Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

650 Syrians Killed in Al-Raqqa, Air Strikes and Bombardment on Homs, Hama, Aleppo, East Damascus, Ceasefire in the Southwest

July 10, 2017 

Editor's Note:

The coalition which fights the Islamic State and other Sunni groups in Syria consists of US-led NATO forces, Russian forces, Syrian Alewite government forces, Iranian-backed Shi'i militias, and Kurdish peshmerga forces. The coalition's continuous attacks have resulted in the killing of thousands of Iraqi and Syrian Sunni Muslim Arabs and the eviction of millions of them as a result of the destruction of their cities and villages.

The end outcome is going to be the weakening and possible dismantling of Iraqi and Syrian states as well as the eviction (ethnic cleansing of) Sunni Muslim Arabs, particularly from the upper Euphrates region of northwestern Iraq and northeastern Syria. 

The larger context for understanding the Syrian war (and other wars in the Middle East) is that it contributes to the implementation of the Zionist-Israeli plan of destroying the Arab Middle Eastern states in preparation for the establishment of the greater Israeli empire, from the Nile of Egypt to the Euphrates of Iraq.  

For a background, read: 

Zionist Creative Destruction of the Middle East for the Benefit of the Apartheid Israeli Regime 

 

Syrian regime forces continue shelling areas east of Damascus and in Ein Tarma amid continued clashes there, July 9, 2017	Syrian regime forces continue shelling areas east of Damascus and in Ein Tarma, July 9, 2017

 

The following are news stories from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) website (http://www.syriahr.com/en/):

***

The American-Jordanian-Russian truce ends its first hour in the Syrian south without documenting any violations

SOHR, 09/07/2017

The Russian-American-Jordanian truce ended its first hour without documenting any violations so far by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights in the 3 provinces Al-Suwaidaa, Daraa and Al-Quneitra, where the agreement started at 12 pm on Sunday the 9th of July 2017, and there was no violation in any of these provinces, where in al-Suwaidaa province there are Jaysh al-Asha’er, Ahmad al-Abdu Forces and Jaysh Usud al-Sharqiyyah.

The southern factions which supported by regional and international parties in Daraa Province, including Jaysh al-Yarmouk, Hamzah Brigade, Umari Brigade, the Islamic movement of Ahrar al-Sham, Hayyaat Ta Harir al-Sham, Soqur al-Islam Brigade, Ahrar Nawa Division, al-Haramain Brigade, Fajr al-Umma Division, al-Moataz Billah Brigade, Shabab al-Sunnah Brigade, Mujahidee Horan Brigades, Ababil Horan, Usud al-Sunni Division, Bayt al-Maqdes Group, Shuhada’a al-Huriyah Brigade, Jaysh al-Moataz and other factions, while in Al-Quneitra Province there are Jabhat Thowwar Syria, al-Ezz Brigade, Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamic Movement of Ahrar al-Sham, Forsan al-Golan Brigade, al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigade, al-Sebtayn Brigade, 46th Infantry Brigades and Ansar al-Islam Front, while in Yarmouk Basin area in the western countryside of Daraa is controlled by Jaysh Khalid Ibn al-Walid who swore allegiance to the “Islamic State” Organization.

Reliable sources confirmed to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that the agreement also provides for an item which is deploying Russian military police forces in the cease-fire areas in the three provinces of the agreement, to oversee the cease-fire and carry out the truce, while the factions operating in the Desert of al-Suwaidaa which is interconnected with the southeast of Rif Dimashq reported that they have not been informed by any party regional or international about a cease-fire in the Syrian south.

The SOHR obtained information from reliable sources that the agreement provides for the withdrawal of the regime forces and their allied militiamen and the rebel and Islamic factions from contact lines in all areas, the deployment of the regime’s internal security forces in these lines whereas the rebel and Islamic factions participating in the agreement will be assigned the task of protecting all public and private establishments.

