2018 Southern Syria offensive
Daraa offensive (June–July 2018) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Daraa Governorate campaign of the Syrian Civil War and the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War | |||||||
![]() Situation in Southwestern Syria (12 July 2018) Syrian Army control
Syrian Opposition control
Islamic State control | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
![]() ![]() Allied militias: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
| ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
![]() (Tiger Forces) ![]() (42nd Armoured Brigade) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() (Criterion Brigades) ![]() (Army of Free Tribes) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
|
| ||||||
Strength | |||||||
30,000[citation needed] |
![]() File:Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg several hundred[34] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
169 killed[35][15][36] |
149 killed[35][36] 450+ surrendered[37][38] | ||||||
162–210+ civilians killed[35][39] |
The Daraa offensive (June–July 2018), code-named Operation Basalt (Arabic: عملية البازلت), 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 offensive in the greater southern Syria region.[40]
An estimated 750,000 civilians live in the region affected by fighting, according to the United Nations (UN).[41] The UN said on 2 July that over 270,000 people have been driven from their homes towards borders with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.[42] 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 negotiated by the US, Jordan and Russia in 2017. 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 took no action to stop the attacks.[43]
Background
Daraa city is known as 'the cradle of the revolution',[44] as the torture and murder of youths from Daraa had been one of the defining events that led to a growth of the protest movement against the Assad government in 2011.[45][46] Thus analysts have said that its capture by the government would be a key symbolic victory over the rebels, as well as consolidate the government's power in the south of Syria.[47]
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,[48] and the US government warned rebel forces that they could not expect military support.[49]
The offensive
Capture of al-Lajat
On 18 June, during the night, the Syrian military captured several farms near Busra Al-Harir and Masekah. Government forces also attacked the opposition-held towns of Busra Al-Sham, Eastern Ghariyah, and Western Ghariyah. The attacks were focused on rebel fortifications inside the towns. It was also reported that the first phase of the government's offensive in Daraa would focus on Eastern Daraa and capturing the Nasib Border Crossing. While the military launched their attacks, rebel forces attempted to push back against the offensive by pushing into the Suwayda Governorate but they were repelled.[50]
On 19 June, the rebels shelled the city of As-Suwayda in response to the government's attacks on their positions, while the Syrian Army simultaneously had another offensive active against ISIL in the northeastern part of the Suwayda Governorate.[51][52][53] Meanwhile, the military shelled half a dozen villages outside Daraa city.[54]
Early in the morning on 20 June, the military led by the Tiger Forces began using heavy artillery and missiles to attempt to take the town of Busra Al-Harir, after capturing a nearby air defense.[55] Later on the same day, government troops reportedly captured two villages and cut-off the rebel-held al-Lajat region,[56] although the rebels denied this.[57] Subsequently, the Syrian Army's artillery struck many villages.[58]
On 21 June, during the middle of the night, the Syrian Air Force 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 almost half a dozen other towns and villages. Along with aerial bombardment, the military also used surface-to-surface missiles and artillery on the villages. The Syrian military also reportedly cut off rebel supply lines in the area.[59] With government forces firing missiles into rebel-held areas and making excessive gains, the rebels fired missiles into Suwayda in retaliation to the government's offensive.[60]
On 22 June, because of the increased fighting along the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Jordanian military was deployed across Jordan's northern border with Syria.[61] Pro-opposition sources reported that government forces had dropped 12 barrel bombs on Busra al-Harir and surrounding towns,[62] while pro-government sources reported that the Syrian military fired 30 missiles into Busra Al-Sham, Busra Al-Harir, and Al-Karak.[63] On 23 June, after losing five towns, the rebels attacked government-held positions in Daraa itself. The attack included the use of missiles.[64]
On 24 June, Russian warplanes provided air cover for the offensive for the first time,[1] while rebel forces managed to infiltrate government-held checkpoints inside the Suwayda Governorate, but were later repelled.[65] One the next day, Syrian Government forces captured the whole of the al-Lajat area, including 400 km2.[66][67]
Rapid government gains
