Syria News in brief || Monday Dec.17, 2018

Egyptian "Hurras ad-Din" member killed by unknown assailants in Jisr al-Shughur CS

Several Syrian army soldiers were killed and injured in clashes with FSA national liberation front on Kinsabba axis - north Latakia countryside

Turkish backed FSA Ahrar Al-Sharqiyah group arrests 3 people including a woman in Afrin ciity accusing them of being YPG members

FSA National liberation front published statement stating they fully support any Turkish operation in East Syria against SDF and YPG

Syrian army heavy targets with MLRS rocket launchers  HTS held town of Jarjanaz in East Idlib countryside

Heavy clashes erupted between SDF and ISIS on the outskirts of Bo Khater and Sousah towns where SDF supported by US led coalition attempting to advance in the area

ISIS managed to enter Eastern districts of Hajin town taking advantage of the bad weather where they deployed snipers and suicide bombers inside the buildings in the area

At least 7 SDF fighters were killed by ISIS during their infiltration toward eastern districts of Hajin last night

Syrian army uncovers 5 bodies of fallen soldiers who were killed in prev battles in Majdouyah and Qahtanyah towns - Qunitrah countryside

Syrian army captures entire group of FSA rebels consist of 8 fighters who were trying to attack army position north of Jeed town in north-west Hama countryside

Reports that a Russian soldier was killed early morning by FSA National Liberation Front Mortar strike in north Latakia CS

Syria News in brief || Sunday Dec.16, 2018

Syrian army heavy shells with artillery strikes  these evening rebel held Khan Assal and its surrounding in west Aleppo countryside

Turkish backed FSA Ahrar Al-Sharqiyah military convoy spotted travelling near Tal Abyad border crossing from the Turkish side in preparations for E.Euphrates operation

Militants stationed in Aleppo countryside shell Aleppo city with missiles where 3 missiles hit new Aleppo district post midnight

Russian surveillance drone went down near rebel held Latamneh town due to technical difficulties

Militants target with missile strikes Syrian army positions in tall bizam and Maan town, north Hama countryside

FSA National army announced that they will participate in the offensive against Kurds in East Syria when ever it starts

a Car bomb exploded inside Afrin city, killing 8 people and injuring dozen others

several FSA failaq Al-sham fighters were killed when an IED targeted their vehicle on Jandiris road - south Afrin region

US backed Jaish Maghawir Al-Thora active in Tanf zone announced handing in captured Syrian soldiers to the Syrian army they captured 2 days ago during clashes between the two near Tanf zone

HTS launches security operation targeting ISIS sleeper cell agents in Masybeen town and its surrounding in Idlib countryside

2 former FSA rebel commanders who reconciled with government were assassinated in Daraa countryside by unknown assailants in past 48h

Wrath of Olives Kurdish operation room claimed the car bomb attack in Afrin city

Syrian army targets militant positions in Khirbet Naqous - northwest Hama CS with armed drones

17 civilians killed and couple others injured in US led coalition airstrikes targeting ISIS held town of Bo Khater in East Deir Ez-Zor CS

Syrian army targets with elephant rockets militant positions in west Aleppo countryside in retaliation for militants shelling on Aleppo city last night

President Assad receives in Damascus airport Sudan president Omar Al-Bashir

Turkish military convoy entered Syria and head toward the Turkish observation posts in Morek and Sheir Maghar , north Hama countryside

Up to 350 men volunteered to join Syrian army ranks in Daraa countryside

Syria News in brief || Friday Dec.14, 2018

Local official in Daraa says 30,000 refugees have returned to Syria from Jordan since the reopening of the Nassib Crossing

Fierce clashes have broken out along the demilitarized zone in Hama. Syrian military and Jaysh Al-Izza are clashing near the town of Zalin

Situation at the key town of Hajin remains unclear. SDF announced its capture on Thursday evening; however, a source nearby says that Daesh still remains at the outskirts of Hajin and continue to resist retreating

Clashes expand in the demilitarized zone to the town of Sukeek in southern Idlib

Syrian Army, backed by the National Defense Forces, are heavily shelling Sukeek from their positions in the Idlib countryside

At least three members of Jaysh Mughawar Al-Thoura were killed during the clashes. One Syrian soldier was wounded before the clashes dissipated overnight.