In addition, it also stipulates the departure of all those unwilling to participate in the agreement, the full withdrawal of the regime’s allied militiamen – of non-Syrian nationalities, preparation of the infrastructure necessary for the return of refugees from Jordan successively, holding municipal elections and granting municipalities broad powers, and finally the delivery of humanitarian aid to the areas that abide by the ceasefire.  The SOHR published on the 17th of June 2017 that a Russian-American-Jordanian truce was put into effect in Daraa Province and was extended till the 20th of June but came to an end as a result of the renewed aerial and artillery shelling by the regime forces and their allied militiamen, helicopters and warplanes.

Casualty in the northern countryside of Aleppo and shelling targets Sahl al-Ghab and al-Lataminah and the factions target the vicinity of Hirbnafsah

SOHR, 09/07/2017

Hama province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights:

The regime forces shelled areas in Lataminah town in the northern countryside of Hama, which caused material damage, while the areas in Tal Wasit village in Sahl al-Ghab at the northwestern countryside of Hama were bombed by the regime which caused material damage, but no information about casualties, also the rebel and Islamic factions targeted with heavy machineguns positions of the regime forces in the vicinity of Hirbnafsah village in the southern countryside of Hama, no information about casualties.

The countryside witnessed dawn of today violent clashes between the rebel and Islamic factions against the regime forces and militiamen loyal to them, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights published that the factions carried out an attack on the Power Plant area and Jadrin village in the southern countryside of Hama, accompanied by shelling by the regime forces on areas in Talaf village in the southern countryside of Hama, resulted in regime’s control of several points in the area, and information about casualties in the ranks of both parties.

Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights:

The Syria Democratic Forces opened heavy machineguns’ fire on areas in the vicinity of Marea city in the northern countryside of Aleppo, which killed a woman was in the lands around the city.

Casualties among regime forces’ ranks during their advancement in Al-Shomariyyeh Mountains east of Homs and warplanes raid Al-Sukhnah

SOHR, 09/07/2017

Homs Province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights:

Violent clashes have been taking place since dawn today between the regime forces and their allied militiamen on one hand and ISIS on the other, following an attack by the regime forces on areas at the outskirts of Al-Shomariyyeh Mountains which allowed them to make an advancement in the area after taking control of Jbab Hamad village, which is located near that area, during the last 48 hours. These violent clashes were accompanied by shelling by the regime forces on the areas of clashes.

The clashes left at least 5 members of the regime forces and the allied militiamen dead. The warplanes also carried out several raids on areas in the vicinity of Al-Sukhnah city and Arak area and Al-Hale Field in the eastern countryside of Homs, amid clashes between the regime forces and their allied militiamen on one hand and ISIS on the other in the vicinity of the area.

The regime forces continue shelling areas east of Damascus and in Ein Tarma amid continued clashes there

SOHR, 09/07/2017

The regime forces continue shelling areas in Ein Tarma in the Eastern Ghouta and Jobar neighborhood east of Damascus. The shelling coincides with continued violent clashes between the regime forces and their allied militiamen on one hand and Al-Rahman Legion on the other in several parts of the area. Casualties were reported at both sides. Meanwhile, several missiles, believed to be ground-to-ground, were launched by the regime forces on areas in Ein Tarma town in the Eastern Ghouta. No casualties have been reported so far.

The SOHR published this morning that warplanes also carried out 2 raids on areas in Ein Tarma and at least 12 missiles, believed to be ground-to-ground, were launched by the regime forces on the area. The SOHR also published the day before yesterday that the regime forces managed to control the marble factory and locations in its surroundings.

This advancement comes as part of the quest of the regime forces to achieve an advancement into the area and reduce the size of areas controlled by the factions at the outskirts of the Eastern Ghouta, which is adjacent to Jobar, in an attempt to clamp down on Jobar and separate it from the Eastern Ghouta, thus forcing its fighters to withdraw from the neighborhood before besieging it. Clashes were accompanied by at least 5 raids carried out by warplanes on the areas of clashes, and the launch of at least 3 missiles, believed to be ground-to-ground, by the regime forces on the same areas.