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 rebel lines defending the city. During the clashes, a Syrian Brigadier General was killed.[68][69] Later in the morning of the same day, Syrian Government forces captured two other towns, with rebel fighters withdrawing to Al-Hirak.[70] A rebel counter-attack during the night of 26 June partially reversed the Syrian Army's gains; however, by the early hours of 27 June, the Syrian Army had fully re-established control, pushing forward to capture three more villages and thus reaching the eastern outskirts of Al-Hirak.[71] By this point, the World Food Programme reported that close to 50,000 people had fled their homes in northern Daraa in a week to escape bombs, sheltering in makeshift camps in the south of the governorate and in Quneitra governorate.[72]
27-28 June saw particularly heavy civilian casualties, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) recording 46 dead in two days in the shelling of Bosra al-Sham and other towns.[37] On 27 June, the SAA seized the Brigade 52 Base, as well as a a village south of it. Later in the day, government sources said eight locations were deserted or surrendered by rebel forces in sequence, including Al-Hirak and two bases,[73][74][75] although the SOHR said that fighting continued in Al-Hirak.[37] Two days later, government sources reported that some rebel groups and leaders in the southern part of the Daraa province in towns such as Tafas, Da'el, Ibta, Al-Karak, Al-Jay’lah, east of Daraa city agreed to surrender to the Syrian government.[76][77] The Syrian Army also reportedly captured three other locations from rebel factions.[76][77][78]
On 30 June, pro-rebel sources reported that as a result of shelling by pro-government forces the Roman Theatre at Bosra suffered significant damages, having already been hit by Russian airstrikes on 28 June.[79] Between 30 June and 1 July, the military took control of 13 rebel-held towns, including Bosra al-Sham, after surrender agreements were reached with rebel forces in the area.[42] This extended the government's control to some 60 percent of the province.[80][81] By this time, the UN estimated the number of internally displaced at over 160,000.[82]
Push towards the Jordanian border
Between 1 and 4 July, the military made three unsuccessful attempts to push towards the Nasib Border Crossing, each time being repelled by the rebels. During the fighting, pro-government sources reported the Army did not have much Russian air support due to ongoing Russian negotiations with the rebels.[83] However, Syrian warplanes reportedly bombarded Tafas on 1 July, as Republican Guard and Liwa Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas fighters advanced on the ground towards it.[9]
On 2 July, the UN estimated that 270,000 civilians displaced by the fighting, including 70,000 seeking shelter on the Jordanian border but blocked from entering the country. The civilian half of the opposition's delegation to peace talks withdrew from talks with the government and Russia.[42] The next day, while the offensive was 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 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.[84][85] By 4 July, humanitarian agencies said eight hospitals had been bombed since the offensive began, with six medical workers killed, and in total more than 210 civilians killed and 500 injured.[39] Meanwhile, the ISIL-affiliated Khalid ibn al-Walid Army launched an attack against pro-government forces in the village of Sheikh Maskin resulting in the death of several National Defense Force militiamen.[86]
On 3 July, after the failure of previous rounds, negotiations re-opened, with Jordanian mediation, between Russia and rebel factions.[81]
On 4 July, pro-government Al-Masdar News reported that, according to pro-opposition activists, over 400 rebel fighters had defected to the ISIL due to the rebel surrender of several towns, since the fighters wished to continue fighting against the government. Neither the FSA or ISIL confirmed the reports. Over 4,000 civilians were also said to had sought refuge in the ISIL-controlled Yarmouk Basin.[87]
The following day, the military captured the town of Saida, bringing them to about six kilometers from the Nasib Border Crossing. The advance came after about 600 air-strikes were conducted in the province[88] over the previous 15 hours.[89] Eventually, the bombardment lasted a total of 22 hours, within which 870 air-strikes and 1,400 rocket and artillery strikes were conducted.[90] Later in the day, the Army captured half a dozen other towns and five border points after launching an attack south of Busra Al-Sham. The advance cleared 230 square kilometers of territory along the border[91] and brought back government troops on the Jordanian frontier for the first time since 2015.[92] That night, between 5 and 6 July, the military also seized Al-Naimah, the last town east of Daraa city.[93][94] A wave of Syrian civilians had fled their homes in southern Syria by this point after the relentless aerial bombardment by government forces. Meanwhile, the hashtag #OpenTheBorders started trending on Twitter.[95]
