Timeline of the Syrian civil war (2020)

(Redirected from 2020 Deir ez-Zor ambush)

The following is a timeline of the Syrian civil war for 2020. Information about aggregated casualty counts is found at Casualties of the Syrian civil war.

January

edit

Idlib

edit

The Syrian government continued to launch major attacks on rebel groups in Northwestern Syria ("Greater Idlib"), with Russian air support. Continued operations have caused over 200,000 refugees to flee the area, with many fleeing to Turkey.[1][2]

On 11 January, Russia announced that a ceasefire had been agreed to in the area of Idlib and Northwest Syria, between Russia, Syria, Syrian rebels and Turkey. This was due to requests by Turkey for a ceasefire, in order to stop the flow of Syrian refugees into Turkey.[3][4] However, some regional news outlets reported that Syria launched further attacks near Idlib, in Ma'arrat al-Nu'man District and the villages of Maar Shoreen, Talmenes, and Maar Shamshah, even after the ceasefire had officially begun.[5]

On 21 January, Russian warplanes targeted a farm on the outskirts of the Kafar Taal village, in western Aleppo province, killing nine civilians, among them six children, and also targeted areas in the southern and south-eastern countryside of Idlib, inflicting damage to property.[6]

On 28 January, the Syrian Arab Army captured the strategic city of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man. A war monitor and government media added that the Syrian army went into the city under the protection of heavy air strikes.[7][8]

Northeastern Syria

edit

According to Andalou Agency, on 18 January, U.S. troops blocked a Russian convoy from entering Rmelan, where the U.S. is protecting oil fields under SDF administration. Tension occurred between the two groups as U.S. soldiers asked the Russian soldiers to return to the Amuda district in northwest of Al-Hasakah Governorate.[9]

There was a dispute in the UN Security Council over the re-authorization for border-crossing points into Syria to deliver aid. The existing authorization expired on 10 January 2020.[10] In December 2019, China and Russia vetoed a proposal to renew all four existing crossing points, which are located in Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey; they wished to eliminate all crossing points except the ones in Turkey.[11] By January 2020, the dispute was ongoing.[10]

February

edit

On 1 February, four officers from the K and S units of Russia's Federal Security Service were reported killed near Aleppo.[12][13]

Al-Tanf

edit

Around 16 February, an Iranian-backed proxy group reportedly approached Al-Tanf, and were then repelled by the U.S.-partnered Maghaweir al-Thowra.[14]

Idlib and Aleppo

edit
 
The Syrian army's Idlib and Aleppo offensive, which began in December 2019

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), by 6 February, the Syrian Army had captured 139 (including areas captured last year)[15] towns, villages and hilltops, including the strategic city of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, towns and villages of Al-Tah, Jarjnaz, Tell Mannas, Kafr Rumah, Khan al-Sabil, Hish, Sarmin and Afs and Turkish observation posts at Sarman, Maar Hattat, Tell Touqan, Rashidin in Western Aleppo and 4 posts inside the encircled Saraqib pocket.[16] Humanitarian organizations called for a ceasefire in Idlib after 520,000 people had been displaced from their homes.[17]

On 10 February, pro-Syrian government and Iranian-backed militias including Shabiha were filmed desecrating the graves and exhuming the bodies of opposition fighters and those affiliated with them, in a series of clips circulated on social media during the two days prior, in southern Idlib province, and holding skulls of opposition fighters and civilians and mocking them.[18][19][20]

On 18 February, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed her concerns over the increase in fighting in northwest Syria and blamed the Syrian government and Russia for intentionally targeting civilians.[21]

On 20 February, Turkish-backed rebels launched another counteroffensive on Nayrab with Turkish artillery support.[22][23] Turkish commandos were also reported to have been operating alongside rebels in the assault on the town.[24] A Russian UAV was reported to have been shot down during the initial shelling and rocket strikes.[25] Russian planes provided air support to the pro-government forces and struck positions of the advancing rebels.[26] Additional shelling on nearby towns on both the government-controlled and opposition-controlled sides of the frontline were reported, with both Russian and Turkish forces involved in air and artillery support roles respectively.[27] During the battle, rebels reportedly attempted to shoot down a Russian Su-24 using Turkish-provided MANPADS.[28][29]