Regime forces shell Al-Houla and the northern countryside of Homs and airstrikes target Al-Raqqah city

0SOHR, 9/07/2017

Homs Province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights: the regime forces shelled after midnight places in Taldahab town in Al-Houla area in the northern countryside of Homs. No casualties were reported. Simultaneously, the regime forces shelled areas in Burj Qa’ei village in the northern countryside of Homs. In addition, one of the fighters of the Islamic factions died of injuries sustained in clashes with the regime forces and their allied militiamen in Al-Helaliyya area in the northern countryside of Homs.

Al-Raqqah Province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights: the International Coalition warplanes carried out after midnight a raid on areas in Ma’daan town in the eastern countryside of Al-Raqqah, causing the death of a civilian and the injury of others. A man was also killed as a result of the intensive shelling by the Syria Democratic Forces on areas in Al-Raqqah city last night.

The Grand Battle of Al-Raqqah ends its 1st month by killing about 650 persons more than two thirds of them are Syrian civilians

0SOHR, 06/07/2017

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights calls for opening safe corridors for getting civilians out of Al-Raqqah city, and warns the International Coalition of bombing civilians under any pretext what so ever.

It has been a month since the launch of the Grand Battle of Al-Raqqah and yet its objective – taking control of Al-Raqqah city, which is considered the capital and the main stronghold of the “Islamic State” organization in Syria – has not been achieved yet. It has been a month of fierce battles and military operations in the city, its walls and outskirts and at the southern banks of the Euphrates; a month that left scores of civilian casualties who have been caught up in that bloody conflict.

The SOHR has been monitoring the Battle and observed that the Syria Democratic Forces and the Syrian Elite Forces backed up by the US Special Forces with the support of the International Coalition warplanes managed to take control of  the neighborhoods of Al-Mashlab and Al-Sinaa and most of Al-Hal Market, advance to the outskirts of Hisham Ben Abdel Malik neighborhood, take control of huge parts of Al-Batani neighborhood and reach the outskirts of al-Rmylah  neighborhood in the eastern part of the city. In addition, they managed to take control of parts of Division 17, which is considered the main northern defense line of Al-Raqqah city. The SDF were also able to take control of Jazrah and Al-Herqliyyeh suburbs, Al-Romaniya and Al-Sabahiya neighborhoods, and parts of Hutteen and Al-Bareed neighborhoods. The “Euphrates Wrath” Operation Forces backed by the International Coalition, on the other hand, managed to enter the Old City and take control of an area of 200 meters extending from the Old City walls towards its west. Finally, the SDF successfully encircled the city, besieging it in order to tighten the grip on ISIS.

Such advancements and clashes were accompanied by explosions of booby-trapped vehicles and bombardments by ISIS and shelling by the International Coalition warplanes and the “Euphrates Wrath” Operation Forces. And with each targeting, more material damages and destruction were caused in the infrastructure of the City, including hospitals, public utilities, service institutions, residential buildings and citizens’ houses. And with each targeting fell more civilian casualties, who were caught up in a city facing death and daily killings with missiles, shells, bombs, bombings, clashes and snipers’ bullets.

The SOHR continued to follow up on, observe and document the situation in Al-Raqqah city, including battles, advancements, attacks, destruction, and daily killings of more and more civilians, the fatalities among whom rose to at least 224 including an SOHR activist. 224 represent the number of Syrian civilians whose death has been documented by the SOHR since the 5th of June 2017 until dawn today, the 6th of July. Fatalities included at least 38 children below the age of 18 and 28 female citizens above 18. In addition, airstrikes left hundreds of civilians injured, with various degrees of severity, some of whom had their limbs amputated, some were left with permanent disabilities and some are still in a critical condition, which means that the death toll is still likely to rise. Moreover, the intensive shelling that targeted the city, its surroundings and outskirts destroyed tens of houses and public utilities. 

On the other hand, at least 311 ISIS elements, including local commanders and group commanders, were killed as a result of the airstrikes carried out by the International Coalition warplanes, the intensive shelling on Al-Raqqah city and its outskirts, and the military operations carried out by the “Euphrates Wrath” Operation Forces which consist of the Syria Democratic Forces and the Syrian Elite Forces backed by the US Special Forces with the support of the International Coalition warplanes. Confirmed information was also reported about the death of more elements and the injury of tens of others.

