If you’re able, and if you like our content and approach, please support the project. Our work wouldn’t be possible without your help: PayPal: southfront@list.ru or via: http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront
On June 8, ISIS militants withdrew from a number villages in Northern Syria, passing them to the so-called “rebel groups.” The withdrawal has started in the villages of Kafrkalbin, Kaljibreen and Sandaf. Without any significant resistance, ISIS passed the vital area between the cities of Azaz and Mare to other armed groups, proving one more time the tactical cooperation between ISIS and Turkish- Saudi- backed militants.
The Russian Aerospace Forces detected and destroyed an ISIS oil tanker convoy on in the southwestern part of the Raqqa province. Several oil tankers were destroyed and a number of militants killed by air strikes. Russian warplanes also intensified air raids in the area in and near the city of Aleppo. The most intense air raids were observed in the area of Khan Tuman where Al Nusra and allies had seized few villages from the pro-government forces. Russian warplanes were also observed near Anadan, Haritan and Kafr Hamra. Trucks with weapons and munitions, escorted by some 160 Al-Nusra militants, have been seen crossing over from Turkey into Syria in the north of Idlib province, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported. The militants were heading to Aleppo.
Syrian Arab Army troops continued repelling attacks of al-Nusra in northeastern, northwestern and southwestern suburbs of the Aleppo city. Military equipment of militants has been registered moving to Tell Nsibin region from Haretan. Terrorists failed to break through defensive of the government troops.
The SAA, supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces, continued the advance in the province of Raqqa, seizing the Rasafeh Crossroad in western Raqqa. Late June 8, units of the SAA’s 555th Regiment of the 4th Mechanized Division and Desert Hawks were within 30 km of the Tabaqa Military Airport. No more significant gains were reported while heavy clashes were ongoing in the area.
he Syrian Democratic Forces, backed and managed by the US military, are finishing the encirclement of the ISIS-controlled city of Manbij. By now, the only logistical line, controlled by ISIS in the area, is the Manbij-Al Bab road.
‘ proving one more time the tactical cooperation between ISIS and Turkish- Saudi- backed militants.’ Why this kind of statements all the time, there is no proof in this video or any other. It is not that i dont want to beleave it, but the counter argument is clearly stronger. ISIS is under a lot of pressure at Manbij and simply doesnt have the manpower to defend their gains in the Alleppo province.
ISIS must be getting rearmed in some way.
The only options are that Russia, the USA, France or the UK are airdropping supplies to ISIS, or they are arriving overland from Turkey.
I can’t see Russia rearming ISIS, so that leaves only the usual suspects, and Turkey.
So Russia “reported” that the Aleppo jihadists are being supplied from Turkey (i.e., NATO territory). Any thoughts of *doing* something about it? The “pro-Russian” press was quick to praise the ceasefire theatre, claiming that “the West’s duplicity will be exposed if it violates the agreement”. What does that even mean? Those who follow the news, have seen through the West’s jihadist double game for years; in all fairness, also mainstream media have reported on it repeatedly. The great majority, however, watches Game of Thrones instead and is told by their TV that “it’s all Russia’s fault”.
–
There is little to gain for Russia by playing nice with a West that despises it; in particular, the propaganda offensive will continue regardless of Russia’s actions. The way to deal with these jihadists (moderate or not) is to defeat them; if Russia isn’t serious about this, it need not have started.
I was thinking the same, yet I believe there is some operational or tactical considerations we don’t know about. The SDF offensive going west is clearly worrying for jihadists in the Aleppo area, and they are trying to push on the city, ignoring the heavy losses they take in doing so.
There are no “simple ways” to solve this conflict.
Absolutely; confronting the Empire is a grave undertaking. But especially when one wishes the BRICS and others well, one should guard for fanboyism. I’ve seen too many comments where every move of the Kremlin is declared a masterstroke before the consequences can be discerned.
–
Looks to me like the Turkish border is not at all closed; worse, *allies* who have bled much more than the Russians so far, have been left dangling in exposed, indefensible positions. I really hope for a peaceful outcome, but it will only be brought about by Russian strength. If Washington gets the impression that the Russkies roll over for a photo op in Geneva, they’ll gobble up Syria in no time at all–and that will only whet their appetite for more.