SDF on high alert as Turkish troops mobilize around Manbij

YPG published video showing targeting of Turkish army soldiers gathering with ATGM in Kimar village of Afrin’s Sherawa district , claiming they killed 5 soldiers in the strike

Syrian army targeted with artillery and missile strikes militant positions in Latamneh, Tall sakher and Buwydah - north Hama countryside

Syrian army shelled HTS positions in Qarqour town and surrounding with armed drones - north-west Hama countryside

ISIS launches counter-offensive against SDF in Baghuz Tahtani town using couple of car bombs - East Deir Ez-Zor CS

Several pro government fighters were killed in HTS ATGM strike on Tell Mamo front - south Aleppo countryside

Syrian democratic forces, Council co-Chairman Riad Darar "confirmed" that SDF are ready to hand over the entire border with Turkey to the Syrian Arab Army

ISIS targeted Syrian army positions in Abu Kamal city Al-Saiyal town with 78  mortar shells - East Deir Ez-Zor CS

Syria News in brief || Thursday Dec.13, 2018

SDF forces captured ISIS stronghold of Hajin in East Deir Ez-Zor CS

Kurdish Self-Administration in North and East of Syria has announced a General Mobilization and called upon Syrian Government to take an official position on Erdogan's threats

2 civilians killed by a landmine explosion near Sheikh Hilal town - East Hama countryside

Syrian army foiled FSA Jaish Al-izza infiltration attempts toward army positions in Zaleen and surrounding of Mahardeh - north Hama countryside

Ports of Lattakia and Tartous were re-opened on Thursday for maritime navigation following 48h closure due to weather conditions

Turkish surveillance plane spotted flying over SDF held Manbij in Aleppo countryside

SDF sent big reinforcements toward Ras Al-Ayn town near the Turkish border amid Turkey threats to launch an offensive in the area

Syrian army uncovered large weapons cache and a field hospital in liberated Nawa and busra Al-Harir towns - Daraa countryside

Turkish army shelled with artillery Kurdish held Tall Rafat and its surrounding in north Aleppo countryside

ISIS sleeper cell agent kills a Syrian army soldier using a silencer inside Hasakah city last night

4 Turkish backed rebels injured when a motorcycle bomb exploded in Rajo street, Afrin city

ISIS shelled Syrian army held Bo Kamal city and it's surrounding with 30 mortar shells, East Deir Ez Zour CS

A Turkish soldier was killed in Afrin city by Kurdish YPG shelling , north Aleppo countryside

SDF commander said that at least 5000 ISIS fighters remain in East Syria

Clashes erupted between US backed Jaish Maghawer Al-Thora rebels and Syrian army near Tanf zone in the Syrian desert, 3 rebels were killed in the clashes as early report

Photo-Album: Damascus City Gets Ready For Christmas Eve

Syria News in brief || Wednesday Dec.12, 2018

Several people injured in car bomb attack in rebel held Izaz town , north Aleppo countryside

Erdogan says that Turkey will start new military operation in East of Euphrates within couple days

Syrian army targets with heavy artillery strikes Jarjanaz - south Idlib CS and Kafr Nabudeh - north Hama CS

Several SDF fighters were killed by ISIS car bomb attack near Hajin hospital in East Deir Ez-Zour CS

Two FSA rebels were killed by unknown assailants near Harem town, far north Idlib countryside

Couple SDF fighters were killed in Manbij city by ISIS sleeper cell

Syrian army uncovers new weapons cache contains Israeli made missiles  west of Nawa town, Daraa countryside

One civilian was killed when a landmine left behind by ISIS  went off in the village of Nafasha - Hasakah countryside