In addition, the SOHR documented the death of 106 fighters of the “Euphrates Wrath” Operation Forces, including two of the Syrian Elite Forces and the rest are among the SDF, which are formed from fighters of YPG and Al-Manbij Military Council, who died in bombings, shelling and clashes with ISIS in Al-Raqqah city and at the southern banks of the Euphrates. 

US-led coalition airstrike kills 10 civilians in Hasakah

by Loaa Adel Jul 4, 2017, 4:54 pm

Hasakah (Syria News)--

 Ten civilians were killed, while several others were wounded in an air strike, carried out by the international coalition air force, on the southern countryside of Hasakah.

Qasioun News reported, on Tuesday, that the US-led international coalition carried out an air strike on al-Zayanat Village near Markda Town, in the southern countryside of Hasakah, killing 10 civilians, belonging to one family, and wounding several others.

The international coalition directly bombed the civilians’ houses, causing severe damage to the area.

It is noteworthy that the Islamic State group is controlling Markda Town, south of Hasakah since 2014, while thousands of civilians were killed by coalition air strikes that target the terrorist group in Syria.

***

The following are news stories from the US Department of Defense website (http://www.defense.gov/News) :

***

US-Led Strikes Continue in Effort to Defeat ISIS in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 9, 2017 —

 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 25 strikes consisting of 75 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 18 strikes consisting of 26 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIS oil separator tanks, two oil tankers and a wellhead.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed 11 ISIS oil stills, three oil-still tanks, three oil tankers, an oil separator tank, a wellhead, and a pump jack.

-- Near Raqqa, 12 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positions, two vehicles, a front-end loader, an ISIS communications tower and communications equipment.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 49 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Huwayjah, one strike destroyed an ISIS fuel point.

-- Near Beiji, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a tactical vehicle and a bunker.

-- Near Kisik, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Mosul, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, six improvised bombs, four medium machine guns, three staging areas, two rocket-propelled grenade systems and a vehicle-borne-bomb facility; and damaged six fighting positions.

-- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed a vehicle-borne bomb.

Additional July 7 Strikes

Officials today also announced results of nine July 7 strikes for which details were unavailable at the time of yesterday's update:

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, a strike destroyed an ISIS media facility.

-- Near Raqqa, Syria, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, an improvised-bomb factory and a vehicle-borne bomb; and damaged 15 fighting positions.

-- Near Mosul, Iraq, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed four medium machine guns, four fighting positions, four garages, three ISIS-held buildings, two vehicles and a weapons cache and damaged four fighting positions and two garages.

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 8, 2017 —

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 24 strikes consisting of 30 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed three ISIS oil-refinement stills, nine oil barrels and a storage tank.

-- Near Shadaddi, a strike destroyed two ISIS oil-refinement stills and two oil barrels.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed two ISIS oil-refinement stills, two vehicles, two oil tankers and a front-end loader.

-- Near Raqqa, 18 strikes engaged 16 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 17 fighting positions, two vehicles and a tunnel.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of 46 engagements against ISIS targets yesterday:

-- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three vehicles.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 19 fighting positions, 10 medium machine guns, two weapon caches, an artillery system and a rocket-propelled-grenade system; damaged 13 fighting positions; and suppressed a mortar system.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike destroyed a front-end loader.

July 5-6 Strikes

Additionally, officials reported today that 13 strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on July 5-6 for which the information was unavailable at the time of yesterday's update:

-- On July 5 near Mosul, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 13 medium machine guns, four rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, four improvised bombs, three fighting positions, a sniper position, an ISIS-held building, a tank, a vehicle, a command-and-control node and a weapons cache; damaged 15 fighting positions; and suppressed a sniper team.

-- On July 5 near Raqqa, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed a fighting position, a front-end loader and an unmanned aerial system launch site; and suppressed 17 fighting positions and a sniper team.

-- On July 6 near Mosul, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position, a medium machine gun and a command-and-control node; and damaged two supply routes.

-- On July 6, near Raqqa, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions, a recoilless rifle, a weapons cache and an ISIS-held building.

