January 2019 - Syria Special Weapons News

U.S. Senate Opposes Afghan, Syria Withdrawals In Rebuke To Trump RFE/RL 31 Jan 2019 -- The Republican-led U.S. Senate approved a mainly symbolic bill opposing plans to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan in a rare rebuke of President Donald Trump.
January 30: CJTF-OIR Strike Summary Jan. 13 - 26, 2019 CENTCOM 31 Jan 2019 -- Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners continue to target and pursue the enduring defeat of ISIS.
Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve Monthly Civilian Casualty Report CENTCOM 31 Jan 2019 -- 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 less than one percent of what it had previously held.
Syria's UN envoy says anti-Damascus sanctions amount to 'economic terrorism' Press TV 31 Jan 2019 -- Syria's mission to the United Nations has vehemently condemned the economic sanctions targeting the country, saying they blight the lives of ordinary Syrians.
US Wants Three Allies to Help Protect Kurds From Turkey - Report Sputnik 31 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that a counterterrorist military operation east of the Euphrates would be conducted soon after the completion of the US pull-out from Syria. However, Washington has voiced concern that Ankara could attack its Kurdish allies in the region, suggesting the creation of a buffer zone in northern Syria.
Syria: 'Violence, displacement' and cold kill 11 infants 'in the past two days' UN News 31 Jan 2019 -- "Violence, displacement and extremely harsh conditions" in northern and eastern Syria have killed at least 32 children since December – including 11 infants in the past two days, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) revealed on Thursday.
Syria's rebuilding must be considered in agenda: Iran's Jahangiri ISNA 30 Jan 2019 -- "Rebuilding Syria must be considered in Tehran's agenda", Iran's first Vice-President Es'haq Jahangiri said, during his visit to Damascus.
8 civilians killed as US-led jets bombard Syria's Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 30 Jan 2019 -- At least eight civilians have lost their lives and nearly a dozen others sustained injuries when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group conducted a series of airstrikes in Syria's embattled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Kurdish Militia Blocks Aid Convoy to Syria's Hajin on US Orders - Russian MoD Sputnik 30 Jan 2019 -- The Kurdish militia units on Wednesday blocked a convoy of humanitarian aid sent by the Syrian authorities to the city of Hajin, forcing the vehicles to turn around, Lt. Gen. Sergei Solomatin, head of the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation said.
UN relief chief urges Security Council to back aid delivery, more funding for millions of Syrians hit by harsh weather UN News 30 Jan 2019 -- With people in Syria "suffering a cold, hard winter", the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator on Wednesday appealed for international funding, backed by UN Security Council support for safe aid delivery, to alleviate the conditions faced by millions struggling for survival amidst rain, snowfall and freezing temperatures across the still war-torn nation.
Syria, Iran set up non-dollar payment channel Press TV 30 Jan 2019 -- Iran and Syria have enabled their banks to conduct transactions in their local currencies and non-dollar foreign currencies, lifting a key hurdle to their trade and investment.
Turkey Completes Preparations for Offensive East of Euphrates in Syria - MoD Sputnik 29 Jan 2019 -- The Turkish military has completed their preparations for a military operation in the northern Syrian city of Manbij, and east of the Euphrates River, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday.
Turkey Warns It's Ready for Strike Against Syrian YPG VOA 29 Jan 2019 -- Turkey claims its military preparations for a cross-border operation into Syria against a Kurdish militia are complete.
Iran to remain with Syria until final victory over the terrorists: Veep IRNA 29 Jan 2019 -- Iran's First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri stressed that Iranan government and nation will remain alongside the Syrian government and nation until the final victory over the terrorists.
Assad Likely to Retake Syria, Avoiding Conflict With Turkey, Israel - Coats Sputnik 29 Jan 2019 -- The Turkish military has completed their preparations for a military operation in the northern Syrian city of Manbij, and east of the Euphrates River, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday.
New Astana talks on Syria due in mid-February: Russia Press TV 28 Jan 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the next round of peace negotiations for Syria in the Astana format will be held in the Kazakh capital in mid-February.
Some 600 US Soldiers Arrived at Syria Military Bases Amid Pullout - Reports Sputnik 28 Jan 2019 -- In December, US President Donald Trump declared victory over the Daesh* terrorist group and said he would withdraw some 2,000 US troops who are currently deployed in the Middle Eastern country.
Turkey to set up safe zones in Syria: President Erdogan Press TV 28 Jan 2019 -- Turkey says it will form safe zones in northern Syria so that millions of Syrian refugees hosted by the Ankara government could return to their home country, which is now recovering from nearly eight years of foreign-sponsored militancy.
Jordan won't control al-Tanf base after US withdraws from Syria: FM Press TV 28 Jan 2019 -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says his country's military forces will neither take over nor control a US-run military base in southern Syria after American troops withdraw from the war-battered Arab country.
Iranian Army Rejects Israel's Claims About Attack on Iranian Bases in Syria Sputnik 28 Jan 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims about airstrikes on Iranian bases in Syria are baseless, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) spokesman said on Monday.
Jordan Will Not Take Over or Monitor al-Tanf Base After US Withdrawal - FM Sputnik 28 Jan 2019 -- Jordan is not going to take over or monitor the US military base in the eastern Syrian al-Tanf area, located on the country's border with Jordan, after Washington withdraws troops from Syria, since the facility is situated outside Jordan, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Sputnik in an interview.
Arab League calls for Syrian integrity, peaceful solution to crisis Press TV 27 Jan 2019 -- Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit has stressed the need for maintaining Syria's territorial integrity against foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorist groups, and a peaceful settlement to the conflict there.
US mulls keeping troops in Syria to counter, attack Iranians in 'self-defense': Report Press TV 27 Jan 2019 -- Washington is considering a plan to illegally maintain a force contingent at a US military base in Syria to "combat" Iran's influence in the region and even strike Iranians passing by near the base while purportedly claiming "self-defense," despite a presidential order to pull out all US forces from the country, a report said.
US Considers Keeping Troops at al-Tanf, Syria to Counter Iran Amid Exit - Report Sputnik 26 Jan 2019 -- Earlier this month, an anonymous source told AFP news agency that the US has started withdrawing non-essential equipment from Syria, though American military personnel remain deployed in the Middle Eastern country. The troop pull-out was announced by President Trump in December 2018.
US plans to keep troops in Syria's al-Tanf base: Report Press TV 26 Jan 2019 -- The United States is reportedly planning to keep some of its forces in a military base in southeastern Syria despite a total withdrawal ordered by US President Donald Trump.
Tunisian FM demands restoration of Syria's Arab League membership Press TV 26 Jan 2019 -- Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui has called on the Arab League to restore Syria's membership, saying the "natural place" of the country is within the 22-member regional organization.
Damascus: Turkey breaching 1998 agreement by 'occupying Syrian territory' Press TV 26 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian government has strongly dismissed recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concerning a 1998 agreement between Ankara and Damascus, saying Turkey has been breaching the pact by supporting "terrorism" and occupying Syrian territory since 2011.
13 Syrian civilians killed in US-led operation in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 26 Jan 2019 -- More than a dozen civilians have lost their lives when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out an operation in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
At Least 13 Civilians Killed in Int'l Coalition Strike in Syria - Reports Sputnik 26 Jan 2019 -- On 22 January, the Ikhbariya TV channel reported that coalition jets killed several civilians who were fleeing Baguz in Deir ez-Zor Province.
Damascus Accuses Ankara of Breaching 1998 Agreement - Reports Sputnik 26 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently recalled the 1998 agreement with Damascus, saying the deal allows Ankara to enter Syria when it is threatened.
