November 2019 - Syria Special Weapons News

Syrian government troops repel terrorist attack in militant-held Idlib Press TV 30 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government troops have successfully foiled an offensive by members of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, Takfiri terrorist group in the country's northwestern province of Idlib, as they continue to seize back more areas in the embattled territory from extremists.
Syrian Army Repels Attack From Militants in Idlib Province - Reports Sputnik 30 Nov 2019 -- The Syrian Army has repelled an attack by militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly known as the Nusra Front*) in the east of Idlib Province, Syrian media reported.
On the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva US Dept. of State 30 Nov 2019 -- The United States continues to support the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in their efforts to facilitate the work of the Syria Constitutional Committee.
Russian Military Police Conduct Reconnaissance for Another Route in Northern Syria Sputnik 30 Nov 2019 -- Russian military police have conducted reconnaissance along a new patrol route near the city of Kobane in northern Syria, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.
US Military Presence at Syria's Oil Fields Escalates Situation in Country - Russian Deputy FM Sputnik 29 Nov 2019 -- The day before, Syrian state television reported that US forces mustered dozens of military vehicles near oil fields in the Rumeilan region of Al-Hasakah province in Syria's northeast.
US Military Concentrates Equipment at Oil Fields in Northeastern Syria - Reports Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- US forces mustered dozens of military vehicles near oil fields in the Rumeilan region of Al-Hasakah province in Syria's northeast, Syrian state television reported on Thursday.
Syrian government forces shoot down Turkish reconnaissance drone in Hasakah: Report Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government forces have reportedly intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to Turkish military while flying in the skies over Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah and near the border with Turkey.
Russia urges OPCW members not to fund new Syria gas attack probe team Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Russia says creating a so-called investigative team within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) only suits the ends of the sponsors, urging the member states of the watchdog to vote against funding such a biased team.
Syrian president remains skeptical about Daesh leader's death Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has once again cast doubt on his US counterpart Donald Trump's claim that Daesh ringleader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in an operation by the US military last month, calling the much-publicized operation a "fantastic play" staged by the Americans.
U.S. Forces Reset in Syria, ISIS Struggles to Re-form DoD News 27 Nov 2019 -- U.S. forces are reset and repostured in Eastern Syria and have restarted operations with the Syrian Democratic Forces aimed at defeating ISIS, Army Lt. Gen. Robert White, the commander of Combined Joint Operation Inherent Resolve, said today in Baghdad.
Syrian forces, Takfiri militants exchange heavy fire as army advances in Idlib Press TV 27 Nov 2019 -- Clashes have broken out between Takfiri militants and Syrian government forces in the embattled northwestern province of Idlib, the last stronghold of the extremists.
Turkish Ally Accused of Widespread Rights Abuses in Syria VOA 27 Nov 2019 -- The New York-based Human Rights Watch claims it has "damming evidence" showing the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army is engaged in summary executions, pillaging, seizing properties, and preventing the return of people to their homes.
Turkish Offensive in Syria to Continue Until Achievement of Its Goals - Security Council Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- Turkish military operation Peace Spring in northern Syria will continue until all its goals are achieved, a statement adopted following a meeting of the Turkish National Security Council chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held on Tuesday.
'Pace Will Pick Back Up': US Army Resumes Operations Against Daesh in Syria Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- US troops stationed nearly Deir ez-Zor have joined back up with Kurdish allies for a new operation against Daesh remnants in eastern Syria, despite triumphalist claims by the Trump administration to have defeated the militant group.
Bomb attack kills 17 in Syrian border village: Turkey Press TV 26 Nov 2019 -- At least 17 people have lost their lives in a car bomb attack in a border village in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, Turkey's military says.
Syria 'prioritizes' Iran, signs key reconstruction deal Press TV 26 Nov 2019 -- Iran and Syria have signed a new agreement to fast-track reconstruction of the Arab country which is devastated by eight years of a foreign-orchestrated war.
Russian Military Police Continue Patrolling Syria's Aleppo, Raqqa Provinces Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- The Russian military police continue patrolling Syria's provinces of Aleppo and Raqqa, Major General Yuri Borenkov, the head of the Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Center in Syria, said on Tuesday.
Car Bomb Blast Near Syria's Ras al-Ain Kills 17 People, Turkish Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- The tragedy comes just days after another car explosion left at least 10 people dead and 25 injured in the town of Tell Abyad near the Syrian-Turkish border.
Turkey Has No Plans to Resume Offensive in Northeastern Syria – Reports Sputnik 25 Nov 2019 -- Turkey last month conducted a military incursion into Syrian border areas controlled by Kurdish militias. The operation was put on pause after Russia, a major player in Syria, struck a deal with Turkey and secured a withdrawal of Kurdish forces from the border area.
Russian Defence Ministry Says It Conducts Joint Patrol with Turkey in Syria's Al-Hasakah Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- Russia and Turkey have conducted a joint patrol in Syria's northeastern al-Hasakah province, Major General Yuri Borenkov, the head of the Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Center in Syria, said during a briefing on Monday.
Syrian army troops clear more villages of Takfiri terrorists in Idlib Press TV 25 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government forces have liberated more areas in the southern countryside of the northwestern province of Idlib from the grip of foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants, as they are tightening the noose around the extremists operating in the region.
Syrian Army Recaptures 4 Villages in Idlib Province From Militants Sputnik 25 Nov 2019 -- The Syrian army recaptured four villages in the northern province of Idlib from militants over the past four days, Sputnik correspondent reported on Monday.
Moscow Will Facilitate Dialogue Between Kurds, Damascus - Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik 25 Nov 2019 -- Moscow intends to facilitate dialogue between the Syrian government and the Kurds, and remains in contact with all parties interested in the Syrian settlement, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Monday.