Big explosion rocks rebel held town of Al-Bab - Aleppo CS where a car bomb exploded near the town mosque causing several casualties

ISIS conducts a car bomb attack on SDF position near Al-Taqwa Mosque in the vicinity of Al-Bahrah village - East Deir Ez-Zor CS

Syrian army targets with missiles and heavy machine gun Militants movements in Buwydah, Lahaya and Markebeh town , north Hama countryside

ISIS conducts another car bomb attack targeting gathering of SDF forces near Hajin hospital , east Deir Ez Zour CS

US army established a military observation post in Tall Halaf town west of Ras Al Ayn near the Turkish border, Hasakah province

FSA 2nd legion group foils smuggling weapons attempt by a truck destined for YPG Kurdish fighters in North Aleppo countryside

Russian il-20 Surveillance plane spotted flying over west Idlib and west Aleppo countryside's

Several mass graves containing hundreds of bodies killed by ISIS found in Deir Ezzor

The authorities found seven mass graves containing hundreds of unidentified bodies in al-Bukamal area in the countryside of Deir Ezzor province.

During combing operations in the western countryside of al-Bukamal, authorities found seven mass graves containing hundreds of bodies belonging to unidentified persons who had been killed by Daesh (ISIS) terrorists when they were controlling that area.

Teams of Civil Defense and Syrian Arab Red Crescent have recovered 101 bodies, many of which appear to have been tortured and abused before being killed, clarifying that work is underway to retrieve more bodies.

Syria News in brief || Tuesday Dec.11, 2018

ISIS targets a mini bus belong to Syrian army outside Bo Kamal city with a missile, destroying it and causing several casualties in Syrian army ranks.

Syrian criminal court sentences to death in absentia 40 persons from E.Ghouta, most are Jaish Al-Islam and Failaq Al-Rahman commanders.

Former SDF commander Yasser Dahleh was critically injured when unknown assailants opened fire at his car in SDF held Ziyban town in south-east Deir Ez-Zor countryside.

Syrian army strikes militant positions with missiles in Latamneh - north Hama CS and Jarjanaz south Idlib CS.

1st Coastal Division commander "Abu Obadah" was seriously injured after an attack by unknown assailants on the road of Jisr al-Shughur - west Idlib CS.

SDF captures Baghuz Tahtani town from ISIS terrorists in East Deir Ez-Zor CS near Iraqi border.

Former FSA fighter Yousef Al-Hashish who reconciled with Syrian government and joined Syrian army ranks was killed by unknown assailants in Muzayrib town - north Daraa countryside.

SDF commander Fadi Gabriel defects and joins Syrian army ranks in north Aleppo countryside.

Iraqi Air Force strikes ISIS bases in Sousah town - East Deir Ez-Zor CS.

Jordanian army soldiers open fire across the border toward Rukhban refugee camp for unknown reason.

Syrian authorities uncover seven mass graves containing hundreds of unidentified bodies in al-Bukamal area in the countryside of Deir Ezzor province.

Syria’s position in League of Arab States needs to be restored - Russian MoD

The restoration of Syria’s membership in the League of Arab States will help the process of a political settlement of the crisis and push the refugees toward return, said head of the Russian National Center for Defense Management Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev at a session of the headquarters of Russia and Syria on the repatriation of refugees.

"The restoration of Syria’s position on the global scene, in particular its membership in the League of Arab States is an extremely important issue. It will serve as a convincing signal for the international community about the return of the country to peaceful life and the promotion of the process of the political settlement of the crisis, as well as push the refugees toward making positive decisions on the return to their homes," Mizintsev said.

He asked the Foreign Ministry representatives to place this issue under special control. The head of the national center also asked to control the situation at the Al Rukban camp, which is seeing heavy humanitarian problems.

Syrian soldier Killed, 1 Injured in Shelling of Aleppo, Latakia - Russian MoD

A Syrian soldier was killed and another wounded during the shelling of Syria's city of Aleppo and province of Latakia by illegal armed groups, the Russian Defense Ministry’s Center for Syrian reconciliation said at a briefing on Sunday.