After heavy fighting,[27] the rebels managed to take full control of the town. However, Russian air support allowed the pro-government forces to eventually repel the rebel assault and recapture Nayrab.[30][31] Russia contacted Turkish forces and told them to end artillery support to the rebels, which they did, according to Russia.[32] The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed that two Turkish soldiers had been killed and five wounded due to an airstrike during the assault,[33] while also claiming the Turkish-backed rebels killed 50 Syrian government forces during the battle.[34] The Russian Ministry of Defence said Russian forces destroyed one tank, six armored vehicles, and five other vehicles all belonging to the rebels.[35] As well as the two confirmed Turkish deaths,[36] the SOHR said that about 28 rebels and 14 pro-government soldiers were killed and that some Syrian soldiers were beheaded by jihadist fighters.[37]

On 27 February, during the Syrian Army offensive on Idlib an airstrike against a Turkish Army convoy in Balyun, Idlib resulted in the deaths of at least 34 Turkish soldiers according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, while other sources close to Turkey gave tolls of 50–70 dead Turkish soldiers,[38][39] making it the single deadliest attack on Turkish forces since its involvement in the war.[40][41] Between 36 and 60 soldiers were also wounded.[42][43] At around 11 a.m. on 27 February 2020, two Russian Sukhoi Su-34 and two Syrian Su-22 fighter jets started intensive bombing raids of Turkish-backed rebel forces in the southern countryside of Syria's Idlib province. According to Russian sources, after 1 p.m., Turkish troops conducted more than 15 MANPADS attacks against the Russian and Syrian jets, with some Russian aircraft allegedly suffering damage while evading the fire.[43]

At around 5 p.m., a 400-man Turkish mechanized infantry battalion traveling in a convoy was targeted by an airstrike on the road between al-Bara and Balyun, around five kilometers north of Kafr Nabl. A light airstrike by a Su-22s halted the convoy, after which more intense bombing forced the Turkish soldiers to take shelter in the nearby buildings. The Russian jets then reportedly dropped KAB-1500L laser-guided bombs on the Turkish positions, collapsing two buildings and leaving a number of soldiers under the rubble. Russia denied it carried out airstrikes in the area and stated it made attempts to ensure the Syrian military ceased firing to allow the evacuation of the Turkish troops, but noted the Turkish forces should not have been in the area, where "counter-terror operations" were taking place, and that Turkey failed to notify it about the soldiers' presence in advance.[43]

On 28 February, the Defense Ministry of Turkey stated that a day after 33 of their soldiers were killed in the air strike, artillery fire was launched by Syrian forces in northwest Idlib province of Syria, which led to the killing of one Turkish soldier and two others injured. The Turkish military also continued to attack Syrian Government targets in the region as well, according to the defense ministry.[44][45] Turkey said it retaliated for Balyun strikes by striking 200 Syrian government targets and 309 soldiers.[46] NATO and the US expressed support for Turkey and urged Russia to engage with UN ceasefire efforts, while the UN expressed concern at developments.[46][47]

Northeastern Syria

edit
 
Civilians and pro-Assad militiamen block an American convoy near Qamishli, 12 February 2020

On 12 February, government supporters blocked and pelted a U.S. military convoy passing through Qamishli, which led to a clash with U.S. troops, killing one civilian and injuring another. There is no certainty as to whether the civilian who was killed was armed or not, a monitoring group stated.[48][49] Local sources and U.S. officials said that pro-Syrian government militiamen were also part of the stand off.[50] According to the coalition spokesman Col. Myles Caggins, the coalition troops were compelled to exchange fire in an act of self-defense and that the incident is under investigation.[51]

On 16 February, at least 55 vehicles of the U.S. military convoy were spotted entering al-Hasakah province in northeastern Syria from Iraq, according to pro-Damascus sources.[52]

March

edit

After the attack in northwest Idlib on 27 February, which caused the death of dozens of Turkish soldiers, Turkey declared on 1 March, that it was starting a major counteroffensive against Bashar al-Assad's government.[53] The announcement was made by Turkey's defense minister Hulusi Akar, after which he described the decision as an attempt to prevent the Syrian government from launching dangerous attacks against Syrians, as well as to ensure the establishment of an extensive ceasefire in the region.[54][better source needed] Two Syrian fighter jets were reported to have been shot down in Idlib province by a Turkish F-16, as the offensive against Syrian forces intensifies. The pilots managed to eject from the jets and land safely at the clash site between Syrian forces and Turkish troops in Idlib province, the BBC added.[55][56] Also, the Syrian media confirmed that there were no casualties in the northwestern Idlib attack.[57] The defense minister of Turkey maintained that in addition to the shooting down of the two Syrian military aircraft in the offensive known as Operation Spring Shield, he disclosed that Turkey had killed over 2,000 Syrian government troops.[58]

On 1 March, the 2020 Daraa clashes began.