Govt. forces establish control over Musheirifa village in Syria's Idlib Press TV 24 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government forces have managed to wrest full control over a village in the country's northwestern province of Idlib.
Turkish forces, allied militants launch major assault on key northern Syria town Press TV 24 Nov 2019 -- Turkish military forces and allied militants have launched a fierce assault on a key town in Syria's northern province of Raqqah, more than a month after they mounted a cross-border offensive to clear the region of YPG Kurdish militants.
Around 500 US Personnel Remain in Eastern Syria to Counter Daesh Operations - CENTCOM Sputnik 23 Nov 2019 -- Earlier this month, the US announced that it would keep its military presence in Syria despite achieving its stated goal of defeating Daesh*.
Car bomb blast claims nearly dozen lives in Syrian border town Press TV 23 Nov 2019 -- Nearly a dozen people have lost their lives when a powerful car bomb explosion ripped through a northern Syrian border town seized by Turkish military forces and their allied militants in the aftermath of a cross-border incursion against militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
US occupying Syria oil wells, looting resources: Damascus envoy to UN Press TV 23 Nov 2019 -- Syria's UN Ambassador Bashar al-Ja'afari says the United States has been occupying the country's oil fields and looting its resources as the UN remains silent on Washington's act of theft.
EU's Mogherini Condemns Attacks On Civilians By Syria, Russia In Idlib Province RFE/RL 23 Nov 2019 -- The European Union's top diplomat has condemned recent attacks on civilians in Syria by government forces and their Russian allies, calling them "unacceptable."
US Not Doing Anything Illegal by Securing Syria's Oil Fields, Special Envoy Jeffrey Believes Sputnik 22 Nov 2019 -- Washington is not doing anything illegal by securing oil fields in Syria, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey told reporters on Friday.
Moscow Slams US Actions in Syria, Including Near Oil Fields, as 'Destructive', 'Inconsistent' Sputnik 22 Nov 2019 -- Despite scaling down the US military presence in Syria, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the country intends to retain control of the oil fields in northeastern Syria.
Syrian Constitutional Committee a 'sign of hope': UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 22 Nov 2019 -- The launch of the Syrian Constitutional Committee could be a "door-opener" to finally providing a solution to the country's brutal conflict, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen said on Friday in a briefing to the Security Council.
Kremlin Denies Knowledge of Grisly Wagner Killing in Syria VOA 22 Nov 2019 -- A Russian who participated in the torture of a captive in Syria and filmed the prisoner's dismemberment and beheading has been identified by media outlets as a former policeman from Stavropol in southern Russia, who served as a mercenary employed by the Wagner Group, a Kremlin-sponsored private military contractor.
Turkey Never Used Banned Weapons in Syria During Operation Peace Spring - Defence Minister Sputnik 21 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has never used banned weapons during Operation Peace Spring against Kurdish militia and the Daesh* terrorist group in northern Syria, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said.
UN experts urge Turkey to repatriate Irish woman associated with terror group UN News 21 Nov 2019 -- Turkey must ensure that an Irish woman and her infant daughter who are being held in custody there are repatriated, independent UN experts said in a statement released on Thursday. The woman, Lisa Smith, has been described in press reports as a supporter of the ISIL terror group, and former member of the Irish military.
Missile strike kills at least 12 civilians, including children, in Syria's Idlib: UN humanitarians UN News 21 Nov 2019 -- Violence in Syria continues to kill and maim civilians with reports that missiles fired into settlements for people fleeing conflict in the country's northwest on Wednesday night, killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens more, including children, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.
UN: 2018 Deadliest Year for Syrian Children Since War Began VOA 21 Nov 2019 -- The U.N. Children's Fund said Thursday that 1,106 children were killed in Syria in 2018, making it the deadliest year for children since the war began there in 2011.
Syria censures acts of aggression by Turkish forces against ordinary citizens Press TV 21 Nov 2019 -- Damascus has strongly condemned "criminal acts of aggression" perpetrated by Turkish military forces against Syrian people in the aftermath of a cross-border incursion into the northern part of the Arab country, calling on the international community to force Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop the measures.
In Syria, A Mutilated Corpse, Video Evidence, And New Scrutiny For Russian Mercenaries RFE/RL 21 Nov 2019 -- The graphic video shows four men in camouflage gear exchanging jokes in unaccented Russian as they pour flammable liquid over a man's mutilated corpse strung up on two wooden beams.
Death toll of Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military sites rises to 23 People's Daily 21 Nov 2019 -- The death toll of the Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military sites on Wednesday has risen to 23, including two civilians, a war monitor and state media reported.
Israeli Satellite Operator Releases Imagery of 'Aftermath' of Airstrikes on Syria Sputnik 21 Nov 2019 -- Israeli satellite operator ImageSat International (ISI) has published pictures of what it believes is the aftermath of recent Israeli airstrikes on southwestern Syria.
Attack on al-Qah IDP Camp in Northern Syria US Dept. of State 21 Nov 2019 -- "The United States strongly condemns the Assad regime's barbaric attacks yesterday on the al-Qah camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in northern Idlib. "
Pentagon Intelligence: Trump Pullout From North Syria Gives Daesh Way to Rebuild Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- Former Daesh* leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed on 26 October in a US military raid in Syria's Idlib province soon after US President Donald Trump agreed to withdraw American troops from northeastern Syria.
Russia slams Israel's Syria strikes as 'very wrong' Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- Russia has denounced Israel's latest aerial assaults on Syria as a "wrong" move that will exacerbate tensions.
