March 2020 - Syria Special Weapons News

HRW: Ankara Denying Water to Syrian Kurds as Coronavirus Escalates VOA 31 Mar 2020 -- Turkey is being accused of "weaponizing" water against Syrian Kurds amid the coronavirus epidemic. Ankara is dismissing the accusation, however, as a "smear campaign."
WHO Working Closely With Turkey to Protect Northwestern Syria From COVID-19 - Official Sputnik 31 Mar 2020 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating closely with Turkey, including processing samples in Turkish laboratories to prevent COVID-19 from spreading into northwestern Syria, the head of the WHO's operation in northwestern Syria has said in an interview.
Syria UN envoy calls for lifting of sanctions amid COVID-19 outbreak Press TV 31 Mar 2020 -- Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Ja'afari has called upon the international community to work on lifting illegal economic sanctions and coercive measures imposed on his war-ravaged country and other states as the world is battling to rein in a deadly coronavirus pandemic.
China to UN: Unilateral Syria sanctions must be lifted amid pandemic Press TV 31 Mar 2020 -- China has called for the complete and immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions against Syria, saying the "coercive measures" will hamper the war-ravaged country's efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
'Immediate nationwide ceasefire' needed for all-out effort to counter COVID-19 in Syria UN News 30 Mar 2020 -- Syria is at "high risk" of being unable to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Special Envoy for the country said on Monday, reiterating calls for a "complete, immediate nationwide ceasefire" to enable an all-out-effort to counter the march of the new coronavirus.
Russia, Turkey Register No Ceasefire Violations in Syria in 24 Hours - Defence Ministry Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- Both sides of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian truce has recorded no ceasefire violations in Syria over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defence Ministry said in its daily bulletin on Monday.
Islamic State Militants Riot, Escape Prison in Syria VOA 30 Mar 2020 -- U.S.-backed Kurdish forces searched for an unknown number of prisoners who escaped Sunday from a prison in northeastern Syria.
Daesh terrorists riot, escape from SDF-run prison in northeast Syria Press TV 30 Mar 2020 -- Members of the Daesh Takfiri militant group have provoked a riot at a prison run by the US-backed so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah, with a number of the terrorists managing to escape from the detention center.
Sanctions on Syria Should be Waived Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - UN Humanitarian Chief Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock on Monday called for lifting the sanctions against Syria that could undermine the country's capacity to suppress the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
UAE Crown Prince Chats With Syrian President in Apparent Bid to Improve Ties VOA 30 Mar 2020 -- United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Zayed spoke with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by phone over the weekend to express solidarity over the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Some analysts said the call may also signify support from the UAE for reintegrating Damascus into the Arab League, from which it was expelled in 2011.
Syria confirms first COVID-19 death as health system reels from sanctions, war Press TV 29 Mar 2020 -- Syria's Health Ministry has confirmed its first death resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as the country's fragile health system reels from years of foreign-backed war and sanctions.
First Death From Coronavirus Reported in Syria Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- The Syrian government has decided to restrict traffic between the country's provinces until 16 April as part of measures taken to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, the SANA news agency reported.
Turkish forces, allied militants cut off drinking water to Syria's Hasakah, environs Press TV 29 Mar 2020 -- Turkish forces and allied Takfiri militants have once again cut off drinking water supply to people in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakah and surrounding areas, only a few days after the Damascus government complained to the United Nations and the Security Council over the issue.
Turkey deploys US-made air defense System to Syria's Idlib: Report Press TV 29 Mar 2020 -- Turkey has reportedly deployed a US-made air defense system to Idlib as Ankara beefs up its military presence in the militant-held Syrian region despite a ceasefire reached earlier this month to halt an escalation.
Syrian Refugees Face Obstacles as Coronavirus Threat Looms VOA 28 Mar 2020 -- The lives of Syrian refugees across the Middle East have become increasingly difficult as families are forced to address the potential spread of coronavirus to overcrowded camps in Lebanon, Jordan, Idlib and Turkey.
