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| combatant1 = {{flag|Syria}} |
| combatant1 = {{flag|Syria}} |
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* {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
* {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
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{{flag|Russia}} <small>(since 24 June)</small><ref name=ReutersFirst/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Russian-jets-strike-rebel-held-town-in-Syria-560705|title=Russian jets strike rebel held town in Syria|publisher=Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russia-officially-enters-southwest-syria-offensive-despite-us-warnings/|title=Russia officially enters southwest Syria offensive despite US warnings|date=24 June 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref><br>{{flag|Iran}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/syrian-army-steps-up-attacks-in-southwest-jordan-concerned-1.6196728|title=Syrian Army Steps Up Attacks in Southwest, Jordan Concerned|date=20 June 2018|publisher=|accessdate=22 June 2018|via=Haaretz}}</ref><ref name="Iranian involvement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/06/confirmed-first-evidence-of-iranian-controlled-militia-involvement-in-southern-syria.php |title=Confirmed: First evidence of Iranian-controlled militia involvement in southern Syria |author=Caleb Weiss |work=[[Long War Journal]] |date=27 June 2018 |accessdate=30 June 2018 }}</ref><br/>''Allied militias:''<br/>[[File:Emblem of the Palestine Liberation Army.svg|21px]] [[Palestine Liberation Army]]<br>[[File:Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg|18px]] [[Liwa al-Quds]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/assad-regime-iran-prepare-for-operation-in-sw-syria/1178887|title=Assad regime, Iran prepare for operation in SW Syria|publisher=Anadolu Agency}}</ref><br>{{Flagicon image|Shiism arabic blue.svg}} [[Private militias in Iraq|Iraqi Shiite militias]]<ref name="Iranian involvement"/><br/>{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} [[Hezbollah]] {{small|(rebel claim)}}<ref name="assad offensive">{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/06/assad-offensive-creeps-closer-to-southwest-syria-ceasefire-zone.php |title=Assad offensive creeps closer to southwest Syria ceasefire zone |author1=Alexandra Gutowski |author2=Caleb Weiss |work=[[Long War Journal]] |date=24 June 2018 |accessdate=30 June 2018 }} |
{{flag|Russia}} <small>(since 24 June)</small><ref name=ReutersFirst/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Russian-jets-strike-rebel-held-town-in-Syria-560705|title=Russian jets strike rebel held town in Syria|publisher=Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russia-officially-enters-southwest-syria-offensive-despite-us-warnings/|title=Russia officially enters southwest Syria offensive despite US warnings|date=24 June 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref><br>{{flag|Iran}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/syrian-army-steps-up-attacks-in-southwest-jordan-concerned-1.6196728|title=Syrian Army Steps Up Attacks in Southwest, Jordan Concerned|date=20 June 2018|publisher=|accessdate=22 June 2018|via=Haaretz}}</ref><ref name="Iranian involvement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/06/confirmed-first-evidence-of-iranian-controlled-militia-involvement-in-southern-syria.php |title=Confirmed: First evidence of Iranian-controlled militia involvement in southern Syria |author=Caleb Weiss |work=[[Long War Journal]] |date=27 June 2018 |accessdate=30 June 2018 }}</ref><br/>''Allied militias:''<br/>[[File:Emblem of the Palestine Liberation Army.svg|21px]] [[Palestine Liberation Army]]<br>[[File:Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg|18px]] [[Liwa al-Quds]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/assad-regime-iran-prepare-for-operation-in-sw-syria/1178887|title=Assad regime, Iran prepare for operation in SW Syria|publisher=Anadolu Agency}}</ref><br>{{Flagicon image|Shiism arabic blue.svg}} [[Private militias in Iraq|Iraqi Shiite militias]]<ref name="Iranian involvement"/><br/>{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} [[Hezbollah]] {{small|(rebel claim)}}<ref name="assad offensive">{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/06/assad-offensive-creeps-closer-to-southwest-syria-ceasefire-zone.php |title=Assad offensive creeps closer to southwest Syria ceasefire zone |author1=Alexandra Gutowski |author2=Caleb Weiss |work=[[Long War Journal]] |date=24 June 2018 |accessdate=30 June 2018 }}</ref> |
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| combatant2 = {{flagdeco|Syrian opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]] |
| combatant2 = {{flagdeco|Syrian opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]] |