Syria repels Israeli raid, intercepts 'hostile missiles' over Damascus: SANA Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- The Syrian military says the country's air defenses have repelled several "hostile missiles" fired by Israeli jets over the capital Damascus.
Foreign Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Strikes On 'Iranian Targets' In Syria RFE/RL 20 Nov 2019 -- The Israeli military says it has struck Iranian targets in Syria in what it said was retaliation for rockets fired on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights region.
Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iranian Targets in Syria VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- The Israeli military says its warplanes struck dozens of Iranian and Syrian military targets outside of Damascus Wednesday in retaliation for a rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights the day before.
US Warns That Turkey's Syria Offensive Giving IS 'Time and Space' VOA 19 Nov 2019 -- U.S. defense intelligence officials are offering a sobering assessment of the impact Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria – and corresponding moves by the U.S. and other powers – will have on efforts to destroy the Islamic State terror group.
IDF Says Iron Dome Intercepted Four Projectiles Allegedly Launched From Syria Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Twitter that air-raid sirens went off in the northern part of Israel, in the area of the Golan Heights, without providing further details.
Syrian Foreign Ministry Slams EU's 'Blind Obedience' to US Policy Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Susan on Tuesday discussed with a delegation of German lawmakers counterterrorism efforts in Syria and slammed the European Union's tendency to blindly follow the United States' policies, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.
Russia Deploys Additional Military Police to Northern Syria Amid Turkish Threat to Resume Offensive Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned that Ankara could resume its Syrian operation if the United States and Russia did not implement their commitments on the withdrawal of Kurdish militia forces from the so-called safe zone near the Turkish border.
Syria's Air Defenсe System Shoots Down Alleged Israeli Missiles in Southern Syria Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Syria's air defence system detected and shot down several missiles that were launched by Israeli war aircraft toward military positions in southern Syria, a security source said on Tuesday.
Baghdadi Death Unlikely to Impact Daesh Ability to Rebuild - Pentagon Inspector General Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will have little impact on the Daesh* terrorist group's ability to rebuild, a Pentagon watchdog agency revealed on Tuesday.
Ankara Warns Will Resume North Syria Offensive If Deals on Kurds' Pullout Not Fulfilled Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that his country was ready to resume its offensive in northeastern Syria if the United States and Russia do not implement their share of agreements on the withdrawal of Kurdish militia, whom Ankara designates as terrorists, from the safe zone.
Turkey to launch offensive in Syria if YPG not purged: FM Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has threatened to launch another operation in northeastern Syria if the area is not cleared of Kurdish militants from the People's Protection Units (YPG), who are viewed by Ankara as terrorists.
Syrian govt. forces seize back major hydroelectric power plant east of Aleppo Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government troops have managed to wrest control over a major hydroelectric power plant in the country's northwestern province of Aleppo as they continue to score territorial gains in battles against foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists.
Russian, Turkish Military Carry Out 8th Joint Patrol in Syria's North - Defence Ministry Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- The goal of the patrol was to monitor the situation in Syrian settlements eastward from the customs checkpoint in Aylishar along the Syrian-Turkish border.
Turkey arrests Syria bomb attack suspect Press TV 17 Nov 2019 -- Turkey says it has arrested the suspect in a deadly bomb attack in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, alleging that the assailant is a member of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militant group.
Unknown gunmen assassinate high-profile HTS terrorist in Syria's Idlib: SOHR Press TV 17 Nov 2019 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says unidentified armed men have a high-ranking member of the Takfiri Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, where the terror outfit holds sway.
Syrian president says U.S. presence in Syria to generate resistance People's Daily 16 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the U.S. military presence in Syria would generate a resistance until its withdrawal from the country, state news agency SANA reported Friday.
Armed resistance will force US troops out of Syria: Assad Press TV 16 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that American troops occupying Syria will face "military resistance" that will force them to leave the country.
Bomb Attack in Northern Syria Reportedly Kills 18, Injures 27 Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- Earlier this month, an explosion in Syria's Tal Abyad, near the Turkish border, claimed the lives of 14 people, including seven civilians.
UN Probe Into Airstrikes in Northwestern Syria Looking at 7 Specific Incidents Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- A UN commission, which is currently investigating airstrikes on humanitarian facilities in Syria's northwestern region, is examining seven such events, a UN source told Sputnik.
UN to Follow Up on Member State Data on Hospital Bombings in Syria's Idlib - Spokesman Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- The United Nations will evaluate relevant information provided by its member states including Russia that could be used in the investigation led by the special board of inquiry into alleged aerial bombings of hospitals in Syria's Idlib, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a press briefing on Friday.
Russian Military Police Patrol Syria's Aleppo, Hasakah Provinces Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- The Russian military police continued on Friday to patrol communities in the northern Syrian provinces, said Major General Yuri Borenkov, head of the Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Centre in Syria.
Terrorists continue to take civilians as human shields in Idlib: Syria UN envoy Press TV 15 Nov 2019 -- Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari says Takfiri terrorist groups operating in the northwestern province of Idlib continue to take civilians as human shields, stressing that it is the Damascus government's duty to purge the area of their presence.
Russia still has great deal of work to do in Syria's Idlib, Putin says Press TV 15 Nov 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow feels it still has a lot of work to do in the last major bastion of foreign-backed militants and Takfiri terrorists in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.
U.S. Calls French Proposal To Try IS Prisoners In Iraq 'Irresponsible' RFE/RL 15 Nov 2019 -- The United States has called "irresponsible" a French proposal to put thousands of jailed Islamist extremists on trial in Iraq, as Washington and its European allies clashed over what to do with thousands of militants being held in Syria.