Turkey expects creation of Syria security zone in few months, Erdogan says Press TV 25 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Ankara government expects a "security zone" to be created in neighboring Syria within a few months as the United States withdraws its troops from the war-torn Arab country.
Video shows US deploying 250 trucks of arms in Syria despite pullout claim Press TV 25 Jan 2019 -- The US has reportedly deployed at least 250 trucks filled with weapons to its bases in Syria despite President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw all American forces from the Arab country.
Damascus 'welcomes' Kurdish negotiation appeal, talks to start 'in days' Press TV 25 Jan 2019 -- The head of a Syrian Kurdish group says talks with Damascus will begin "in days" following the government's "positive" reaction to a negotiation appeal.
Turkey Expects US to Cut Cooperation With YPG in Syria - Defence Minister Sputnik 25 Jan 2019 -- Turkey expects the United States to cut cooperation with the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and remove the militia from Manbij, the Turkish Defence Ministry said in a statement citing Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.
Arab Tribes in North Syria Speak Out Against Turkish Security Zone Plan Sputnik 25 Jan 2019 -- Over 10,000 representatives of the Arab tribes living in the northern and northeastern regions of Syria spoke out against the presence of US troops, a possible Turkish military operation and the creation of a security zone on the border territory between Syria and Turkey, SANA news agency reported on Friday.
US Reportedly Sends Scores of Trucks With Arms to Syria Amid Troop Exit Sputnik 25 Jan 2019 -- The report comes amid the beginning of US troops' withdrawal from Syria, which was announced by President Donald Trump in December 2018, when he also declared victory over the terrorist group Daesh*.
US-Led Coalition Probing Possible Civilian Casualties in Syria Sputnik 25 Jan 2019 -- The US-led coalition is investigating whether an attack out on January 22 caused the deaths of civilians in Syria, Operation Inherent Resolve-Joint Task Force said in a statement on Friday.
Syrian S-300 Systems Were 'Inactive' During Israeli Missile Attack – Iranian MP Sputnik 25 Jan 2019 -- Israel recently carried out a spate of missile strikes on alleged Iranian targets in Syria. The Syrian air defences reportedly destroyed over 30 Israeli cruise missiles and guided bombs during the attack, which lasted two days.
Experts Fear Terror Group Is Consolidating Power in Northern Syria VOA 25 Jan 2019 -- As Turkey and Russia are discussing ways to stabilize war-torn Syria, a U.S.-designated terror group in northern Idlib province has been consolidating power, with some experts warning the group, if left unchecked, might grow stronger and complicate an already difficult situation.
US Troop Numbers to Fluctuate During Syria Withdrawal - Pentagon Sputnik 25 Jan 2019 -- US troop numbers in Syria "will fluctuate" during the withdrawal process, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Robertson told Sputnik when asked to comment on reports that Washington has sent additional troops to the country.
Pompeo: US to remain in Syria until Daesh defeated Press TV 24 Jan 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says American military forces will remain in Syria until Daesh terrorists are defeated, in what seems to be yet another sign of disagreement in Washington over President Donald Trump's order to evacuate the Arab country.
US Syrian Pullout Pushes Syrian Kurds Toward Damascus VOA 24 Jan 2019 -- Talks between Syrian Kurdish forces and Damascus are seen as the latest repercussion from Washington's decision to pull troops out of Syria. The talks could force Ankara to end its freeze in diplomatic relations with Damascus. Both developments are key objectives of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian S-300s not active during attack in Syria IRNA 24 Jan 2019 -- Head of Majlis (parliament) national security and foreign policy commission Heshmatollah Falahat-Pisheh said on Thursday afternoon that Russian air defense system of 'S-300', which are deployed in Syria, were inactive during the Zionist attack on Syria.
3 killed, dozens injured as bombing spree hits militant-held towns in northwest Syria Press TV 24 Jan 2019 -- A string of bomb attacks have stricken several towns in northwestern Syria, killing three people and injuring nearly a dozen others.
'Syria's Assad revokes multiple entry visas for European Union diplomats' Press TV 24 Jan 2019 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has revoked multiple entry visas for European Union diplomats and officials traveling regularly to Damascus, senior EU diplomats say.
Russia, Turkey vow to continue joint anti-terror fight in militant-held Idlib Press TV 24 Jan 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have agreed to take steps towards stabilizing the situation in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the last major militant stronghold in the Arab country.
Turkey: We Won't Exclude US, Russia if They Want to Cooperate on Syria Safe Zone Sputnik 24 Jan 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held negotiations on Syria in Moscow on 23 January, focusing on the creation of a security zone in the northern part of the war-torn country.
U.S. Targets Iran-Backed Airline, Militia Fighters In Syria With Sanctions RFE/RL 24 Jan 2019 -- The United States has targeted with sanctions two Iran-backed foreign militias fighting in Syria, an Iranian airline, and an Armenian general sales agent providing services to an already sanctioned Iranian carrier.
Treasury Designates Iran's Foreign Fighter Militias in Syria along with a Civilian Airline Ferrying Weapons to Syria US Treasury 24 Jan 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against two Syria-based, Iran-backed militias composed of foreign nationals, an Iranian airline linked to designated Iranian airline Mahan Air and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), and an Armenian general sales agent (GSA) providing services to Mahan Air.
US Adds Iran-backed Militants in Syria to Terror List VOA 24 Jan 2019 -- The U.S. Treasury Department added two Iran-backed militant groups to its official list of terrorists on Thursday.
Netanyahu Mocks Iran's Top General Over 'the State of Iranian Bases' in Syria Sputnik 24 Jan 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested to Iranian Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani that he should look into the state of "bases he is trying to establish in Syria" instead of "interfering in the [Israeli] elections."
Meeting In Moscow, Putin, Erdogan Vow Closer Cooperation On Syria RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- Following talks with his Turkish counterpart in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the two leaders discussed how they planned to stabilize the situation in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib.
Crucial medical supplies airlifted to north-east Syria to meet 'desperate need' UN News 23 Jan 2019 -- In response to the growing health needs of people in north-east Syria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has airlifted urgent medical supplies to the region, for the second time this month.
Turkey's Erdogan Lays Out Plans for Syria Security Zone VOA 23 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in his latest effort to build support for a Turkish-controlled military security zone in Syria.
US-coalition attack kills civilians in eastern Syria IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- The US-led coalition air attack on Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria has claimed the lives of some civilians and injured a number of others who were escaping from ISIS enclaves.
Syrian army kills Ajnad al-Kavkaz ringleader IRNA 23 Jan 2019 -- Ringleader of the terrorist group 'Ajnad al-Kavkaz' (Soldiers of the Caucasus) was killed by the Syrian armed forces, Russian media reported.
Israel must stop 'spontaneous' Syria strikes: Russia Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has urged Israel to stop its "spontaneous" airstrikes on Syria, days after the Israeli military carried out fresh strikes against targets near the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Syria warns of attack on Tel Aviv airport if UN fails to halt Israeli aggression Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Syria has warned that it could use its right to respond in self defense to recent Israeli air raids against a civilian airport near Damascus by striking Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport if the UN Security Council fails to shoulder its responsibilities and act against the regime's aggression.
US-led airstrikes kill several Syrian civilians in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 23 Jan 2019 -- Several civilians have lost their lives and sustained injuries when the 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.
Russia Says 'Arbitrary' Israeli Air Strikes On Syria Should Stop RFE/RL 23 Jan 2019 -- Russia has called on Israel to stop carrying out "arbitrary' air strikes on Syrian territory, days after the Israeli Air Force targeted what Israel said were Iranian forces in the war-torn country.
