July 2020 - Syria Special Weapons News

Deaths of '300 Russians' in Syria sent warning to Moscow, Pompeo says Press TV 31 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the deaths of "300 Russians" in a failed attack on a military base held by US and mainly Kurdish forces in Syria's oil-rich eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr more than two years ago sent a warning to Moscow.
Massive car bomb explosion kills nine in Turkish-held northeastern Syrian village Press TV 30 Jul 2020 -- At least nine people have been killed when a massive car bomb explosion struck a checkpoint manned by Turkish-backed Takfiri militants in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.
Sanctions pretext to violate Syria's sovereignty, support terrorism: Ja'afari Press TV 30 Jul 2020 -- Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari has denounced the Western economic sanctions against his country, saying the coercive measures are used as a pretext to keep up violations of Syrian sovereignty and support the terrorist groups wreaking havoc on the Arab country.
US Slaps New Sanctions on Bashar Assad's Son, First Division of Syrian Arab Army Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- On 17 June, the sanctions against Syria were expanded, a total of 14 additional people were affected, including the spouse of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Asma Assad, and his sister Bushra Assad, as well as 21 organisations.
Defeating Daesh Highlights of the Week July 29, 2020 CENTCOM 29 Jul 2020 -- Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks.
US imposes sanctions on Syrian president's son, 9 other entities Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on the son of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over "enriching" a government that has been fighting Takfiri militancy for years.
Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Continued Treasury and State Sanctions on the Assad Regime The White House 29 Jul 2020
Syria Sanctions Designations US Dept. of State 29 Jul 2020 -- Today, the State Department and Treasury Department continued the United States' sanctions campaign against the Assad regime by releasing 14 new designations under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and other authorities. This campaign began last month with the first round of Caesar Act designations.
Treasury Continues to Pressure Investors and Companies Supporting the Assad Regime's Corrupt Reconstruction Efforts US Treasury 29 Jul 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one individual and nine entities for enriching the Syrian regime through construction of luxury real estate.
US Sanctions Assad's Son, Syrian Army Unit VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States designated 14 Syrian individuals and entities for sanctions Wednesday, including President Bashar al-Assad's eldest son and a division of the Syrian Army.
US Sanctions Entities Supporting Syrian President Assad VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one person and nine entities on Wednesday for supporting the efforts of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Security Council: Poverty deepens, along with need, across Syria UN News 29 Jul 2020 -- Humanitarian operations across war-shattered Syria are reaching 6.8 million people a month, but a worsening economic crisis is deepening poverty and pushing more and more Syrians into humanitarian need, the Security Council heard Wednesday.
Syrian Activist: 'They Are Using Food as Weapon of War' VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- Many of the tents here are sewn together by hand, and women cook on homemade stoves made out of rocks.
Car bomb goes off in Turkish-controlled northern Syrian city, eight dead Press TV 26 Jul 2020 -- Eight people, including women and children, have been killed in a car bomb attack in the strategic border city of Ra's al-Ayn in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah which Turkish forces and allied militants captured in an offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in October.
Militants Continue Shelling Settlements in Syria's North, Russian Military Says Sputnik 26 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation, Alexander Shcherbitsky, said at a daily briefing on Sunday.
Militants Continue Shelling Settlements in Syria's North, Russian Military Says Sputnik 25 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Latakia, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said at a daily briefing on Friday.
Israeli helicopters strike positions in Syria's Quneitra province: State media Press TV 24 Jul 2020 -- Israeli military helicopters have carried out airstrikes against a number of positions in Syria's southwestern province of Quneitra, injuring two people, state media report.
Israeli Helicopters Attack Targets in Southern Syria, IDF Says Sputnik 24 Jul 2020 -- The Israeli army earlier announced that the country's armed forces are further stepping up security measures on the northern border on the heels of an escalation that was unfolding on the frontier with Lebanon and Syria the past few days.
Militants Continue Shelling Settlements in Syria's North, Russian Military Says Sputnik 24 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Idlib, and Latakia, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said at a daily briefing on Thursday.
Syrian Democratic Forces Display Strength, Capabilities through Successful Operations CENTCOM 24 Jul 2020 -- Partnering with Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (SOJTF-OIR) beginning in 2014, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have proven to be a capable and reliable partner in northeast Syria. They were instrumental in defeating Daesh and liberating millions of Syrians from brutal terrorist rule, and their most noteworthy campaign was the battle of Baghouz, which resulted in the defeat of Daesh's territorial caliphate on March 23, 2019.