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 7, 2017 —

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 22 strikes consisting of 28 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed 14 ISIS construction items and three oil storage tanks.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, 11 strikes destroyed 35 ISIS oil refinement stills, 14 construction items, 10 oil trucks, three oil storage tanks and three wellheads.

-- Near Raqqa, nine strikes engaged nine ISIS tactical units and destroyed seven fighting positons, an ISIS headquarters and a vehicle bomb.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 12 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Baghdad, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a supply cache.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed a fighting position, damaged a fighting position, and suppressed a mortar system.

-- Near Rawah, two strikes destroyed an ISIS-held building and a tactical vehicle.

July 5 Strikes

Additionally, six strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on July 5 that closed within the last 24 hours:

-- On July 5 near Kisik, Iraq, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and a sniper team.

-- On July 5 near Raqqa, Syria, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, a sniper position and a heavy machine gun.

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 6, 2017 —

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 29 strikes consisting of 33 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Shadaddi, two strikes destroyed five ISIS-held buildings, a command-and-control node and a vehicle-bomb-making facility.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes destroyed 34 ISIS oil barrels, eight oil stills, five construction items, five oil trucks, four front-end loaders, three oil storage tanks, an oil distillation tank and a wellhead.

-- Near Raqqa, 21 strikes engaged 15 ISIS tactical units and destroyed 13 fighting positons, two vehicles, two heavy machine guns, a front-end loader, an unmanned aerial vehicle site and a sniper position.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted five strikes consisting of 60 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two staging areas and a vehicle.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 19 fighting positions, 15 medium machine guns, three staging areas, three improvised bombs, an excavator, a mortar system, a rocket-propelled grenade system and a supply cache; and damaged three fighting positions.

-- Near Rawah, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a staging area, a vehicle storage facility, a weapons cache and a vehicle.

July 3-4 Strikes

Additionally, 14 strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on July 3-4 that closed within the last 24 hours:

-- On July 3 near Raqqa, Syria, a strike destroyed eight ISIS fighting positions and a vehicle-bomb factory and damaged 10 fighting positions.

-- On July 4 near Hawl, Syria, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a command-and-control node and a staging area.

-- On July 4 near Dayr Az Zawr, Syria, five strikes destroyed four ISIS oil separators, four oil storage tanks, two wellheads, two oil pipe junctions, an oil still and a refinery.

-- On July 4 near Raqqa, Syria, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed a vehicle, a vehicle bomb and an improvised bomb.

-- On July 4 near Mosul, Iraq, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed two mortar systems and damaged five supply routes.

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 4, 2017 —

U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 25 strikes consisting of 85 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Operation Inherent Resolve - Targeted Operations Against ISIS Terrorists U.S. Central Command continues to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. Download Image Image details page

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 31 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed an ISIS wellhead.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike destroyed an ISIS wellhead.

-- Near Raqqah, 15 strikes engaged 10 ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, three mortar systems, two sections of wall, two vehicles, an anti-air artillery system, a heavy machine gun, and an explosives cache; damaged five ISIS supply routes; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted eight strikes consisting of 54 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Al Huwayjah, a strike destroyed three car bomb storage facilities.

-- Near Al Qaim, two strikes destroyed two oil storage tanks and an ISIS command and control node.

-- Near Kirkuk, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle, a staging area and a supply cache.

-- Near Mosul, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 21 fighting positions, six medium machine guns, three rocket-propelled grenade systems, and an artillery system; and damaged five fighting positions.

-- Near Rawah, two strikes destroyed a mortar system.

Previously Unreported

Additionally, nine previously unreported strikes were conducted in Syria and Iraq on July 2.

-- Near Al Shadaddi, Syria, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed four ISIS-held buildings and a command and control node.

-- Near Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two car bombs, an ISIS communications tower, and a fighting position; and damaged 32 fighting positions.

-- Near Kisik, Iraq, a strike destroyed a vehicle and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Mosul, Iraq, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven medium machine guns, five fighting positions, five roadside bombs, and a weapons cache; damaged two fighting positions; and suppressed a sniper team.

***

Share the link of this article with your facebook friends