According to the center, one humanitarian action has been carried out by the center in the province of Deir ez-Zor over the past 24 hours, with the residents of Khusham settlement having received 500 food sets.

The center added that Damascus continued to work on amnesty for those, who avoided military service, in line with the presidential decree dated November 9. Thus, over 15,500 people have been granted amnesty as of December 8, the center added.

Sputnik

Syria News in brief || Monday Dec.10, 2018

3 FSA rebels belong free Idlib army faction were killed by Syrian by artillery strike targeted their base near Latamneh town, north Hama countryside.

Russian il-20 Surveillance plane spotted flying over north Hama countryside.

SDF forces captured Hajin hospital and it's surrounding last night.

Turkish border police captures 66 persons at the border with Syria who were trying to enter Turkey illegally.

In-fight erupts between 2 Turkished backed factions, free police and Al Hamza division in Bazaa town near Al Bab , east Aleppo countryside for unknown reasons.

6 civilians were killed last night in Hajin town by US led coalition airstrikes.

Syrian army targets rebel positions in Tall Sakher and Maarkebeh town with artillery strikes in North Hama countryside.

Syrian General Command of the Army and Armed Forces issued an administrative order stipulates for ending the reservation of batch no. 248 of the conscripted officers of and the earlier batches and ending reservation of batch no. 249.

ISIS targets Syrian army positions in Khayrat town - north-west Bo Kamal with more than 10 mortar shells - East Deir Ez-Zor CS.

Syrian authorities uncover new weapons cache belong to rebels in south-east Nassib town - South Daraa countryside

ISIS announced new video release coming soon from Syrian Wilayat Al-Barakah (Deir ez-Zor).

2 FSA Ahrar Al-Sham fighters were killed by unknown assailants on Tah-Tahtaya road in south Idlib countryside.

US, France looting artifacts in northern Syria - Syrian antiquities chief

Since the start of the crisis in Syria, militants and their backers have been stealing Syrian cultural heritage as part of a scheme to lay waste to Syria’s historical treasures.

Most recently, reports of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums revealed an increase in the crimes of digging in search for antiquities in the areas of Manbej, Afrin, Idlib and the sites encircling Raqqa by militants and their supporters, namely the US, France and the Turkish regime.

Head of Antiquities and Museums Directorate Mahmoud Hammoud said that US and French forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militias have engaged in excavations and thefts in Um al-Sarj mountain which is rich in antiquities, citing overt excavations and looting in Manbej’s main market.

He added that digging, looting and pillage are also taking place in the ancient tombs located in the eastern part of Manbej city, not to mention other archeological sites completely razed by heavy vehicles.

Hammoud considered these operations a grave violation of the Syrian sovereignty and international conventions and norms which he said are intended to undermine the Syrian cultural identity, indicating that the Directorate is making contacts with the bodies and international organizations concerned to condemn violations against the Syrian heritage.

“We are hopeful that the Syrian army will soon restore security and safety to these areas because it is the only one capable of protecting our antiquities,” he added.

The acts of robbery targeting Manbej’s antiquities which date back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras are another proof which bears testimony to the magnitude of terrorism that has hit the Syrian human heritage.

Syria News in brief || Sunday Dec. 9, 2018

SDF repels ISIS counter attack east of Hajin town, kills tens of ISIS fighters in the area

Syrian army foils rebels attack north of Souran town, kills score of rebels, north Hama countryside

Syrian Arab Red Crescent distributed 4000 food baskets among locals in al-Mzeirib town in Daraa western  countryside

Syrian authorities seized a car loaded with large amounts of  hashish and Captagon heading from al-Qssair for Sweida

4 Turkish backed FSA rebels were killed by YPG sleeper cell IED attacks in Afrin region

2 FSA rebels killed and 5 others injured in Syrian army ATGM attack last night around Latamneh town - north Hama countryside