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* {{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png}} [[Southern Front (Syrian rebel group)|Southern Front]] |
* {{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png}} [[Southern Front (Syrian rebel group)|Southern Front]] |
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* [[Army of Free Tribes]] |
* [[Army of Free Tribes]] |
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{{flagdeco|Syrian opposition}} Gathering of Revolutionaries of Mahajah<br> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg}} [[Tahrir al-Sham]]<ref name="Jihadists rally">{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/06/jihadists-try-to-rally-opposition-in-southern-syria.php |title=Jihadists try to rally opposition in southern Syria |author=Thomas Joscelyn |work=[[Long War Journal]] |date=27 June 2018 |accessdate=30 June 2018 }}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Alwiya al-Furqan|Criterion Brigades]]<ref name=warns>{{cite web|url=http://www.shaam.org/news/syria-news/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%B0%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%83-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A.html|title=A Free Army commander warns of upcoming battles in southern Syria|work=Shaam News Network|date=15 June 2018}}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|Logo of Jaysh al-Islam.jpg}} [[Jaysh al-Islam]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2018/06/assads-forces-fail-to-advance-in-the-al-lajat-region-in-daraa-governorate/ |title=Assad's Forces Fail to Advance in the Al-Lajat Region in Daraa Governorate |publisher=English.enabbaladi.net |date=17 May 2018 |accessdate=23 June 2018}}</ref> |
{{flagicon image|Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg}} [[Tahrir al-Sham]]<ref name="Jihadists rally">{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/06/jihadists-try-to-rally-opposition-in-southern-syria.php |title=Jihadists try to rally opposition in southern Syria |author=Thomas Joscelyn |work=[[Long War Journal]] |date=27 June 2018 |accessdate=30 June 2018 }}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Alwiya al-Furqan|Criterion Brigades]]<ref name=warns>{{cite web|url=http://www.shaam.org/news/syria-news/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%B0%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%83-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A.html|title=A Free Army commander warns of upcoming battles in southern Syria|work=Shaam News Network|date=15 June 2018}}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|Logo of Jaysh al-Islam.jpg}} [[Jaysh al-Islam]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2018/06/assads-forces-fail-to-advance-in-the-al-lajat-region-in-daraa-governorate/ |title=Assad's Forces Fail to Advance in the Al-Lajat Region in Daraa Governorate |publisher=English.enabbaladi.net |date=17 May 2018 |accessdate=23 June 2018}}</ref> |
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| commander1 = {{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. [[Suheil al-Hassan]]<br>({{small|Tiger Forces}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Col. Ghiath Dalla<ref name=b42>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saas-42nd-brigade-redeploys-from-golan-region-to-east-daraa/|title=SAA's 42nd Brigade redeploys from Golan region to east Daraa|date=18 June 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref><br>({{small|42nd Armoured Brigade}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Wajdi Abu Thalith <small>(Former Omari Brigades Commander, Defected)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1310266/syria-5-commanders-20-members-regime-forces-killed-east-daraa|title=Syria: 5 Commanders, 20 Members of Regime Forces Killed East Daraa|first=Asharq|last=Al-awsat|website=aawsat.com}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. "Abu Yaroub" Sami Fayiz al-Muhithawi{{KIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Muhammad Naiouf<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/1012746667135852544|title=Ivan Sidorenko on Twitter|publisher=}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Maj. Gen. Imad Adnan Ibrahim <small>(Republican Guard)</small>{{KIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Maj. Gen. Yusuf Mohammad Ali <small>(Republican Guard)</small>{{KIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Kamal Sarim {{WIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Major Duraid Awad<br>[[File:Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg|18px]] Col. Shady Agha |