On 6 July, the military was closing in on Nasib, coming within three kilometers of the border crossing.[92] The Army was advancing towards the crossing on two axes, squeezing rebel forces. A military source predicted that the crossing might "fall within a few hours".[96] Soon after, the crossing was seized[97] and the following day soldiers celebrated the capture as troops fanned out across towns and villages in the area.[98] With control being established over the Damascus-Amman highway, the military started setting up checkpoints and removing roadblocks along the highway.[99]
On 6 July, Syrian official state media and rebels reported that a ceasefire had been signed by rebel groups to hand over weapons, and that those who rejected the agreement would be transported to Idlib.[100]
Encircling and capture of Daraa city
On 8 July, the Syrian Army began mustering troops for the capture of Daraa city.[101] With several rebel groups surrendering to the government, 11 rebel groups formed the Army of the South to continue fighting the Syrian government and their allies in the south. The group rejected surrendering to the government and vowed to continue fighting for the opposition's cause. The Russian and Syrian air forces conducted 72 airstrikes starting at dawn.[102] The strikes were reportedly conducted after rebels fired on a military convoy on the highway, near Um al-Mayazeen. The Syrian military then started an assault on Um al-Mayazeen. The fighting postponed the rebels' evacuation.[103]
In an interview with a representative from the pro-government Tiger Force's Taha Group conducted by regional expert Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, the representative described the offensive as intense as the rebels were well fortified and well armed. He also stated that many villages captured by the government had rejected Russian-backed reconciliation agreements and that the village of Jabib betrayed a cease-fire agreement, leading to the death of several soldiers in the village. The representative also confirmed that Russia's involvement and support in the offensive was essential to the government's offensive, even more so than Iran's involvement.[104]
On 10 July, it was reported that around 4,000 people fled towards Israeli-controlled territory from the pocket of the province held by ISIL-affiliated Khalid ibn al-Walid Army, expecting a government assault.[105] Later that day, ISIL carried out an SVBIED attack on government forces in the village of Zayzun in western Daraa, claiming that the attack killed more than 35 pro-government fighters. However, pro-opposition activists reported the death toll to be 14 and that it also included recently-reconciled rebels.[15][106]
On 11 July, pro-government media reported that the Syrian air force provided air support to the FSA in clashes against Khalid ibn al-Walid Army in the town of Hayt in the Yarmouk Basin,[107] and opposition sources reported that Russian planes and government helicopters targeted Khalid ibn al-Walid Army-held Saham al-Golan, the latter dropping barrel bombs.[15] The next day, the ISIL affiliate took control of Hayt from the FSA.[108][109][110] Meanwhile, the government reported a deal had been concluded for rebels to hand over southern Daraa City to government forces; Russian military police and government officers entered the city with journalists to raise the government flag, although rebel fighters remained in the city.[111][108][112]
Since the start of the offensive the government captured 84% of the territory in the Daraa Governorate, and since the surrender agreements between the government and rebel forces, reports from supporters of the rebels have emerged that pro-government militiamen looting property and stealing from locals in reconciled towns with Russian military police ignoring it and turning a blind eye to it.[113]
Push into Quneitra
On 15 July, the Syrian military bombarded Tahrir al-Sham positions in western Daraa, and the pro-government Tiger Forces attempted to attack Tahrir al-Sham positions but were repelled. Tahrir al-Sham has refused to surrender the area, while the Syrian government has stated they are not willing to allow Tahrir al-Sham fighters to reconcile like other rebel groups in the area, but they were offering to deport their fighters to northern Syria. However, Tahrir al-Sham refused this offer and continued to fight.[114] The Syrian army along with the National Defense Forces paramilitary group attacked the village of Masharah controlled by Tahrir al-Sham along the border with the Golan Heights and after clashes between them Syrian forces took the village.[115] In the push into Quneitra, the Russian and Syrian air forces conducted over 25 airstrikes on the Free Syrian Army and Tahrir al-Sham positions,[116] Iranian affiliated militias also fired over 800 rockets into rebel-held areas in the Quneitra Governorate,[117][118] and pro-government forces also targeted an opposition supply line between Daraa and Quneitra, the Syrian air force also targeted rebel positions in the northwestern part of the Daraa governorate hitting both the villages of Tal Al-Harrah and Kafr Nasej. The Syrian military has called on the Free Syrian Army and residents of the town of al-Harrah and its corresponding hilltop, which the Syrian military considers a strategic point, to expel Tahrir al-Sham from the area; Tahrir al-Sham has also arrested and killed several opposition members who have surrendered to the government, as well as those who attempt to do so.[119] On the same day, the first round of rebels and their families to be deported to northern Syria departed from Daraa.[120]
