on Syria conflict early next week Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- Russia, Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran are set to hold a new round of talks on the ongoing foreign-sponsored Syria crisis early next year, in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision last week to withdraw American troops from the war-ravaged Arab country.
Bahrain follows in UAE's footsteps, officially confirms resuming work at embassy in 'brotherly' Syria Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- Bahrain says it will resume operations at its embassy in Syria amid new efforts by Persian Gulf states to improve relations with Damascus as the war against foreign-backed terrorists winds down.
Syrian army enters Manbij near Turkish border, raises flag Press TV 28 Dec 2018 -- The Syrian army has entered Manbij near the Turkish border, marking the return of territories held by US-backed militants to the government fold for the first time in years, an army spokesman said Friday.
Syrian Forces Enter Key Northern City, As Russia Hails Move RFE/RL 28 Dec 2018 -- Syrian government forces entered the key northern city of Manbij for the first time in six years after a Kurdish-led militia said it invited Damascus to protect the town from the threat of a Turkish military offensive.
Damascus Regaining Control Over Manbij is Step to Stabilise Crisis - Tehran Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- Earlier in the day, the Syrian Arab Army announced that government forces had raised the country's flag in the city, while the Kurdish YPG units had left Manbij in order to fight against the Daesh* terrorist group to the east of the Euphrates.
Syrian Forces Trying to Run 'Psychological Operation' in Manbij - Erdogan Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- The Syrian state broadcaster earlier reported that the Syrian Arab Army had entered Manbij and raised the flag of the Arab Republic after receiving a request from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) to take control of the city amid Turkey's envisaged offensive in the area.
SDF Backs Syrian Army's Entry Into Manbij Amid Turkish Threat - Spokeswoman Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) support the Syrian army's entry into Manbij to protect the Syrian territory from possible invasion by Turkey, SDF spokeswoman Jihan Ahmed told Sputnik.
Syrian Forces Enter Manbij and Raise Country's Flag - General Staff Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- Earlier in the day, Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG) urged Damascus to take control of the city amid a statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said Ankara was ready to start an operation in the area.
Kurdish YPG Prepares to Focus on Anti-Daesh Fight East of Euphrates Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- The development comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier Ankara was ready to start an operation against the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria's Manbij if Washington does not remove the militia from there.
Turkish Media 'Exposes' French Bases in Syria Amid US Withdrawal Sputnik 28 Dec 2018 -- Days after US President Donald Trump ordered US troops to withdraw from Syria, French European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said that Paris would maintain its presence in Syria.
US Denies Syrian Forces Taking Over Manbij VOA 28 Dec 2018 -- Even as regional forces race to position themselves for the imminent withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, U.S. military officials caution nothing on the ground has changed yet.
Following UAE, Bahrain set to reopen diplomatic mission in Syria Press TV 27 Dec 2018 -- Arab states are preparing to restore their presence in Syria after years of absence following the outbreak of a foreign-sponsored conflict more than seven years ago, with Bahrain being the next in the line of countries to reopen its embassy in Damascus.
UAE officially reopens embassy in Syria: Damascus Press TV 27 Dec 2018 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially reopened its embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday, the Syrian Information Ministry has announced.
Russia: Eastern Syria must return to govt. control after US exit Press TV 27 Dec 2018 -- Russia says the territories currently occupied by American troops in eastern Syria should return to government control following Washington's planned withdrawal of its military forces from the Arab country.
Israeli Company Posts Alleged Photos of 'Iranian Facilities' Hit by IDF Strike Sputnik 27 Dec 2018 -- The satellite images were released after the Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) destroyed an arms depot stashed with Iranian weapons in the Syrian capital in Wednesday's airstrike.
Reason Behind US Syria Withdrawal 'Gambit' is Yet to Be Found - Moscow Sputnik 27 Dec 2018 -- Last week, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of US from Syria, posting on Twitter that the US had defeated the Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country.
Remarks by President Trump to Troops at Al Asad Air Base | Al Anbar Province, Iraq The White House 26 Dec 2018
Remarks by President Trump in Briefing at Al Asad Air Base | Al Anbar Province, Iraq The White House 26 Dec 2018
Trump defends Syria pullout plan in Baghdad, says US troops to stay in Iraq Press TV 26 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, have made a surprise visit to Iraq, meeting American troops fighting one of the many wars that he has mocked in the past as costly blunders.
Turkey to soon cross to east of Euphrates in northern Syria People's Daily 26 Dec 2018 -- Turkey is determined to cross to the east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria as soon as possible, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.
Three Soldiers Injured As Syrian Air Defenses Intercept Israeli Missiles RFE/RL 26 Dec 2018 -- Syrian state media says the country's air defenses have downed several Israeli missiles in a wave of attacks that injured three soldiers.
Syria air defense intercepts Israeli warplanes missiles IRNA 26 Dec 2018 -- A military source affirmed that the Syrian Air defenses intercepted hostile missiles launched by the Israeli warplanes from over the Lebanese territories and downed the majority of them before reaching their targets, Syrian media 'SANA' reported.
Israeli airstrikes on Syria put civilian flights in danger: Russia Press TV 26 Dec 2018 -- Russia has condemned as "provocative" the latest Israeli airstrikes on Syria, saying they had endangered two civilian flights.
Syrian Foreign Ministry: Israel's Attacks on Damascus Possible Due to US Support Sputnik 26 Dec 2018 -- Six jets of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) opened fire on targets in Syria on Tuesday night; most missiles were reportedly intercepted by Syrian air defence forces. Both Damascus and Moscow have condemned the attack, which Washington said was aimed at Hezbollah's targets.