| commander1 = {{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. [[Suheil al-Hassan]]<br>({{small|Tiger Forces}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Col. Ghiath Dalla<ref name=b42>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saas-42nd-brigade-redeploys-from-golan-region-to-east-daraa/|title=SAA's 42nd Brigade redeploys from Golan region to east Daraa|date=18 June 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref><br>({{small|42nd Armoured Brigade}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Wajdi Abu Thalith <small>(Former Omari Brigades Commander, Defected)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1310266/syria-5-commanders-20-members-regime-forces-killed-east-daraa|title=Syria: 5 Commanders, 20 Members of Regime Forces Killed East Daraa|first=Asharq|last=Al-awsat|website=aawsat.com}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. "Abu Yaroub" Sami Fayiz al-Muhithawi{{KIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Muhammad Naiouf<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/1012746667135852544|title=Ivan Sidorenko on Twitter|publisher=}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Maj. Gen. Imad Adnan Ibrahim <small>(Republican Guard)</small>{{KIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Maj. Gen. Yusuf Mohammad Ali <small>(Republican Guard)</small>{{KIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Kamal Sarim {{WIA}}<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Major Duraid Awad<br>[[File:Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg|18px]] Col. Shady Agha |
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| commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Muhammad Majid al-Khatib<ref name=warns/><br>({{small|Criterion Brigades}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} "Abu Hatem" Rakan al-Khadir<br>({{small|Army of Free Tribes}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Abu Ayham ({{small|Army of Free Tribes}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/united-states-tells-syrian-rebels-it-will-not-intervene-southern-syria-1262798413|title='You're on your own': US tells Syrian rebels it will not intervene in south|publisher=Middle East Eye}} |
| commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Muhammad Majid al-Khatib<ref name=warns/><br>({{small|Criterion Brigades}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} "Abu Hatem" Rakan al-Khadir<br>({{small|Army of Free Tribes}})<br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Abu Ayham ({{small|Army of Free Tribes}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/united-states-tells-syrian-rebels-it-will-not-intervene-southern-syria-1262798413|title='You're on your own': US tells Syrian rebels it will not intervene in south|publisher=Middle East Eye}}</ref> |
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| units1 = {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
| units1 = {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
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* {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Army]] |
* {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Army]] |
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*[[Youth of Sunna Forces]] |
*[[Youth of Sunna Forces]] |
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*Fallujah Horan Brigade |
*Fallujah Horan Brigade |
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*[[Lions of Sunna Brigade]] |
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*Central Operations Room<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/6807|title=Central military operations room in south of Syria|work=Syria Call|date=20 June 2018}}</ref> |
*Central Operations Room<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/6807|title=Central military operations room in south of Syria|work=Syria Call|date=20 June 2018}}</ref> |
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** {{flagicon image|Bunyan al-Marsous.png}} Bunyan al-Marsous Operations Room |
** {{flagicon image|Bunyan al-Marsous.png}} Bunyan al-Marsous Operations Room |
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Line 68: | Line 68: | ||
* Liwa al-Fatah |
* Liwa al-Fatah |
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| strength1 = 30,000 |
| strength1 = 30,000 |
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| strength2 = {{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png}} 30,000<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg}} several hundred<ref> |
| strength2 = {{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png}} 30,000<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg}} several hundred<ref>https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rebels-southern-syria-112108068.html?guccounter=1</ref> |
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| casualties1 = |