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."[121] 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.[122] 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.[123] On 4 July, spokeswoman for the European Union Maja Kocijancic in a written statement said, "Such attacks are clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law that also put at risk any progress in Geneva for the resumption of the political talks under U.N. mediation," and she added, "The renewed violence can also have serious repercussions for the security of neighboring countries, possibly leading to new waves of refugees and internally displaced people,"[124]
- 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."[125] 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,”[126] 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."[127] On 26 June, the United States State Department stated regarding the increase in violence and violation of the de-escelation agreements, “We are concerned by developments in southwestern Syria, particularly the intensification of Russian airstrikes and pro-regime ground attacks. This is once again an example of Russia violating arrangements it has entered into with no regard for civilian lives.”[128]
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."[129]
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,"[130] Turkish officals have stated they are not responsible for upholding agreements made in Daraa but if pro-government forces including Iranian militias and Russian forces attack the Idlib Governorate the Turkish military will uphold the de-escalation agreement and retaliate to violations.[131] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to reports emerging of a planned offensive in Idlib after the campaign in Daraa, that the Astana Accord could be completely destroyed, Erdogan also commented on the targeting of civilians in Daraa, condemning them.[132]
Israel, an Israeli defense official stated that the Israeli military will attack any Syrian forces that enter the UN cease-fire zone in the Golan Heights, the official also said about an agreement with the Russian Government, “The agreement is the basis for any future security reality after Assad returns to [Israel’s] northern border,”[133] Before departing to meet Russian officials Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said "Israel Has No Problem With Assad, but Cease-fire Agreements Must Be Upheld"[134]
Iran, Hossein Salami an IRGC commander in a speech said that there will be the creation of an "Islamic Army" that will end Israel and invade the Golan Heights.[135]
- 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.[12][136]
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.[12][137]
Syrian opposition, various armed opposition groups have condemned the offensive and demanded more international action to halt it. Naser 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. In response to the Youth of Sunna Forces surrendering to the Syrian government, by negotiating with Russian officials, two Free Syrian Army Generals condemned the negotiations and described it as treason, stating they were withdrawing from them.[138][139]
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.[140]
Khalid ibn al-Walid Army, a statement from the group said the following about the situation and cooperating with other groups against pro-government forces; "The factions and apostates have been invited to repent and give allegiance to the Islamic State after disavowing their kufr [disbelief] and their loyalty to the disbelievers. There is no truth to the news circulated through rooms and social media pages about Jaysh Khalid bin al-Waleed entering and taking up fronts within the areas of the apostates to fight the Nusayris in them, and in the event an area is entered it will be under the authority of the Caliphate entirely, with no presence for the apostates in them by God's permission. We remind you it is forbidden to contact the apostates except after coordinating with the contact official (Abu Abdo al-Askari) and taking permission in that and within Shari'i regulations, and the one who engages in contact in an individual capacity without coordinating with the contact official will be reprimanded. We ask God Almighty to help us and you to obey Him."[141] The group also published another statement that called on displaced individuals in Southern Syria to migrate to the areas of the Yarmouk Basin under their control.[142]
- Other involved parties
Hezbollah, secretary general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah hailed the offensive as a "major victory".[143] In response to pressure put on the group including demands to withdraw from Syria by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Hassan Nasrallah stated that the only way Hezbollah would withdraw from Syria would be if the Syrian Government asked them to leave and said in response to the demands, “I will tell you that if the whole world comes together to force us to leave Syria, they will not be able to evict us.”[144]
See also
References
- ^ a b Staff, Reuters (24 June 2018). "Russian jets strike rebel held town in Syria: opposition sources". Reuters. Reuters.