IDF Strikes on Syria Created Direct Threat to Two Passenger Planes – Russian MoD Sputnik 26 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Defence Ministry has stated that neither of the passenger planes that were threatened due to the Israeli assault on Syria were related to Russian air carriers.
Israeli Media Claims IDF Destroyed Iranian Weapons in Strike on Damascus Sputnik 26 Dec 2018 -- The IDF destroyed an arms depot in Damascus stashed with Iranian weapons, the Jerusalem Post reported citing Israeli news agency Nziv.net.
Trump says Saudi Arabia to help rebuild Syria, defends forcing Mattis out People's Daily 25 Dec 2018 -- While defending his decision to force Defense Secretary James Mattis out ahead of schedule, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said that Saudi Arabia has agreed to replace the United States in helping rebuild Syria.
Syrian air defense systems intercept 'hostile targets' near capital Damascus Press TV 25 Dec 2018 -- Syrian air defense systems have intercepted "hostile targets" near the capital Damascus, nearly a month after government forces shot down several missiles following an Israeli attack and foiled its goals despite the "intensity of the aggression."
Syrian govt. forces march into Arima village near Kurdish-held Manbij Press TV 25 Dec 2018 -- Syrian army soldiers, supported by Russian troops, have marched into a village in the country's northern province of Aleppo, after US-sponsored and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) decided to hand it over to government forces.
Turkey warns France against supporting Kurdish YPG militants Press TV 25 Dec 2018 -- Turkey has warned France against supporting US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria, in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision last week to withdraw American troops from the war-ravaged Arab country.
We curse them as traitors: Syrian Kurds slam US withdrawal, look for new allies Press TV 25 Dec 2018 -- Many Syrian Kurds have expressed frustration over the United States' planned troop withdrawal from Syria, describing it as a 'stab in the back' and considering new allies, according to the US-based National Public Radio (NPR).
'No Benefit': Turkey Warns France Against Remaining in Syria Amid US Pullout Sputnik 25 Dec 2018 -- The news comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman revealed that American military officials are set to meet with their Turkish counterparts to discuss coordination on Syria following Washington's decision to withdraw troops from the Arab Republic.
Iranian FM Zarif: Too Early to Analyze US Exit From Syria Sputnik 25 Dec 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in an interview late on Monday, said he believed it was too early to give a detailed analysis of the US withdrawal from Syria.
Pentagon Signs Order on US Troop Withdrawal From Syria - Reports Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- The US Department of Defense has enacted the execute order for the pullout of the US troops from Syria, AFP reported Sunday, citing a US military spokesperson.
Pentagon signs order for US pullout from Syria: Military official Press TV 24 Dec 2018 -- The US military has announced that the order to pull the American forces out of Syria has been signed, after the US and Turkish presidents agreed on subsequent measures.
Pentagon Withdrawal Order For U.S. Troops From Syria 'Signed' RFE/RL 24 Dec 2018 -- The Pentagon has said the order for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria has been signed following President Donald Trump's December 19 announcement setting out plans for a full pullout, U.S. media are reporting.
White House: Trump Won't Rethink US Troop Pullout Amid High-Profile Resignations Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in a resignation letter he was stepping down at the end of February, citing the fact that US President Donald Trump needed to find a defense chief whose views were more aligned with his own.
Ex-NATO Commander Questions Trump Rationale to Withdraw US Troops From Syria Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- Former NATO Commander Wesley Clark questioned in an interview on Monday whether Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan is behind US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw all United States military forces from Syria.
Turkey-backed FSA militants prepare to replace American troops in Syria Press TV 24 Dec 2018 -- The Turkey-supported militants of the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) say they are preparing to deploy in eastern Syria alongside Turkey's army troops as soon as the announced pullout of the American forces in the region is completed, an FSA spokesman say.
US continues to violate UN resolutions on Syria, says Russian FM Press TV 24 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has denounced as "illegitimate" the military presence of American troops in Syria, stressing that the US continues to violate the main resolutions of the UN Security Council on the war-torn Arab country despite a troop withdrawal announcement.
Netanyahu: Israel Able To Contain Iran In Syria After U.S. Pullout RFE/RL 24 Dec 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull all American troops out of Syria will not stop Israel's efforts to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent presence in Syria.
Saudi Arabia Agrees to Finance Rebuilding of Syria - Trump Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump said in a statement on Monday that Saudi Arabia has agreed to pay for the reconstruction of Syria rather than the United States financing the reconstruction of that country.
Netanyahu Unsuccessfully Tried to Split Up Syria - Turkish PM Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- The Turkish PM's statement comes amid the ongoing war of words between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Sunday, the Israeli prime minister called the Turkish president an "anti-Semitic dictator" who is "obsessed with Israel." Erdogan responded by describing Netanyahu as "the head of state terror."
Iran Seeking to 'Build a Force of 100,000 Ground Troops' in Syria - IDF Chief Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- Late last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the Jewish state's commitment to counter Iran in Syria despite Washington's recent announcement to withdraw US troops from the Arab country.
Erdogan Pledged to Eradicate 'Whatever Left' of Daesh in Syria, Trump Says Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- On Wednesday, Trump declared Daesh defeat in Syria and subsequent withdrawal of US troops from the Arab country, where they had been staying solely to counter the Daesh. On Saturday, he added that "local countries, including Turkey" should be able to "easily take care of whatever remains."