Security Council stalemate frustrates families of Syria's missing detainees UN News 23 Jul 2020 -- Families of the more than 130,000 people believed to be detained and forcibly disappeared in Syria, are deeply frustrated by the Security Council's failure to unite and make progress on the issue, the 15-member organ was told on Thursday.
Defeating Daesh Highlights of the Week July 22, 2020 CENTCOM 22 Jul 2020 -- Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks.
Deputy Commander, CJTF-OIR, Provides Update From Baghdad on ISIS Threat and Coalition Activities DoD 22 Jul 2020 -- Major General Kenneth P. Ekman (USAF), deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve; Commander Jessica McNulty (USN)
Liberating Israeli-occupied Golan Heights national priority: Syria UN ambassador Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Syria's permanent representative to the United Nations, Bashar al-Ja'afari, has reiterated the Arab country's right to liberate the Golan Heights from Israeli occupation, adding that restoring Syrian sovereignty to the territory remains a priority for the Damascus government.
Syria's ruling party wins parliamentary election Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Official results from Syria's parliamentary election show that the country's ruling party and its allies have managed to secure a majority in the legislature.
Militants Continue Shelling Settlements in Syria's North, Russian Military Says Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Latakia, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said at a briefing on Wednesday.
Coalition Commander Refuses to Reveal Number of US Troops in Syria to Conceal Capabilities Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve Deputy Commander Kenneth Ekman refused during a press briefing on Wednesday to provide the number of US troops in Syria in order to protect any insight on the their capabilities in that country.
Syria's air defenses respond to Israeli missile attack over Damascus Global Times 21 Jul 2020 -- The Syrian air defenses responded to an Israeli missile attack over the capital Damascus on Monday evening, state news agency SANA reported.
Syrian Media: Israeli Airstrikes Kill 5 Pro-Iranian Fighters VOA 21 Jul 2020 -- Syrian state media reports say Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria near Damascus Monday for the first time in several weeks, targeting Iranian-linked sites and killing at least five Iranian-backed fighters. Israel has not confirmed it was behind the airstrikes, which come after a series of explosions in Iran itself over the past few weeks. While Israel may not have been responsible for all of the attacks in Iran – some observers in Israel argue Iran could strike Israel as a way of diverting attention from sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
US-Backed Forces Renew Campaign Against IS Remnants in Eastern Syria VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched the second phase of a military campaign to destroy remnants of the Islamic State terror group in eastern Syria.
Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli aggression on southern Damascus Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- Syria says its air defenses have successfully intercepted a new Israeli aggression above the capital Damascus.
Terrorist Attack near Azaz, Syria US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack near a marketplace in Sudju, near Azaz and the Bab al Salam crossing. Initial reports indicate the attack killed eight and injured over 80, some of whom are in critical condition. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those harmed in this senseless tragedy.
Iran hails 'successful' parliamentary elections in Syria, hopes for peace, stability Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- The spokesman of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has hailed the successful parliamentary elections in Syria, expressing hope that the vote would pave the way for the promotion of peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.
Assad Regime's Parliamentary Elections US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2020 -- Yesterday, the Assad regime held so-called Parliamentary Elections in Syria. Bashar Al Assad is seeking to present this dubious election as a success against alleged Western plotting, but in reality it is simply another in a long line of Assad's stage-managed, unfree votes in which the Syrian people have no real choice.
Syria Held Parliamentary Elections Sunday VOA 20 Jul 2020 -- Syrians across government-held territory voted Sunday to elect 250 members of parliament.
Car bomb blast in Syria's Aleppo kills seven, injures dozens Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- A booby-trapped car has exploded in the northwestern Syrian city of Azaz, occupied by Turkish-backed militants, killing at least seven and wounding dozens of others.
US Sanctions on Syria Leave Hezbollah More Isolated in Lebanon VOA 19 Jul 2020 -- New U.S. sanctions targeting the Syrian government appear to also undermine Hezbollah in Lebanon. Experts say the measures are alienating Hezbollah from its political allies in Lebanon and weakening its usage of state institutions to assist the Syrian regime.
Syrians vote in parliamentary elections as war winds down Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- Syrians have gone to the polls to elect a new parliament and put bitter years of war behind them, even as the country strives to liberate territories still controlled by foreign-backed militants.