On 5 March, a meeting was held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after which both parties agreed to a military ceasefire in Idlib province of northwestern Syria. The meeting between the Turkish and Russian president which was held in Moscow, reportedly lasted for about six hours.[59][60] Presidents Putin and Erdogan announced that the ceasefire was scheduled to commence on Thursday evening at midnight.[61] In accordance with the ceasefire agreement, joint patrols and a security corridor were established along the vital M4 highway.[62] On 7 March, breaking the truce, pro-government forces captured the villages of Al Burayi and Ma’arat Muqas after heavy shelling, but pulled back the following day under pressure from Russia.[63]

On 24 March, in order to fight the coronavirus outbreak, the UN special envoy for Syria urged for an instant ceasefire throughout the country. The International Committee of the Red Cross also called for a ceasefire, as they cannot simultaneously deal with the virus outbreak and cater for the displaced people of Syria, the ICRC regional director added.[64][65]

On 31 March, the Shayrat Airbase in Syria came under an Israeli missile attack, during a meeting between high-ranking officers of Syria and Iran. No casualties were reported in the attack, as the Syrian air defenses were able to intercept the Israeli missiles.[66][67] According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, eight missiles were believed to have been fired by the Israeli warplanes at the Al-Shayrat air base.[68]

April

edit

As the Syrian war entered its tenth year on 1 April, the monthly death toll recorded by SOHR in March was the lowest, due to a fall in the number of civilian casualties. SOHR said a total of 103 civilians had been killed, with 51 of them dying as a result of air strikes and shellings.[69] SOHR reported that the civilian death toll was less than half that in February, which was placed at 275, when a major government offensive in Syria's last opposition stronghold was still active.[70]

On 8 April, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the first time formally accuses the Syrian government of chemical warfare, referring to an attack on Al-Lataminah in March 2017.[71]

On 13 April, Turkish riot police dispersed dozens of Syrians participating in a sit-in on the M4 highway in the northwest linking the key cities of Saraqeb and Latakia; the incident showed a growing dissatisfaction toward the joint Russian-Turkish military presence in the area.[72][73][74]

Local sources from Quneitra confirmed to Arabi21 that Russia was exploiting the poverty under which people were living in Syria to recruit young people - with wages and the promise to settle the security situation - to fight in Libya alongside the forces of General Khalifa Haftar against the Government of National Accord.[75]

On 27 April, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported that the Syrian government continued to commit multiple human rights violations in March and April, the same months seeing the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 44 civilians including six children killed, and its forces arrested 156 people, and committed at least four attacks on vital civilian facilities, including two schools.[76] The Syrian military blamed Israel for launching a missile attack on a military airfield close to Damascus.[77] As a result of the attack, at least three civilian casualties were reported, leaving four more wounded, according to Al Jazeera.[78] However, SANA added that the Syrian military was able to intercept the missiles, which they believe were fired from Lebanese airspace.[79]

On 28 April, a bombing in Afrin killed 40 people, including 11 children. No group claimed responsibility. Turkey blamed the YPG for the attack. According to the head of SOHR, at least six pro-Turkish Syrian fighters were among those killed in the blast with a possibility of increase in the death toll.[80][81] At least 47 people were reported injured.[82] According to the governor of the neighbouring Hatay province, across the Turkish border, the explosion was believed to have been caused by the rigging of a fuel tanker with hand grenades.[83] Many people, alongside those who got trapped in their cars were burnt to death as a result of the blast, Syrian activists disclosed.[84]

In April, it was alleged that the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed had been attempting to persuade the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to break a ceasefire with Turkish-backed rebels in Idlib province. Mohammed bin Zayed allegedly offered Assad $3 billion in cash to push the offensive.[85][better source needed]