| casualties1 = 123 killed<ref name="casu">[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=96797 The regime forces target Tafas town in conjunction with a cautious calm all over Daraa, and more casualties raise regime’s death toll to about 210 since the start of the military operation]</ref> |
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| casualties2 = 84 killed<ref name="casu"/><br> 450+ surrendered<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syrian-army-makes-advances-in-southwest-offensive-10481212|title=Syrian army makes advances in southwest offensive|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-over-450-rebels-surrender-to-syrian-army-in-daraa-state-tv/|title=Breaking: Over 450 rebels surrender to Syrian Army in Daraa – state TV|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref> |
| casualties2 = 84 killed<ref name="casu"/><br> 450+ surrendered<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syrian-army-makes-advances-in-southwest-offensive-10481212|title=Syrian army makes advances in southwest offensive|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-over-450-rebels-surrender-to-syrian-army-in-daraa-state-tv/|title=Breaking: Over 450 rebels surrender to Syrian Army in Daraa – state TV|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref> |
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| casualties3 = 132 civilians killed<ref name="casu"/> |
| casualties3 = 132 civilians killed<ref name="casu"/> |
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The '''Daraa offensive (June 2018)''', code-named '''Operation Basalt''' is a [[military operation]] launched by the [[Syrian Army]] and its allies against the rebels in South Syria. The fighting started with a surprise attack on rebel-held areas in the eastern part of the [[Daraa Governorate]] in an attempt to fracture rebel-held lines and weaken morale, ahead of their planned offensive in the greater southern Syria region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-advance-in-east-daraa-before-upcoming-offensive/|title=Syrian Army attempts to advance in east Daraa before upcoming offensive|date=19 June 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref> |
The '''Daraa offensive (June 2018)''', code-named '''Operation Basalt''' is a [[military operation]] launched by the [[Syrian Army]] and its allies against the rebels in South Syria. The fighting started with a surprise attack on rebel-held areas in the eastern part of the [[Daraa Governorate]] in an attempt to fracture rebel-held lines and weaken morale, ahead of their planned offensive in the greater southern Syria region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-advance-in-east-daraa-before-upcoming-offensive/|title=Syrian Army attempts to advance in east Daraa before upcoming offensive|date=19 June 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref> |
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It was thought that the potential capture of Daraa city, called 'the cradle of the revolution',<ref>The Guardian 28 June 2018 [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrE1x4brDpbHg8AIixXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByOHZyb21tBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1530600603/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.theguardian.com%2fworld%2f2018%2fjun%2f27%2fsyria-assad-forces-eastern-daraa-humanitarian-crisis-un/RK=2/RS=tLWf8Q2xpBWjCclaM2.4BoUsFK0-]</ref> by the military would consolidate the government's power in the south of Syria and be a symbolic victory over the rebels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-23/cradle-of-the-revolution-why-daraa-is-next/9809420|title=If Daraa falls, could it be the beginning of the end of the Syrian war?|date=23 June 2018|publisher=}}</ref>The torture and murder of youths from Daraa province had been one of the defining events that led to a growth of the protest movement against the Assad regime in 2011.<ref> cbs news [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrJ7FTMmzpbRrIAngFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByOHZyb21tBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1530596428/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cbsnews.com%2fnews%2fwitness-syrian-tortured-for-not-praising-assad%2f/RK=2/RS=BiE6Xdrt9oM1HxPECfpnyThNucc- syrian tortured]</ref> |
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The United Nations says over 270,000 people have been driven from their homes<ref> Agence France Presse, 2 July 2018 [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEzebbrzpbqSwA4xdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByOHZyb21tBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1530601563/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.afp.com%2fen%2fnews%2f23%2fover-270000-displaced-south-syria-violence-un-says-doc-16z9u32/RK=2/RS=Toxd5973wWqcgEpyGEozso4yAqk-]</ref>towards borders with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Both countries say they will not allow any Syrians to cross. The Russian-backed assault is in one of the “de-escalation zones” that were painstakingly negotiated for by the US, Jordan and Russia last year. It designated the area around Daraa as a “de-escalation zone” and Washington promised a strong response to any campaign that violated the agreement. |