Syria Heads to 3rd Legislative Elections Since 2011 as Economy, Security Top Agenda Sputnik 19 Jul 2020 -- Economy, COVID-19, Sanctions
Syria Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Dual Crises VOA 19 Jul 2020 -- Syria held parliamentary elections Sunday, voting to fill 250 seats in the country's legislative body amid the coronavirus pandemic and a deepening economic crisis.
Two blasts in Syrian capital kill one, injure another: SANA Press TV 18 Jul 2020 -- Two blasts have struck the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing one and injuring another, on the eve of the country's third war-time parliamentary polls.
Turkey Infiltrates Syrian Displaced Persons Camp, Frees Moldovan Mother VOA 17 Jul 2020 -- Officials with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are expressing dismay after Turkish intelligence agents infiltrated a displaced persons camp to smuggle out a Moldovan woman and her four children.
Pentagon Says Turkey Sent 3,500 Syrian Fighters To Back Libyan Government RFE/RL 18 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. military says Turkey sent more than 3,500 Syrian fighters to Libya during the first three months of 2020 to help the North African country's internationally recognized government in its civil war against a rebel commander.
US continues to arm terrorists in Syria's al-Tanf, trains them for terror acts: Top Russian official Press TV 17 Jul 2020 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry says the United States continues to arm allied Takfiri terrorists in al-Tanf region in Syria's central province of Homs near the Jordanian border, and trains them to carry out acts of terror and sabotage across the war-wracked country.
Three Russian soldiers injured as unknown drone strikes Syria's Hasakah: Report Press TV 17 Jul 2020 -- At least three Russian troops have been injured in a drone attack in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.
Iran Military Insists Only Eight Servicemen Killed In All Israeli Air Raids In Syria Radio Farda 17 Jul 2020 -- The senior spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces has insisted that only eight Iranian servicemen have been killed in Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military bases in Syria in recent years.
Russia denounces Western bids to politicize humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria Press TV 16 Jul 2020 -- Russia has strongly condemned efforts by a number of Western countries to politicize delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria for the sake of their own interests, saying such efforts violate the Arab country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
US Efforts to Deal Islamic State 'Enduring Defeat' on Hold VOA 16 Jul 2020 -- Hopes of delivering the Islamic State a lasting defeat in Iraq and Syria have, for now, fallen by the wayside, according to officials with the U.S.-led coalition, despite a ramped-up crackdown on the terror group's network of cells and facilitators.
Russian Foreign Ministry Has Information US Forces Train Militants Near Syria's At Tanf Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- There is information that US forces, which occupy the "security zone" around Syria's At Tanf, train militants, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
The United States and Six Member States of TFTC Target ISIS-Linked Financial Network US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States works closely with its allies in the Middle East and around the world to combat the scourge of terrorism.
Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Sanctions Network of ISIS-Linked Financial Facilitators and Money Services Businesses US Treasury 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the seven member nations of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) jointly designated six targets affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Three entities and one individual located in Turkey and Syria have provided a critical financial and logistical lifeline to ISIS, its branches, and its global facilitation networks. Additionally, an Afghanistan-based organization, Nejaat Social Welfare Organization, and the organization's director, Sayed Habib Ahmad Khan, abused the goodwill of the international community under the auspices of charitable giving to facilitate the transfer of funds for and to support the activities of ISIS's branch in Afghanistan, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).
Russian UN envoy slams exploitation of aid delivery mechanism for Syria Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia has condemned the exploitation of a cross-border mechanism for aid deliveries to Syria by some members of the UN Security Council, and their disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the war-ravaged Arab country.
Roadside bomb hits Russian-Turkish patrol in Syria, injuries reported Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Several Turkish and Russian soldiers have been wounded after a roadside bomb planted by militants in Syria went off near a joint Moscow-Ankara patrol in the Arab country's northwestern province of Idlib.
Russia-Turkey Joint Patrol Hit By Bomb Attack In Syria RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Defense Ministry said on July 14 that a roadside bomb planted by militants hit a joint Russian-Turkish patrol in Syria, wounding three Russian soldiers, Russian news agencies reported.