Continuous Terrorist Provocations Threaten Russian Air Base in Idlib - Moscow Sputnik 23 Jan 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the Russian Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Centre for Syria reported that militants of the Al-Nusra Front terror organisation had attacked Syrian army positions in the Idlib de-escalation zone, near the settlements of Abu-Duhur and Abu-Sharjah.
UK says to pull fighter jets from Syria after Trump's withdrawal decision Press TV 22 Jan 2019 -- The British Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to call back more than half of its fighter jets from Syria after US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American forces from the Arab country.
UK Royal Air Force to Reduce Presence in Syria, Iraq – Report Sputnik 22 Jan 2019 -- The move was reportedly triggered by US President Donald Trump's announcement about the withdrawal of American troops stationed in Syria that will be carried out in the coming months.
Erdogan Visits Moscow with Looming Turkish Military Op in Syria VOA 22 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The visit comes as Turkish forces are poised to launch a major military operation against the Syrian YPG Kurdish militia.
Syria destroys terrorists' positions in Hama, Idlib IRNA 22 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Army units have conducted operations against terrorist groups' positions in the vicinity of Lahaya village in Hama's northern countryside in retaliation to their breaches of the de-escalation zone agreement.
Iran Will Remain in Syria as Long as We're Asked to – Top Security Official Sputnik 22 Jan 2019 -- The comments by the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council came the same day that Israel carried out a series of strikes on alleged Iranian targets in Syria.
Tensions Between Israel and Iran Rise Over Syria VOA 22 Jan 2019 -- Twenty-one people were killed by Israeli airstrikes Monday in Syria. The dead reportedly including 12 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Iraqi Scientist REVEALS How He 'Helped' Daesh Make Chemical Weapons Sputnik 22 Jan 2019 -- A 52-year-old Iraqi geologist claims to have spearheaded the manufacture of chemical weapons for Daesh over a period of 15 months, The Washington Post reported.
EU sanctions Russians, Syrians over alleged links to chemical attacks Press TV 22 Jan 2019 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions against a number of Russian and Syrian individuals over what it claims to be their links to chemical weapons attacks.
Daesh-claimed bomb attack kills 5 SDF militants in NE Syria Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- A car bomb attack, claimed by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, has killed at least five members of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militant group in northeastern Syria, a London-based monitor group says.
Syria downed over 30 Israeli cruise missiles, bombs: Russia Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- Russia says Syria's air defenses shot down more than 30 cruise missiles and guided bombs during Israel's aerial attacks in the early hours of Monday.
Syria says its air defenses intercept 'most of Israeli missiles' fired on Damascus Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- Syrian media reported on Sunday that the country's air defenses have thwarted an Israeli aerial attack on targets in the capital Damascus, intercepting and shooting down several missiles.
Israel Confirms Military Strike on Iranian Targets in Syria VOA 21 Jan 2019 -- In a rare public admission, Israel confirmed early Monday that it carried out airstrikes on Iranian military targets inside Syria.
Israeli strikes aimed at prolonging crisis in Syria: Damascus Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- Syria has once again written protest letters to the United Nations, urging the world body to take a decisive step and put an end to Israel's acts of aggression against its territory as Tel Aviv's hostile strikes are aimed at "prolonging" the crisis in the Arab country.
Erdogan to Trump: Turkey ready to take over Manbij security Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country is prepared to take over security in Syria's northern town of Manbij where a deadly bomb attack killed several American soldiers last Wednesday.
Erdogan: Turkey not to allow Syria safe zone to turn into 'swamp' Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the country will never allow the implementation of a militant-free safe zone in Syria to be turned into "a swamp" like the one in northern Iraq, where US-backed Kurdish militants launch attacks on Turkish soil.
EU Sanctions Russians, Syrians Over Use of Chemical Weapons VOA 21 Jan 2019 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian military intelligence chiefs over the nerve agent attack on a former Russian double agent in Britain last year.
Israel Confirms Air Strikes Against Iranian Forces In Syria RFE/RL 21 Jan 2019 -- The Israeli military confirmed early on January 21 that it attacked Iranian military targets in Syria, hours after Israeli forces carried out rare daylight air strikes near Damascus International Airport.
Erdogan, Trump Agree to Speed Up Talks on Security Zone in Syria - Ankara Sputnik 21 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart Donald Trump during a phone conversation agreed to speed up negotiations on the creation of a security zone in northeastern Syria, the Turkish leader's administration said on Sunday.
Syrian NextGen Buk-M2 Defense System Repels Israeli Attack - Report Sputnik 21 Jan 2019 -- On Sunday, the Israeli Air Forces carried out an attack against the Damascus International Airport. A Russian military spokesman confirmed that Syrian-operated air-defense missile systems destroyed seven Israeli missiles, successfully repelling the attack.
Syrian air defenses confront Israeli aerial attack IRNA 20 Jan 2019 -- Syrian air defenses have confronted an Israeli aerial attack targeted the southern region and prevented it from achieving any of its objectives, a military source said Sunday.
Lebanon's Aoun urges world powers to facilitate Syrian refugees repatriation Press TV 20 Jan 2019 -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun has urged world powers to "make all efforts" to help the repatriation of Syrian refugees as Syrian forces continue to liberate the country from the clutches of foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorist groups.
Erdogan: Turkey Ready to Take Over Security in Syria's Manbij VOA 20 Jan 2019 -- Turkey is ready to take over security in the Kurdish-controlled Syrian city of Manbij, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.
Syria's air defense thwarts Israeli strike near Damascus: State media Press TV 20 Jan 2019 -- Syrian air defense forces have thwarted an Israeli aerial aggression in the Arab country's south, state media say.
'Huge' Blast Hits Damascus Near Security Facility RFE/RL 20 Jan 2019 -- A bomb blast has hit Damascus on January 20, in a rare attack in the Syrian capital.
Russian Military Confirms Syria Repulsed Israeli Missile Attack Sputnik 20 Jan 2019 -- A military source indicated that air defence systems in the country's south have successfully repelled an Israeli air attack, preventing the attackers from achieving any of their objectives.
Twin Bomb Blasts in Syria's Afrin Leave 10 Killed, 18 Injured - FSA Source Sputnik 20 Jan 2019 -- As many as 10 people were killed and 18 others were injured in two bomb explosions in the Syrian city of Afrin, a source in the Free Syrian Army (FSA) told Sputnik on Sunday.
US Delivering Javelin, TOW Anti-Tank Missile Systems to YPG in Manbij - Report Sputnik 20 Jan 2019 -- Ankara has repeatedly blamed Washington for lending military support to the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), while the US insists its backing of the Kurds is needed to counter Daesh*. In February 2018, then-US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson claimed that the White House has "never given heavy arms to the YPG".
US should replace Syria troops with private contractors: Blackwater founder Press TV 19 Jan 2019 -- The founder of an infamous private military company says American troops in Syria could be replaced with mercenaries after a planned drawdown ordered by US President Donald Trump.
Syria urges Security Council to stop US-led strikes on civilian infrastructure Press TV 19 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian government has called on the United Nations Security Council to put an end to airstrikes being carried out by the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, saying the aerial assaults are targeting civilian and critical infrastructure in the Arab country.
Russia warns Israel against more Syria strikes Press TV 19 Jan 2019 -- Russia has warned Israel against carrying out airstrikes near the Damascus International Airport in the Syrian capital.
IS Vows More Attacks on Manbij VOA 18 Jan 2019 -- The Islamic State terror group is promising to keep targeting U.S. and U.S.-backed forces in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, where a suicide attack this week killed four Americans and five coalition soldiers.
Israel Reveals More about Its Military Engagement with Iran in Syria VOA 18 Jan 2019 -- Israel has been conducting military operations against Iran on Syrian soil for more than two years.