Regional Players Prepare for Imminent US Pullout from Syria VOA 24 Dec 2018 -- Major players in and around Syria have started positioning their forces as discussions get under way on how to proceed once U.S. forces vacate the country and their fight against the last remnants of the Islamic State terror group's self-proclaimed caliphate.
Trump defends decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, slams Mattis, McGurk Press TV 23 Dec 2018 -- President Donald Trump has defended his decision to pull US troops out of Syria, criticizing personnel from his national security team who resigned this week.
Trump, Erdogan Agree to Coordinate US Pullout From Syria VOA 23 Dec 2018 -- President Donald Trump says he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talked about the planned U.S. military pull out from Syria during a "long and productive call" Sunday.
Macron Voices Deep Regret Over US Decision to Withdraw Troops From Syria Sputnik 23 Dec 2018 -- French Economic Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau claimed that Paris would maintain its military presence in Syria, while French Defence Minister Florence Parly refused to confirm that statement.
Turkey deploys military reinforcements to Kurdish-held northern Syria Press TV 23 Dec 2018 -- Turkey has dispatched military reinforcements to northern Syria, which is held by US-backed Kurdish militants, as American troops prepare to leave the Arab country.
Turkey Boosts Military Presence In Syria As Erdogan, Trump Discuss U.S. Pullout RFE/RL 23 Dec 2018 -- Turkey has begun bolstering its military presence on both sides of its border with Syria, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw all 2,000 U.S. troops currently based in Syria.
Turkey Reportedly Redeploys Troops to Border With Syria Amid US Pullout Sputnik 23 Dec 2018 -- Following initial statements about an upcoming military operation in the Eastern Euphrates and Manbij against Kurdish militants, the Turkish president announced on 21 December that it would be delayed in light of a US decision to withdraw its troops from Syria.
Erdogan Reportedly Vowed to Finish Off Daesh After US Troops Withdrawal Sputnik 23 Dec 2018 -- The Associated Press earlier reported, citing unnamed US and Turkish officials, that Donald Trump had decided to withdraw American troops from Syria after a phone conversation with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
UN adopts resolution in favor of Syria sovereignty over occupied Golan Heights Press TV 23 Dec 2018 -- The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution on the permanent sovereignty of Syria over natural resources of the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
SDF: Daesh Ramps Up Attacks on Kurds After US Report of Troop Pullout From Syria Sputnik 23 Dec 2018 -- The Daesh* terrorist group has stepped up attacks on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the United States announced its plans to withdraw troops from Syria, SDF spokesman Kino Gabriel told Sputnik.
US Allies Reeling from 'Trump Withdrawal' Scramble in Syria VOA 23 Dec 2018 -- British and French officials are scrambling to determine how they can maintain military pressure on the Islamic State terror group once the United States has pulled out its ground forces from northeast Syria.
Macron Vows to Keep French Forces in Levant Region Amid US Withdrawal Sputnik 24 Dec 2018 -- France will retain its military presence in the Levant region, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, while commenting on the US decision to withdraw troops from Syria.
Trump Defends Syria Pullout After Reports Of U.S. Envoy's Protest Resignation RFE/RL 23 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump again defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria, saying on Twitter that they were initially only going to be there for three months but have remained for years.
US envoy Brett McGurk resigns over Trump's announcement of troop withdrawal from Syria Press TV 22 Dec 2018 -- The US State Department's senior envoy to the so-called anti-Daesh coalition, Brett McGurk, has resigned over President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops out of Syria.
US-coalition attacks kill 30 civilians in eastern Syria IRNA 22 Dec 2018 -- The US-led coalition's attack on Deir ez-Zor Province, eastern Syria has killed 30 civilians on Friday night, French media reported.
France vows support for Syria militants amid US pullout Press TV 22 Dec 2018 -- A French official says his country has pledged backing for the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed anti-Damascus alliance of mainly Kurdish militants, amid the planned withdrawal of American troops from the Arab country.
US jets kill dozens in Syria after Trump announces pullout Press TV 22 Dec 2018 -- The US and its allies have conducted air raids on Syria's eastern Dayr al-Zawr province, killing more than two dozen people, including eight children.
France Reportedly Promised Kurdish SDF Support Amid US Withdrawal from Syria Sputnik 22 Dec 2018 -- The White House has announced the withdrawal of its troops from Syria within the next 100 days with President Trump stating that the US had managed to defeat Daesh* and thus should no longer stay in the Arab Republic.
'All Quiet on Southern Front': Rebels Claim US Troops Still Present in al-Tanf Sputnik 22 Dec 2018 -- The White House announced the withdrawal of the country's troops from Syria within next the 100 days, stating that with the defeat of Daesh* forces in the region their mission was finally over.
Erdogan Phone Call on Syria Triggered Mattis's Resignation – Reports Sputnik 22 Dec 2018 -- US President Donald Trump took to Twitter earlier this week to announce that Defence Secretary James Mattis would resign on 28 February 2019.
US to Withdraw Troops From Military Base in Syrian City of Al-Tanf - Reports Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- The United States will withdraw its troops from its military base located in the south-eastern Syrian city of Al-Tanf, near the Jordanian border, BuzzFeed reported, citing a militant commander at Al-Tanf.
Erdogan Vows To 'Remove' Kurdish Militia, IS From Syria After U.S. Withdrawal RFE/RL 21 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will clear Syria both of a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia and Islamic State (IS) militants after the U.S. decision to pull troops out.
Turkey Delays Syria Military Operation to Avoid US Friendly Fire - Minister Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday that a military advance against Kurdish YPG forces in northeastern Syria would be delayed until the US pullout is over.
