Russian airstrikes killed dozens of Turkish-backed fighters in Syria’s northwest Idlib province on Monday. The strike targeted a camp for Faylaq al-Sham, one of the larger Turkish backed groups in Idlib.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 78 fighters were killed, and more than 90 were wounded in the airstrikes.
Turkey sent thousands of fighters into Idlib earlier this year to halt a Syrian government offensive to retake Idlib, which is mostly controlled by Hayat Tahir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda affiliate formerly known as al-Nusra Front.
Russia and Turkey brokered a ceasefire in March to halt the violence in Idlib. While there has been shelling and minor offensives by both sides, the ceasefire has held relatively well. Monday’s airstrikes appear to be the largest Russian operations since the truce was reached.
Last week, the US carried out a drone strike in Idlib that killed 17 al-Qaeda-linked fighters and six civilians. According to the SOHR, the US strike killed former members of HTS who sided with Hurras al-Din, another al-Qaeda affiliate that recently split from HTS.
The US Joint Special Operations Command, with help from the CIA, is waging a covert drone war against Hurras al-Din in Idlib. The US also supports Turkey in its efforts against the Syrian government.
Turkey does not outright back HTS, but Ankara has coordinated closely with the al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib, and Turkish-backed fighters have fought alongside the group.
Russia is there at the invitation of the President of Syria, Assad. Full stop.
Israel/US worst case outcome is peace. It’s necessary to keep the war hot to prevent Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah from consolidating Assad in power.
Assad is not the legal president of Syria. He will soon be removed.
“The US Joint Special Operations Command, with help from the CIA, is waging a covert drone war against Hurras al-Din in Idlib.”
Thank you so much CIA. Tonight I can go to bed knowing that one of those Hurras al-Din won’t be breaking into my house. I didn’t even know they existed until now but I’m sure they are a major threat to the homeland.
Hurras al-Din is rebranded Al Qaeda, so CIA backed. CIA is chasing its own tail using profitable MIC munitions. Maybe HaD is threatening the CIA’s poppy fields.
Ironic that USA is supporting ISIS in Syria, meanwhile in Afghanistan, USA is assisting the mortal enemy of more than two decades, Taliban, in exterminating ISIS. Meanwhile still doing business with the bin Laden family, as if nothing at all happened on 9/11/2001.
No need to ask me why I disbelieve the Covid narrative or that the 2020 election will change anything.
Nothing DID happen on 9/11 that Arab terrorists were involved in.
Al Qaeda => Jabhat al Nusra => Hayyat Tahrir al Sham
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Hurras ad Din.
The only dispute between HaD and HTS is who is more pure al Qaeda.
Hmmm.
Not easy to keep up with who-is-who in militant groups in Syria.
But it is important to stay away from political gossip — the only name I come up with for passing on unverified information.
In Idlib conflict there are only TWO groupings to consider, and Syrian Observatory is not a good source of information.
HTS, former Nusra Front — aka Al-Qaeda, and its affiliated groups.
Independent militants that came from other parts of Syria under various deals. They are under pressure to EITHER BECOME LOYAL TO HTS, or SURRENDER TO TURKEY.
Group like Faylaq Al Sham are large enough to straddle both sides. In fact, look up the list if their (sometimes) allies and (sometimes) enemies to get an idea. In fact, they complained that their leaders cut a deal with Turkey, without notifying soldiers.
The result — the group sometimes joined Turkish military operations — but keep their ties to HTS.
Turkey tolerated this to a point. Turkey essentially expects “joining”, a fine name for surrender, where new uniforms are given, and new commanders appointed. If groups cannot commit — they do not get paid.
This is the case with this group. Essentially, wants to stay independent, and try to get Turkish funds as well as HTS, and commanders get a cut in humanitarian aid.
Look at the case of group US targeted. They are called “Al-Qaeda”, to make American operation sound whole some.
And what is really the sin this group committed?
IT SAYS CLEARLY – IT HAS SPLIT FROM HTS.
This is already umpteen such US operation to PUNISH those that try to get away from HTS.
And why is US so protective of HTS?
It is because Idlib would go under Government control if the SYRIAN GROUPS ABANDON HTS. HTS has bern from day one UK and US funded outfit — funded legally through White Helmets. Puff pieces on White Helmets are cropping up in UK.
But HTS cannot stay holdout in Idlib till the end — and cannot have a say in political process UNLESS IT CAN KEEP SYRIAN MILITANTS LOYAL AND NOT SURRENDER TO TURKEY.
Contrary to typical gossip — Turkey did not come in to stop Damascus offensive. It used the offensive as an excuse to move its military and SEAL OFF any attempts by any group to push civilians into Turkey. “Refugee crisis” was the clarion call. Western media went crazy over any military action in Idlib.
Thus — peace deal was cut, and many groups crossed overto Turkey, Even though HTS holds territory — they have less and less soldiers.
In fact — hopefully noticed — Turkey removed two check points. Basically, protection those afforded to militants that are sitting in the fence -. Is over.
I hope it is clear just how ridiculous is the assertion that Turkey collaborates with HTS – the outfit that attacks groups that criss over to Turkey, and the group that is responsible for killing its soldiers on M-4 patrols.
The real story bere is — why is US targeting groups and leaders that try to split from HTS, And then call them Al-Qaeda!
Turkey should come to their rescue — and if Faylaq Al-Sham is ready to give up their group structure and leadership — they can join Turkish units. Otherwise, they will remain legitimate target. Sitting on the fence is getting hard in Idlib.
In Syria, the 800 pound gorilla with a yarmulke is Israel.
Destabilizing Assad to secure the stolen Golan Heights and its petroleum reserves. Lebensraum for Zionist settlers.
When ISIS was stealing oil from Iraq, it was transited via Turkey to Haifa. Erdogan, the new Ottoman emperor, has a working relationship with Tel Aviv.
SOHR is the source. British spooks.
Russia has stepped up bombing recently and have targeted assembly points for fighters traveling into Azerbaijan.
What it comes down to is this one simple fact, EVERY nation should be permitted to fight an “enemy” within their own borders ONLY; when you enter another nation without their asking you to come – you have illegally invaded that nation unless a full declaration of war is made.
Good job, Russia !
I read somewhere that Russia bombed a refinery and oil smuggling hub.The oil is being smuggled through this hub to Turkey. It’s said the Russians also bombed tanker trucks there which are used for the smuggling business.
Good.