The United Nations says over 270,000 people have been driven from their homes<ref> Agence France Presse, 2 July 2018 [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEzebbrzpbqSwA4xdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByOHZyb21tBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1530601563/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.afp.com%2fen%2fnews%2f23%2fover-270000-displaced-south-syria-violence-un-says-doc-16z9u32/RK=2/RS=Toxd5973wWqcgEpyGEozso4yAqk-]</ref>towards borders with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Both countries say they will not allow any Syrians to cross. The Russian-backed assault is in one of the “de-escalation zones” that were painstakingly negotiated for by the US, Jordan and Russia last year. It designated the area around Daraa as a “de-escalation zone” and Washington promised a strong response to any campaign that violated the agreement. |
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On 1 July, Youth of Sunna Forces made an agreement with the Syrian Government to hand over heavy weapons in exchange for the Syrian Government leaving the city of Bosra al-Sham alone under the control of the group for three months. In a statement released by the opposition's Central Operations Room they claimed to have killed 90 Pro-Government forces between 15 June and 30 June as well as destroying 11 tanks and 2 BMPs. On the same day two [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]] Major Generals were confirmed killed as well, a Syrian Army Brigadier General wounded in action during the offensive.<ref>https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/07/01/syrian-war-daily-1st-of-july-2018/</ref> |
On 1 July, Youth of Sunna Forces made an agreement with the Syrian Government to hand over heavy weapons in exchange for the Syrian Government leaving the city of Bosra al-Sham alone under the control of the group for three months. In a statement released by the opposition's Central Operations Room they claimed to have killed 90 Pro-Government forces between 15 June and 30 June as well as destroying 11 tanks and 2 BMPs. On the same day two [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]] Major Generals were confirmed killed as well, a Syrian Army Brigadier General wounded in action during the offensive.<ref>https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/07/01/syrian-war-daily-1st-of-july-2018/</ref> |
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On 2 July, the Opposition's Central Operations Room released a statement announcing they repelled a series of attacks from the Government on several villages and in the process destroyed 3 tanks and a BMP with TOW [[ATGMs]] and that several Pro-Government forces were killed and injured in the failed attack.<ref>https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/07/02/syrian-war-daily-2nd-of-july-2018/</ref> |
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By 3 July SAA has entered all towns in Daraa upon ceasefire with all rebel fractions. |
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On 3 July, the Syrian Government's offensive stalled after two failed attempts to take the Nassib border crossing while on the Western axis the offensive has been halted by successful use of BGM-71 TOWs by rebel forces.<ref>https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/07/03/syrian-army-offensive-stalls-in-daraa/</ref> While the Syrian offensive halted, an explosion occurred at a warehouse used by [[Hezbollah]] and other Iranian backed militias in the northern part of the Daraa Governorate along a road between [[Damascus]] and Daraa, several media outlets have accused the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] of carrying out an attack on the facility, no comment was made by the Israeli Government, and the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] was also unable to verify the cause the explosion.<ref>https://www.timesofisrael.com/reports-of-blast-at-syrian-warehouse-used-by-iranian-backed-militias/</ref> |
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==Reactions== |
==Reactions== |
Revision as of 04:42, 4 July 2018
Daraa offensive (June 2018) | |||||||
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Part of the Daraa Governorate campaign of the Syrian Civil War | |||||||
Top: Situation in Southwestern Syria (30 June 2018) Bottom: Situation in Daraa city Syrian Army control