On 11 May, reports from Amnesty International suggested that 18 attacks were carried out on civilian facilities, including medical facilities, in northwestern Syria between 5 May 2019, and 25 February 2020, by the Syrian government. The report said that the Syrian military intentionally attacked civilian facilities such as schools and hospitals.[86][87][88]

On 18 May, the UN envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen urged Russia and the US to take advantage of the partial cooling down of the situation in the region, and sue for peace so as to bring the conflict to an end.[89] Pedersen said that the lack of dialogue between the two countries had left the people of Syria to pay the consequences. He also mentioned that Russia, Turkey and Iran, are all integral to the establishment of a ceasefire in the region. Pedersen is the fourth mediator serving in the capacity of UN envoy to Syria who has attempted to resolve the differences in the war-torn country.[90][91][92]

On 27 May, pro-Syrian government militias destroyed and desecrated the grave of the eighth Umayyad Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz, located in the village of Deir Sharqi in the area of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man in the north-west province of Idlib, and with the contents exhumed and disappeared.[18][93][94][95]

On 29 May, the Russian government proposed a dialogue with Assad's government, in an attempt to increase its military facilities in the country. President Vladimir Putin ordered the defense and foreign ministries to oversee the negotiation with the Syrian government in having access to more facilities on both land and sea.[96][97]

June

edit

On 1 June, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported that the death toll of civilians in the month of May in Syria had reached a total of 125, including 26 children and six women.[98][99] The group also reported that eight people were killed as a result of torture, with seven of them killed by the Syrian government forces and another by the Syrian Democratic forces.[100][101]

On 3 June, the last rebel stronghold/de-escalation zone was attacked by a series of airstrikes, carried out by Russian jets.[102][103] Based on reports from the SOHR, the airstrikes were launched where the borders of Hama, Idlib, and Latakia provinces converge.[citation needed] According to the Daily Sabah, no casualties were reported.[104]

On 7 June, the towns of Manarah and Fatrah were captured by Hurras al-Din jihadists in Idlib Governorate, but after Russian airstrikes the Syrian Army managed to recapture the towns on the same day.[105][106] The fighting left 22 rebels and 19 government soldiers killed, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights.[105]

On 20 June, In light of the increase in number of COVID-19 cases, activists urged for the release of political prisoners in Syria. Officials of the UN expressed concerns over the virus spreading in prisons.[107][108]

On 22 June, a Syrian doctor residing in Germany was detained on the allegation of committing crimes against humanity at a prison in Syria. Dr. Alaa Mousa is believed to be the third former Syrian official to be detained in Germany, according to The New York Times.[109][110] When Mousa was working at a prison in Homs in 2011, he reportedly engaged in beating a detainee (who had been assigned to him for treatment) with a plastic pipe.[111] According to the German prosecutors’ office, at the time of the incident, the detainee was said to be suffering from an epileptic seizure, after being arrested for participating in a protest.[112] The doctor was believed to have been summoned the next day to attend to the detainee, but came along with another doctor who also had a plastic pipe with him. They continued beating and kicking the victim until he became unconscious and incapacitated.[113]

The state-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency reported that Israeli missiles were launched in southern and eastern Syria on 23 June, killing at least two Syrian soldiers and leaving four others injured. According to Al Jazeera, the attacks are believed to be aimed at bases manned by Iranian-backed militias.[114][115] Apart from the two Syrian soldiers killed in the southern province of Sweida, five members of the pro-Iranian militia were also killed, bringing the death toll to seven people, the Times of Israel reported.[116] However, the Israeli army has not made any comments about the attack, despite the fact that Israeli military officials have stated that it would seek the overhaul of Iranian presence in Syria.[117] The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Syrian air defenses responded to the attacks, while intercepting a huge number of missiles.[118]

Economic crisis

edit

In June 2020, the Syrian pound underwent a dramatic collapse. Analysts noted that a resolution to the current banking crisis in Lebanon might be crucial to restoring stability in Syria.[119]

On 7–8 June, hundreds of protestors demonstrated against the government and against Russian and Iranian intervention in the country, in towns in southern Syria including As-Suwayda and Tafas in Daraa.[120] On 7 June protests erupted in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, which had generally been regarded as supportive of Assad; however in this protest, groups of young men were chanting anti-government slogans and demanding the removal of Assad's government.[121] The following day, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the provincial governor's office regardless of the security forces that had been deployed in the area, calling for government allies Iran and Russia to vacate the country and chanting anti-government slogans.[122][123] The state media ignored the protests.[124]