US special forces raid a house in Mashlab district , Raqqa city and arrest a person for unknown reasons

SDF advance on Baghuz town axis and reach outskirts of the town after heavy clashes with ISIS , East Deir Ez Zour CS

ISIS repels new SDF attack on Hajin - northern axis killing and injuring more than 15 SDF fighters

Unknown assailants kill former FSA military commander Mashhur Kanakri who reconciled with Syrian government in Da'el town - Daraa countryside

Kataib Ansar al-Tawhid member foreign fighter "Abu Bakr Tunisi" was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Iblin village - west Idlib

Syria News in brief || Saturday Dec. 8, 2018

SDF forces are mass gathering in Sousah desert to open new axis against ISIS in East Deir Ez-Zor CS.

5 children killed and couple others injured in a mine explosion in Jarba town - East Ghouta.

Syrian army foils militants attack near Tall Sakhir in north-west Hama countryside.

Syrian army shells with artillery strikes Sakher and Jisat towns in north-west Hama countryside.

Russian cargo ship spotted traveling thru Bosphorus toward Tartus - Syria carrying military cargo.

Syrian army strikes rebel positions in Hakoura town - Hama province with armed drones injuring several rebels.

ISIS kills and injures at least 10 SDF fighters in 2 ATGM attacks outside Hajin - East Deir Ez-Zor CS.

HTS military Ameen Abeed was killed by unknown assailants in Tawameh town - Aleppo countryside.

2 SDF fighters were killed by ISIS sleeper cell in Al-Hos town - East Raqqa countryside.

Syrian army targets with ATGM military vehicle belong to rebels in the area between Masasneh and Latamneh in north Hama countryside.

In video: France Protester chant for Syria President Bashar Al-Assad

The protester was saying: long live Bashar Assad, long live Hafez, long live his entire family. Hope he liberates Syria from terrorism. We the people have nothing to do with sending bombs. We want Syrians to live in Syria in peace

Russian reconciliation center conducts humanitarian operation in Hama province

Officers of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria conducted a humanitarian operation in the Hama governorate, handing out food products to local residents, the center's chief Sergei Solomatin said on Friday.

"During the day, officers of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides conducted a humanitarian operation in the settlement of Skalbiya in the Hama governorate. As many as 500 bags with food products were handed out to civilians," he said.

According to Solomatin, work is continued to amnesty people evading military service. Thus, as of now, as many as 15,402 people were amnestied, he added.

Apart from that, efforts are continued to restore infrastructure facilities in Syria. "As of December 6, 2018, as many as 30,806 residential houses, 709 educational and 117 medical facilities have been restored. A total of 927 kilometers of motorways have been repaired," he said.

The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes.

TASS

Terrorists breach demilitarized zone agreement, Syrian army responds and destroys their hideouts

Units of the Syrian Arab Army on Friday thwarted terrorist groups’ infiltration attempts towards the safe areas and army points on the outskirts of the demilitarized zone in Idlib from several directions.

The army units responded with suitable weapons and inflicted heavy losses upon terrorists in personnel and equipment.

In Hama, an army unit destroyed mortars launching pads and machine guns for terrorists in the villages Lahaya and Ma’rkebeh  in retaliation for targeting a military point with explosive bullets and machineguns in the northern countryside.

One of the army units centered in Al-Masasneh direction combed areas of agricultural lands in the vicinity al-Latamina town after tracking terrorist group linked to the so-called “Al-Ezza Brigades” trying to infiltrate into military points stationed in the area.

An army unit in Tel Bazzam, north of Soran city, inflicted direct losses upon Jabhat al-Nusra-linked terrorist group which infiltrated through the agricultural lands south of Morek city.

To the north of Maharada area in the northwestern countryside, units of the army directed concentrated strikes with medium machineguns on launching pads and fortified positions of the terrorist groups in the towns of Al-Arbaeen, Al-Zakat, Tal Al-Sakher and Hasraiya.