War in Syria to End Once Terrorism Defeated, Not After Constitution Adopted - President Assad Sputnik 15 Nov 2019 -- On 9 October, Turkey launched a military op in Syria to clear the border area of Daesh militants and Kurdish militia, which Ankara views as terrorists. After a series of ceasefire deals with the United States and Russia, the operation's active phase ended. Damascus has condemned Turkey's offensive as a violation of Syria's sovereignty.
US Opposes International Tribunal for Daesh Fighters - Senior Diplomat Sputnik 15 Nov 2019 -- The United States opposes the idea of establishing an international tribunal to try Daesh* members and believes national-level courts would be more effective, US Acting Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Nathan Sales said during a press briefing.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group Ministerial US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019
Joint Communique by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019 -- The following is the text of a Joint Communique by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ambassador James Jeffrey and Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019
US, Allies Split Over Fate of IS Foreign Fighters VOA 14 Nov 2019 -- The United States and other members of the coalition to defeat the Islamic State failed to reach consensus on what to do with captured foreign fighters, one of several issues threatening to reverse gains made against the terror group in Syria and Iraq.
US Vows to Stay in the Lead vs. Islamic State VOA 14 Nov 2019 -- The United States is promising not to abandon the fight to eradicate the Islamic State terror group, while pushing allies to take more responsibility for foreign fighters and for rebuilding Iraq and Syria.
Turkish forces begin to establish base in northern Syria weeks after incursion Press TV 14 Nov 2019 -- Turkish army troops have begun setting up a military base in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, weeks after they launched a cross-border incursion, backed by allied militants, against members of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
War ends only when terrorism annihilated: Syrian president Press TV 14 Nov 2019 -- President Bashar al-Assad has hailed Iran's unwavering support for his country's fight against enemies' plots to fuel insecurity and instability in Syria and the entire region, saying that the war will end only through the eradication of terrorism.
US Looting Syria Under Pretext of Securing Oil Fields – Russian General Sputnik 14 Nov 2019 -- The United States has been pillaging Syria under the pretext of securing its oil fields and funnelling ill-gotten money to anti-government forces, senior Russian defence official Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said.
US Stealing Syria's Oil, Its 'Regime' is Akin to Nazis - Assad Sputnik 14 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States intended to retain control over oil fields in Syria's northeast, despite scaling down its military presence in the area.
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of the Small Group on Syria US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019
Renewal of cross-border aid operation critical to northern Syria: UN relief chief UN News 14 Nov 2019 -- The top UN humanitarian official was in the Security Council on Wednesday to appeal for the renewal of an operation that delivers life-saving food and other aid relief to some four million civilians in northern Syria.
Russia sets up helicopter base in northeast Syria Press TV 14 Nov 2019 -- The Russian military says it has begun setting up a new combat helicopter and air defense base at a formerly US-controlled civilian airport in northeastern Syria.
Russia Sets Up Helicopter Base In Northeast Syria After U.S. Withdrawal RFE/RL 14 Nov 2019 -- Russia has announced that it set up a helicopter base at the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli following the U.S. troop withdrawal from the area last month.
US to Keep Control Over Oil Fields in Syria - Trump Sputnik 13 Nov 2019 -- The United States intends to retain control over the oil fields in Syria's northeast, despite scaling down its military presence in the area, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.
US Military Convoy Arrives in Oil-Rich Areas in Northeastern Syria - Reports Sputnik 13 Nov 2019 -- A US military convoy consisting of 22 military vehicles and two trucks have crossed the Syrian-Iraqi border and positioned itself near several oil deposits in northeastern Syria, the Al-Ikhbariya broadcaster reported.
Turkey Captures Top Daesh Militant During Operation in Northern Syria - Defence Minister Sputnik 13 Nov 2019 -- Turkish Defence Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Wednesday that a top Daesh militant had been captured during Ankara's operation in northern Syria.
UN: Daesh militants' home states must take them back Press TV 12 Nov 2019 -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the home countries of Daesh terrorists captured in Iraq and Syria must take back their militant nationals.
US Wants to Create Illegal Quasi-State in Eastern Syria - Lavrov Sputnik 12 Nov 2019 -- Damascus, Moscow, Ankara and others have repeatedly criticised US efforts to continue to hold onto oil-rich areas of Syria, saying such actions are in blatant violation of international law.
Senior State Department Official Previewing the Upcoming D-ISIS Ministerial and Syria Small Group Meetings US Dept. of State 12 Nov 2019 -- Special Briefing
Turkey Faces Growing Regional Tensions Over Syria VOA 12 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's October military intervention into Syria is increasingly straining relations with its regional allies and neighbors, but the country is pushing back against mounting criticism of its Syrian incursion.
Turkish forces shoot at protesting civilians near Syria's Kobani, kill two Press TV 12 Nov 2019 -- At least two civilians have lost their lives when Turkish military forces fired live rounds at a group of people, who were taking part in a protest against their presence in northern Syria following a cross-border incursion by Turkish army troops and their allied militants against members of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
Erdogan: US, Russia not honoring Syria agreements Press TV 12 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the United States and Russia for failing to fulfill their parts of agreements struck last month on the withdrawal of Washington's allied Kurdish militants from Syria's northern border regions, saying he would raise the issue with his American and Russian counterparts.
American IS Fighter Stuck Between Greek, Turkish Borders VOA 12 Nov 2019 -- An American citizen accused of being a fighter for Islamic State is stranded in the no-man's land between the borders of Turkey and Greece after Ankara deported him.
7 Syrians killed, 70 injured as bomb attacks hit Kurdish-majority city Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- At least seven Syrian civilians have been killed and 70 others wounded as a result of multiple bomb attacks in the northeastern province of Hasakah.