{{cite news}}
:|first1=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Russian jets strike rebel held town in Syria". Jerusalem Post.
- ^ "Russia officially enters southwest Syria offensive despite US warnings". Al-Masdar. 24 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army Steps Up Attacks in Southwest, Jordan Concerned". 20 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018 – via Haaretz.
- ^ a b c Caleb Weiss (27 June 2018). "Confirmed: First evidence of Iranian-controlled militia involvement in southern Syria". Long War Journal. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
- ^ "Assad regime, Iran prepare for operation in SW Syria". Anadolu Agency.
- ^ a b c Alexandra Gutowski; Caleb Weiss (24 June 2018). "Assad offensive creeps closer to southwest Syria ceasefire zone". Long War Journal. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
- ^ a b c "WATCH: Iranian militia leader appears in video in Daraa". english.alarabiya.net. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ a b Seth Frantzman IRANIAN-BACKED MILITIA, SYRIA THREATEN TO CUT OFF REBELS NEAR GOLAN, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2018
- ^ http://nedaa-sy.com/en/reports/132
- ^ a b "A Free Army commander warns of upcoming battles in southern Syria". Shaam News Network. 15 June 2018.
- ^ a b c Thomas Joscelyn (27 June 2018). "Jihadists try to rally opposition in southern Syria". Long War Journal. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
- ^ a b c "Central Operations Room in South hits Syrian regime's armored arsenal of Daraa". Nedaa Syria. 2 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ "Assad's Forces Fail to Advance in the Al-Lajat Region in Daraa Governorate". English.enabbaladi.net. 17 May 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d Syria war: Government attacks IS enclave in south-west, BBC
- ^ https://syria.liveuamap.com/pics/2018/07/15/21681450_0.jpg
- ^ "Breaking: Battle for Daraa city ends in decisive victory for Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
- ^ "The regime forces and allies expand their control to 84.4% of Daraa Province's area and shell a town north of Daraa after negotiations about its fate fail". SOHR. 13 July 2018.
- ^ "The regime forces deploy at the entire border of Daraa with Jordan, and for the first time in about 5 years they reach the contact lines with Jaysh Khalid Ibn the al-Walid which swore allegiance to ISIS". SOHR. 9 July 2018.
- ^ "The regime prepares for reactivating government institutions in Daraa city and the calm prevails the province after adding new towns to regime's control and Jaysh Khalid Ibn al-Walid". SOHR. 13 July 2018.
- ^ a b "SAA's 42nd Brigade redeploys from Golan region to east Daraa". Al-Masdar. 18 June 2018.
- ^ a b c Caleb Weiss (5 July 2018). "Leader of Iranian-backed Shia militia seen inside Syrian military ops room". Long War Journal. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
- ^ Al-awsat, Asharq. "Syria: 5 Commanders, 20 Members of Regime Forces Killed East Daraa". aawsat.com.
- ^ "Ivan Sidorenko on Twitter".
- ^ a b c Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (7 July 2018). "The Southern Campaign: Interview with the Tiger Forces' Taha Regiment". Retrieved 9 July 2018.
- ^ "'You're on your own': US tells Syrian rebels it will not intervene in south". Middle East Eye.
- ^ "Daraa: Latest Developments Following the Second Round of Negotiations". Enab Baladi. 2 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ a b "ISIS organization never access to new areas in Daraa western suburbs, Jaish Al Thawura says". Nedaa Syria. 2 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2018/07/12/The-Daraa-battle-that-has-no-horizon.html#
- ^ "Central military operations room in south of Syria". Syria Call. 20 June 2018.