The U.S. envoy to the international military intervention against ISIL, James Franklin Jeffrey, said that the collapse would be exacerbated due to sanctions, and offered to help President Bashar al-Assad if he agreed to meet certain conditions for political reform.[125]

On 10 June, hundreds of protesters returned to the streets of Sweida for the fourth consecutive day, as the Syrian pound plummeted to LS 3,000 to the US dollar.[126] On 11 June, Prime Minister Imad Khamis was dismissed by President Bashar al-Assad, amid anti-government protests over deteriorating economic conditions.[127][128][129][130]

Some analysts began to raise concerns that Assad might be on the verge of losing power; but that any such collapse in the regime might cause conditions to worsen, as the result might be mass chaos, rather than an improvement in political or economic conditions.[131][132][133] Russia continued to expand its influence and military role in the areas of Syria where the main military conflict was occurring.[134]

Syrian state media reported that on 14 June, at a conference in Damascus between the Syrian government and business leaders, a number of business leaders agreed to a plan to reduce prices on important consumer staples and necessities, including food and clothing.[135] Meanwhile, Syrian media outlets alleged that Turkish forces were imposing Turkish currency over areas of northern Syria.[136]

Sanctions and international actions

edit

Analysts noted that the upcoming implementation of new heavy sanctions under the US Caesar Act could devastate the Syrian economy, ruin any chances of recovery, destroy regional stability, and do nothing but destabilize the entire region.[137] The first new sanctions were due to take effect on 17 June with additional sanctions implemented in August, in three different groups. There were increasing reports that food is becoming difficult to find, the country's economy was under severe pressure, and the whole regime could collapse due to the sanctions.[138]

Some experts and some major Western media outlets noted the potential adverse effects on the population; e.g. the Associated Press noted that the sanctions could "be a heavy blow to a country where eight out of 10 people make less than $100 a month."[139] The sanctions were designed to discourage any organizations from providing aid to help in Syria's reconstruction. Under this legislation, the US could penalize any organization that invests in certain economic sectors of Syria, or that lends any money to the Syrian government.[140][141][142]

The provisions of the legislation are as follows:

On and after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall impose the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to a foreign person if the President determines that the foreign person, on or after such date of enactment, knowingly engages in an activity described in paragraph (2).

(2) ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED.—A foreign person engages in an activity described in this paragraph if the foreign person—

(A) knowingly provides significant financial, material, or technological support to, or knowingly engages in a significant transaction with—

(i) the Government of Syria (including any entity owned or controlled by the Government of Syria) or a senior political figure of the Government of Syria;

(ii) a foreign person that is a military contractor, mercenary, or a paramilitary force knowingly operating in a military capacity inside Syria for or on behalf of the Government of Syria, the Government of the Russian Federation, or the Government of Iran; or

(iii) a foreign person subject to sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) with respect to Syria or any other provision of law that imposes sanctions with respect to Syria;

(B) knowingly sells or provides significant goods, services, technology, information, or other support that significantly facilitates the maintenance or expansion of the Government of Syria's domestic production of natural gas, petroleum, or petroleum products;

(C) knowingly sells or provides aircraft or spare aircraft parts that are used for military purposes in Syria for or on behalf of the Government of Syria to any foreign person operating in an area directly or indirectly controlled by the Government of Syria or foreign forces associated with the Government of Syria;

(D) knowingly provides significant goods or services associated with the operation of aircraft that are used for military purposes in Syria for or on behalf of the Government of Syria to any foreign person operating in an area described in subparagraph (C); or

(E) knowingly, directly or indirectly, provides significant construction or engineering services to the Government of Syria.