Erdogan Decides to Postpone Military Op in Syria After Talk With Trump Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- Earlier, the Turkish Defence Minister announced that the country was "intensely" preparing to launch another operation against Syrian Kurds in Manbij, Aleppo Governorate, and to the east of the Euphrates. The announcement came the day after the US had decided to withdraw its troops from Syria.
Syrian army retaliates terrorists' attacks in countryside of Hama, Idleb IRNA 21 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Arab Army units continued to retaliate to terrorist groups' violations of the demilitarized zone in Idleb, foiling their repeated attempts to infiltrate from several directions in the countryside of Hama and Idleb to attack military points and safe areas in Hama northern countryside.
Lavrov: US troops presence in Syria illegal IRNA 21 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday renewed that the presence of US troops in Syria is illegal, considering the announcement of their withdrawal is a step in the right direction, SANA reported.
US likely to end air war in Syria IRNA 21 Dec 2018 -- The United States will likely end its air campaign against ISIS in Syria when it pulls out troops, US officials said, sealing an abrupt reversal of policy which has alarmed Western allies as well as Washington's Kurdish battle partners.
Erdogan welcomes US troop withdrawal from Syria Press TV 21 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed the United States' announced withdrawal from Syria, temporarily postponing a planned invasion of Syria's Kurdish-controlled northeastern regions.
Netanyahu says Israel to increase its "efforts" in Syria after US troop pullout Press TV 21 Dec 2018 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify Israel's "efforts" in Syria after US President Donald Trump announced a full withdrawal of American troops from the Arab country.
Syrian Democratic Council Asks France to Help Set up No-Fly Zone Over N Syria Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is asking France to help introduce a no-fly zone over northern Syria, co-chairs of the SDC, Ilham Ahmed and Riad Darar, said Friday in Paris.
US Presence in Syria Not Helping Political, Diplomatic Settlement - Kremlin Sputnik 21 Dec 2018 -- The presence of the US forces in Syria does not help the political and diplomatic settlement of the crisis in the Middle Eastern country, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said.
US Warplanes Keep IS in Crosshairs, for Now VOA 20 Dec 2018 -- Islamic State fighters in Syria should not expect any relief from the pounding of U.S. and coalition airstrikes, at least for now.
Trump's Syria Withdrawal Announcement Criticized By Allies, Praised By Putin RFE/RL 20 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his unexpected decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, a move met with concern by members of the anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition, but lauded by Russia.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 20 Dec 2018 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
Turkey Promises to 'Bury' Kurds in New Syrian Ops Amid US Withdrawal – Reports Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- Previously, Turkey conducted two ops, "Olive Branch" and " Euphrates Shield" in the Arab Republic in a bid to eliminate Kurdish forces there, allegedly tied to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), deemed a terrorist organisation by Ankara.
Views Differ on Trump Pullout From Syria VOA 20 Dec 2018 -- The Syrian government has applauded U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Kurdish regions in the north of Syria. Meanwhile, Kurds have condemned the decision, and the regional U.S. Arab allies are divided over the move.
Putin Lauds US Troop Withdrawal From Syria, Calls Presence 'Illegitimate' VOA 20 Dec 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for a surprise White House decision to pull 2,000 U.S. troops out of Syria, calling their presence there illegitimate and an impediment to peace in the region.
Trump Defends Victory Against IS Claim, Syria Troop Pullout VOA 20 Dec 2018 -- In a series of tweets early Thursday, President Donald Trump defended his decision to start withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria, saying the U.S. does not want to be "the Policeman of the Middle East."
China: Syria's future should be determined by Syrians Press TV 20 Dec 2018 -- China says the future of Syria should be independently decided by its people and the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country respected.
Syria open to any initiative making way for resolution of country's crisis: Ja'fari Press TV 20 Dec 2018 -- The United Nations Security Council has held a meeting on Syria with a focus on a UN-backed constitutional body for the crisis-hit country, days after the three mediators of a peace process in Syria reached a set of agreements in Geneva, Austria, on the issue.
UN Special Envoy Says Premature to Assess US Withdrawal From Syria Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- It is premature to assess the US decision to withdraw its military presence from Syria, UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters on Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Vows to Continue Aggressive Actions Against Iran in Syria Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The US announced earlier this week that they had started to pull their troops out of Syria while the country's president Donald Trump said that the Daesh* terrorist group had been defeated.
US Withdrawal From Syria to Be Major Blow to Kurdish Militia - Syrian Envoy Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The announced withdrawal of the US military from Syria will come as a hard blow for the Kurdish-led militia operating in the northeast of Syria, whose only sensible option now is to return the lands that they have seized back under control of the legitimate Syrian government, Syria's Envoy to China Imad Moustapha told Sputnik.
UK Foreign Office: Daesh Will Remain a Threat in Syria Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The international coalitions fighting against the Daesh terror group has made huge progress but the terror organization remains a threat and should be defeated, the UK Foreign Office said, commenting on the US announcement of the withdrawal of the forces from Syria.
Russian FM: US Troops Withdrawal Enables Outlook for Syria Political Settlement Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- The decision of the United States to withdraw its troops from Syria creates a real possibility for a political settlement in the crisis-torn Arab Republic, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
Remain united for Syrians, UN envoy de Mistura urges Security Council UN News 20 Dec 2018 -- Addressing the problems plaguing Syria and bring years of brutal fighting to an end, requires further "genuine effort" on the part of influential countries, to talk to each other and work constructively, the veteran United Nations Special Envoy for Syria has said.