US Syria Withdrawal Risks Vital Strategic Interests VOA 18 Jan 2019 -- The U.S. withdrawal from Syria may bring to a close an open-ended and strategically unclear military commitment and likely put at risk vital national security interests, according to some analysts.
Syrian civilians martyred in US-led coalition airstrikes IRNA 18 Jan 2019 -- Twenty civilians, including women and children, have been killed in new airstrikes carried out by the US-led international coalition in al-Baghouz Foqani village, in Deir Ezzor south-eastern countryside.
20 Syrian civilians killed as new US-led airstrikes target Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 18 Jan 2019 -- Nearly two 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.
Lebanon FM calls on Arab League to restore Syria's membership Press TV 18 Jan 2019 -- Lebanon's Caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil has called on the Arab League to restore Syria's membership in the regional organization, describing attempts to block the move as a "historic mistake."
Turkey Opposes Damascus' Control Over Syrian Manbij Sputnik 18 Jan 2019 -- Ankara opposes the presence of Syrian government troops in Manbij and considers clearing the region of the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG) a matter of national security, the Turkish Foreign Ministry's spokesman Hami Aksoy said Friday.
Turkey Warns Syrian Army Against Entering Manbij Sputnik 18 Jan 2019 -- The statement came a few days after at least four US servicemen were killed in a suicide bombing in the northern Syrian city of Manbij. Daesh* (ISIS) reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred amid the ongoing US troop withdrawal from Syria, announced by President Trump in December 2018.
Macron says France seeks to remain in Syria, 'militarily engaged' in Mideast Press TV 18 Jan 2019 -- President Emmanuel Macron says France will keep its forces in Syria and remain "militarily engaged" in the Middle East despite US plans to withdraw from the Arab country.
Manbij Blast Reflects IS's Deep Reach in Syria VOA 17 Jan 2019 -- With a single deadly blast Wednesday, the Islamic State group did more than rattle the calm in the northern Syrian town of Manbij. The terror group also rekindled the debate over its much-heralded demise.
January 15: CJTF-OIR Strike Summary Dec. 30, 2018 - Jan. 12, 2019 CENTCOM 17 Jan 2019 -- Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners continue to target and pursue the enduring defeat of ISIS.
Daesh Not Defeated, US Commanders Reportedly Warned Trump Ahead of Syria Pullout Sputnik 17 Jan 2019 -- Announcing the planned pull-out of US troops from Syria in December 2018, President Donald Trump mentioned Daesh's apparent defeat, insisting there is no reason to keep forces deployed in the Arab Republic.
Trump Vows to Exit Syria Despite Manbij Attack Killing US Soldiers Sputnik 17 Jan 2019 -- The statement comes as a spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve said that several US servicemen had been killed in a suicide bombing in the northern Syrian town of Manbij. The Daesh* terrorist group reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Syria arrests Turkish-backed militants planning terror attacks Press TV 17 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Kurdish officials have arrested a group of Turkish-backed militants from the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA), who was apparently plotting new terror attacks in the country's northern province of Aleppo on orders from Turkey's intelligence agency (MIT).
Manbij bomb attack won't impact Trump's planned troop pullout from Syria: Erdogan Press TV 17 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he believes the recent deadly bomb attack in Syria's flashpoint northern city of Manbij, which killed several American soldiers, would not impact US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from war-torn Syria.
Syrian Army Eliminates Terrorist Group Trying to Reach Palmyra - Reports Sputnik 17 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian servicemen eliminated on Thursday a group of terrorists, who were trying to get from the US-controlled At Tanf region in Syria's south to the city of Palmyra, SANA reported.
Militants Who Planned New Terror Attacks Arrested in Syria – Manbij War Council Sputnik 17 Jan 2019 -- On Wednesday, over 20 civilians were killed and 19 others wounded as a result of an explosion in the centre of the city of Manbij, while a US military patrol was passing.
Macron: France to Keep Military Presence in Syria-Iraq Region Over Next Year Sputnik 17 Jan 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron explained that the recent terror attack that claimed the lives of US soldiers in the Syrian city of Manbij showed that the battle against Daesh* is not over.
IRGC commander vows to protect Iranian advisors in Syria after Israeli PM's threat Press TV 16 Jan 2019 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has vowed to protect Iranian military advisors in Syria, dismissing as "ridiculous and funny" Israeli threats to attack them.
Russia, Kurdish militants reject US-proposed 'security zone' under Turkish control Press TV 16 Jan 2019 -- US-backed Kurdish militants have rejected Washington's proposal for the establishment of a "security zone" under Turkish control along the Syrian side of the two countries' border, saying it infringes on the sovereignty of the Arab country.
Iran Vows No Military Withdrawal From Syria Despite Israeli Threats RFE/RL 16 Jan 2019 -- The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps says Iran will retain its military presence in Syria, defying Israeli threats that Iranian forces will be targeted if they do not leave the war-torn country.
Iran to Keep All Its Forces and Weapons in Syria - Revolutionary Guards Chief Sputnik 16 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iran to "get out of [Syria] fast" threatening to continue air raids against Iranian military targets, allegedly stationed in the Arab state.
Syrian Kurds Reportedly Reject Turkish Safe Zone Agreed With Trump Sputnik 16 Jan 2019 -- On 15 January, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he and his American counterpart Donald Trump had reached a "historic understanding" on Syria in their latest phone call.
Damascus ready to work with new UN envoy to rekindle inter-Syrian talks: Muallem Press TV 15 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem says the Damascus government is prepared to cooperate with the United Nations' new envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, to facilitate inter-Syrian peace talks aimed at finding a political settlement to the ongoing foreign-sponsored crisis in the country.
Trump, Erdogan talk Syria 'safe zone' amid war of words over Kurdish militants Press TV 15 Jan 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the establishment of a militant-free safe zone in northern Syria, shortly after he threatened to "devastate" NATO ally Turkey economically if it attacks Kurdish militants following Washington's military withdrawal from the Arab state.
US Wants to Keep Presence in Syrian Airspace After Troop Pullout - Ankara Sputnik 15 Jan 2019 -- The United States intends to maintain its presence in the Syrian airspace after the withdrawal of its troops from the country, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Tuesday, citing an unofficial US action plan proposal.
Syrian Settlement Must Include Withdrawal of Illegal Foreign Troops - Damascus Sputnik 15 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem has held his first meeting with new UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in order to discuss a political settlement of the crisis in the country.
Turkey's Erdogan Announces Creation of Safe Zone in Syria Suggested by Trump Sputnik 15 Jan 2019 -- US-Turkish relations have been strained amid Ankara's plans to launch an offensive against Syrian Kurds following Washington's announcement that it would withdraw its troops from the Arab Republic.
Thousands of Syrians in 'life and death' struggle amid harsh conditions in remote desert camp, UN warns UN News 15 Jan 2019 -- Conditions in a makeshift Syrian camp near the border with Jordan are "increasingly desperate" and "have become a matter of life and death", United Nations officials warned on Tuesday, after at least eight children died there from extreme cold and a lack of medical care.
Syrian Army stops terrorists' breaches in Hama IRNA 14 Jan 2019 -- Units of the Syrian Arab Army conducted on Sunday artillery strikes against terrorists' positions and their movements in surroundings of a number of villages and towns in Hama northern countryside hitting back their violations of the demilitarized zone agreement.
Iran MP, Syria president: Tehran, Damascus resolute on strengthening strategic relations Press TV 14 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian president and a senior Iranian lawmaker have expressed the two countries' firm determination to continue developing decades-long strategic relations in order to serve the two nations' interests in various fields.