(3) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that, in implementing this section, the President should consider financial support under paragraph (2)(A) to include the provision of loans, credits, or export credits.[143]

As early as January, Joshua Landis, director of the University of Oklahoma’s Center for Middle East Studies Program, noted the adverse effects the sanctions would have on ordinary Syrians, and questioned whether the sanctions would making any real impact on improving political conditions, or counteracting Syrian government excesses against human rights. He stated "The act will severely delay the effort to rebuild after the war or to provide Syrians with electricity, heating, cooking gas, and other basic commodities needed for existence,....America's sanctions are not smart, They go after entire industries and particularly those that are most essential to providing state services, such as energy."[144]

Analyst Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said:

“Assad is absolutely the prime driver of Syria's ongoing collapse. [But] the US position now appears to be fundamentally driven by great power politics and the goal of ensuring that Russia and Iran can't claim a win. My fear is that Caesar will achieve the exact opposite of its stated goals, fuelling the worst impulses of the Syrian regime and wider conflict. The US self-declared maximum pressure campaign aims to bring the regime to its knees and force its backers to concede defeat but the regime knows how to brutally hold onto power and it's clear that its key backers aren't for moving.

“The Syrian people have been brutalised for a decade now and the country is devastated by conflict but we appear to be staring into the precipice of a dangerous new stage of the conflict ... which risks a devastating new unravelling.”[137]

Russia publicly stated that it would support the existing government of Syria.[145] Russia provided mediation between Turkish and Syrian forces, to avert conflict between the two countries on the ground in Syria. Russian forces also carried out joint patrols with Turkish forces, creating a commonality of interest between the Syrian and Turkish governments.[146]

Russia and the United States continuously argued publicly over the role played by each country in Syrian politics. Russia noted that its military presence had the approval of Syria's government.[147] The Russian Ambassador, Alexander Yevimov, said that Russia would seek to help Syria to recover and to develop its economy positively.[148]

Some analysts[who?] said that Assad would need support from major Sunni countries to stay in power, and that he would need the US to facilitate such support.[149]

Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar Jaafari, asked the UN for assistance, and said that sanctions by the US and the EU were unfairly harming the general population of Syria.[150]

July

edit

According to Middle East Monitor, on 4 July, 20 Russian soldiers took control of Al-Ward, a major oil field in Abu Kamal countryside, after expelling the Syrian government military security personnel from it. Later, Russian forces deployed 15 military vehicles in the field, raised barricades and fortified its surroundings with heavy machine guns.[151]

On 9 July, Russia and China failed in a second U.N. Security Council bid to cut aid access to Syria from Turkey, and the council would now vote on a last-ditch attempt to extend approval for cross-border aid deliveries before it expires on 10 July.[152]

On 14 July, a joint Russian-Turkish patrol was attacked by a SVBIED, injuring several Russian and Turkish soldiers. Also, five civilians were believed to have been wounded during the explosion, according to civil defense groups. The Russians responded by carrying out several airstrikes against rebel positions in greater Idlib.[153][154]

On 15 July, unknown aircraft, suspected to be Russian, carried out airstrikes on the city of al-Bab, controlled by the Syrian National Army and Turkey. An apartment complex was destroyed in the attack.[155] One civilian was killed and at least 10 others were injured in the airstrikes. It was the first airstrike on the town since it was captured from ISIL in 2017.[156]

On 16 July, an unknown UAV suspected to be Turkish carried out a strike against a Russian coordination point south of Al-Darbasiyah, which is controlled by the SDF but with Syrian Army and Russian military police forces present.[157] Two Russian soldiers, one SAA member and two members of the Asayish were injured in the strike.[158]

According to the SOHR, on 17 July, the Syrian National Army was put on high alert and reinforced checkpoints and frontlines amid flyovers by unknown jets.[159]

On 19 July, a car bomb exploded in Azaz, leaving five dead and 43 wounded, according to Turkish state media.[160] Among the wounded victims, 15 civilians who were in critical condition were reportedly rushed to Kilis, a city across the Turkish border, in order to receive medical attention.[161] Separately, in northwestern Syria's Afrin, 13 people alongside children were said to have been wounded also in a terror attack.[162]

August–September

edit

On 17 August, Syrian forces reportedly clashed with US troops in northern Syria close to the Turkish border, which resulted in the death of one Syrian. Two other Syrian soldiers were said to have been injured during the clash, state media added.[163][164]

On 26 September, a car bombing in Ras al-Ayn left at least 7 people dead and another 10 were injured.[165]