US, French Military Withdraw From Manbij Area in Northern Syria - SDF Source Sputnik 20 Dec 2018 -- US and French forces began to abandon their positions near
Despite, Critics, Trump Says 'All' U.S. Troops To Leave Syria 'Now' After 'Historic Victories' RFE/RL 20 Dec 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says in a Twitter video message that "after historic victories" against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria, U.S. troops are "all coming back and they're all coming back now," a plan earlier condemned by many Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Syrian Kurds 'Gravely Concerned' About US Exit VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Kurdish officials and residents voiced concerns Wednesday that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, announced earlier in the day by the White House, could affect the war on the Islamic State terror group and create yet another conflict in the war-torn country.
Who Are the Kurds? VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- The Kurds' involvement in the conflict in Syria is difficult to understand because of their own troubled history that spreads across several regional borders. Here is a look at the current Kurdish crisis and how it came to be:
White House Defends Declaration of Victory Against IS VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- Without offering specifics on what led to a declaration of victory against the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Syria, the White House defended both the declaration and the decision to start bringing U.S. troops in the war-torn country back home.
US forces establish new base in Iraq near border with Syria: Report Press TV 19 Dec 2018 -- US forces have established a new military base in Iraq's western province of Anbar near the border with neighboring Syria in defiance of widespread calls to end its military presence in the Middle East region.
US Started Returning Troops Home From Syria - White House Sputnik 19 Dec 2018 -- Earlier on Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US military was preparing to withdraw all of its forces from northeastern Syria.
White House: U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Syria Begins, But Campaign Against IS Continues RFE/RL 19 Dec 2018 -- The United States has started bringing home troops from Syria as it moves to a new phase in the campaign against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the White House says.
White House: US Starts Withdrawing Troops From Syria VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- The White House said Wednesday the United States has begun withdrawing troops from Syria, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted the U.S. has defeated the Islamic State terror group there.
US Lawmakers 'Blindsided' by News of US Troop Withdrawal from Syria VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- The White House's announcement that U.S. troops are withdrawing from Syria caught U.S. lawmakers by surprise and angered some of President Donald Trump's top allies on Capitol Hill.
What You Need to Know About US Involvement in Syria VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- The White House said Wednesday that 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria had begun withdrawing, shortly after President Donald Trump tweeted that the U.S. had defeated Islamic State in the Middle Eastern country. The announced withdrawal marked a sudden reversal in U.S. military strategy in the region, where senior U.S. military and other officials have been pushing for a longer-term military presence to help ensure IS does not re-emerge.
Syrian Constitution Committee meeting to be held early 2019 IRNA 19 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Minister announced that the first meeting of the Syrian Constitution Committee is slated to be held early 2019.
Russia slams US illegal presence in Syria as 'obstacle' to settlement Press TV 19 Dec 2018 -- Russia has slammed the "illegal" presence of US troops in Syria as "a dangerous obstacle" to finding a peace settlement.
Daesh terrorists executed over 700 prisoners in eastern Syria in two months: Observatory Press TV 19 Dec 2018 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group have executed more than 700 prisoners in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
State Dept Denies Trump Gave 'Greenlight' for Turkish Offensive in Syria Sputnik 19 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that US President Donald Trump had responded positively to Turkey's plans to launch an offensive on the eastern side of the Euphrates River.
Allies React With Alarm to Trump Pull-out Tweet, Kurds Fear Turkish Attack VOA 19 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Kurdish allies of the United States reacted with alarm Wednesday at the surprise announcement by President Donald Trump on Twitter that all American forces have begun withdrawing from Syria.
Sudan Leader Visit Seen as Effort to Reintegrate Syria into Arab Fold VOA 18 Dec 2018 -- Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir traveled to Damascus on Sunday, catching many observers by surprise. According to Arab media, the visit is part of a Russian strategy to rehabilitate Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and reintegrate his government into mainstream Arab politics.
UN envoy discusses new Syria constitution body with Iran, Turkey, Russia FMs Press TV 18 Dec 2018 -- The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey have held talks with the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on the composition of a Syrian constitutional committee.
US envoy: We're no longer seeking regime change in Syria Press TV 18 Dec 2018 -- The United States says it is no longer seeking to unseat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backtracking on the once strict regime change policy that Washington insisted on, but which has evidently failed to put into effect.
Syria constitutional committee worth going 'extra mile' for, says UN envoy UN News 18 Dec 2018 -- Efforts to establish a constitutional committee for Syria are worth going the "extra mile" for, UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Tuesday, after meeting with the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey – guarantors of a fragile ceasefire in the wartorn country – who agreed that it should convene for the first time early next year in Geneva.
Turkish US Tensions Deepen Over Syrian Kurds VOA 18 Dec 2018 -- Diplomatic efforts are continuing to avert a crisis between Ankara and Washington over a threatened Turkish offensive against U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces. But analysts warn mixed messages between the two NATO allies is complicating de-escalation efforts.
Erdogan: Turkey to launch East of Euphrates operation 'any moment' Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country's military is possible to start a new operation against US-backed Kurdish militants in Syria at "any moment."
Turkey Will Not Let US Prevent Ankara's Op East of Euphrates in Syria – Minister Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- Turkey will not let the United States prevent its military operation in the Syrian territories, east of the Euphrates River, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday.
UN Syria envoy set to host top diplomats from Iran, Russia, Turkey this week Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is set to host top diplomats from Iran, Russia and Turkey, as guarantors of the Syria peace process, in Geneva this week.
