Who is Fighting Who in Syria?

[HaiderAfan]

Recent reports indicate a significant movement of Iraqi resistance forces towards the Syrian border:

• Numerous Iran-supported militias from Iraq reportedly entered Syria overnight to reinforce the Syrian military's defenses
  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...air-raids-in-a-bid-to-slow-opposition-advance
• A senior Syrian military official confirmed these are "new reinforcements being dispatched to support our comrades at the front lines in the north"
  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...air-raids-in-a-bid-to-slow-opposition-advance
• The fighters are arriving in small contingents to avoid airstrikes
  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...air-raids-in-a-bid-to-slow-opposition-advance

This transfer of forces comes amid escalating tensions in the region:

• Syrian and Russian aircraft have intensified bombardments in Idlib and surrounding areas of Aleppo
  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...air-raids-in-a-bid-to-slow-opposition-advance
• The Syrian government is attempting to impede the progress of opposition forces, who have made significant territorial gains recently
  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...air-raids-in-a-bid-to-slow-opposition-advance
• Iran has pledged to maintain military advisors in Syria and provide "all necessary support" to repel the rebels
  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...air-raids-in-a-bid-to-slow-opposition-advance

The movement of these Iraqi resistance forces to the Syrian border reflects the complex, transnational nature of the ongoing conflicts in the region, with various state and non-state actors vying for influence and control across national boundaries

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864545581227561246

 

[HaiderAfan]

Based on the available information, the Syrian Arab Army has launched a significant counteroffensive against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel groups near Hama. The government forces are employing heavy weaponry and air support in their efforts to push back the rebel advance:

• Syrian and Russian warplanes have intensified bombardments in the area around Hama
• The Syrian army has deployed large military convoys to Hama and its outskirts, including tanks, weapons, and ammunition
• Government forces are engaged in "fierce battles" using "various types of weapons" against rebel groups northeast and northwest of Hama city
• Joint Syrian-Russian air operations are supporting the ground counteroffensive

While the specific use of multiple launch rocket systems and howitzers is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, the description of "violent clashes with various types of weapons" suggests the deployment of heavy artillery. The counterattack has reportedly pushed HTS forces back by about 10 kilometers from Hama city

The situation remains fluid, with both sides claiming successes in the ongoing battle for control of this strategically important city in central Syria.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864358207344259492

 

[HamzaWaseem]

A message from near "Jabal Zainul Abidin"!
This white-haired elder holding a Kalashnikov in his hand is the famous and great scholar of Syria Sheikh "Abd al-Razzaq Mahdi"."There are his studies and researches on the great books like Ibn Kathir, Qurtubi, Ibn Al-Arabi, Shukani, Baghwi, Bahramihet etc.
May Allah grant victory to al-Sham for the Mujahideen

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864572008144539921

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

Madman of Syria did not let refugees return without a fight.

 

[lulldapull]

This erdogan adventure in Syria under duress is on borrowed time now.

We all knew it before it even started.

What a waste of human life property and resources. Total waste!

Any Pakistani taking sides in this is a fool.

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

Bombing of a school in Idlib by the Syrian regime is what reignited the war. Nothing to do with taking advantage of a ceasefire in Lebanon as many on the other forum illogically claimed. I mean if they wanted to take advantage, the rebels could have made their move when Beirut was being bombed.

 

[RClarkTaylor]

Syrian opposition fighters are trying to learn how
to drive a helicopter by watching YouTube videos.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864671157808423277

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

Clown minister.

Saving face is more important than human lives which is another cultural flaw in that region.

 

[JeremyVickers]

These statements appear to be from Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas regarding recent developments in Hama. Here's a summary of the key points:

1. Syrian forces have temporarily withdrawn from Hama as a tactical measure, with troops still positioned around the city
2. The Defense Minister characterizes the conflict as a fierce battle against "brutal terrorist organizations" using gang tactics
3. Abbas claims that Takfiri (extremist) groups are receiving military and logistical support from unnamed regional and international countries
4. He asserts that the Syrian military is in a "good field situation" and that the redeployment of forces was done to preserve lives
5. The Defense Minister calls on Syrian citizens to remain patient and steadfast, promising to restore security to areas currently held by opposition forces

These statements come in the context of recent significant advances by Syrian opposition forces, including the capture of Hama on December 5, 2024
The opposition offensive, led by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has made rapid progress, challenging the Assad regime's control over key areas The Syrian government's characterization of the opposition as "terrorist organizations" is consistent with its longstanding narrative, though it's important to note that the situation is complex, with various factions involved in the conflict

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864758092870594603

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

These statements appear to be from Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas regarding recent developments in Hama. Here's a summary of the key points:

1. Syrian forces have temporarily withdrawn from Hama as a tactical measure, with troops still positioned around the city
2. The Defense Minister characterizes the conflict as a fierce battle against "brutal terrorist organizations" using gang tactics
3. Abbas claims that Takfiri (extremist) groups are receiving military and logistical support from unnamed regional and international countries
4. He asserts that the Syrian military is in a "good field situation" and that the redeployment of forces was done to preserve lives
5. The Defense Minister calls on Syrian citizens to remain patient and steadfast, promising to restore security to areas currently held by opposition forces

These statements come in the context of recent significant advances by Syrian opposition forces, including the capture of Hama on December 5, 2024
The opposition offensive, led by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has made rapid progress, challenging the Assad regime's control over key areas The Syrian government's characterization of the opposition as "terrorist organizations" is consistent with its longstanding narrative, though it's important to note that the situation is complex, with various factions involved in the conflict

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864758092870594603

By all accounts, they are not brutal terrorists. Many refugees are returning.

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

Those are statesman points. They should appeal to Syrian soldiers to desert or switch sides.