On 30 September, dozens of Syrians demonstrated in Idlib city, to mark five years of Russia's intervention in the civil war, and stood amid the rubble of houses destroyed by Russian bombing raising slogans such as "the Russian occupiers must leave" and "Putin and his warplanes destroyed the most ancient civilization in history".[166]

October

edit

On 5 October, Oman became the first Persian Gulf country to reinstate its ambassador in Syria.[167]

On 6 October a truck bombing killed at least 18 people and injured another 40 in al-Bab, Aleppo Governorate, Syria.[168]

According to Middle East Monitor, on 12 October, Syrian government forces from the National Defence Forces, in cooperation with the Republican Guard, attacked and seized the Al-Ward oil field in the eastern governorate of Deir Ez-Zor from the Iranian militias belonging to the 47th Iranian Division which fled the area.[169]

According to Middle East Monitor, on 15 October, U.S. forces conducted a drone strike against Al-Qaeda in the vicinity of Idlib, killing two senior members in the first drone strike by the U.S. military against the group in Syria since mid-September 2019.[170]

According to Middle East Monitor, on 21 October, a Russian airstrike targeting civilian settlements in al-Rami village in southern Idlib province, injuring five civilians including two children.[171]

According to Middle East Monitor, on 22 October, US-led coalition drones targeted a meeting arranged by an ex-ISIS commander with the participation of Hurras al Din members in the village of Jakara in the Salqin area of Idlib, killing at least 23 persons including 17 jihadist fighters (among them, seven senior leaders of Al-Qaeda)[172] and 6 civilians.[173]

On 23 October, SOHR and government sources reported that Russian missiles targeted an oil market controlled by Turkish backed rebels, between the villages of Al-Kousa and Ain Al-Bayda in Jarabulus countryside, Aleppo Governorate, killing 7 persons and injuring 15 more.[174][175]

On 26 October, Russian warplanes targeted a training camp of Faylaq al-Sham, a Turkish-backed rebel group, near Kafr Takharim in Idlib Governorate. The strike killed 78 fighters and wounded more than 90. The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called the strike the heaviest attack since the beginning of the ceasefire.[176][177][178]

November

edit

On 18 November, an airstrike was launched in Syria by the Israeli military, which resulted in the death of three soldiers and one other injured.[179] The air strikes were said to have been carried out after the discovery of roadside bombs along the border in the Golan Heights, according to the Israeli military.[180] Iranian and Syrian targets within Syria, were the targets of the attack, as military compounds, headquarters and storage facilities were hit by the Israeli IDF fighter jets.[181] According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the number of those killed in the attack had reached at least 10 people.[182]

On 22 November, a week after the death of Walid al-Moallem, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has designated Faisal Mekdad as Syria's new foreign minister. The position of deputy foreign minister however, was given to the present ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar al-Jaafari. Also, a high ranking Foreign Ministry official, Bassam Sabbagh replaced Bashar Ja’afari as the UN ambassador.[183][184][185]

On 23 November, heavy clashes between Turkey-backed fighters and Kurdish fighters in Ayn Issa resulted in the death of at least 11 fighters, according to SOHR, which said that despite the 11 Turkey-backed fighters who were killed, an unidentified number of SDF fighters were also killed or injured.[186][187]

Separately, two explosions occurred in the towns of Afrin and al-Bab, which are both controlled by Turkey-backed fighters, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.[188] In the explosion which took place in Al-Bab city, at least five people were reportedly killed, with 20 others injured. Another explosion hit a busy street in Aleppo’s Afrin, just a few hours after the explosion in al-Bab, killing two people and 15 others injured.[189][190] However, there has been no claim of responsibility for either of the blasts, according to the Daily Sabah.[191]

On 25 November, following recent rains in the northern parts of Syria, which destroyed hundreds of tents in displacement camps in Idlib and Aleppo, the United Nations (UN) has revealed that aid is urgently needed for 3 million Syrian refugees.[192]

December

edit

On 2 December, Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper reported that the SDF managed to ambush Turkish-backed forces, killing 30 fighters.[193]

On 11 December, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported to the UN Security Council that Syria's implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention cannot be considered "accurate and complete."[194]