Syrian Opposition control
Islamic State control | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
Russia (since 24 June)[1][2][3] Iran[4][5] Allied militias: Palestine Liberation Army Liwa al-Quds[6] Iraqi Shiite militias[5] Hezbollah (rebel claim)[7] |
Gathering of Revolutionaries of Mahajah Criterion Brigades[9] Jaysh al-Islam[10] | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Brig. Gen. Suheil al-Hassan (Tiger Forces) Col. Ghiath Dalla[14] (42nd Armoured Brigade) Wajdi Abu Thalith (Former Omari Brigades Commander, Defected)[15] Brig. Gen. "Abu Yaroub" Sami Fayiz al-Muhithawi † Brig. Gen. Muhammad Naiouf[16] Maj. Gen. Imad Adnan Ibrahim (Republican Guard) † Maj. Gen. Yusuf Mohammad Ali (Republican Guard) † Brig. Gen. Kamal Sarim (WIA) Major Duraid Awad Col. Shady Agha |
Muhammad Majid al-Khatib[9] (Criterion Brigades) "Abu Hatem" Rakan al-Khadir (Army of Free Tribes) Abu Ayham (Army of Free Tribes)[17] | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
|
Gathering of Revolutionaries of Mahajah[19]
| ||||||
Strength | |||||||
30,000 |
30,000 File:Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg several hundred[20] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
123 killed[21] |
84 killed[21] 450+ surrendered[22][23] | ||||||
132 civilians killed[21] |
The Daraa offensive (June 2018), code-named Operation Basalt is a military operation launched by the Syrian Army and its allies against the rebels in South Syria. The fighting started with a surprise attack on rebel-held areas in the eastern part of the Daraa Governorate in an attempt to fracture rebel-held lines and weaken morale, ahead of their planned offensive in the greater southern Syria region.[24]
It was thought that the potential capture of Daraa city, called 'the cradle of the revolution',[25] by the military would consolidate the government's power in the south of Syria and be a symbolic victory over the rebels.[26]The torture and murder of youths from Daraa province had been one of the defining events that led to a growth of the protest movement against the Assad regime in 2011.[27]
The United Nations says over 270,000 people have been driven from their homes[28]towards borders with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Both countries say they will not allow any Syrians to cross. The Russian-backed assault is in one of the “de-escalation zones” that were painstakingly negotiated for by the US, Jordan and Russia last year. It designated the area around Daraa as a “de-escalation zone” and Washington promised a strong response to any campaign that violated the agreement. However, US forces have taken no action to stop attacks.[29]
Background
To ease Israeli concerns and prevent possible Israeli intervention, Russia and Israel reached an agreement prior to the offensive that Iranian-backed forces would not aid the Syrian government with the attack on Daraa.[30]
Conflict
On 18 June, during the night the Syrian military captured several farms near Busra Al-Harir and Masekah. On the same day Syrian Government forces also attacked the opposition held towns of Busra Al-Sham, Ghara Sharqiyah, and Ghara Gharbiyah, the attacks were focused on rebel fortifications inside the towns. Reports also emerged that the first phase of the Syrian offensive in Daraa would focus on Eastern Daraa and capturing the Nasib Border Crossing. While the Syrian military launched their attacks, rebel (described by pro-government sources as Southern Front and Tahrir al-Sham) attempted to push back against the government's offensive by pushing into the Suwayda Governorate but they were repelled.[31]
On 19 June, rebels (described by pro-government sources as Tahrir al-Sham[32]) shelled the city of As-Suwayda in response to the government's attacks on rebel positions, while the government simultaneously had another offensive active against ISIL in the Northeastern part of the Suwayda Governorate.[33][34] On the same day the Syrian military fired missiles into the villages of Asim, Nahta, Musika, Jisri, and Al-Bustan outside the city of Daraa resulting in the death of 3 civilians.[35] The Syrian Government also attacked several rebel groups with the eventual goal of isolating the al-Lajat region, the Syrian military also advanced towards Al-Duweiri, as a result of the Syrian army's surprise attack 4 opposition groups created a joint operations room called Tajammu Thuwar Mahajah to repel further Government attacks.[36]
On 20 June, early in the morning the Syrian military led by the Tiger Forces began using heavy artillery and missiles to attempt to take the village of Busra Al-Harir as well as an air defense thought to be captured earlier by Syrian forces.[37] Later on the same day Syrian forces reportedly captured al-Museikah and al-Dallafa and cut off the rebels from al-Lajat.[38] Rebel forces denied that any advances were made.[39] It was later reported that SAA artillery struck many villages, including al-Museikah.[40]