US to send equipment to terrorists in Syrian refugee camp under guise of medical aid: Report Press TV 28 Mar 2020 -- The United States plans to transport equipment to terrorists in a refugee camp in war-ravaged Syria under the guise of providing refugees with medical and humanitarian aid, Syrian and Russian officials warn.
Syrian govt. forces, locals block US convoy in Hasakah, force it to turn back Press TV 27 Mar 2020 -- Local residents of a village in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah have in coordination with government forces prevented a US military convoy from attempting to pass through the community.
Russia Urges Turkey to Continue Real Separation of Militants From Opposition in Idlib Sputnik 27 Mar 2020 -- Russia expects Turkey to continue work on separating the militants from the opposition in Syria's Idlib, as a fictitious renaming of terrorist groups is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday.
Turkey, allied militants using water as weapon against civilians in Syria's Hasakah: Foreign Ministry Press TV 26 Mar 2020 -- The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has strongly condemned Turkey and its allied Takfiri militants for cutting off water supply to local residents in the country's northeastern city of Hasakah and surrounding residential neighborhoods over the past two days.
Turkey dispatches new military convoy to Syria's Idlib, sets up another post: Monitor Press TV 26 Mar 2020 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says Turkey has dispatched new reinforcements to Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, as Ankara beefs up its military presence in the embattled region following a ceasefire reached earlier this month with Moscow to halt an escalation of violence there.
Russian, Turkish Military Conduct Joint Patrolling in Syria – Defence Ministry Sputnik 26 Mar 2020 -- Russian and Turkish troops have conducted joint patrolling in Syria's north, Oleg Zhuravlev, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for the Syrian Reconciliation, said.
Syria Registers Four New COVID-19 Cases, Introduces 12 Hour Curfew Across Country – Photos, Video Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The war-torn, sanctions-hit nation registered its first new coronavirus case on March 22, with the UN warning that the country's overstretched health care sector may not be prepared to deal with a major outbreak.
Syrian Army, Civilians Block US Convoy, Force It to Turn Back in Country's Northeast – Reports Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The standoff is at least the fourth time this month that Syrian troops and angry local residents have forced a US military convoy to retreat from an area of al-Hasakah governorate.
Release of Arbitrarily Detained Civilians and U.S. Citizens in Syria to Avert COVID-19 Spread US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2020 -- "In light of threats posed by COVID-19, the United States reiterates its calls for the Assad regime to take concrete steps to protect the fate of thousands of civilians, including U.S. citizens, being held arbitrarily in overcrowded and inhumane conditions in regime detention centers."
Enable 'all out effort' to counter COVID-19 in war-ravaged Syria, urges top UN envoy UN News 24 Mar 2020 -- The top United Nations envoy in Syria called on Tuesday for an immediate country-wide truce, allowing citizens to save lives and tackle the common threat presented by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Syrian army, residents block US military convoy in Hasakah, force it to move back Press TV 24 Mar 2020 -- A US military convoy has been forced to retreat from an area in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah after government forces blocked its way and groups of angry local residents, upset with its presence in the region, threw stones at the US convoy.
Syrian air defense intercepts drone near Hmeimim airbase Press TV 24 Mar 2020 -- Syria says its air defense units have intercepted a drone approaching Russia's airbase in Hmeimim, Latakia.
Turkish Military Vows to Ensure Expansion of M4 Highway Patrols in Syria With Russia Sputnik 24 Mar 2020 -- A senior Turkish officer has assured the Russian military that the area of Syria's M4 highway covered by their joint patrol will expand gradually.
Syria Acknowledges One Coronavirus Case VOA 23 Mar 2020 -- After weeks of reporting that the country was free of the coronavirus, the Syrian government is saying that it has experienced its first case. Other unconfirmed reports, however, put the figure much higher.
Joint Statement on Behalf of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on the First Anniversary of ISIS's Territorial Defeat US Dept. of State 23 Mar 2020 -- One year ago the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, in conjunction with our local partners, liberated ISIS's last remaining stronghold in Baghouz and crushed its territorial ambitions.