Baghdad govt. supports Syria's return to Arab League: Iraqi FM Press TV 14 Jan 2019 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Hakim says the Baghdad government supports the restoration of Syria's membership in the Arab League, amid promising signs that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government is being admitted back into the Arab world after nearly eight years of foreign-sponsored militancy.
Damascus welcomes Kurds' call for talks, seeks to reunite Syria Press TV 14 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian government has welcomed talks with Kurdish groups aimed at maintaining the country's unity after the Kurds called for a Russian-mediated deal with Damascus.
Turkey says 'not intimated' after Trump threatens economic devastation Press TV 14 Jan 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey will not be intimidated by US President Donald Trump's threat to "devastate" its economy if Ankara attacked Kurdish militants in Syria.
Trump to 'devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds' in Syria Press TV 14 Jan 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has threatened to "devastate Turkey economically" if it attacks US backed Kurdish militants in Syria after US withdrawal.
'Fatal Mistake': Turkey Slams Trump Over Warning on 'Economic Devastation' Sputnik 14 Jan 2019 -- Tensions between Ankara and Washington have further escalated over the Kurdish issue as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced last week that Ankara would launch a military operation east of the Euphrates River if the US failed to withdraw its troops from the Arab Republic in time.
Trump Tells Turkey: 'Don't Mistreat The Kurds' RFE/RL 14 Jan 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has warned his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a telephone conversation against attacking Kurdish military units that have been closely allied to U.S. forces in Syria.
Syrian Minister Reveals Damage Done in Israeli Airstrike on Damascus Sputnik 14 Jan 2019 -- Israel claims that the air raid, which took place on the night of 11-12 January, was aimed at alleged Iranian military targets situated in Syria. Damascus has condemned Tel Aviv's strike and urged the UN to respond in light of repeated Israeli attacks.
Kurds Continue Fighting Daesh in Syria, Capture 1,000 Militants - Official Sputnik 14 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian Kurds continue to fight the Daesh terrorist group with the help of the US-led international coalition in Syria and are currently storming the city of Hajin, an official representative of the Syrian Kurds in Moscow, Rshad Bienaf, told Sputnik on Monday.
Syria says not intimidated by new Israeli airstrike Press TV 13 Jan 2019 -- Syria has complained to the UN about Israel's new air raids, stressing that the "cowardly" attacks will fail to hamper its resolve to defend the country and confront its enemies.
High-profile opposition leader ready to visit Damascus Press TV 13 Jan 2019 -- The head of a foreign-backed Syrian opposition group says he is ready to visit Damascus for talks with the government following reports that the United States has started withdrawing its troops from the country.
Pompeo vows to 'expel' Iranians from Syria, calls US pullout 'tactical' anti-Iran bid Press TV 13 Jan 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened to "expel" all Iranian forces in Syria, describing Washington's declared troop withdrawal from Syria as a "tactical change" of its mission to counter Iran's influence in the Arab country amid bolstering American military presence in the region.
Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Strikes On Iranian Targets In Syria RFE/RL 13 Jan 2019 -- Israel at the weekend carried out an air strike on Iranian weapons in Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
Damascus Confirms Talks With Kurds Intensified Due to Threats by Turkey Sputnik 13 Jan 2019 -- Ayman Soussan, an assistant to the Syrian Foreign Minister, confirmed on Sunday that talks between Damascus and the Kurdish forces in Syria's northeast have intensified due to a possible Turkish military operation.
US to Stay in Syria to Help PYD Strike Better Deal With Damascus - Opposition Sputnik 13 Jan 2019 -- The United States is likely to maintain its military presence in Syria long enough to allow the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) to negotiate an acceptable deal with the Syrian government, member of the Syrian Negotiations Commission Bassma Kodmani told Sputnik.
Trump Warns Turkey Against Hitting Syrian Kurds VOA 13 Jan 2019 -- President Donald Trump is warning Turkey it would face economic devastation if it strikes at the Kurds when U.S. forces pull out of Syria.
Trump Announces Beginning of 'Long Overdue Pullout' of US Troops from Syria Sputnik 14 Jan 2019 -- US President Donald Trump tweeted that Washington is beginning its pullout of US troops from Syria.
Pentagon: US Is Withdrawing Troops From Syria VOA 12 Jan 2019 -- The U.S. said late Friday that it is implementing the orderly withdrawal of forces from northeast Syria that are involved in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group.
US Navy Sends Warship Toward Syria Amid Expected US Withdrawal - Reports Sputnik 12 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, a US official indicated that the country had begun pulling military hardware out of Syria, but that troops were not being withdrawn "at this stage".
US Pullout From Syria Not to Alter Capacity to Perform Military Actions - Pompeo Sputnik 12 Jan 2019 -- The withdrawal of troops from Syria is only a "tactical change" that will not alter US capacity to perform necessary military actions, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said on Saturday.
Israeli jetfighters target Damascus airport IRNA 12 Jan 2019 -- The Zionist regime of Israel's warplanes have targeted Damascus International Airport with missiles, Syrian media reported.
Syrian Army Repel Israeli Attack on Damascus Sputnik 12 Jan 2019 -- The airstrike comes after Israeli warplanes conducted a similar attack against Syria on 25 December, destroying an ammunition depot near the capital Damascus.
Syria shoots downs 'most of Israeli missiles' fired towards Damascus: State media Press TV 11 Jan 2019 -- Syrian air defenses have managed to destroy most of the missiles fired by Israeli warplanes toward the capital Damascus, Syrian state media say.
US Withdrawal From Syria Concerns Minorities VOA 11 Jan 2019 -- Minorities in northeastern Syria are concerned the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country without putting in place a sustainable alternative would lead to a security vacuum that could be filled by remnants of extremist groups, including the Islamic State (IS) in the country.
US Exit from Syria Starts with Equipment, Not Troops VOA 11 Jan 2019 -- The United States' withdrawal from Syria is getting under way but, at least for now, it does not involve some 2,000 U.S. troops on the ground, who are aiding in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
US Begins Pulling Troops Out of Syria VOA 11 Jan 2019 -- The U.S.-led coalition in Syria is beginning to remove troops from the country.
US Starts Withdrawal of Military Hardware From Syria 'for Security Reasons' Sputnik 11 Jan 2019 -- On 19 December, President Donald Trump declared victory over Daesh* terrorists in Syria and announced his decision to withdraw roughly 2,000 US troops from the Middle Eastern country.
US Starts Pulling Out Equipment, But Not Troops From Syria - Defence Official Sputnik 11 Jan 2019 -- The US has started withdrawing non-essential equipment from Syria, though military personnel remains deployed in the country, an anonymous source told AFP news agency.
US says Syria withdrawal has begun; Russia doubtful Press TV 11 Jan 2019 -- The US says it has begun the process of withdrawing from Syria but Russia cast doubt on the claim Friday, saying it thinks Washington wants to stay in the Arab country.
Syrian Army foils attack in Hama but terrorists take full control of Idlib Press TV 11 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian Arab Army has repelled a terrorist attack violating a truce in the northern countryside of the Hama province where al-Qaeda-linked terrorists are expanding control.
Thousands risk lives fleeing fighting in Syria's last ISIL stronghold UN News 11 Jan 2019 -- North-east Syria is seeing increasing numbers of civilian casualties and large-scale displacement amid intensifying efforts to defeat extremists from ISIL, otherwise known as Da'esh, in Deir-ez-Zor governorate, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday.
Syrian Air Defences Respond to Enemy Attack, Down Several Targets - Reports Sputnik 12 Jan 2019 -- Syrian air defences have responded to an Israeli airstrike over Damascus and managed to shoot down several targets, local media reported.