3 Bombs Explode in Northeast Syria; at Least 6 Killed VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Three bombs have exploded in northeast Syria, leaving at least six people dead, according to security officials.
Assad: US operation a trick, Baghdadi may be hiding Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has cast doubt on the death of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, whom US President Donald Trump claimed had been killed in an operation, saying he may be hiding somewhere.
Syria's Bashar al-Assad Reflects on Civil War, Oil, Terrorism and America in Rare Interview Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Having endured a deadly, drawn-out civil war which is gradually drawing to a close, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is facing the daunting task of reuniting and reconstructing a devastated nation, filling in the power vacuum in newly-liberated parts of the country and overcoming a Western-imposed economic blockade.
Backer of Syria's White Helmets Found Dead in Turkey VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- A key backer of the Syrian White Helmets rescue organization was found dead Monday near his home in Istanbul, according to Turkish authorities.
Russian, Turkish Military Start 4th Joint Patrol in Syria's North - Russian Ministry Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- The Russian military police and the Turkish border service have started their fourth joint patrol in a new area in Syria's north, at the border with Turkey, and the route will make around 80 kilometers (49 miles), the Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday.
Turkey Deports US Citizen in Push to Repatriate IS Fighters VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has deported citizens of the United States and Denmark who fought for Islamic State as a part of a plan to repatriate foreign jihadists held in Turkey.
Turkey deports 2 captured Western members of Daesh Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has deported two captured Western members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group despite unwillingness of the countries of origin.
Russia says US attempts to control Syria's oil fields, facilities tantamount to 'robbery' Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reiterated that attempts made by the United States to control Syria's oil fields are "illegal" and amount to "robbery," stressing that such attempts only hinder a desperately-needed political settlement there.
US Attempts to Rob Syria of Its Oil Are Damaging Chances of Political Settlement - Lavrov Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Last month, US President Donald Trump reiterated the lack of interest of the US in patrolling the Syrian-Turkish border, saying that the main interest was in controlling the country's oil.
Top US army general says 600 troops to remain in Syria Press TV 10 Nov 2019 -- A top US army general says American troop levels in Syria are expected to stabilize at around 600 and that the presence of the military forces in the Arab country is for US national interests.
Up To 600 US Military Personnel Remain in Syria - Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Sputnik 10 Nov 2019 -- US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of US military from Syria amid Turkey's operation against Kurdish forces in the northeast of the country. At the same time, the United States said it would remain in the oil-producing areas in the east of the country and would help local Kurds to control them.
Turkish drone pounds village in Syria's Hasakah amid cross-border incursion Press TV 10 Nov 2019 -- A combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), operated by Turkish military forces, has reportedly launched an airstrike against a residential neighborhood in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, in the aftermath of a cross-border incursion by Turkish army troops and their allied militants into the Arab country's Kurdish-populated region.
Bombing hits area near Syrian city held by Turkish forces, kills 8 Press TV 10 Nov 2019 -- At least eight people have lost their lives and some 20 others sustained injuries in a bomb explosion in an area of northeast Syria near the Turkish-occupied town of Tal Abyad.
Eight Killed, Over 20 Injured in Car Blast in Syria's Raqqa Province - Turkish Defence Ministry Sputnik 10 Nov 2019 -- The deadly incident comes a week after an explosion in Tal Abyad on the Syrian-Turkish border that resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including seven civilians.
UN: Civilian Deaths Surge in Escalating Syrian Conflicts VOA 10 Nov 2019 -- U.N. monitors report scores of civilians are being killed and wounded, and thousands are fleeing their homes as violence and human rights abuse escalate in northern and northeastern Syria.
UNICEF: Aid for Syria Children Threatened by Lack of Funds VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- The U.N. children's fund warns essential humanitarian programs for hundreds of thousands of children in Syria will have to be cut because it has run out of cash.
Government soldiers take back northern Syrian village from Turkish forces, allies Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government troops have retaken a village in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah from Turkish military forces and their allied militants following intense clashes.
U.S. Blasts Syria, Russia For 'Patterns Of Attacks Against Civilians' In Idlib Province RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- The United States says it strongly condemns air strikes by Syrian government forces backed by Russia that it says have targeted civilians in the northwestern corner of the Middle Eastern country.
Erdogan, Putin Discuss Syria Over Phone, Reaffirm Commitment to Sochi Memorandum Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Moscow and Ankara agreed in Sochi on 22 October that Russian military police and Syrian border guards would enter the northern areas of Syria to facilitate the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from the YPG. Under the memorandum, Russia and Turkey also agreed to conduct joint patrols in the operation zone along the Turkish border.
Assad Blasts European Nations for 'Hypocrisy' in Dealing With Syria Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad lambasted EU policy toward Syria, accusing European nations of supporting terrorists in the war-torn country and of attempting to push the Syrian people to rise up against the government.
Turkey Slams US Claims About Syrian Oil Fields as Contradiction of International Law Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Earlier, amid repeated claims by President Trump that Washington would be "securing" and "keeping" Syria's oil, US media reported that as many as 800 US troops would be kept in the war-torn country to keep the black gold out of the hands of both Daesh (ISIS)* and Damascus, the oil's legitimate owner.
Syria's Idlib Still Has Over 10,000 Terrorists – UN Monitoring Team Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Sputnik: Talking about the military operation that Turkey was conducting in northern Syria, there were many reports that the Kurdish militants let out some prisoners from Daesh. There were reports about the number around 700. Do you have any information about it, can you confirm that indeed such thing happened that terrorists from prisons were released? How dangerous is it? Where do they go, how can they be tracked and what should be done now?
