More than 40 Syrian insurgent groups including the powerful Islamist faction Ahrar al-Sham have called on regional states to forge an alliance against Russia and Iran in Syria, accusing Moscow of occupying the country and targeting civilians.
The insurgents, including rebel groups under the umbrella of the Free Syria Army, said such regional cooperation was needed to counter “the Russian-Iranian alliance occupying Syria”.
Last week Russian jets based in western Syria launched air strikes against targets Moscow has identified as bases of the hardline Islamic State group, but which President Bashar al-Assad’s opponents say disproportionately hit rival, foreign-backed insurgents.
The joint rebel statement criticized what it described as the “Russian military aggression in Syria and the blatant occupation of the country” as well as the targeting of civilians with air strikes in the Homs countryside in western Syria…
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
In the town of Maarrat Al-Nuuman in Idlib province, an Su-25 attack aircraft completely brought down a large terrorist workshop, which was producing bombs and improvised explosive devices.
A nearby IS base, hosting weaponry and military vehicles was also targeted, with ten pieces of military hardware, including several APCs, was eliminated, the ministry said.
Given that Maarat Al-Numaan is 30 km south of Idlib and thus far away from ISIS-controlled territory , this is a pretty tall claim to make
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
This is the guy who used chemical weapons against his own people because they opposed his rule and you think hopefully he will not kill his own people. Will there be any left after he has finished butchering them. he didnt use chemical weapons against ISIS, he used them against his own people. How is he any better than the other b@stards.
His primary reason to get Russia involved is because his own forces are on the verge of defeat despite having air superiority and secondly to continue with his brutal rule. He doesnt give a toss about ISIS. To him the only thing that matters is Asad, the people can go to hell. he has made their lives living hell anyway.
What is the alternative if both Assad and ISIS go. Assad was not bad to begin with. Call me a conspiracy monger, but I believe there is something more to it than meets the eye. US wanted more leverage in the middle east and instigated the so called Arab Spring which got Gadaffi killed and Mubarak imprisoned.
From Assad's perspective his life is at stake. The moment he steps down he will get lynched. It is a matter of survival for him.
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
Its a resources game. The Russians have vital interests in keeping Assad as they have a naval facility and billions of dollars worth of military deals with Syria. The evolution of ISIS is result of US and Gulf countries arming and funding the terrorist group.
The US airstrikes and arming of rebels has proven ineffective. This stalemate has continued since the last 4 years. The Russians have stepped up and Putin has asserted his leadership over Obama.
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
What is the alternative if both Assad and ISIS go. Assad was not bad to begin with. Call me a conspiracy monger, but I believe there is something more to it than meets the eye. US wanted more leverage in the middle east and instigated the so called Arab Spring which got Gadaffi killed and Mubarak imprisoned.
From Assad's perspective his life is at stake. The moment he steps down he will get lynched. It is a matter of survival for him.
So for his own survival he has and is carrying out a genocide of his own people. Well that just goes to prove that he should be got rid of.
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
I was going to ask that. But you already answered. So asad was not killing his people before rebellion started.
Hope fully he wont go on taking revenge on some one or some area after ISIS is no more.
Syria after the war would be a shadow of its former self. Assad would be toothless, his forces are spent... Thats my guess. But I just believe ISIS is far more evil and dangerous.
The Syrian Army announced a large-scale offensive aimed at retaking several key cities and regions from terrorist forces after a week-long bombing campaign by Russia targeting the jihadists.
The government forces “have been keeping the initiative for several years,” said General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub, the head of the Syrian General Staff, announcing the offensive. The offensive was made possible by the effort made by Russia in supporting the Syrian government militarily, Ayyoub said. “The airstrikes of the Russian Air Force have damaged the capabilities of the international terrorist organization Islamic State and other groups,” the general said. LISTEN MORE: READ MORE: Less talk, more action: Russian jets destroy ISIS HQs, tanks, munition depots – all in just 1 week
Russian warplanes began attacking terrorist targets in Syria last week, hitting over 100 targets throughout the country. According to Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, Russia “has produced significant results in several days that greatly surpass those achieved by the [US-led anti-ISIS] coalition in over a year.”
Earlier, local media reported that government forces were deployed in several Syrian provinces with the biggest operation taking place in Hama, 200 kilometers north of the capital, Damascus. Lebanese TV channel Al-Manar said the Syrian army group in Hama advanced some 50 kilometers on Wednesday, taking several towns and strategically important mountain strongholds from militants of the Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, and other terrorist groups operating in the area.
Syrian government forces also went on the offensive in the Idlib province.
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
Please ask New York Times to do it.
From what I see, America has a track record of betting on the wrong horse... from Pinochet to Pehlvi to Mubarak to... the list is long, my friend.
That is correct only because when Amreeka realized it was too late... Nam, Noko, A-stan there is an impressive list and an awesome resume. wherever the SOB goes terrorism follows big time.
I will write a letter to NYT, and hand deliver it.. :)
Re: 6 Russian air strikes destroy ISIS bomb factory
All along the right plan. Make $$$ out of muslim misery funded by wahabbits. There is enough to go around since Iran won’t abandon Assad for the fear of crippling hezbollah’s supply line.
A perfect quagmire if you can get one. Hopefully, a republican doesn’t come to power and screw up the ‘fun’ for the US as they would hope. That bush was funny but god was he a f*#k up!!
Russian warplanes in Syria have bombed 29 terrorist field camps and other facilities of the militant group Islamic State in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
“Our aviation group over the past day has destroyed two militant command centers, 29 field camps, 23 fortified facilities and several troop positions with military hardware,” ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Saturday.
The Russian Air Force conducted 64 sorties and hit a total of 55 targets, he said.
He added that the Russian effort has “considerably degraded” the strength of the terrorist forces in Syria. READ MORE: Russian airstrikes kill 2 ISIS commanders, 300 militants – Defense Ministry
“During the initial phase of the operation, our warplanes have destroyed the biggest and most important supply hubs of ISIL,” Konashenkov said, calling Islamic State by its former name. This resulted in the “mobility and offensive capability” of the jihadists being reduced, he said.
The general said signal intelligence reports indicate that the militants are suffering from a shortage of fuel and ammunition after the Russian bombings. “Some of them are demoralized and are actively leaving the battle zone, moving in eastern and northeastern directions,” he said.
Konashenkov said that the increasing number of combat missions conducted by Russia in Syria is explained by the large number of potential targets identified and confirmed as viable by space and aerial reconnaissance.
Russia started its bombing campaign in Syria last week with a goal to provide air support to the government troops fighting against various terrorist groups, primarily Islamic State. This allowed Damascus to go on the offensive in Hama province on Friday.
Meanwhile on Saturday, US and Russian defense officials conducted a 90-minute video conference on Saturday to discuss the safety of flight operations over Syria. “The discussions were professional and focused narrowly on the implementation of specific safety procedures. Progress was made during the talks, and the US agreed to another discussion with Russia in the near future,” the Pentagon said in a statement.