Assad asks Iran, Russia to stop Western 'interference ' in Syria Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- President Bashar al-Assad has asked Iran and Russia to "stop the interference of some Western states" as Syria is setting up a committee tasked with negotiating a new post-war constitution.
Sudan's Bashir first Arab leader to visit Damascus in 8 years Press TV 17 Dec 2018 -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived in Syria's capital of Damascus on Sunday in the first such visit by an Arab leader since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
Syria Accuses Turkey, West of Delaying Constitutional Committee Formation Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Monday accused Turkey and Western countries of the delay in the formation of the Syrian constitutional committee.
Syrian Foreign Minister: Government to Focus on Terrorist Defeat in Idlib Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- The Syrian government's priority is to free the northwestern Idlib province from terrorists, the country's foreign minister Walid Moallem stated.
Iraqi AF Destroys Daesh Facility for Meetings in Hajin, Syria - Defence Ministry Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- The Iraqi air force on 11 December destroyed two buildings in the city of Hajin in Syria where heads of the Daesh* terror group have held regular meetings, the Defence Ministry of Iraq reported.
Russian MoD Reveals How Iskander Missile System Proved Effectiveness in Syria Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- This comes after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced in September that Russia would take a spate of measures to enhance safety of its troops in Syria, including the deliveries of the S-300 systems to the Arab country.
Russian Aviation in Syria Carried Out Up to 100 Sorties Per Day - Minister Sputnik 17 Dec 2018 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said Monday that Russian military aircraft and helicopters managed to carry out up to 100 sorties per day from the Hmeymim air base in Syria due to efficient functioning of the engineering services.
Fresh US-led airstrikes leave 17 Syrian civilians dead in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 16 Dec 2018 -- More than a dozen civilians, mostly women and children, have been killed after the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out a series of aerial assaults in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Turkey says would work with Syria's Assad if he won 'democratic election' Press TV 16 Dec 2018 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says the Ankara government would consider working with Syrian President Bashar Assad if he won a democratic and credible election.
Turkey Not Ruling Out Possibility of Cooperation With Assad - Foreign Minister Sputnik 16 Dec 2018 -- Turkey will consider the possibility of cooperation with Syrian President Bashar Assad in case of his re-election as the country's head as result of a transparent and fair election, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday.
US Warns Syrian Opposition, FSA not to Back Turkey's Planned Op Against YPG Sputnik 16 Dec 2018 -- The warning comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara was ready to launch an operation in Syria's Manbij against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) "in a few days" if the US does not order them to withdraw from the area.
Terror Attack in Syria's Afrin Leaves Dozens Injured - Source Sputnik 16 Dec 2018 -- Five Turkish civilians died as a result of an explosion in Syria's Afrin, Lebanon's al-Mayadeen broadcaster reported, citing an informed source. However, no official confirmation of the attack, the number of casualties or reasons behind it has been made.
EU calls on Turkey to refrain from any unilateral action in Syria Press TV 15 Dec 2018 -- European Union's top foreign policy official has called on Turkey to avoid taking any unilateral action in Syria that could destabilize the Arab country.
Analysts: Uighur Jihadis in Syria Could Pose Threat VOA 15 Dec 2018 -- Analysts are warning that the jihadi group Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) in northwestern Syria could pose a danger to Syria's volatile Idlib province, where efforts continue to keep a fragile Turkey-Russia-brokered cease-fire between Syrian regime forces and the various rebel groups.
Turkish, US Presidents Discuss Future Operation in Syria - Erdogan's Aide Sputnik 15 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, discussed over the phone Ankara's future military operation in the east of Syria, Erdogan's aide Ibrahim Kalin told reporters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum.
US Coalition Unable to Complete Defeat of Daesh Near Syria's Hajin - Russian MoD Sputnik 15 Dec 2018 -- The Russian Defence Ministry has commented on the disagreements with the United States over the landmark INF Treaty, as well as the situation in Syria, particularly in areas, controlled by the US-led coalition and its allies.
US-coalition attack on Syria kills 57 in November IRNA 14 Dec 2018 -- The UN Secretary General António Guterres has announced that the US coalition attacks on Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, killed 57 civilians in November.
US-backed Kurdish militants slam Turkish threats as 'declaration of war' Press TV 14 Dec 2018 -- The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed coalition of mainly Kurdish militants that maintains a grip on northeastern Syria, together with its component, the People's Protection Units (YPG), have censured Turkish threats of a new operation in the crisis-hit Arab country as a "declaration of war", calling on world powers to stop the assault.
Turkish forces to enter Syria's Manbij if US-backed YPG remains there: Erdogan Press TV 14 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will send its forces to the Syrian town of Manbij if the United States does not remove the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia from the area.
Assad says Syria reconstruction to cost $400bn Press TV 14 Dec 2018 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad predicts that Syria's reconstruction will cost between $250 billion and $400 billion, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov has said after meeting with the Syrian head of state.
US-backed Fighters Battle IS in Last Syrian Stronghold VOA 14 Dec 2018 -- Fierce fighting is ongoing in eastern Syria as U.S.-backed Syrian fighters are trying to advance against the Islamic State (IS) terror group in its last major stronghold in the country.
Pentagon: Turkish Unilateral Action in Northeast Syria Would Be 'Unacceptable' Sputnik 13 Dec 2018 -- A Turkish unilateral military operation in northeast Syria if launched would be unacceptable and Ankara should consult with the United States to address the security situation, Defense Department spokesperson Cmdr. Sean Robertson told Sputnik.