Syria: Three Russian Soldiers, Turkish Troops Injured in Explosion During Joint Patrol Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- In December 2019, three Russian servicemen were also injured in a blast from an improvised explosive device during a routine patrol in Syria. Russian and Turkish forces are currently carrying out joint patrols along a key highway in the restive Syrian proince of Idlib.
Can Iran Boost Syria's Air Defenses To The Detriment Of Israel? Radio Farda 13 Jul 2020 -- Tehran's new military agreement with Damascus has strengthened Syria's chances of receiving Iranian designed and produced air defense systems to boost the war-torn country's inefficient and weak anti-air networks.
Russia's air defenses repel drone attack on Hmeimim base in Syria Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- Russian air defenses have repelled a drone attack launched by unidentified militants on the strategic Hmeimim airbase in Western Syria, the Russian defense ministry says.
Air Defence Systems Repel Militant Drone Attacks on Hmeimim Airbase, Russian Military Says Sputnik 12 Jul 2020 -- Militants in Syria have attempted to launch a drone attack on the Khmeimim airbase, although the unmanned flying vehicles were shot down by air defence systems, Rear Admiral Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Sunday.
Syrian Kurds Alarmed Over UN Security Council Vote on Aid VOA 12 Jul 2020 -- Kurdish officials in northeast Syria are expressing disappointment following a vote by the United Nations Security Council that failed to address "the deteriorating humanitarian situation" in that part of the war-torn country.
Syrian govt. forces block US convoys in Hasakah, force them to turn back Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- Syrian government forces have blocked three US military convoys as they tried to pass through the country's northeastern province of Hasakah, amid lingering public resentment over the deployment of occupying American troops in the regions.
SDF militants kidnap Syrian civilians for forced recruitment: Report Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- The Kurdish-led militants of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which enjoy Washington's support, have kidnapped a number of young people in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah apparently for forced recruitment.
Eight Insurgents Killed After Militants Launch Unsuccessful Attack on Syrian Armed Forces in Idlib Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The Syrian armed forces have repelled up to 250 militants who launched an attack in Idlib province, with eight insurgents killed in the fighting, Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Saturday.
BREAKING: Security Council extends for one year, lifesaving cross-border aid to Syria UN News 11 Jul 2020 -- On its fourth attempt this week, the Security Council has on Saturday, authorized for one year, cross-border humanitarian aid from Turkey into northwest Syria.
UN Security Council Agrees to Aid Change to NW Syria VOA 11 Jul 2020 -- After days of disagreement, the U.N. Security Council agreed late Saturday to a slimmed down cross-border aid operation from Turkey into northwest Syria, after pressure from Russia and China threatened to totally sever the lifeline.
UNSC Adopts Resolution to Continue Cross-Border Aid Deliveries to Syria Via 1 Crossing Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution to extend the work of one Syria-Turkey cross-border point for one year in order to ensure humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria, German Ambassador to the United Nations Christoph Heusgen has announced.
Eight Insurgents Killed After Militants Launch Unsuccessful Attack on Syrian Armed Forces in Idlib Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- The Syrian armed forces have repelled up to 250 militants who launched an attack in Idlib province, with eight insurgents killed in the fighting, Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Saturday.
Iran-Syria accord first step to defang US Caesar sanctions: Assad's top aide Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- A senior aide to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hailed a comprehensive military-security deal recently signed with Iran as the first step to overcome sweeping US economic sanctions against the Arab country, saying Damascus has many other options to counter American restrictions.
Iran to Contribute to Security of Syrian Skies Amid Continuing Israeli Air Strikes Sputnik 11 Jul 2020 -- Iran will help Syria strengthen its air defence as part of an agreement between the two states signed on Wednesday. The agreement was signed by Iran's Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Syrian Minister of Defence Ali Abdullah Ayyub.
Russia, China veto Western-backed UNSC resolution on Syria aid Press TV 11 Jul 2020 -- Russia and China have for the second time this week blocked a Western-sponsored UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution to extend aid deliveries across the border from Turkey into northwest Syria amid concerns that the move violates the war-torn country's sovereignty.
UN Security Council Deadlocked Over Aid Deliveries to NW Syria VOA 10 Jul 2020 -- The U.N. Security Council was unable to break a deadlock Friday night that would decide the fate of a cross-border aid operation from Turkey into northwest Syria that assists 3 million people.
Syria's Idlib Records First Coronavirus Case VOA 10 Jul 2020 -- Coronavirus has been found for the first time in Syria's northwestern, rebel-held territory that is home to overcrowded camps for displaced people.