Erdogan says Turkey will not withdraw troops from Syria until other countries pull out Press TV 08 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country's troops will not leave Syria until other countries pull out, insisting that Ankara will continue its cross-border offensive against Kurdish militants in northeastern parts of the Arab country until every one of them has left the region.
Attacks on Civilians in Idlib and Neighboring Areas of Northwest Syria US Dept. of State 08 Nov 2019 -- "The United States strongly condemns the Assad regime's airstrikes, with Russian support, that continue to cause numerous casualties among civilians and humanitarian workers, and damage to hospitals and civilian infrastructure in Idlib and other areas of northwest Syria."
Hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk in Syria amid ongoing violence in northeast and northwest UN News 08 Nov 2019 -- Almost daily violence targeting built-up areas and health facilities in Syria continues to threaten the lives of civilians there, UN rights experts and humanitarians said on Friday.
UN envoy: Syria's talks have 'gone much better', new round to be held on Nov. 25 Press TV 08 Nov 2019 -- United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen says the opening round of talks aimed at finding a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria has been "better than expected", with a new round due to be held in Geneva later this month.
U.S. Condemns Al-Assad Regime's Air Strikes on Civilians in Northwest Syria SPA 08 Nov 2019 -- The United States strongly condemns air strikes by Al-Assad regime's forces targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure in northwestern Syria.
Russia deploys military helicopters to protect Syria-Turkey border patrols Press TV 08 Nov 2019 -- Russia has deployed military helicopters to assist and protect its military police patrolling along Syria's border with Turkey.
Russian Aerospace Forces Start Daily Helicopter Patrols in Northern Syria - Pilot Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- Russian Aerospace Forces have begun daily helicopter patrols in Syria's northern provinces, Russian military pilot Dmitry Ivanov told reporters.
Russia, Turkey Complete 3rd Joint Patrol in Syria After Covering Over 65 Miles - MoD Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- The Turkish-Russian patrol was carried out within the memorandum on securing the situation in Syria's northeast in light of Ankara's offensive against Kurdish militants, signed on 22 October.
Chances Growing Captured Islamic State Fighters Will Return to Battlefield VOA 08 Nov 2019 -- U.S. counterterrorism officials are increasingly worried Islamic State fighters captured as the terror group's caliphate collapsed in Syria will find their way back to the battlefield.
US forces will keep control of Syrian oilfields: Pentagon Press TV 08 Nov 2019 -- The Pentagon says American forces will keep control of the oilfields in northeastern Syria to fund the Kurdish militia.
Moscow, Damascus Urge Global Community to Compel US to Leave Syria's At Tanf Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- Russia and Syria urge the international community to compel the United States to completely withdraw its troops from the Syrian territory, the joint coordination committees said on Thursday in a statement on the humanitarian situation in the Rukban refugee camp.
Russian Combat Aircraft Carry Out Patrol Mission Over Northeastern Syria Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- The Russian tactical aircraft on Thursday conducted air patrolling along the Syrian-Turkish border as part of the Russia-Turkey deal over the buffer zone in northern Syria, the commander of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said.
US Says It's Guarding Oil Fields for Syrian Kurds VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- U.S. troops tasked with protecting oil fields in northeastern Syria are helping ensure any profits flow to the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, a key partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.
Oil-Rich Lands in Syria to Serve as Base for US Operations Against Daesh - State Department Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The oil-rich area in northeast Syria the United States is protecting will serve as a base for the US military operations against the Islamic State terror group (banned in Russia), a senior US State Department official said in a press briefing.
Syrian Democratic Forces Reap Benefit From Oil Money DoD News 07 Nov 2019 -- Revenue from oil fields in Syria supports the Syrian Democratic Forces, not the United States, said a defense official.
Erdogan Threatens to Open Doors for Refugees to Europe Unless EU Provides Enough Support to Turkey Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The European Union has paid three billion euros to Turkey under a 2016 deal to contain the influx of refugees to Europe. Ankara has repeatedly complained about the slow pace of disbursements, threatening to let migrants cross through its territory.
Erdogan says US not honoring Syria deal ahead of Trump talks Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the United States is not fulfilling its pledge to remove Kurdish militants from a Syrian border region and that he would raise the issue when he meets US President Donald Trump next week.
Turkey's Erdogan Threatens To Let Refugees Into Europe If More Aid Not Given RFE/RL 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeated his threat to "open the gates" to Europe for Syrian refugees if the European Union doesn't provide additional support for them.
Turkey Detains at Least 13 of Al-Baghdadi's Relatives - Erdogan Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish security forces have detained at least 10 relatives of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the recently killed leader of the Daesh* terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday.
Turkish President Erdogan Claims Militants Refused to Leave Safe Zone in Northern Syria Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to discuss the implementation of a Russian-Turkish memorandum on Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Erdogan Accuses Moscow, Washington of Failing to Deliver on Syrian Agreement VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is accusing Moscow and Washington of reneging on commitments to enforce the withdrawal of a Syrian Kurdish militia from Turkey's border, and he is warning of a resumption of military operations in Syria.
SDF, US-Led International Coalition Resume Cooperation to Fight Daesh - Commander Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Wednesday that they had resumed cooperation with the US-led international coalition against the Daesh terrorist group in northeast Syria.
Israel assisting Syrian Kurdish militants 'through a range of channels' Press TV 06 Nov 2019 -- Israel's deputy foreign minister has admitted aiding Kurdish militants in Syria amid a Turkish incursion into the Arab country.
Syrian army reaches oil fields in Kurdish-held areas in Hasakah province People's Daily 06 Nov 2019 -- The Syrian army on Tuesday deployed in new areas rich in oil fields in the countryside of Hasakah province in northeastern Syria, the latest progress in the overall deployment of the Syrian army in Kurdish-held areas near the border with Turkey, according to state news agency SANA and a source told Xinhua.