Turkey Pledges to Neutralise Militants Impeding Joint Patrols in Idlib - Russian Military Sputnik 23 Mar 2020 -- The statement comes as Russia and Turkey conducted a second joint patrol of the M4 Aleppo-Latakia highway in the Idlib Province of northwestern Syria.
UNICEF sounds alarm over water cuts in Syria as efforts ramp up to prevent COVID-19 spread UN News 23 Mar 2020 -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its relief partners in Syria are warning that water disruptions in the country's war-battered north-east could exacerbate risks posed by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Syria Suspends International Flights Amid Coronavirus Pandemic Sputnik 21 Mar 2020 -- Originating in China last December, the virus has rapidly spread across the globe prompting the World Health Orginisation to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on 11 March.
Russia Registers 4 Ceasefire Violations in Syria Over Past 24 Hours – Defenсe Ministry Sputnik 21 Mar 2020 -- The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian truce has recorded four ceasefire violations in Syria over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side has recorded no truce breaches, the Russian Defence Ministry said in its daily bulletin on Saturday.
Two Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's Idlib despite truce agreement Press TV 19 Mar 2020 -- Two Turkish soldiers have been killed in Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib, officials say.
Russia denies US claim it 'killed dozens of Turkish soldiers' in Syria Press TV 19 Mar 2020 -- A source at the Russian Foreign Ministry has dismissed as "plain lies" claims made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military forces in Syria.
Two Turkish Soldiers Killed in Rocket Attack by 'Radical Groups' in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 19 Mar 2020 -- The situation in northern Syria recently calmed down, as Moscow and Ankara reached a ceasefire, suspending clashes between Syrian forces on the one side, and Turkish troops and Turkey-backed militants on the other.
US Treasury slaps sanctions against Syrian defense minister Press TV 17 Mar 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions against the Syrian defense minister as Washington intensifies measures to deprive the Damascus government of the resources it needs to combat Takfiri terrorists ever since the foreign-sponsored militancy erupted in the country in early 2011.
The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in northern Syria US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2020 -- Today, the United States is designating a senior Assad regime official who is responsible for the violence and the disastrous humanitarian crisis in northern Syria.
Militants in Syria's Idlib not complying with ceasefire: Russian Foreign Ministry Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry says foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants are not complying with the terms of a ceasefire reached earlier this month by Ankara and Moscow to halt an escalation of violence in Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib.
Turkish-backed militants undermine Russia-Turkey joint patrols in Idlib Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have cut short their first joint patrol in Syria's Idlib after Turkish-based militants blocked a main roadway liberated by the Syrian army in January.
UN Population Fund sounds alarm over dire situation facing women and girls in Syria, as 10th year of war begins UN News 16 Mar 2020 -- The UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNFPA, is expressing increasing concern about the women and girls trapped in Syria's dire and escalating humanitarian crisis, especially in the north-west, where hostilities have caused mass displacement, human suffering and damage to civilian facilities.
Joint Statement on the Ninth Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Nearly 5 million children born in war-hit Syria since 2011: UN Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- Nearly five million children have been born since Syria plunged into foreign-sponsored militancy in 2011, while thousands of others were killed or wounded in the conflict, the UN children's agency says.
US military dispatches over 60 trucks to oil-rich northeastern Syria: Report Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- The United States has reportedly dispatched truckloads of military and logistical equipment to Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah as Washington and some of its regional allies keep vying with one another to seize oil reserves and plunder natural resources in the war-battered country.
Russia, Turkey launch patrol mission in Syria's Idlib Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Turkey have begun jointly patrolling the strategic M4 highway in Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib as part of a ceasefire reached earlier this month.
Russia, Turkey Carry Out First Joint Patrol In Syria RFE/RL 15 Mar 2020 -- Russia and Turkey carried out their first joint patrol along an east-west highway in northwest Syria on March 15, although the route was reportedly cut short due to militant activity.
Syrian Civil War Enters 10th Year As Russia, Turkey Struggle To Maintain Truce RFE/RL 15 Mar 2020 -- Syria's bloody civil war enters its 10th year with the government of President Bashar al-Assad appearing to be consolidating his hold on power, backed by crucial military and political support from Russia and Iran.