Pompeo Calls for New Spirit of Cooperation Between US, Arab Allies VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Egyptian leaders Thursday on the third stop of his nine-nation tour of the Middle East. The top U.S. diplomat said his country was pulling out of Syria, but remained steadfast in its determination to fight terrorism. In a speech at the American University in Cairo, he maintained that the U.S. was a "force of good in the region," and "never set out to occupy anyone," unlike Iran. He urged America's Arab allies, however, to shoulder more responsibility in the fight against terrorism.
Pompeo: US Troops to Withdraw From Syria, Continue Anti-Daesh Fight Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- On 19 December, US President Donald Trump announced victory over Daesh in Syria, adding that the fight against the terrorist group was the only reason the United States remained in Syria.
U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Syria Will Happen, Pompeo Says RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria announced by President Donald Trump last month will go ahead despite widespread criticism.
Pompeo Pledges Continued Islamic State Fight After US Troop Withdrawal VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that although the United States is withdrawing its forces from Syria, it remains committed to fighting Islamic State militants and preventing the group from growing.
Pompeo vows US will withdraw troops from Syria Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has vowed that President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria will go ahead despite criticism from some US and Arab officials.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 10 Jan 2019 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
Turkey will start offensive in Syria if US troop pullout stalled: Cavusoglu Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country will launch an offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria, in case the United States delays the planned withdrawal of its troops from the war-torn Arab country.
Five British soldiers killed in Daesh rocket attack in Dayr al-Zawr: Report Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Syrian media say at least five British soldiers have been killed in a rocket attack by Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Pompeo: U.S. Wants 'Every Last Iranian Boot' Out Of Syria RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is seeking to "expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria despite Washington's decision to withdraw troops from the war-ravaged country.
France Reveals Terms of Its Withdrawal From Syria Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- The statement comes a few weeks after the White House announced that the US had begun removing its forces from Syria, but stressed that it did not mean the end of the US-led international coalition's fight against Daesh* terrorists in the Arab country.
Storms and snow in Lebanon worsen plight for Syrian refugees UN News 10 Jan 2019 -- Storm-force winds and snow across Lebanon have worsened the plight for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who've been forced from their homes by nearly eight years of conflict, a top UN humanitarian official said on Thursday.
UN Warns Against Mass Return of Syrian Refugees From Lebanon VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- The United Nations says conditions are not right for the safe, orderly return of large groups of refugees from Lebanon to the homes they fled in Syria, although fighting in that war-torn country has largely subsided.
Putin, Merkel Agree To Coordinate Syria Peace Efforts Amid U.S. Troop Pullout RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed in a telephone call to coordinate efforts to work toward peace in Syria, the Kremlin says.
CJTF-OIR reflects on significant military gains, fighting ISIS in 2018 CENTCOM 09 Jan 2019 -- Within one year, the Coalition has grown from 70 nations and four partner organizations to 74 nations and five partner organizations in the campaign to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS. The Coalition welcomed the Philippines in February, Republic of Guinea and the Community of Sahel-Sahran States in June, Kenya in August, and Fiji in September.
Pompeo Vows to Coordinate US Troops Pullout From Syria With Iraq - Baghdad Sputnik 09 Jan 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi on Wednesday that Washington will coordinate with Baghdad the withdrawal of US troops from Syria, which is planned to be carried out gradually, the Iraqi prime minister's press service said.
Iran calls for US' rapid withdrawal from Syria IRNA 09 Jan 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday called for rapid withdrawal of the US forces from Syria.
Turkey calls for joint cooperation with Iran, Russia on US forces' pullout from Syria Press TV 09 Jan 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has called for joint control with Russia and Iran of US troops' withdrawal from Syria, saying Washington is facing "certain difficulties" with the planned exit.
Turkey calls for joint cooperation with Iran, Russia on US forces' pullout from Syria Press TV 09 Jan 2019 -- Syria's National Security chief Major General Ali Mamlouk has reportedly paid a visit to Saudi Arabia, amid promising signs that the incumbent Damascus government led by President Bashar al-Assad is being admitted back into the Arab world after nearly eight years of foreign-sponsored militancy.
Trump's Syria Pull-Out: US and Turkey on Thin Ice Over Kurds… Again Sputnik 09 Jan 2019 -- It seems that the recent diplomatic row between Washington and Ankara may cast a shadow on the US withdrawal from Syria as the Turkish government is not inclined to ensure the safety of Syrian Kurdish militias and fulfil National Security Adviser John Bolton's conditions.
Syrian Gov't 'Activates' Contacts With Kurds 'in Light of Turkish Intervention' Sputnik 09 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara was ready to launch a military operation against the YPG if the United States did not compel them to abandon territory they had taken to the west of the Euphrates River.
Turkey Calls for Joint Control With Russia and Iran of US Exit From Syria Sputnik 09 Jan 2019 -- Russia, Turkey and Iran have been the guarantors of the ceasefire regime in Syria, with the presidents of the countries being heavily engaged in negotiations on the peace process in the war-torn Arab state.
Pentagon rejects any troops withdrawal timetable for Syria Press TV 08 Jan 2019 -- The United States Department of Defense has rejected any timetable for its allegedly finalized plan to withdraw troops from Syria.
Erdogan Rejects U.S. Request For Assurances On Kurdish Fighters RFE/RL 08 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the U.S. national-security adviser of making "a very serious mistake" by demanding that Turkey not harm Kurdish fighters in Syria as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.S. troops from the war-torn country.
Turkey Criticizes US Demands for Syrian Kurds' Safety VOA 08 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday White House National Security Adviser John Bolton was making "a very serious mistake" in demanding that Ankara guarantee the safety of Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria before the United States pulls its troops out of the country.
Bolton's Turkey Visit Ends in Acrimony Over Syria Withdrawal VOA 08 Jan 2019 -- U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton ended a visit to Turkey in acrimony Tuesday with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refusing to meet him. Erdogan dismissed Bolton's calls for the protection of the YPG Syrian Kurdish militia as a precondition to a U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria.
Daesh suicide attack kills 5, injures 8 in northern Syria IRNA 08 Jan 2019 -- The suicide attack conducted by Daesh (ISIS) terrorists in the city of Raqqa, northern Syria has claimed the lives of 5 and injured 8 more.
U.S. security adviser arrives in Turkey for Syria talks People's Daily 08 Jan 2019 -- U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton and his delegation arrived in Ankara on Monday to discuss security arrangement as the U.S. troops withdraw from Syria.
Syria's return to Arab League depends on political progress: Egypt's FM Press TV 08 Jan 2019 -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry says the incumbent Damascus government needs to implement a number of measures toward the political settlement of the ongoing Syrian crisis in order for the conflict-plagued country to reinstate its membership in the Arab League.
Erdogan rebukes Bolton's 'unacceptable' comment on Syrian Kurdish YPG forces Press TV 08 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has censured as "unacceptable" and a "grave mistake" latest comments made by US National Security Adviser John Bolton about the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which forms the primary component of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in northern Syria.
Trump right on Syria, US pullout must be done with right partners: Erdogan Press TV 08 Jan 2019 -- The Turkish leader says US President Donald Trump's plan to pull military forces out of Syria should be put into action carefully and with the "right partners," saying Turkey is the only country that can help its NATO ally get the job done.
Bolton Slams Erdogan's Article in NY Times on US Withdrawal From Syria - Reports Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier had an article on the US withdrawal from Syria published in the New York Times. The Turkish president, while describing the Trump's move as "the right call", noted that the withdrawal must be planned "carefully".
It is Vital to Maintain Dialogue With US on Pullout From Syria - French Minister Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- Paris believes it is vital to maintaining close contact with Washington on conditions of the US troops' withdrawal from Syria, French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has stated, following her first meeting with US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.