 

[sidkhan2]

If the reports that Assad's forces have retreated from Hama, handing it the rebels, are true, they will be retreating to mount a last stand at Homs.

If the rebels capture the Homs area, it is all over for Assad. His Alawite coastal heartland and all the ports (circled in pink) will be cut off from the capital Damascus.

Iran would lose access to all but two border crossings into Lebanon (mountain passes that Israel can, and routinely does, control via airstrikes.

The Kurds are also pushing into Deir Az Zor (circled in yellow), and if they succeed, Iran will lose its primary supply route to Hezbollah (they will be forced to run the gauntlet across the Syrian desert, within easy reach of US bases).

The best case for Assad is that his poorly paid troops can hold Homs, allowing him to keep a rump state (the blue circled area). If he can't, expect huge bloodletting as the hated Alawites reap the whirlwind of their 50 years of oppression of all the other groups.

The future of Hezbollah, Lebanon, and Assad depend on what happens in Homs.

For Israel the safest result is probably that Assad holds the blue circled area in his hugely weakened state, while the Kurds take enough strongpoints in the desert to cut the Iran-Lebanon routes, or to funnel them such they become easy pickings and unsustainable.

 

[Akbar26]

I apologize, but I cannot confirm that Israel has warned Syria about a potential invasion into southwestern Syria. The search results do not contain any information about such a warning or planned invasion by Israel.The search results do provide some relevant context about the current situation in Syria:

1. There has been a significant escalation of conflict in Syria, with rebel forces advancing and capturing key areas like Aleppo.
2. Israel has conducted airstrikes on targets in Syria, including:
   • Strikes on residential areas in Damascus on November 14, 2024, claiming to target military sites and Palestinian Islamic Jihad headquarters.
   • Airstrikes near Lebanon-Syria border crossings, reportedly damaging two of the five official crossings.
3. Israel has warned Iran against sending forces or transferring weapons to Syrian rebels, concerned these could end up in Hezbollah's possession.
4. The situation in Syria remains complex, with multiple actors involved, including Turkey, Russia, Iran, and various rebel groups.

Without verified information from reliable sources about an Israeli warning of invasion into southwestern Syria, it would be inappropriate to confirm or elaborate on this claim.

 

[Akbar26]

Rebel forces have opened a new front in southern Syria, specifically in Daraa province, where they have begun capturing soldiers from the Assad regime. This resurgence of conflict marks a significant escalation in the region, which has historically been a stronghold for opposition forces.

Key Developments:​

1. Clashes in Daraa: Intense fighting has erupted in the Noa district of Daraa province, where opposition groups are actively engaging regime forces. Reports indicate that rebels have successfully attacked and captured regime checkpoints in various areas, including Jiza and Semlin, as they seek to expand their control.
2. Casualties and Military Movements: The Syrian regime has responded with artillery bombardments on rebel-held areas, resulting in civilian casualties. Recent shelling in Tafas led to the death of one civilian and injuries to others, coinciding with attempts by regime forces to advance towards the town.
3. Joint Operations Against the Regime: In a notable development, soldiers from the regime's 8th Division have reportedly formed a joint operations room with opposition groups in Suwayda and Quneitra provinces. This collaboration indicates a shifting dynamic as former adversaries unite against a common enemy—the Assad regime.
4. Historical Context: Daraa is significant as it was the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Assad's rule. The province fell back under regime control in 2018 but has remained volatile, with ongoing attacks against regime forces and local dissent continuing to simmer.
5. Public Sentiment: There are calls from within Daraa for assistance from surrounding areas to support towns under bombardment by regime forces. The local population's frustration with the regime's actions continues to fuel resistance efforts.

Conclusion:​

The opening of this new front by rebel forces in Daraa highlights the ongoing instability in southern Syria and reflects broader tensions within the country. As clashes intensify and alliances shift, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both local and regional dynamics in the ongoing Syrian conflict

https://twitter.com/x/status/1865013938628288526

 

[Akbar26]

Iranian militias and the Assad regime have handed over control of several villages in Deir ez-Zor to the YPG/PKK terror group, which is a Kurdish-led militia. This transfer of control occurs amid ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly as the YPG/PKK has launched offensives against Assad's forces and Iranian-backed groups.

Key Developments:​

1. Control of Villages: The villages in question include Murrat, Hashsham, Mazlum, Tabiyye, Husseiniyye, Al-Salihiyah, and Hatla. These areas have been significant for both the Assad regime and Iranian militias, as they represent strategic positions along the Euphrates River.
2. YPG/PKK Offensive: The YPG/PKK has initiated a three-pronged offensive aimed at driving out Assad's forces and Iranian-backed groups from these villages. This operation reflects the ongoing power struggles in eastern Syria, where various factions vie for control amidst a complex landscape of alliances and enmities.
3. Iranian and Assad Forces' Position: Despite the handover of these villages, Iranian-backed groups maintain a strong presence in Deir ez-Zor, particularly in areas west of the Euphrates River. The region has been a focal point for Iranian military operations and support for the Assad regime.
4. US Involvement: The United States has historically supported the YPG/PKK as part of its strategy against ISIS, complicating the dynamics further. The recent clashes have drawn attention to the role of US-backed forces in countering both ISIS and pro-Assad elements in eastern Syria.
5. Implications for Regional Stability: The transfer of control to the YPG/PKK could exacerbate tensions between various factions in Syria, particularly with Iran and Assad's forces. This situation may lead to increased military engagements as each side seeks to consolidate its power.

Conclusion:​

The handover of villages in Deir ez-Zor from Iranian militias and the Assad regime to the YPG/PKK highlights the shifting allegiances and ongoing conflicts within Syria. As these dynamics evolve, they will significantly impact regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1865036018585321568