- ^ "Assad's Forces Attempt Progress towards Tafass City from Three Axes". Enab Baladi. 5 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Rebels in Daraa form new army to fight Syrian forces". Al-Masdar. 8 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Military factions announced the formation of a "gathering of revolutionaries Mahja" Badra". SMART News Agency. 19 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Who are the rebels in southern Syria?". AFP. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ a b c . SOHR http://www.syriahr.com/2018/07/09/قوات-النظام-توسع-مع-المسلحين-الموالين/. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
{{cite web}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ a b المزيد من القصف الجنوني والمكثف، يرفع إلى نحو 1270 عدد الضربات الجوية والصاروخية التي استهدفت مثلث الموت منذ الصباح.
- ^ a b c "Syrian army makes advances in southwest offensive". Channel News Asia. Reuters.
- ^ "Breaking: Over 450 rebels surrender to Syrian Army in Daraa – state TV". Al-Masdar.
- ^ a b Fears grow for safety of 270,000 Syrians fleeing fighting in Deraa, Guardian 4 July 2018
- ^ "Syrian Army attempts to advance in east Daraa before upcoming offensive". Al-Masdar. 19 June 2018.
- ^ Hostilities in Syria’s southwest, mean cuts in vital aid across Jordanian border: Senior UN official, UN News 28 June 2018
- ^ a b c Over 270,000 displaced by south Syria violence, UN says Agence France Presse, 2 July 2018
- ^ The Guardian, 30 June 2018 Syria: southern towns surrender to Assad forces after thousands flee homes
- ^ Patrick Wintour Syrian forces' push into east Daraa 'could spark humanitarian crisis', The Guardian, 28 June 2018
- ^ AP Witness: Syrian tortured for not praising Assad, BBS 8 July 2011
- ^ Reuters, May 2011 scenes of torture
- ^ "If Daraa falls, could it be the beginning of the end of the Syrian war?". 23 June 2018.
- ^ Ensor, Josie; Sanchez, Raf (29 May 2018). "Russia and Israel 'agree deal' to hold back Iranian militias so Assad can take border region" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ^ You're on your own, US tells Syrian rebels, as Assad goes on offensive, Guardian 24 June 2018
- ^ "Syrian military attacks east Daraa ahead of southwest Syria offensive". Al-Masdar. 18 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Druze city shelled for first time in years as fighting intensifies".
- ^ agencies, The New Arab &. "Shells hit Syria's Sweida for first time in three years". Al-Araby.
- ^ "Jihadists carry out first attack on Sweida city in years". Al-Masdar. 19 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian regime forces killed 2 civilians in Nahta village in Daraa suburbs, on June 19 – Syrian Network for Human Rights". SOHR. 19 June 2018.
- ^ "Breaking: Syrian Army launches small offensive in northeast Daraa". Al-Masdar. 20 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army scores first major advance in southwest Syria". Al-Masdar. 20 June 2018.
- ^ "قوات الأسد تفشل في التقدم بمحيط اللجاة بريف درعا - عنب بلدي". www.enabbaladi.net (in Arabic). Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "No sleep for rebels in Daraa tonight as Syrian troops launch big assault". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 21 June 2018.
- ^ "No sleep for rebels in Daraa tonight as Syrian troops launch big assault". Al-Masdar. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
- ^ "Jihadi groups launch second attack on Suwayda as battles in northeast Daraa rage". Al-Masdar. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
- ^ "Jordanian Army sends large convoy to Syrian border". Al-Masdar. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
- ^ Reuters [Syrian barrel bomb attack on rebels jeopardises US-Russia deal] Guardian 23 June 2018
- ^ Czech. "Syrian Army launches major assault on rebel stronghold in northeast Daraa". Almasdarnews.com. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
- ^ Czech. "Rebels launch retaliatory attack after Syrian Army advances in southwest Syria". Almasdarnews.com. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
- ^ "Rebel forces launch fresh attack in southeast Daraa". Al-Masdar. 24 June 2018.
- ^ "Daraa Map Update: Rebels collapse as Army recaptures Lajat region". Al-Masdar. 26 June 2018.
- ^ "SAA regained 400 km2 in Southern Syria". South Front. 25 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
- ^ "بعد مئات الضربات الجوية الروسية… قوات النظام والمسلحين الموالين لها تسيطر على بصر الحرير وتربط مناطق سيطرتها في محافظتي درعا والسويداء". 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018 – via SOHR.