Russian Military Police Arrive for Holding Joint Patrol With Turkey in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 15 Mar 2020 -- The situation in northern Syria recently calmed down, as Moscow and Ankara reached a ceasefire, suspending clashes between Syrian forces on the one side, and Turkish troops and Turkey-backed militants on the other.
Syria parliamentary elections adjourned to May 20 over coronavirus concerns Press TV 14 Mar 2020 -- Syria has decided to delay parliamentary elections, initially scheduled for April 13, in a precautionary step against the new coronavirus as the contagion continues its rapid spread around the world.
Turkey dispatches new reinforcements to Syria's Idlib prior to joint patrols with Russia: SOHR Press TV 14 Mar 2020 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says Turkey has dispatched a new military convoy to Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib, a day ahead of the first joint patrol by Turkish and Russian troops on the strategic M4 highway and establishment of joint coordination centers in the region.
Syria: 'The tragedy is deepening' as UN figures reveal nearly 5 million children have known nothing but war UN News 14 Mar 2020 -- Syria marks a grim milestone this weekend as the tenth year of war begins, prompting the UN Special Envoy to take stock of the incomprehensible scale of suffering there, noting that with nearly a million newly displaced in Idlib, "the tragedy is deepening".
UN Reports Extreme Deprivation as Syrian War Enters 10th Year VOA 14 Mar 2020 -- As Syria's war enters its 10th year, the United Nations reports that alarming conditions of extreme deprivation and danger continue to engulf millions of people in the country.
As Syrian conflict enters 10th year, 'brutal truth' is, there is little protection for families UN News 13 Mar 2020 -- Although a fragile ceasefire agreed in northwest Syria is still holding, UN humanitarians on Friday warned of dire conditions for hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced by conflict, now in its tenth year.
Turkey, Russia flesh out Syria ceasefire deal: Ankara Press TV 13 Mar 2020 -- Turkey and Russia have agreed to begin joint patrols along a key highway in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib as part of a recent ceasefire agreement between the two sides, Turkey's defense minister says.
Turkey says its forces will remain in Syria's Idlib despite truce Press TV 12 Mar 2020 -- Turkey says its military personnel will stay in Idlib Province despite a ceasefire deal with Russia, and that any withdrawal from the embattled Syrian region is "out of the question."
Warplanes hit Syrian-Iraqi border area, kill 18 Iraqi forces Press TV 12 Mar 2020 -- Warplanes have struck an area in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border, killing at least 18 members of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), hours after a rocket attack against US-led coalition forces in Iraq reportedly left three members of the coalition dead.
Iran-Backed Fighters 'Killed' In Syria Air Strikes After Iraq Base Attack RFE/RL 12 Mar 2020 -- Air strikes in eastern Syria have killed 26 fighters from an Iran-backed Iraqi paramilitary group following a deadly attack on U.S.-led coalition forces in neighboring Iraq.
War in Syria: 'Carnage', flouting of rights and international law, must stop: Guterres UN News 12 Mar 2020 -- UN agencies have underscored their commitment to continue supporting civilians affected by the war in Syria, which this month enters its tenth year. The Secretary-General issued a statement on Thursday, declaring that "we cannot allow the tenth year to result in the same carnage, the same flouting of human rights and international humanitarian law."
US Has No Plans to Commit Troops in Syria's Idlib - National Security Advisor Sputnik 11 Mar 2020 -- The United States is not going to commit troops to defuse tensions in Syria's northwestern Idlib province despite appeals to do so, US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said at the Heritage Foundation on Wednesday.
Erdogan Threatens 'Tougher' Action in Idlib if Russia-Turkey Brokered Ceasefire is Breached Sputnik 11 Mar 2020 -- Russia, Syria's key military ally, brokered a ceasefire with Turkey after a weeks-long period of escalation in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib. Days later, Turkish President Erdogan is accusing Syria of violating the deal.