Syria: Authorization to continue lifesaving cross-border aid remains in limbo UN News 10 Jul 2020 -- -With the deadline just hours away, the Security Council has failed on its third attempt this week to extend its authorization for lifesaving food, medicine and shelter to cross into northwest Syria from Turkey.
UNSC Fails to Adopt Russian Draft Resolution to Deliver Syria Aid via 1 Crossing for One Year Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- The previous resolution submitted by Russia was also blocked in the UNSC, with the United States, UK, Germany, France, Estonia, Belgium, and the Dominican Republican voting against the measure.
Russia, China Again Veto Aid to Millions of Syrians VOA 10 Jul 2020 -- With only hours to go before a mandate to deliver aid across the border from Turkey into northwest Syria was due to expire Friday, Russia and China vetoed a U.N. resolution extending that assistance for six more months, threatening to totally shut down the operation.
US convoy forced to move back by Syrian army in Hasakah Press TV 10 Jul 2020 -- A US military convoy has been forced to retreat from an area in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah when it was blocked at a checkpoint of the Syrian Arab Army.
Militants Shell Towns in Syria's Idlib, Aleppo, Latakia Provinces, Russian Military Says Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- Militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group have attacked settlements in three Syrian provinces, Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's centre for Syrian reconciliation, said on Friday.
Russia, Some OPCW Member States Criticize Report on Chemical Attacks in Syria Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- Russia and some members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) believe that the conclusions made by an OPCW investigative team regarding chemical attacks in Syria could result in a further split of the international organisation.
Reports: Lebanese Hezbollah Opening Unofficial Border Crossing With Syria VOA 10 Jul 2020 -- The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is intensifying efforts to open a new border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, local sources and Arab media reported this week.
UNSC failure behind use of drones by some states for terrorist acts: Syria's envoy Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria says the UN Security Council's silence has emboldened some hostile states and foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants to make vast use of unmanned aerial vehicles to launch acts of terrorism and aggression across the Arab country.
Syria to Face First Severe Bread Shortages Since Start of War VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria could face the worst bread shortages since the outbreak of its decadelong civil war, a U.N. official said.
UN Security Council rejects Russian-backed resolution on aid delivery to Syria Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The UN Security Council has rejected a Russian-drafted resolution that would extend a cross-border aid delivery mechanism for a six-month period after Russia – along with China – vetoed a relevant Western-drafted document, which Moscow argued ignored the realities on the ground in the Arab country.
UN Security Council Rejects Russia-Backed Bid To Reduce Cross-Border Aid To Syria RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- The UN Security Council on July 8 voted down a Russian resolution calling for humanitarian aid access to Syria's mainly rebel-held northwest to be reduced to one crossing point from Turkey.
At UN, Russia Fails to Push Through Syria Resolution Cutting Aid Access VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia failed on Wednesday to push a draft U.N. resolution through the U.N. Security Council that would have cut aid access from Turkey into northwest Syria, leaving the humanitarian operation and millions of needy Syrians in limbo as the mandate's expiration approaches on Friday.
United States Applauds Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Condemnation of Syrian Regime Use of Chemical Weapons US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States is applauding the Executive Council of the world's chemical weapons watchdog, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), for its adoption today of a decision that condemns Syria's use of chemical weapons. This decision brings us one step closer to holding the Syrian regime accountable for its use of chemical weapons.
OPCW Gives Syria 90 Days to Declare Chemical Weapons Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria has until October to declare to the UN chemical weapons watchdog its stockpile of illegal toxins or face "appropriate action," the OPCW executive council agreed Thursday.
Militants Continue to Shell Settlements in Syria's Idlib, Aleppo and Latakia, Russian Military Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Idlib, Aleppo, and Latakia, head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation Alexander Shcherbitsky said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
Iran, Syria sign agreement to expand "comprehensive" military cooperation Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- Iran and Syria signed an agreement on Wednesday to expand "comprehensive" military and security cooperation, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Syrian president: Iran-Syria military accord rooted in years of anti-terror cooperation Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad says the recent military agreement signed by Damascus and Tehran is the result of years of cooperation in fighting against terrorism in the Arab country.
Iran's top cmdr., Syria's defense minister sign agreement to boost military, security cooperation Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Iran will boost Syria's air defenses, as part of a wider military security agreement between the two countries.