- ^ "Syrian Army seizes another town in southwest Syria". 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018 – via Al Masdar News.
- ^ "Syrian Army reaches outskirts of rebel stronghold in southwest Syria". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army captures 54km2 of territory in east Daraa – map". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
- ^ World Food Programme WFP responds to the emergency in southern Syria with cross-border food deliveries for displaced ReliefWeb 26 June 2018
- ^ "Syrian Army captures large military base in east Daraa Syrian Army captures large military base in east Daraa". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ "Rebels abandon several areas in east Daraa as Syrian troops advance". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army enters 2 rebel settlements in Daraa – SANA". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ a b Leith Aboufadel, "Breaking: Syrian Army makes first advance west of Daraa city", Al Masdar News, 29 June 2018
- ^ a b "Syrian Army enters another town in east Daraa". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army takes control of another town in northern Daraa". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ "Bosra Amphitheater: Syrian World Heritage Site Is Again Target for Shelling". 30 June 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Regime reclaims more ground in south Syria: monitor". France24. 1 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ a b Suha Ma'ayeh Jordan mediating Russia and rebel talks for southern Syria handover, The National, 4 July 2018
- ^ Israel deploys border reinforcements as Syrians flee strikes Guardian 1 July 2018
- ^ "Rebels forestall Syrian Army troops pushing towards Jordanian border". Al-Masdar. 4 July 2018.
- ^ "Blast reported at Syrian warehouse used by Iranian-backed militias". Times of Israel. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ "Explosions Reported in Syrian, Iranian Weapons Depots in Southern Syria". Ha'aretz. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018 – via Haaretz.
- ^ "Breaking: ISIS launches first attack on Syrian Army troops in west Daraa". Al-Masdar. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Over 400 rebels allegedly defect to ISIS in west Daraa". Al-Masdar. 4 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syria, Russia resume southern offensive after talks collapse". Fox News. 5 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "More than 600 airstrikes target Daraa Province in 15 hours of the return of the hysterical shelling". SOHR. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "About 2300 air and ground strikes target Daraa province in 22 hours of insane shelling and the regime forces expand their control to more than 60% of the province". SOHR. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army captures 230km2 of territory along Jordanian border – map". Al-Masdar. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ a b "South Syrian rebels agree surrender deal, Assad takes crossing". Today Online. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Breaking: Syrian Army captures last town before Daraa city". Al-Masdar. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ ضمن التصعيد المتواصل على المحافظة…الطائرات الحربية تواصل عمليات قصفها مع قوات النظام وحلفائها على عدد من المناطق في مدينة درعا وريفها, SOHR
- ^ The Guardian 5 July 2018 'Their blankets are the sky': Syrian civilians flee Daraa
- ^ "Daraa Map Update: Syrian Army inching closer to recapture Nassib crossing". Al-Masdar. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Army Takes Jordan Border Crossing From Rebels, State TV Says". Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syrian Troops Celebrate Recapture of Jordan Border Crossing". New York Times. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syrian government regains control over Damascus-Amman Highway". Al-Masdar. 7 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ AFP Rebels expected to hand heavy weapons to Assad as south Syria deal said reached, Times of Israel, 7 July 2018
- ^ "Syrian Army prepares for major showdown in Daraa city". Al-Masdar. 8 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Assad regime strikes opposition areas in Syria's Daraa despite truce". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syria regime pounds South, rebel evacuations postponed". english.alarabiya.net. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ Al-Tamimi, Aymenn Jawad. "The Southern Campaign: Interview with the Tiger Forces' Taha Regiment". Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ AFP Syrians in Islamic State-held area flee toward Israel border, Times of Israel 10 July 2018