Four million Syrian children have only known war since birth: UNICEF UN News 13 Dec 2018 -- Half of Syria's children, that's four million, have grown up only knowing a life of violence, as the war-battered country enters its eighth year of conflict, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday.
Turkey to launch new operation against US-backed Kurdish militants in northern Syria, says Erdogan Press TV 12 Dec 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will launch a new operation against the US-backed Kurds in northern Syria within days, amid tensions between the two NATO allies over Washington's support for the Kurdish militants in the Arab country.
Erdogan: Turkey to Start Military Operation East of Euphrates in Couple Days Sputnik 12 Dec 2018 -- "We are determined to make that area livable and peaceful," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday.
Turkey to Launch New Military Operation Against Syrian Kurds VOA 12 Dec 2018 -- A Turkish military operation against the Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, will start in the next few days, according to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. With the YPG being a key U.S. ally in the war against the Islamic State, such a move threatens to resurrect recent tensions between the two NATO allies.
Iraqi jetfighters kill 44 Daesh terrorists in Syria IRNA 12 Dec 2018 -- In an air strike conducted by Iraqi war planes, 44 Daesh (ISIS) terrorists were killed in Syria.
Car bomb attack kills one, injures 20 in northwestern Syrian town Press TV 12 Dec 2018 -- At least one civilian has been killed and nearly two dozen others sustained injuries after a car bomb blast struck near a medical center in Syria's northwestern province of Aleppo.
Syrian Kurds: Threat of Turkish Action Impacts Anti-IS Fight VOA 12 Dec 2018 -- Kurdish officials in Syria say any Turkish military action against them would affect their efforts in defeating Islamic State in its last stronghold in the country.
Iraqi aircraft target Daesh positions in eastern Syria, kill 44 terrorists Press TV 12 Dec 2018 -- Iraqi military aircraft have carried out two separate airstrikes against members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr as the Baghdad government has pledged to continue airstrikes on the positions and headquarters of the extremists in the neighboring war-battered country.
Pentagon Sets Up Observation Posts in Syria, to Coordinate Efforts With Turkey Sputnik 12 Dec 2018 -- The United States has finalized the establishment of observation posts in northeast Syria and will be coordinating with Turkey its security efforts in the border region, Department of Defence spokesperson Col. Rob Manning said in a press release.
Statement by the President The White House 11 Dec 2018
Remarks by President Trump at the Signing Ceremony for H.R. 390, Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018 The White House 11 Dec 2018
UN: 250,000 Syrian refugees could return to homeland next year Press TV 11 Dec 2018 -- The United Nations' refugee agency says up to 250,000 Syrian refugees could return to Syria as most of once militant-held regions are now under the control of the country's army troops.
Syria's position in Arab League needs to be restored, Russia says Press TV 11 Dec 2018 -- Head of the Russian National Defense Management Center, Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev, says Syria should rejoin the Arab League in order to help support the process of a political solution to the ongoing crisis, and push refugees toward returning home.
Bid to raise $5.5 billion for millions of Syrians and their host communities UN News 11 Dec 2018 -- Some 5.6 million Syrians need help outside the war-torn country and one million of them are children born in exile, UN agencies and partners said on Tuesday, in an appeal for $5.5 billion to cover humanitarian needs for 2019.
US-Backed Forces Make 'Significant' Incursion Into Last IS Stronghold VOA 11 Dec 2018 -- U.S.-backed forces in Syria are pushing further into Islamic State's last stronghold along the Syria-Iraq border, forcing their way into the town of Hajin within the past two days.
UN Launches Multi-Billion-Dollar Appeal for Syrian Refugees VOA 11 Dec 2018 -- The U.N. is appealing for $5.5 billion to support millions of Syrian refugees, and the neighboring countries hosting them in the coming years.
Syrian army destroys terrorists' fortified dens IRNA 10 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Arab Army units operating in the northern Hama countryside thwarted terrorist groups' infiltration attempts towards military points, killing and injuring a number of terrorists.
Meeting Readout of The Secretary's Special Representative on Syria Engagement in Gaziantep US Dept. of State 10 Dec 2018
Major UN aid operation for 650,000 gets underway across Syria-Jordan border UN News 10 Dec 2018 -- The United Nations began a four-week operation on Sunday, delivering lifesaving assistance to hundreds of thousands of Syrians in desperate need, from across the border in neighbouring Jordan.
Syrian Media Deny Earlier Reports of Air Strike on Damascus Airport Sputnik 10 Dec 2018 -- Syrian state media outlets including broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya and the SANA news agency issued a report on Sunday claiming that Syrian air defences had repelled an attack near the Damascus international Airport, however, later in the day, quoting local sources, they took back the story, asserting that a strike did not happen.
Syrian Air Defences Repel Strike on Damascus Airport - Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2018 -- According to Syrian state broadcaster Ikhbariya, the Damascus air defense system intercepted enemy targets on Sunday in the vicinity of the international airport.
US seeks to whitewash terrorists' gas attack in Syria: Russia Press TV 08 Dec 2018 -- Russia has rejected fresh US accusations regarding a chemical weapons attack in Syria's Aleppo, saying Washington is trying to whitewash terrorists' gas attacks and distract public opinion from American crimes.
Russia's S-300s Should Remain in Syria to Protect it From Enemy Airstrikes - SNC Sputnik 08 Dec 2018 -- Russia's S-300 air defense systems should remain in Syria if they protect the country from airstrikes and enemies, a representative of the Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) and member of the political committee of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SOC) told Sputnik.