Russian, Chinese Vetoes at UN Potentially Cut Off Millions of Syrians from Aid VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Tuesday, potentially shutting down a six-year-old cross-border aid operation that assists millions of Syrian civilians in the northwestern part of the country.
US Smuggles 27 Truckloads of Military Equipment, Supplies Into Syria Through Iraq, Report Says Sputnik 07 Jul 2020 -- The US beefed up its presence in oil and gas-rich northeastern Syria in October 2019, after Turkey launched an abortive invasion of the Arab Republic's Kurdish-controlled northern territories. After that, the US moved troops away from the border toward the region's oil infrastructure to prevent the Damascus government from restoring control.
Fresh evidence of war crimes committed by all sides in Syrian conflict, probe finds UN News 07 Jul 2020 -- Hospitals, schools and homes have all been targeted during Syria's brutal and long-running conflict, said UN-appointed investigators, who on Tuesday condemned likely fresh war crimes committed by all parties.
Pro-Syrian, Terrorist Forces Accused of War Crimes in Battle for Idlib VOA 07 Jul 2020 -- The three-member U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria is accusing pro-government Syrian forces and terrorist groups of widespread human rights violations and war crimes in their battle to control Idlib in northwest Syria. The report will be submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council later this month.
Thirst threatening 1 million people in Syria's Hasakah due to cutting water by Turkish forces Press TV 06 Jul 2020 -- Intense thirst threatens the lives of about one million people living in and around Syria's northeastern city of Hasakah, as Turkish troops and allied militants continue cutting off drinking water supplies to the region by stopping a major border pumping station, a report says.
In Syria's Hasakah, SDF militants, backed by US, hinder food delivery Press TV 06 Jul 2020 -- The alliance of the anti-Damascus Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), consisting mainly of Kurdish militants supported by Washington, has impeded the delivery of flour to a bread facility in the northeastern province of Hasakah.
Militants Shell Settlements in Syria's Latakia, Idlib Provinces, Russian Military Says Sputnik 06 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Latakia, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said during a press briefing on Monday.
Turkish troops, allied militants cut off drinking water to people in Syria's Hasakah, environs Press TV 05 Jul 2020 -- Turkish military troops and allied militants have once again cut off drinking water supplies to about a million people living in and around the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakah by stopping a border water pumping station, a report says.
Over 80 killed in fierce clashes between govt. troops, Daesh remnants in Syria's Homs: Monitor Press TV 04 Jul 2020 -- Heavy clashes have broken out between Syrian government troops and remnants of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the country's central province of Homs with reported casualties from both sides.
Moscow Surprised by UK's Response to Russia's Exit From UN Syria Deconfliction Mechanism Sputnik 04 Jul 2020 -- Moscow is surprised by the UK Foreign Office's comment that Russia's withdrawal from the UN deconfliction mechanism in northwest Syria was "unacceptable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, adding that the participation in the mechanism was voluntary.
US builds new air base in Syria Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The United States has built a new military base, including an airport for military aircraft, for its occupying forces in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.
Syrian army forces in Syria's Hasakah stop US convoy, force it to return Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Syrian government forces have block a US military convoy in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah and forced it to turn back amid seething resentment of locals over the presence of American troops in the region.
Fresh US military convoy enters northeast Syria from western Iraq Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The US military has sent a new convoy of trucks loaded with military hardware and logistical gears to Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah as Washington seeks to control and loot crude resources in the war-torn country.
Defeating Daesh Highlights of the Week July 1, 2020 CENTCOM 01 Jul 2020 -- Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks.
Russia's president says US after 'economically suffocating' Syria Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia says the United States seeks to 'economically suffocate' Syria by adopting new sanctions against the country.
Iran's president denounces US sanctions against Syria, pledges support for Damascus Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has denounced as inhumane the US sanctions against Syria amid the war-torn country's battle against the coronavirus pandemic, while pledging Tehran's unwavering support for Damascus.
In Call With Erdogan And Putin, Iran's Rohani Calls For End Of 'Illegitimate' U.S. Presence In Syria RFE/RL 01 Jul 2020 -- The "illegitimate" presence of U.S. forces in Syria should end immediately, Iranian President Hassan Rohani told Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in a video conference on July 1 on the situation in the war-torn country.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

July 2020 - Syria Special Weapons News