On 21 June, during the middle of the night the Syrian airforce conducted an air raid in the area specifically targeting an Ahrar al-Sham base near Al-Hirak killing 10 fighters from the group, the air raid also targeted Busra Al-Sham, Busra Al-Harir, Tal Al-Harrah, Nahteh, and Al-Musaykah. Along with aerial bombardment the Syrian military also used surface-to-surface missiles and artillery on the villages. The Syrian military also reportedly cutoff rebel supply lines in the area.[41] With government forces firing missiles into rebel held areas and making excessive gains in the area, the rebels fired missiles into Suwayda in retaliation to the government's offensive.[42]
On 22 June, because of the increase of violence along the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Jordanian military was deployed across Jordan's northern border with Syria.[43] While fighting with rebel forces, the Syrian military fired 30 missiles into Busra Al-Sham, Busra Al-Harir, and Al-Karak.[44] Reports that the Syrian military and allies captured the villages of Musaykah and al-Dallafa near al-Lajat have proven to be false, with the Syrian opposition still maintaining control over the villages, however reports did emerge that the Syrian government and allies have captured Deir Dama and Al-Bustan from rebel forces, both of which are also near al-Lajat.[45]
On 23 June, after losing the towns of Al-Shamurah, Al-Madurah, Al-Alali, Berghshah, and Al-Shiyahat the rebels attacked government held positions in Daraa itself, the attack included the use of missiles.[46][47]
On 24 June, Russian warplanes provided air cover for the offensive for the first time.[1] Rebel forces also managed to infiltrate Government held checkpoints inside the Suwayda governorate but were later repelled.[48] Violent clashes continued with rebel forces successfully repelling an Iranian-Syrian assault on positions in Dalafah and Harran killing five from their forces. The leader of the Omari Brigades, Wajdi Abu Thalith defected from the opposition, transferring control of the villages of Dama and Shiah and a part of the village of Jadal to the Syrian Government.
On 25 June, the Syrian government reportedly claims to have captured the whole of the al-Lajat area including 400 km2.[49][50] The Rebels also damaged a Syrian MIG-23 as it was conducting airstrikes over Bosra al-Harir as well as destroying a Syrian BMP with a BGM-71 TOW.[51]
On 26 June, the Syrian army took control of Busra al-Harir after the Tiger Forces attacked the town on multiples axes and broke through the lines of rebels defending the city, during the clashes a Syrian Brigadier General was killed.[12][13] Later in the morning of the same day, Government forces captured village of Madajin. During the same day town of Nahitah has also been overran by Syrian Arab Army soldiers, with rebel combatants withdrawing to Al-Hirak.[52] Capture of Nahitah has been partially reversed by HTS fighters during the night of 26 June, however by early hours of 27 June, Syrian Army has fully re-established control, pushing forward to capture settlements of Sama Al-Hadeidat, Maliha Al-Gharbiyah and Maliha Al-Sharqiyah, thus reaching the easter outskirts of Al-Hirak.[53]
On 27 June, the next day SAA captured Brigade 52 Base, pushed southwards into Rakham, which fell soon afterwards. Later in the day multiple locations were deserted by rebel forces in sequence: Battalion 49 Base, Alma, Al-Hirak, Battalion 279 Base, Al-Sourah, meanwhile Al-Karim, Al-Jnoubi and Al-Shaara settlements have surrendered to the government.[54][55][56]
On 29 June, some opposition groups and leaders in the southern part of the Daraa province in villages such as Tafas, Da'el, Ibta, Al-Karak, Al-Jay’lah, east of Daraa city agreed to surrender to the Syrian Government. Syrian Army also reportedly captured Tell Zumaytiyah, Umm Walad, and Al-Sheikh Saed from rebel factions. On the same day Youth of Sunna Forces disabled a Syrian Army tank with a BGM-71 TOW [57][58][59][60]
On 1 July, Youth of Sunna Forces made an agreement with the Syrian Government to hand over heavy weapons in exchange for the Syrian Government leaving the city of Bosra al-Sham alone under the control of the group for three months. In a statement released by the opposition's Central Operations Room they claimed to have killed 90 Pro-Government forces between 15 June and 30 June as well as destroying 11 tanks and 2 BMPs. On the same day two Republican Guard Major Generals were confirmed killed as well, a Syrian Army Brigadier General wounded in action during the offensive.[61]
Reactions
- Supranational