Turkey Reportedly to Ask US to Hand Over Military Bases in Syria Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- White House National Security Adviser John Bolton earlier arrived in the Turkish capital of Ankara to hold talks with senior Turkish officials on US troop withdrawal from Syria, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the pull-out as "the right call".
Erdogan Calls Bolton's Remark on Kurdish Militias 'Serious Mistake' Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- US National Security Adviser John Bolton spent 7 January in Israel discussing the US troop withdrawal, stating that the country's forces would not leave Syria until Turkey agrees not to attack US-allied Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria and until the remaining Daesh* terrorists have been defeated.
Erdogan Says Only Turkey Can Protect US Interests in Syria Amid Troop Pullout Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- In mid-December, US President Donald Trump announced the pull-out of American troops from Syria, having declared victory over Daesh - the sole reason, he said, for the soldiers presence in the Arab country. He subsequently tweeted that Turkey had promised to wipe out the remaining terrorists in Syria.
Russian Military Police Begin to Patrol Manbij Area in Syria's Aleppo Province Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- The military police of the Russian Armed Forces began patrolling the territory in the Manbij area in the Syrian province of Aleppo near the Turkish border, the police's spokesman Yusup Mamatov told reporters.
Pompeo: US Pullout From Syria Doesn't Change 'Counter-Iran Strategy' Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the planned US withdrawal of troops from Syria won't change the mission of destroying the Daesh terror group and stopping Iran from influencing the region.
Syrian Army Arrive in Northwestern Provinces to Repel Nusra Attacks - Reports Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- Additional forces of the Syrian army arrive in the provinces of Idlib, Aleppo and Hama and are ready to repel the attacks of the terrorists from the Hayat Tahrir Ash-Sham group (former Jabhat al-Nusra, banned in Russia), the pro-government Syrian newspaper al-Watan reported on Monday, citing local sources.
US Syria Withdrawal Must Be Planned in Cooperation With Right Partners - Erdogan Sputnik 08 Jan 2019 -- The United States must closely coordinate its planned pullout from Syria with the "right partners" in order to protect itself and the Syrian people, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday in an op-ed published by the New York Times.
Netanyahu urges US to recognize Israel's annexation of Golan Press TV 07 Jan 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked a visiting senior aide to US President Donald Trump to recognize Syria's Golan Heights as Israeli territory.
U.S. adviser Bolton says U.S. conditions Syria withdrawal with safeguarding Kurds People's Daily 07 Jan 2019 -- United States National Security Adviser John Bolton started his visit to Israel on Sunday, saying the U.S. will withdraw from Syria only after Turkey will provide assurance to safeguard Kurds.
Trump denies backtracking on troop withdrawal from Syria Press TV 07 Jan 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has stated that his plans to withdraw US troops from Syria are "no different" than originally announced.
Framework for US Withdrawal from Syria 'Approved' VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- U.S. forces in Syria have a plan in place for their much talked about withdrawal, but it will likely not see all of them leave the fight against the Islamic State terror group anytime soon.
Trump: US Troop Withdrawal in Syria Will Be at 'Proper Pace' VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he will be withdrawing the 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria at a "proper pace," while at the same time continuing the military's fight against Islamic State terrorists.
US-Backed Forces in Syria Say Five IS Arrested, Five More Deported VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Monday confirmed the arrest of five Islamic State foreign fighters and the handover of five more to their governments in efforts to rid eastern Syria of the jihadists.
Iran Defense Minister hopes for further victories for Syrian government ISNA 07 Jan 2019 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami held a meeting with deputy Defense Minister of Syria Mahmoud al-Shawa on Monday.
Four civilians, one Kurdish militant killed in Daesh bomb attack in Syria's Raqqah Press TV 07 Jan 2019 -- A deadly bomb attack, claimed by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, has hit a center for US-backed Kurdish militants in the northern Syrian city of Raqqah, leaving at least four civilians and a militant dead.
Iran security chief: US suffered strategic defeat in Syria Press TV 07 Jan 2019 -- Iran's security chief says the United States has been forced to decide to leave Syria because it has suffered a strategic defeat there, and that Washington will ultimately have no choice but to leave the whole region.
Putin, Erdogan Plan Meeting 'Soon' On U.S. Plan To Exit Syria RFE/RL 07 Jan 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan are planning to meet "soon" to discuss the announced departure of U.S. troops from Syria, where both countries also have a strong military presence.
Killing of aid worker in Syria part of 'disturbing trend' UN News 07 Jan 2019 -- The abduction and killing of an aid worker last week in Syria's Idleb region, brings into focus the daily risks faced by humanitarians working in conflict zones, said the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, in a statement deploring the killing on Monday.
Trump's Security Adviser Arrives in Turkey for Key Talks VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- President Donald Trump's national security adviser is in Ankara for high-level talks amid renewed bilateral tensions over Washington's backing of a Syrian Kurdish militia, and growing doubts about Trump's commitment to rapidly withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.
Bolton to Seek Assurances Turkey Won't Attack US-Allied Kurdish Fighters VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is in Turkey for talks with senior officials as the Trump administration seeks assurances that Turkish forces will not target Kurdish fighters allied with American forces.
US Official: No Abrupt Pullout of Troops From Syria VOA 06 Jan 2019 -- President Donald Trump's national security adviser said Sunday that U.S. withdrawal of its 2,000 troops in Syria will not be abrupt and also will be conditioned on Turkish assurances that it will not target Kurdish fighters allied with American forces.
US continues Syria airstrikes despite Trump's troop withdrawal order: Military Press TV 06 Jan 2019 -- US forces have conducted hundreds of aerial and artillery strikes in Syria and will continue to do so indefinitely despite President Donald Trump's order to withdraw American troops from the country, the US military's regional command has announced.
Bolton Says U.S. Syria Withdrawal Conditioned On IS Defeat, Turkish Protection For Kurds RFE/RL 06 Jan 2019 -- The United States has said its decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria was conditional on Turkey ensuring the safety of Kurds in Syria, U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton has said.
Syrian Opposition HNC Head Urges Arab Leaders Not to Mend Ties With Damascus Sputnik 07 Jan 2019 -- Syria's opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) leader Naser Hariri called on Arab leaders on Sunday not to restore ties with Damascus, after steps to readmit it to the Arab League.
Syrian Army foils terrorists' attempt to sneak into military points in Hama IRNA 06 Jan 2019 -- An army unit has thwarted terrorist groups' attempt to sneak into safe villages and military posts in Hama northern countryside in a new violation of the demilitarized zone agreement in Idleb.
Syria may join Arab League again soon: Tunisian presidential advisor Press TV 06 Jan 2019 -- Tunisian Presidential advisor, Lazhar al-Qorawi al-Chabi, says the Arab League is currently studying the possibility of restoring Syria's membership in the 22-member regional organization amid promising signs that the incumbent Damascus government led by President Bashar al-Assad is being admitted back into the Arab world.
Turkey slams 'irrational' US accusation that it attacks Syrian Kurds Press TV 06 Jan 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman has denounced as "irrational" US claims that Turkey was attacking Kurds in Syria's northeastern parts.
Syria sends reinforcements to Hama, Idlib amid clashes Press TV 06 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian army has reportedly dispatched military equipment, including artillery, armored vehicles and personnel carriers, to the outskirts of the western provinces of Hama and Idlib.
Netanyahu Says Israel to Continue Withstanding 'Iran's Aggression' in Syria Sputnik 06 Jan 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would continue to confront Iran's military activities in Syria.
US Doesn't Want Turkey to Take Military Action in Syria - Bolton Sputnik 06 Jan 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview on Thursday that Washington's key priority would be to avoid a regional massacre between the Turkish military and Kurds.