Russia won't cooperate with US on Syrian oil fields: Deputy FM Press TV 06 Nov 2019 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin says Moscow will not cooperate with Washington on controlling and exploiting the oilfields in Syria, because they belong to the war-ravaged Arab country and its people.
Russia slams US presence in Syria as 'illegal, unacceptable' Press TV 06 Nov 2019 -- Moscow has slammed Washington's "illegal" presence in Syria amid reports that the US is building two military bases in the Arab country's oil-rich east.
US Takes Notice as More Islamic State Branches Back New Leader VOA 06 Nov 2019 -- The latest wave of endorsements for new Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi has U.S. intelligence officials taking notice.
Turkey Says Forces Captured Wife Of Slain IS Leader Baghdadi RFE/RL 06 Nov 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish forces in Syria have captured one of the wives and other family members of slain Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Turkey Captures al-Baghdadi's Wife, Sister, Brother-in-Law in Syria - Erdogan Sputnik 06 Nov 2019 -- On 27 October, US President Donald Trump announced that Daesh* leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed in a raid executed by US Special Operations Forces in Syria's Idlib province.
Erdogan Announces Turkish Capture of IS Leader's Wife VOA 06 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that Turkish forces have captured a wife of former Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed during a U.S. special forces raid in Syria.
Turkey says it captured sister of slain Daesh leader in Syria Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- A senior Turkish official says his country has captured the elder sister of the slain leader of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in what he calls an intelligence "gold mine" in northwestern Syria.
Syrian army soldiers enter Rumailan oilfield in Hasakah after years: Reports Press TV 05 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government forces have reportedly entered an oilfield in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah, as they continue to deploy in areas close to the border with Turkey in the face of a cross-border incursion by Turkish army troops and their allied militants against militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
YPG terrorists still not fully cleared from Syria safe zone, Erdogan says Press TV 05 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says militants from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have not fully withdrawn from border areas of the so-called safe zone in northern Syria as specified in the agreements with Russia and the United States, and that US forces are still carrying out joint patrols with the militants.
Turkey Says It Captured Sister Of Dead IS Leader Baghdadi In Northern Syria RFE/RL 05 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has captured the older sister of slain Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria, Turkish officials say.
Erdogan Accuses US of Failure to Ensure Kurdish Troops Withdrawal From Northern Syria Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that the United States was conducting joint patrols with Kurdish militants in the security zone in northern Syria, which contradicts the US-Turkish arrangements on Kurdish forces' withdrawal.
Daesh Militants Flee Syria to Uncontrolled Mountainous Areas in Northern Iraq - Reports Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- Daesh* militants are fleeing Syria and moving to ungoverned areas in northern Iraq, media reported, citing US military and commanders of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the region, who also hinted at the threat of the re-emergence of the self-proclaimed "caliphate."
Russia Ready to Assist Kurds-Damascus Talks on SDF Joining Government Army - Deputy FM Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- In late-October, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the complete withdrawal of troops from the Syrian-Turkish border.
US' Bid to Hold Oil Fields in Northern Syria is Illegitimate - Moscow Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- President Donald Trump stressed last month that the American military will retain control of Syria's oil, adding that some US troops will be withdrawn, as US allies will secure the Syrian border.
Key Islamic State Affiliate Appears to Back New Leader VOA 05 Nov 2019 -- The reign of new Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi is getting a boost, thanks to the apparent endorsement of one of the terror group's more influential affiliates.
US CENTCOM Confirms Its Military Convoy Came Under Fire in Syria, Patrol Untouched Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- A US military convoy in northeastern Syria has come under fire from local Turkey-backed radicals but was not hit, a representative of the Central Command (CENTCOM) of the United States said on Monday.
Turkey says it will certainly repatriate Daesh prisoners even if citizenships revoked Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Turkey reiterates that it will surely send captured members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group back to their countries of origin even if those countries have stripped them of their citizenship, lambasting the approach adopted by European countries on the issue.
UNICEF urges governments to repatriate thousands of foreign children stranded in northeast Syria UN News 04 Nov 2019 -- The head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is appealing for countries to repatriate scores of foreign children who are stranded in northeast Syria in the wake of the Turkish-launched offensive which began last month.
US troops back at military bases in northeast Syria Press TV 03 Nov 2019 -- US troops are reportedly back in military bases in northeastern Syria which they had previously evacuated ahead of Turkey's military action against Kurdish forces in the area.
US Military Convoy Comes Under Fire en Route From Syria to Iraq - Russian Defence Ministry Sputnik 03 Nov 2019 -- Commenting on this development, the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation also reported that no US servicemen were injured during the attack.
Govt. forces deploy in new northeastern Syria areas near Turkish border Press TV 03 Nov 2019 -- Syrian government forces have been deployed to new areas in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah as part of recent reinforcements in the face of a cross-border incursion by Turkish army troops and their allied militants against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
US trying to stir chaos in region to seize oil: Larijani Press TV 03 Nov 2019 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says the United States has been seeking to foment turmoil in the region in a bid to achieve its "ominous" goal of plundering its oil reserves.
Iran Signs Deal To Help Rebuild Syria's Electricity Infrastructure RFE/RL 03 Nov 2019 -- Iran has signed a preliminary agreement with Syria to help rebuild the war-torn Arab country's electrical infrastructure, Iranian state media report.
At least 13 killed in car bomb explosion in Syria's Tal Abyad Press TV 02 Nov 2019 -- Over a dozen people, including children, have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when a car rigged with explosives went off in Syria's northern province of Raqqah.