Kazakh FM Says Syria Talks In Nur-Sultan Likely Postponed RFE/RL 10 Mar 2020 -- Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi says it's unlikely the so-called "Astana format" peace talks on Syria in the Kazakh capital will happen this month as planned.
Special Briefing With Ambassador James Jeffrey and Ambassador David Satterfield US Dept. of State 10 Mar 2020 -- Special Briefing by James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS, Ambassador David Satterfield, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey
Syria Cease-fire Hangs by a Thread VOA 10 Mar 2020 -- The cease-fire agreement that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reached for Syria's battered Idlib province was hanging by a thread Tuesday.
Syrian army uncovers militant chemical weapons workshop in western Aleppo Press TV 10 Mar 2020 -- Syrian government forces have discovered a workshop in the western countryside of the country's embattled northwestern province of Aleppo, which foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants used to manufacture toxic chemical weapons for their attacks against army troops and civilians in government-controlled areas.
Turkey proposes running Syria oilfields jointly with Russia Press TV 10 Mar 2020 -- Turkey's president says he has proposed to his Russian counterpart that the two countries jointly operate the eastern Syrian oilfields, adding he could make the same offer to the United States, which is already implicated in stealing the Syrian crude.
NATO Secretary General discusses situation in Syria with President Erdoğan NATO 09 Mar 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday (9 March 2020) in Brussels.
Syrian army, residents block US military convoy, force it to retreat in Hasakah Press TV 08 Mar 2020 -- A US military convoy has been forced to retreat from an area in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah after government forces blocked its way and groups of angry local residents, upset with its presence in the region, throw stones at the US convoy.
Erdogan Threatens Unilateral Action in Idlib if Russia-Brokered Ceasefire Goes Awry Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- Russia brokered a ceasefire between Turkey and Syria on Thursday, which wrapped up weeks of fighting in Syria's last rebel-held province that caused dozens of casualties on both sides.
Russian Military Police Continue Patrols of Syria's Northern Provinces Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- Russian military police are continuing to patrol the Syrian-Turkish border in the north Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Raqqah and Hasakah, the head of the Russian Defen?e Ministry's cent?? for Syria reconciliation, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev said on Sunday.
Russian Military Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Settlement Near Syria's Aleppo Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Defence Ministry's Reconciliation Center in Syria has delivered humanitarian aid to residents of the Syrian Amiria village near the city of Aleppo.
Cease-Fire Pact Remains in Effect in Syria's Idlib VOA 08 Mar 2020 -- The cease-fire deal in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib remains in effect Sunday.
Syria vows to continue war against terrorism following 'positive' Idlib deal Press TV 07 Mar 2020 -- A senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Arab country will continue its war against foreign-backed terrorism following a ceasefire agreement in the northwestern Idlib province.
Turkey Says Idlib Truce With Russia Seems To Be Holding RFE/RL 07 Mar 2020 -- A truce between Russia and Turkey in Syria's Idlib Province appears to be holding, according to the Turkish defense minister.
Russian Military Police Patrol Syria's Aleppo, Raqqah, Hasakah Provinces Sputnik 07 Mar 2020 -- Russian military police are continuing to patrol the Syrian-Turkish border in the north Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Raqqah and Hasakah, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syria reconciliation, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev said on Saturday.
EU Announces Syria Donors Conference for June VOA 06 Mar 2020 -- The European Union said Friday that it would host an international donors conference in June for refugees from Syria and surrounding countries, even as the bloc criticized Turkey for using asylum-seekers as political pawns.
Cease-fire in Syria Largely Holds on First Day VOA 06 Mar 2020 -- Monitors in Syria said Friday that a cease-fire was largely holding on the first day of a truce between Russia, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, and Turkey, which backs some Syrian rebel groups.
'Rare calm' returns to Idlib following ceasefire deal as Damascus secures strategic gains Press TV 06 Mar 2020 -- Syria's war-torn northwestern Idlib province has reportedly witnessed "rare calm" following the implementation of a ceasefire agreement allowing the government to secure two strategic routes running through the province.