Terrorists Storm Opposition-Held Town in Syria's Aleppo - Reports Sputnik 06 Jan 2019 -- Terrorists from the Hayat Tahrir Ash-Sham group (former Jabhat al-Nusra) have clashed with the armed opposition groups in the town of Atarib in the west of Syria's Aleppo province, media reported on Sunday.
YPG Offers to Surrender its Zones in Syria for Kurdish Autonomy - Reports Sputnik 06 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Kurdish YPG leader Sipan Hemo offered last month to hand over control of Kurdish-held lands to the Syrian government in return for Kurdish autonomy, media said Saturday.
CJTF-OIR erases ISIS propaganda cells CENTCOM 06 Jan 2019 -- Operation Inherent Resolve continued supporting Coalition partner forces with precision strikes and coordinated fires to make further progress in the fight against ISIS in the Middle Euphrates River Valley, Syria, during the week of Dec. 23 – 29.
Syrian Army responds to breaches by terrorists in Hama, Idleb IRNA 05 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Arab Army units conducted concentrated strikes against terrorist groups located in Hama northern countryside and Idleb western countryside, while they attempted to infiltrate towards military points on the outskirts of the demilitarized zone and its surroundings.
Continued US-led coalition raids in Syria show disregard for UN Charter, intl. law: Damascus Press TV 05 Jan 2019 -- The Syrian government says continued airstrikes by the US-led coalition against ordinary people and civilian targets show the alliance's reckless disregard for the UN Charter as well as international law.
Syrian Kurds seek deal with government regardless of US pullout Press TV 05 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Kurdish leaders seek a Russian-mediated deal with President Bashar al-Assad's government regardless of US plans to withdraw from their region, a senior official has said.
US Military Plane Conducts Reconnaissance Near Russian Base in Syria's Hmeimim Sputnik 05 Jan 2019 -- The plane spent two hours near a Russian Air Force base in Syria.
Some US Troops Could Remain in South Syria After Pullout - Reports Sputnik 05 Jan 2019 -- US national security adviser John Bolton reportedly plans during his trip to Israel to discuss maintaining US presence in Syria to counter the Iranian threat.
CJTF-OIR Strike Summary Dec. 16 – Dec. 29 CENTCOM 04 Jan 2019
Russia Now Juggling Challenges of War-Wracked Syria VOA 04 Jan 2019 -- "You break it, you own it," Colin Powell once warned in referring to U.S. military interventions overseas and the possible fallout that comes with those decisions.
Fresh US-led airstrikes leave 10 Syrian civilians dead in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 04 Jan 2019 -- Nearly 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.
Over 500 militants killed as infighting spreads in Syria: Report Press TV 04 Jan 2019 -- More than 500 terrorists have been killed, many of them summarily executed, after an infighting spread among the ranks of militant groups in Syria's Idlib province, pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV reports.
Over 23,000 terrorists killed in Syria last year: Russia IRNA 04 Jan 2019 -- Russian Ministry of Defense affirmed that thousands of terrorists were killed in Syria and hundreds of their positions, weapons warehouses and heavy equipment have been destroyed during the war against terrorism last year.
Turkey-US Tensions Threaten to Resurface Over Syria VOA 03 Jan 2019 -- Tensions between the U.S. and Turkey are threatening to resurface following President Donald Trump's apparent walking back of his commitment to immediately withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and end support for a Syrian Kurdish militia.
23,000 Takfiri terrorists killed in Russia strikes in Syria last year: Defense ministry Press TV 03 Jan 2019 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says tens of thousands of foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists were killed during its military's counter-terrorism airstrikes against militant redoubts in Syria last year.
Syrian President Assad will remain in power 'for a while': British foreign secretary Press TV 03 Jan 2019 -- British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will remain in office due to Russia's support, amid a decision by the US to withdraw troops and a race among Arab states to normalize ties with the Syrian government.
At Least 11 Civilians Killed as US-Led Coalition Pounds Deir ez-Zor, Syria Sputnik 03 Jan 2019 -- The US-led coalition regularly carries out airstrikes in the eastern Deir ez-Zor province and has recently been concentrating its air power on Hajin and Sha'afa.
Iraq Backs Syria's Return to Arab League – Foreign Minister Sputnik 03 Jan 2019 -- Iraqi top diplomat Mohamed Alhakim has confirmed the country's support for Syria's return to the Arab League, in a statement quoted by the Foreign Ministry.
UK Foreign Secretary Hunt Admits Assad to Be in Power 'For a While' Sputnik 03 Jan 2019 -- The admission is a step back from the usual 'Assad must go' rhetoric which the UK, the US and its allies have repeatedly used in relation to the Syrian president in the course of the war which has rocked the country since 2011.
Trump Gives No Timetable For Syria Withdrawal, Vows To Protect Kurdish Fighters RFE/RL 02 Jan 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said U.S. forces will withdraw from Syria "over a period of time," insisting he wants to protect U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
PHOTOS Allegedly Show Turkey Massing More Military Equipment on Syrian Border Sputnik 02 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, President Trump doubled down on his decision to pull the estimated 2,000 troops stationed in Syria out of the country, saying the move would fulfil his campaign promise to withdraw from the "never ending wars" the US has been engaged in.
Syrian Army thwarts terrorists' infiltration attempts in Hama IRNA 03 Jan 2019 -- Syrian Arab Army units broadened the scale of military operations against terrorist groups and thwarted their attempts of infiltration in the northern countryside of Hama.
Iranians can 'do whatever they want' in Syria, Trump says Press TV 02 Jan 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says Iranians can "do whatever they want" in Syria, dodging a question about when the US would withdraw from the war ravaged country.
Kurdish fighters withdraw from Manbij: Syria Press TV 02 Jan 2019 -- Syria says hundreds of US-backed Kurdish fighters have withdrawn from the city of Manbij near the border with Turkey to take position to the east of the Euphrates.
Trump: US Wants to Protect Kurds in Syria Even After Troops Withdrawal Sputnik 02 Jan 2019 -- In December, Trump declared victory over Daesh while White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders later said that the United States had started to withdraw its troops from the country, adding that this development did not signal the end of the US-led coalition's campaign in Syria.
Former IDF Intel Chief Wanted to Assassinate Syrian President Assad – Report Sputnik 02 Jan 2019 -- However, Aviv Kochavi's proposal was reportedly rejected by the Israeli military, which preferred to concentrate on curbing Tehran's alleged entrenchment in the country as well as the transfer of advanced weaponry to the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.
Trump gives in to calls to slow down troop pullout from Syria Press TV 01 Jan 2019 -- United States President Donald Trump has given in to pressure to slow down his planned troop pullout from Syria, permitting the US military four months to withdraw.
Trump Gives US Troops Four Months to Leave Syria Amid Criticism – Report Sputnik 01 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, Trump went to Twitter to defend his decision to withdraw American troops from Syria, accusing his critics of hypocrisy. He noted that any other US president would have been applauded for such a decision.
Israel Wants to Intensify Intel, Ops Cooperation With US in Syria - Netanyahu Sputnik 01 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would be pulling its estimated 2,000 US troops out of Syria, and gave the Pentagon four months to complete the withdrawal.
Syrian Army inflicts heavy losses on terrorists in Hama, Idleb IRNA 02 Jan 2019 -- Army units operating in Hama northern countryside conducted concentrated strikes against positions and fortifications of terrorist groups in retaliation to their breaches of the demilitarized zone agreement in Idleb.
Truce Breaches Recorded in 20 Areas of Idlib, Syria - Russian MoD Sputnik 01 Jan 2019 -- 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 Defense Ministry said Monday.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

January 2019 - Syria Special Weapons News