- United Nations, the OCHA stated that the UN was, "concerned about reports of an escalation of violence in Daraa... which is endangering civilians and causing hundreds of families to become displaced."[62] UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura has warned the offensive by the Syrian military and Iranian militias would cause a humanitarian disaster and puts the lives of over 750'000 people at risk, he has also states that more than 45'000 have already been displaced.[63] António Guterres made a statement saying "calls for an immediate halt to the current military escalation and urges all stakeholders to respect their international obligations including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure,"
- EU, the European Union condemned the violation of the cease-fire zone established in Daraa by the Astana agreement and called on the Syrian Government and their allies to stop the hostilities in Daraa in order to avoid a humanitarian crisis.[64]
- State
- United States, the American Envoy to the UN, Nikki Haley said regarding recent clashes, “The Syrian regime’s violations of the ceasefire in southwest Syria need to stop,” while also saying, "Russia will ultimately bear responsibility for any further escalations in Syria."[65] After the beginning of the offensive, a letter sent to rebel leadership stated that they “We are fully aware that you have to make your decision according to your interests and the interests of your families and faction as you view them, and you must not base your decision on the assumption or an expectation of a military intervention from our side,”[66] The letter also said "We, in the government of the United States of America, understand the hardships that you are facing now, and we are still advising the Russians and the Syrian regime as not to undertake any military action that violates the “de-escalation” agreement in the southwestern part of Syria."[67]
- Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia's permanent delegate to the United Nations Dr. Fahd Al-Mutairi said about the offensive, "Despite urgent appeals and UN resolutions calling for opening of humanitarian corridors and delivering of aid to the needy and affected, the Syrian regime and its allies are continuing their military operations, siege and displacement of innocent civilians in total violation of these resolutions,"
- Vatican, Pope Francis condemned the Syrian military's offensive in Daraa and said about it "the military actions of recent days have struck even schools and hospitals and triggered thousands of new refugees."[68]
- Turkey, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the United States, Russia and Iran were responsible for the violations committed by the Syrian Government, the Turkish spokesman for the foreign ministry said regarding the situation, "We strongly condemn these inhuman attacks by the regime on innocent people." He also added, "These attacks hinder the efforts in Astana and (the UN-supported process in) Geneva to reduce violence on the ground and to find a political solution for the crisis,"[69]
- Domestic
- File:Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg Tahrir al-Sham, the group released a statement condemning Free Syrian Army groups that made deals with Russia to surrender contested ground in the area, the group also called on all rebel groups in the south to unite and fight as a unified force against the Syrian Government and their allies and also claimed that they (HTS and their allies) would be victorious.[8][70]
- Guardians of Religion Organization, released a statement regarding the clashes in Daraa urging Muslims to donate money, and for media platforms to raise awareness to the situation as well as encouraging the opposition factions in Daraa to fight the Syrian military in their advance in the area, the statement also described the importance of defending the region for the rebels saying it's a gateway to the other rebel held areas in the South.[8][71]
- Syrian opposition, various armed opposition groups have condemned the offensive and demanded more international action to halt it, Nasr al-Hariri an opposition negotiator has condemned the lack of action or intervention by the United States and claimed the only explanation to their lack of action is because of what he described as a malicious deal.
- Caucasus Emirate, the group's branch in Syria released a statement saying the offensive was no different from the one in Eastern Ghouta and that the offensive is being orchestrated by the Alawite clan of Assad and Russian Atheists to wipe out and displace Sunni Muslims in Syria.[72]
- Other involved parties
- Hezbollah, secretary general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah hailed the offensive as a "major victory".[73]
See also
References
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{{cite news}}
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