Turkish MoD Says 'Neutralised' 21 Syrian Soldiers on 5 March After 2 Turkish Troops Killed Sputnik 06 Mar 2020 -- Earlier, the Ministry said that two Turkish soldiers had been killed and three more injured as a result of the Syrian army fire.
Terrorists must be eradicated first and foremost by Syrian forces, Moscow says Press TV 06 Mar 2020 -- It is the responsibility of the Syrian Armed Forces to eradicate the militants and terrorists operating in Syria, says the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.
Violence Hits Syria's Idlib Province Ahead Of Truce, Then 'Relative Calm' RFE/RL 06 Mar 2020 -- A Syrian rights watchdog and activists are reporting "relative calm" in Idlib Province after a cease-fire agreed to by the leaders of Turkey and Russia went into effect at midnight, although they said violence continued right up to the start of the truce.
As Greek-Turkish Crisis Deepens, Erdogan Claims Success VOA 05 Mar 2020 -- As Greece works to turn back the thousands of migrants who are trying to cross the border from Turkey, the Turkish government is boosting its forces by deploying an additional 1,000 police officers to the border area.
Russia, Turkey reach deal on midnight ceasefire in Syria's Idlib Press TV 05 Mar 2020 -- The Russian and Turkish presidents say they have come to an agreement on an imminent ceasefire regime in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, where Turkish violations have brought about an unwarranted flare-up of already high levels of violence.
Russian, Turkish Leaders Agree To Cease-Fire In Syria's Idlib Region RFE/RL 05 Mar 2020 -- Turkey and Russia say they have agreed to a cease-fire for the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, as Ankara and Moscow sought to ease tensions over a flare-up in violence in Syria.
Russian and Turkish Presidents Reach Cease-Fire Deal in Northwestern Syria VOA 05 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday agreed to a cease-fire in northwestern Syria, following talks in Moscow on easing tensions in the region.
Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli missiles: Reports Press TV 05 Mar 2020 -- Syrian air defenses have intercepted several Israeli missiles over Quneitra province in the country's southwest and the central province of Homs, reports say.
No normal ties with Turkey as long as Erdogan supports terrorists: Assad Press TV 05 Mar 2020 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has described the chances of normal diplomatic relations with neighboring Turkey as remote, stressing that such an ideal cannot be achieved as long as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports Takfiri militant groups and is under the heavy influence of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood movement.
Turkey rebrands 80,000 terrorists to stop Syria's liberation of Idlib Press TV 05 Mar 2020 -- As tensions are escalating in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the last militant bastion in a nine-year war, Turkey is attempting to hold its grip over the flashpoint region through tens of thousands of militants it supports.
Syria condemns US, Turkey for 'illegal infiltration' of officials into Idlib Press TV 04 Mar 2020 -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the US and Turkey for the "illegitimate infiltration" of American officials into the Arab country's Idlib province.
'Roughly 80,000 anti-Syria militants enjoy Turkey's support' Press TV 04 Mar 2020 -- According to data collected by sources from the battlefield in Syria and given to Press TV, there are roughly 80,000 militants who enjoy Turkey's support in their fight against the Syrian government.
Turkey failed to honor Idlib deal, allowed outposts to merge with terrorist fortifications: Russia Press TV 04 Mar 2020 -- Moscow says Ankara has failed to live up to its commitments under a deal to enforce a demilitarized zone in Idlib, complaining that the Turkish military has allowed its observation posts to merge with terrorist fortifications in the northwestern Syrian province.
Syria: UN food relief agency 'doing everything we can' to reach Idlib civilians UN News 04 Mar 2020 -- Difficult winter weather conditions, road congestion and military manoeuvres are restricting humanitarian aid delivery to desperate civilians in the Syrian province of Idlib, where a Government operation to weed out extremists has uprooted nearly one million people since December.
Erdogan, Putin to Seek to Avoid Clash Over Syria's Idlib VOA 04 Mar 2020 -- Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan heads to Moscow on Thursday for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at de-escalating tensions between the armies of Turkey, a NATO member, and Russia, a nuclear superpower, in Syria's war-torn Idlib province.
