Reports: Syrian Army Preparing Offensive Against Rebel-Held Idlib
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Reports out of Syria suggest that the Syrian Army is engaged in preparations to start a military offensive against the rebel-dominated Idlib Province. They didn’t say when the offensive would begin, but media sources said it would likely start with the province’s south and west.
All other major rebel holdings have been retaken by the Syrian military, and evacuation deals often meant influxes of different rebels allowed to relocate to Idlib. Russian officials described the area as a “festering abscess” that needs to be liquidated.
Read more at https://news.antiwar.com/2018/08/29/reports-syrian-army-preparing-offensive-against-rebel-held-idlib/
Russia Drills Area in Mediterranean Dangerous for Navigation, Air Traffic – Navy
31.08.2018
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian military drills in the Mediterranean will involve 26 warships and submarines, as well as 34 combat aircraft, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Vladimir Korolev said. The country’s Navy and Aerospace Forces will hold joint large-scale naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea from September 1 to 8.
“A total of 26 combat vessels, including two submarines, as well as 34 aircraft will take part in the training exercises. The Northern Fleet’s [Slava-class] Marshal Ustinov missile cruiser will lead the naval task force participating in the drills,” Korolev said at a briefing.
Read more at https://sputniknews.com/military/201808311067620805-russia-mediterranean-drills-warning-danger-area/
Russian FM Lavrov Warns West “Don’t Obstruct Anti-terror Ops” As Idlib Assault “Hours Away”
by Tyler Durden
Thu, 08/30/2018
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Lavrov has warned the West not to interfere in Syrian and Russian forces engaged in antiterror actions in the northwest province of Idlib: “I hope our Western partners will not give in to [rebel] provocations and will not obstruct an antiterror operation,” he said.
This as Reuters reports that a planned “phased offensive” is imminent and as massive Syrian Army reinforcements and military convoys have been filmed this week heading toward the last major anti-Assad holdout.
Read more at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-08-29/russian-fm-lavrov-warns-west-dont-interfere-idlib-assault-hours-away
US Media ‘Conditioning’ Public For Bombing Raids on Syria
31.08.2018
The Syrian government is gearing up to liberate one of the last remaining strongholds of the jihadist opposition which has been ravaging the country for seven years. As the government has deposed the so-called rebel leaders from power in various cities in the country over the years, it has shipped them to Idlib.
The United Nations called on Russia, Iran and Turkey to not attack Idlib until humanitarian corridors are set up to evacuate civilians. One overlooked possibility, however, is an attack from France, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Read more at https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201808311067618994-Media-Conditioning-Public-Bombing-Syria/
UN warns Russia, Iran, Turkey over imminent Idlib offensive
August 30 2018
The United Nations has called on guarantor powers Russia, Iran, and Turkey to forestall a battle in Syria’s Idlib province, saying a humanitarian corridor should be set up to allow civilians to leave the area.
“Russia, Iran, and Turkey should take more time to try to avert massive military escalation in Idlib,” U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura was quoted as saying by Reuters while speaking to reporters in Geneva on Aug. 30.
A potential “perfect storm” is looming over Idlib, with possible military implications beyond the region, de Mistura also said.
Read more at http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/un-warns-russia-iran-turkey-over-imminent-idlib-offensive-136320
Defense Minister Akar reveals Turkish position on Idlib, Manbij after call with Russian counterpart
August 30 2018
Ankara is continuing its efforts to sustain cease-fire in Syria’s Idlib province and a joint roadmap with the U.S. over Manbij city is “slowly” progressing, Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has said.
“Regarding Manbij, there is progress, although a slow one. We constantly remind our partners that the YPG/PKK must leave the region,” Akar said in a speech at a military promotion ceremony in Ankara on Aug. 30 following a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.
Read more at http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/defense-minister-reveals-latest-turkish-position-on-idlib-manbij-after-call-with-russian-counterpart-136293