Car Bomb Kills at Least 13 in Northern Syria VOA 02 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's defense ministry said at least 13 people were killed Saturday in a car bombing near a market in the northern Syrian border town of Tal Abyad.
Turkey Says It Will Send Daesh Prisoners to Home Countries Sputnik 02 Nov 2019 -- Turkey launched a military operation in northern Syria on 9 October, saying that it was necessary to oust Kurdish militants and Daesh* fighters and to establish a safe zone for Syrian refugees.
Turkey to Send Detained IS Fighters to Home Countries, Minister Says VOA 02 Nov 2019 -- Turkey's interior minister said Saturday Ankara would eventually send detained Islamic State members back to their home countries, declaring, "We are not going to keep them until the end of time."
Daesh prisoners will be sent back to home countries in Europe: Turkey Press TV 02 Nov 2019 -- Turkey says it will send foreign members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group back to their home countries in Europe after the suspected militants were captured by the Turkish army troops during Ankara's cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria.
Top UN Syria envoy hails 'impressive' start to historic talks in Geneva UN News 01 Nov 2019 -- UN-brokered face-to-face talks between the Syrian Government and opposition – the first to take place in nearly nine years of fighting – to draft a new constitution for the country, will continue into next week, the UN's Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said on Friday.
Guterres in Turkey: UN to study 'new settlement areas' plan for Syrian refugees UN News 01 Nov 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday presented UN Secretary-General António Guterres with a plan for resettling hundreds-of-thousands of Syrian refugees, in the wake of the country's offensive into northeastern Syria last month to remove Kurdish forces, aimed at creating a so-called "safe zone" along the border for returnees.
Turkey begins joint patrols with Russia in northern Syria, hands over 18 captured Syrian troops Press TV 01 Nov 2019 -- Turkey has begun joint patrols with Russia in northern Syria after Kurdish militants met a 150-hour deadline to leave border areas near Turkey as part of a deal struck between Ankara and Moscow in Sochi late last month.
Clashes Continue in NE Syria Despite US Push for Cease-fire VOA 01 Nov 2019 -- Intense clashes continue between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed militants in the northeastern Syrian town of Tal Tamr, despite a U.S. push for cease-fire, local officials said Friday.
Turkey and Russia Launch Joint Patrols in Syria VOA 01 Nov 2019 -- Turkey and Russia have held their first round of joint patrols in Syria as part of a deal that forced Kurdish forces away from Turkey's border.
Trump Says US Knows True Identity of New IS Leader VOA 01 Nov 2019 -- Just a day after the Islamic State terror group revealed the name of its new leader, President Donald Trump said the U.S. knows the man's true identity.
Assad warns of war if political means fail to secure Turkey's pullout from N. Syria People's Daily 01 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday warned that war would be the only option if political means fail to secure Turkey's troop pullout from northern Syria.
Assad: Liberating northern Syria from Kurds 'ultimate goal' Press TV 01 Nov 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says his country's ultimate goal is to restore state authority over Kurdish-controlled northeastern regions in the wake of an abrupt US troop withdrawal and a Turkish offensive against the Kurds there.
Turkey, Russia Launch Joint Patrols In Northeast Syria RFE/RL 01 Nov 2019 -- Turkish and Russian troops have conducted their first joint patrols in northeast Syria in accordance with a deal reached last week between Ankara and Moscow that halted a Turkish offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters.
Militants Attack Syrian Forces Positions in Latakia - Russian Military Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- Three Syrian armed forces' positions in the Latakia province have been attacked by radical Islamists, Major General Yuri Borenkov, the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Friday.
US Looking Into New Daesh Leader, His Role, Where He Came From - State Dept Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- The United States is trying to learn more about the new leader of Daesh*, including his background and previous role in the terrorist organisation, US Counterterrorism Coordinator Amb. Nathan Sales told reporters on Friday.
Pentagon Chief Esper Confirms US Intention to Seize, Hold Syrian Oil Fields Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- On Thursday, following repeated statements by President Trump about the importance of "securing the oil" in Syria, President Bashar Assad sarcastically characterised Trump as "the best American president" in recent memory over his "transparent" admission that US policy in Syria is based on the goal of stealing the country's natural resources.
Syrian Kurds Want to Join Forces With Damascus If Gov't Army Restructured - SDC Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- Syrian Kurds Seeking US Help in Becoming Part of Syria's Political System
Turkish, Russian Troops Begin Joint Patrols in Northern Syria Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- Earlier in the day, some 300 Russian soldiers and 20 armoured vehicles were delivered to northern Syria where Russia and Turkey have been patrolling border areas.
About 300 Russian Soldiers, 20 Armored Vehicles Brought to Northern Syria for Patrolling Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- Some 300 Russian soldiers and 20 armored vehicles were delivered to northern Syria, where the Russian military police is patrolling border areas together with Turkey, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Friday.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Summons French Ambassador After Resolution on Syria - Reports Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- The Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned French Ambassador Charles Fries after a resolution was adopted by the French parliament condemning Ankara's Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, the Anadolu news agency reported on Thursday, citing diplomatic sources.
U.S. Envoy Says Iran Has Spent $16 Billion To Fund Militias In Syria, Iraq RFE/RL 01 01 2019 -- Brian Hook, the U.S. special envoy for Iran, says Tehran has spent some $16 billion to fund Shi'ite-led militias in Syria and Iraq.
US State Department Accuses Iran of Spending $ 1 billion to Support Groups Loyal to It SPA 01 Nov 2019 -- Iran has spent about $ 1 billion to support groups linked to it, the US Department of State said.

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November 2019 - Syria Special Weapons News