Foreign Secretary's joint press conference Turkish Foreign Minister, March 2020 UK FCO 03 Mar 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a press statement following a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara.
US Intends to Support Turkey's Actions in Syria's Idlib by Supplying Ammunition - Report Sputnik 03 Mar 2020 -- On Monday, Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said the US would not be providing Turkey with air support in the restive Syrian province.
US Announces $108 Mln in Humanitarian Assistance for Syria - State Department Sputnik 03 Mar 2020 -- The United States plans to provide an additional $108 million in humanitarian support for Syria, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on Tuesday.
America Announces New Humanitarian Assistance for the Syria Crisis Response US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2020 -- Today in Turkey, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kelly Craft, announced $108 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria in response to the ongoing crisis caused by Assad regime, Russian, and Iranian forces.
Russia rejects claims by Turkey, US on Idlib situation as 'incorrect' Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- Russia says the allegations by Turkey, the United States, and some European countries that a humanitarian crisis has been caused in northwestern Syria as a result of Syrian and Russian military operations to retake territory from dangerous armed militants there are incorrect.
Russia won't stop terror fight in Syria to solve EU's refugee problem: Lavrov Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- Russia says it will not stop fighting terrorism in Syria alongside the Damascus government because of European concerns over a new influx of refugees into the continent.
Turkey Downs Syrian Jet as Moscow Warns Ankara VOA 03 Mar 2020 -- Turkish forces shot down a Syrian warplane in Syria's Idlib province Tuesday, in an escalation of Turkey's military offensive against Syrian government forces. Ankara's assault is in retaliation for the killing of 34 Turkish troops in an airstrike blamed on Damascus.
Syrian Warplane Downed by Turkish Forces in Idlib - Turkish Defence Ministry Sputnik 03 Mar 2020 -- Earlier, a Syrian Defence Ministry source confirmed that Turkish F-16s had violated Syrian airspace in Idlib and shot down two Syrian Air Force aircraft on Sunday, with the pilots ejecting and making it to safety. Damascus has since closed the airspace over the region.
Turkey downs Syrian fighter jet as it intensifies Idlib attacks Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- Turkey has shot down a Syrian fighter jet over the embattled northwestern province of Idlib, where Ankara supports militant groups fight against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian government forces shoot down Turkish drone in Saraqib Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- Syrian government forces have intercepted and targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to Turkish military while flying in the skies over a strategic city in the country's northwestern province of Idlib.
One Turkish Soldier Killed, 9 Others Injured in Syria's Idlib - Turkish Defence Ministry Sputnik 03 Mar 2020 -- One Turkish soldier was killed in an attack by Syrian government forces in Idlib province, while nine others were injured, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Tuesday, adding that response fire followed.
UN 'determined to stand by the people of Syria' says Lowcock, as grave humanitarian crisis intensifies around Idlib UN News 03 Mar 2020 -- The United Nations is "determined to stand by" civilians across Syria's war-torn northwest, as "a grave humanitarian crisis" continues, the UN emergency relief chief said on Tuesday.
UN Aid Chief: Syrian Relief Operations Overwhelmed VOA 03 Mar 2020 -- Humanitarian relief operations are overwhelmed by the nearly one million people who have recently fled from violence in northwestern Syria, the United Nations' aid chief said Tuesday, repeating his calls for a cease-fire.
What Does Turkey's President Want? VOA 02 Mar 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has hopes of reaching a deal on a cease-fire in Syria's northwest when he meets his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Moscow.
As children freeze to death in Syria, aid officials call for major cross-border delivery boost UN News 02 Mar 2020 -- Humanitarian assistance needs to be scaled up significantly to more than a million people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria, a senior UN aid official said on Monday, amid reports that children are freezing to death on the Turkish border.
Syrian Government Recaptures Strategic Town of Saraqeb from Turkish-Backed Rebels VOA 02 Mar 2020 -- Syrian government forces have recaptured the strategic town of Saraqeb on the Damascus to Aleppo highway, one day after Turkish fighter jets reportedly shot down two Syrian government SU-24 warplanes. Damascus is also claiming it shot down three Turkish drones.