- ^ Suicide bomber targets Syrian rebel and regime fighters in Daraa, Al-Arabiya 10 July 2018
- ^ Syrian Air Force helps rebel forces beat back ISIS in west Daraa, Al-Masdar
- ^ a b IS-linked group seizes village in south Syria, Al-Araby 12 July 2018
- ^ Breaking: Rebels handover strategic town to ISIS in west Daraa, Al-Masdar
- ^ Syrie: l'EI prend une localité dans le sud syrien, Le Figaro
- ^ Assad's army enters Daraa to take control of the cradle of 2011 uprisings TRT World 12 July 2018
- ^ Assad's forces retake Daraa, birthplace of Syria's uprising, The Guardian 12 July 2018
- ^ http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=97768
- ^ https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-make-their-last-stand-in-west-daraa/
- ^ https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-seizes-first-town-in-al-quneitra/
- ^ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/syria-government-troops-widen-offensive-quneitra-180715103656135.html
- ^ https://www.orient-news.net/en/news_show/151306/0/Hundreds-of-Assad-Iranian-shells-fall-on-Syrias-Quneitra-countryside
- ^ https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/syrian-regime-forces-close-in-on-area-near-israeli-annexed-golan-heights-1.750358
- ^ https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-air-force-launches-major-attack-across-southwest-syria/
- ^ https://www.orient-news.net/en/news_show/151330/0/First-batch-of-Syrians-displaced-from-Daraa-to-Idlib
- ^ 1 day ago. "Syrian regime intensifies offensive in Daraa province". Trtworld.com. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Wintour, Patrick (27 June 2018). "Syrian forces' push into east Daraa 'could spark humanitarian crisis'". the Guardian.
- ^ "Syrie : l'ONU et Washington réclament l'arrêt des opérations militaires".
- ^ "EU Slams Assad Regime on Syria's Daraa". 4 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Activists: Syrian government steps up offensive in southwest". WTOP. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
- ^ Al-Khalidi, Suleiman. "Syrian rebels say U.S. won't intervene in south Syria". U.S. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
- ^ "Battle of Southern Syria Has Started". Enab Baladi. 26 June 2018.
- ^ "Syria Breaks De-Escalation Agreement". 3 July 2018.
- ^ "Pope Francis decries new attacks in Syria's Daraa province". 1 July 2018.
- ^ Arab, The New. "Turkey slams Syria regime's 'inhuman' Daraa offensive".
- ^ https://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/7245
- ^ https://www.orient-news.net/en/news_show/151303/0/If-Idlib-attacked-Astana-accord-could-be-destroyed---Erdogan-says
- ^ "Israeli defense official threatens to strike Syrian troops that enter demilitarized zone". 5 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ https://www.haaretz.com/whdcMobileSite/israel-news/netanyahu-israel-has-no-problem-with-assad-agreements-must-be-upheld-1.6268158
- ^ "IRGC commander claims 'Islamic Army' near Golan Heights, ready to fight Israel". 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ https://azelin.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/hay_at-tahcca3ricc84r-al-shacc84m-22the-south-will-be-victorious-a-call-to-action22.pdf
- ^ https://azelin.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/hcca3uracc84s-al-dicc84n-22about-the-events-in-daracc8422.pdf
- ^ "Surrender deals in southern Syria a huge gamble". Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ "Syria's war: Rebel-held Bosra al-Sham surrenders in Deraa battle". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ https://azelin.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/islamic-emirate-of-the-caucasus-in-al-shacc84m-22support-to-our-people-in-dar_acc8422.pdf
- ^ Al-Tamimi, Aymenn Jawad. "Jaysh Khalid bin al-Waleed on Relations With Other Factions: Translation and Analysis". Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ Al-Tamimi, Aymenn Jawad. "Jaysh Khalid bin al-Waleed Call for Migration: Translation and Analysis". Retrieved 10 July 2018.
- ^ Khoury, Jack; Reuters (29 June 2018). "Jordanian Official Reports Cease-fire in Southern Syria as Nasrallah Hails 'Very Big Victory'" – via Haaretz.
{{cite web}}
:|last2=
has generic name (help) - ^ Editorial, Reuters. "Hezbollah leader says to stay in Syria".
{{cite web}}
:|first=
has generic name (help)
- 2018 in Syria
- Conflicts in 2018
- Daraa Governorate in the Syrian Civil War
- June 2018 events in Syria
- Military operations of the Syrian Civil War in 2018
- Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving Ahrar al-Sham
- Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving Tahrir al-Sham
- Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Free Syrian Army
- Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Syrian government