As part of the high alert of the army units operating on the outskirts of the demilitarized zone, an army unit combed the villages of Skaik and al-Khwain, east of Ma’aret al-Nu’man, after monitoring movements of Jabhat al-Nusra-linked terrorist group while trying to attack military points in the area.

Since the implementation of the demilitarized zone agreement in Idleb, the army units have foiled dozens of infiltration attempts by terrorist groups from the countryside of Idleb and Hama towards military points centered to protect safe towns in the northern Hama countryside.

Photo-Album: Three Christmas trees lit up in Sqeilbieh and Mhardeh in Hama, and in Lattakia

Sqeilbieh and Mhardeh cities in Hama governorate witnessed celebrations in the lead up to Christmas and New Year holidays, with two giant Christmas trees lit up as the festive season draws near.

In Sqeilbieh city, a 14-meter high Christmas tree was lit up on Thursday evening at the city’s main square, attended by joyful crowds.

Meanwhile in Mhardeh city in the province, a 6-meter-high Christmas tree was lit up at George Khouri Square in the city.

Clergymen and public figures who attended the festivities said in statements to SANA that Christmas tree symbolizes renewal, love and peace, affirming that the festivities prove once again Syria’s resilience and the Syrian people’s clinging to life and homeland despite terrorism.

In Lattakia city, thousands gathered to view the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church in al-American neighborhood.

The event was accompanied by Christmas hymns performed by the Good Shepherd Choir, which consists of 70 children and is conducted by maestro Elias Samaan, in addition to fireworks and a light show.

Syria News in brief || Friday Dec. 7, 2018

Clashes erupted between Syrian army and FSA Jaish Al-Izza fighters in the area between Massasneh and Latamneh in north Hama countryside.

Syrian army targets with heavy machine guns and artillery strikes militants movements in Maarkebeh, Arabeen، and Latamneh farms.

SDF evacuted up to 300 civilians to safety last night from ISIS stronghold of Hajin in East Deir Ez-Zor CS.

YPG claims they killed 3 Turkish army soldiers in clashes on December 5th in Afrin region.

8 civilians killed early morning today by US airstrike targeting Hajin town in East Deir Ez-Zor CS.

Turkish military convoy enters Syria thru Kafr Lossen border crossing in far north Idlib and head toward the Turkish observation post  in Morek - north Hama CS.

2 civilians were killed by unknown assailants in rebel-held Ibbin Samaan town - west Aleppo countryside.

6 Syrian army soldiers were killed by a mine explosion in Daraa countryside.

More than 100 US led coalition airstrikes hit ISIS-held Hajin town - East Deir Ez-Zor CS  in past 24h.

Syrian army destroys 2 mortar launchers and 1 heavy machine gun position for Militants in Maarkebeh, and Lahaya in North Hama countryside.

3 people were killed in car crash in Aleppo city.

4 people injured in car bomb explosion near rebel-held Tarheen town in North Aleppo countryside.

Several SDF fighters were killed by friendly fire US coalition airstrike near Hajin hospital in East Deir Ez Zour countryside.

Army secures exit of hundreds of civilians from terrorist –controlled areas

Hundreds of civilians, most of them women and children returned from areas where terrorist organizations are positioned via al-Salihiya crossing in Deir Ezzor and Abu al-Douhour crossing in Idleb countryside within the government’s efforts to secure the return of the displaced Syrians .

On November 30th , hundreds of civilians , mostly women and children were exited with their cars and private properties via al-Salihiya crossing in Deir Ezzor province , in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Army and Russian Reconciliation Center, adding that medical care was also provided to tens of civilians there.

On the same day , hundreds of civilians, most of them women and children, were also evacuated along with their cars and personal properties from the de -escalation zone area in Idleb province, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Army and the Russian Reconciliation Center.

The authorities concerned had received the displaced returnees and provided them with necessary facilitations , food and medical aid before they were transported to their villages and towns.