Millions of Civilians Face Humanitarian Catastrophe in Idlib, Syria VOA 02 Mar 2020 -- U.N. investigators say millions of civilians in Idlib under siege by Russian-backed Syrian forces - and a terrorist group that controls the area - are facing a humanitarian catastrophe and are in urgent need of emergency assistance. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has just released its latest report, which covers the period between July 11 and January 10.
We cannot guarantee safety of your planes over Syria: Russia to Turkey Press TV 02 Mar 2020 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has warned Turkey that it cannot 'guarantee the safety' of Turkish flights over Syria.
Turkey: Erdogan, Putin To Meet In Moscow This Week For Syria Talks RFE/RL 02 Mar 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will hold talks this week in Moscow amid mounting tensions in Syria, Turkey's presidency said March 2.
Erdogan Hopes for Idlib Cease-fire in Putin Talks VOA 02 Mar 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday he hopes to reach a cease-fire deal for Syria's Idlib province during talks this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Syria State Media: Turkish Forces Target 2 Syrian Planes VOA 01 Mar 2020 -- Syrian state media (SANA) said on Sunday that Turkish forces targeted two Syrian planes over the Idlib region.
Syria confirms Turkey shot down its fighter jets on combat mission in Idlib Press TV 01 Mar 2020 -- Syria has confirmed that Turkish forces have intercepted and shot down two Soviet-built Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets belonging to the Syrian Air Force, with the pilots ejecting moments before the aircraft were hit.
Syrian Jets 'Downed' As Turkey Says 'No Desire Or Intention To Clash With Russia' RFE/RL 01 Mar 2020 -- Turkey's defense minister said on March 1 that his country was "successfully" continuing its military operation in northwestern Syria against the Russian-backed regime in Damascus and that Ankara doesn't have "the desire or intention to clash with Russia."
Two Syrian Planes Downed by Turkey Over Idlib, Pilots Safe – Reports Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- Earlier, the Syrian Army announced that the airspace over Idlib had been closed, and warned that it would down any aircraft breaching its airspace.
Russia, Turkey agree to scale down tensions in Syria's Idlib People's Daily 01 Mar 2020 -- Foreign and defense officials from Russia and Turkey have reiterated their commitment to "reducing tensions on the ground" in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
Russia Can't Guarantee Safety of Turkish Aviation in Syria After Damascus Shuts Idlib Airspace – MoD Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- As tensions run high in Syria's Idlib amid Thursday's spike in hostilities, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Sunday that the "Turkish regime's terrorist forces" downed two aircraft - thought to be fighter jets - belonging to the Damascus forces.
Kremlin Responds to Erdogan's Request That Russia 'Step Aside' in Syria Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to "get out of Turkey's way" and to leave Ankara "face to face" with Damascus in the renegade Syrian province of Idlib.
Turkish drone strikes kill over two dozen Syrian soldiers in Idlib: Monitor Press TV 01 Mar 2020 -- Turkish drone strikes have reportedly killed 26 Syrian soldiers in northwestern Syria, in an apparent response to the deaths of 33 Turkish soldiers who were killed on Thursday during a Syrian army offensive against terrorists in Idlib.
Syria closes northwestern airspace, downs 3 Turkish drone Press TV 01 Mar 2020 -- Syria has shut its airspace over the country's northwest, particularly the embattled Idlib province, warning to bring down any aircraft that violates it.
Syrian Air Defence Opens Fire at Turkish Drones Near Hama Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- Syrian government troops opened fire on Sunday at aerial targets near the western city of Hama that a Syrian military source identified to Sputnik as Turkish drones.
Syrian Army Will Seek to Down Any Aircraft Breaching Airspace - State Media Sputnik 01 Mar 2020 -- Tensions escalated in Syria's Idlib province earlier this week after 36 Turkish soldiers were killed and over 30 injured in an airstrike.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

March 2020 - Syria Special Weapons News