Mass Graves Highlight Challenges in Post-IS Raqqa VOA 08 Dec 2018 -- More than 500 bodies were exhumed last week from one of the largest mass graves in Raqqa, Syria, once the de facto capital of the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
Fresh US-led airstrikes kill nearly dozen Syrian civilians in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 07 Dec 2018 -- Nearly a dozen civilians have lost their lives and sustained injuries when the so-called US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out a number of aerial attacks in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
US-Led Coalition Strikes Hajin, Local Hospital Completely Destroyed - Reports Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- The Friday airstrikes of the US-led Coalition have completely destroyed a hospital in the Syrian city of Hajin in the eastern Deir ez-Zor province, Ikhbariya broadcaster reported.
Pentagon Aims to Train Up to 40,000 Local Stabilization Troops in Syria Sputnik 07 Dec 2018 -- US and allied forces in eastern Syria need to complete training between 35,000 to 40,000 local troops to establish stability in eastern Syria following the defeat and expulsion of the Daesh terror group in those areas, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Joseph Dunford said.
The Russian and Assad Regime's False Allegations on Chemical Weapons Use in Aleppo US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2018 -- Press Statement by Robert Palladino, Deputy Spokesperson
US Accuses Russia, Syria of Fabricating Story of Chemical Weapons Use VOA 07 Dec 2018 -- The United States has accused Russia and Syria of fabricating a story about chemical weapons use by Syrian rebels.
Syrian PM: Terrorist war against Syria failed IRNA 06 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis received on Wednesday a Slovak delegation headed by Slovak former Prime Minister Jan Carnogursky.
Syrian Civilians Face Enormous Challenges amid War's Toll VOA 06 Dec 2018 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross warns it will take Syria and its people decades to recover from more than seven years of warfare.
Daesh terrorists executing local residents in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr, top UN official warns Press TV 05 Dec 2018 -- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has warned against the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, saying that Daesh Takfiri terrorists are putting local residents to death.
At Least 5 People Killed as US-Led Coalition Pounds Syria's Hajin - Reports Sputnik 05 Dec 2018 -- At least five civilians were killed in US-led coalition airstrikes on the city of Hajin in Syria's Deir ez-Zor province on Wednesday, the Syrian state-run SANA news agency reported.
Syrian civilians must be protected amid ISIL executions and airstrikes: Bachelet UN News 05 Dec 2018 -- Reports that violent extremists in Syria have executed civilians in the east of the war-torn country have been condemned by the UN's top rights official, Michelle Bachelet.
No Need for Setting Up Military Base in Syria - Iranian Army Spokesman Sputnik 04 Dec 2018 -- Iranian Armed Forces spokesman, Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, has stated that Iran has no need for a military base in Syria.
IS Clings to Last Stronghold in Eastern Syria VOA 04 Dec 2018 -- Despite losing most of the territory they once held, Islamic State (IS) fighters are now holding their ground against U.S.-backed forces in their last stronghold in eastern Syria.
Briefing With Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James F. Jeffrey US Dept. of State 03 Dec 2018 -- Special Briefing by James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement
Syrian Army Kills Over 270 Daesh Militants During Al-Suwayda Province Offensive Sputnik 03 Dec 2018 -- Syrian Army has killed over 270 Daesh terrorists during an offensive in Syrian Al-Suwayda province, the command of the Russian forces in Syria reported.
US missiles raid Syrian army in al-Sukhnah town IRNA 03 Dec 2018 -- The US-led coalition carried out a missile attack on some of the Syrian army's positions in al-Sukhnah town in the central parts of Syria.
Fateh al-Sham obtains 100 drones for chemical attacks in Syria: Report Press TV 03 Dec 2018 -- Terrorists from the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham Takfiri terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, have reportedly gained access to 100 unmanned aerial vehicles through a Turkish merchant to use them in chemical attacks against Syrian government forces in the country's northwestern province of Idlib.
US-led coalition attacks Syrian Army in Homs province Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- Syria says the United States-led coalition alleging to be fighting Takfiri terrorists in the Arab country has attacked the positions of the country's army in a central province.
Russia, Turkey Agree to Continue Joint Work on Idlib Memorandum Implementation Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- The Russian and Turkish delegations to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires agreed to continue the joint work aimed at implementation of the memorandum on the situation in the rebel-held Syrian province of Idlib, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters.
US actions in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr 'illegitimate': Russia's FM Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says actions taken by the United States in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr are "illegitimate."
US-led coalition strikes in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr kill 206 civilians in November: Monitor Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- A so-called monitoring group says more than two hundred civilians lost their lives as the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out airstrikes on Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr in November.
Russia expands air defense network in Syria to US dismay: Report Press TV 02 Dec 2018 -- Russia has reportedly completed an advanced anti-access/area denial network in Syria, posing a challenge to US military presence in the Arab country and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
US-Led Coalition Strikes Syrian Positions, Syrian Military Source Says - Reports Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- A source from Syrian military reported that the US-led coalition attacked Syrian army positions in country's east, Syrian media reported.
Russian Military Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Syrian Soldiers in Aleppo - MoD Sputnik 02 Dec 2018 -- Russian military from the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation have delivered humanitarian aid to injured Syrian soldiers at a military hospital in Aleppo and their families, the center's spokesman, Maj. Gen. Sergei Popov, told reporters on Sunday.
Efforts to Rebuild Raqqa Continue After Islamic State VOA 01 Dec 2018 -- More than one year after its recapture from Islamic State (IS) militants, Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State's so-called caliphate, is still struggling to recover from a war that devastated all aspects of normal life. Efforts are underway, though, to rebuild the city's major bridges.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2018 - Syria Special Weapons News