 
U.S. soldiers guard a refinery in northeastern Syria, 16 December 2020

On 25 December, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the state news agency, reported that air strikes targeted Masyaf in the western province of Hama, but that Syrian air defenses were able to intercept the missiles.[195][196] At least six pro-Iranian militia fighters were reported to have been killed in Hama province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which also said that the air strikes were launched from the Lebanaese airspace.[197][198] Satellite images suggested that four buildings for manufacturing weapons were damaged during the air strikes.[199] According to SANA, just a day before the attack, two sites in southern Syria had been reported to have been targeted by Israel.[200] Despite Israel being known to have targeted the Masyaf military compound many times in the past, there was no immediate comment from Israel regarding this attack.[201]

On 30 December, a Syrian military official accused Israel of a missile strike on a military unit in Damascus, close to the Zabadani Valley. One Syrian soldier was said to have been killed during the attack, leaving three others injured.[202][203] According to the Syrian military, the attack was launched from Northern Galilee.[204] Apart from the attack carried out in the area of a-Zabadani, SANA said another defense battery in the western part of Damascus was targeted by the Israeli Air Force.[205] As the year ended, Israel said it had hit 50 targets in Syria in the course of 2020 including government, Iranian and Hezbollah forces.[206]

On 31 December, a Syrian Army convoy south of Deir ez-Zor was ambushed by ISIL insurgents, leaving at least 37 Syrian Army soldiers dead and wounding several others. SOHR said it was one of the deadliest attacks committed by ISIS since the fall of the caliphate in March 2019.[207][208] SANA said that 25 civilians were killed during the attack, but SOHR and local sources put the death toll much higher, with local sources saying over 30 members of the elite 4th Division were killed.[209][210] ISIL issued a statement claiming responsibility for the bus attack. The group maintained that it had killed 40 Syrian army soldiers during the attack, while leaving six others seriously injured.[211][212]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Berger, Miriam (28 December 2019). "Idlib could become the worst humanitarian crisis in Syria's civil war". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 30 January 2020.
  2. ^ "'Don't do it': Trump warns Syria, Russia and Iran over Idlib offensive". Middle East Eye. 26 December 2019.
  3. ^ Russian army announces ceasefire in Syria's Idlib, By: AFP | Published: 10 January 2020.
  4. ^ Reuters (10 January 2020). "Turkey, Russia agree to ceasefire in war-torn Idlib, Syria". CBC News. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ Assad regime attacks Idlib, violating third cease-fire attempt, DAILY SABAH, 9 January 2020.
  6. ^ Russian Airstrike Kills Nine in Syria, Including Family With Six Children. 21 January 2020. Haaretz. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Syrian government forces enter town south of Idlib city". Reuters. 28 January 2020.
  8. ^ McKernan, Bethan (28 January 2020). "Assad regime captures town in Syria's last rebel-held territory". the Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  9. ^ "Syria: US troops block Russian forces way to oil field". Middle East Monitor. 19 January 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Syria, January 2020 Monthly Forecast : Security Council Report". www.securitycouncilreport.org.
  11. ^ "Russia and China veto UN extending cross-border aid to Syria". France 24. 20 December 2019. Archived from the original on 2 February 2020.
  12. ^ "4 Russian Special Forces Officers Killed in Syria – Reports". The Moscow Times. 3 February 2020. At least four members of Russia's special forces have been killed in Syria on Saturday, the investigative website Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT), which monitors Russian military activity, has reported.
  13. ^ "Four FSB special forces officers reportedly killed in Syria". Meduza. 3 February 2020. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. The Telegram-based investigative news outlet Baza has reported that four officers from the Special Operations Center of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) have been killed near Aleppo, Syria [...] Another Telegram channel, The Special Operations Channel, published three names in full: Captain Dmitry Minov, Major Bulat Akhmatyanov, and Lieutenant Vsevolod Trofimov.
  14. ^ Snow, Shawn (16 February 2020). "Iran-backed group launches attack near small garrison in Syria housing American special operators". Military Times. Maghaweir al-Thowra, an anti-ISIS U.S.-backed group, operates out of small garrison near the Iraq border. It tweeted Sunday that an Iran proxy launched an attack against its forces and breached the 55 km deconfliction zone that surrounds a small garrison housing American commandos known as al-Tanf. The anti-ISIS fighters said that they repelled the attack and that the Syrian government had lost control of its allies — which the MAT described as a "rogue Iranian proxy."
  15. ^ "20 days of military operations in Aleppo and Idlib: 1,133 persons killed, nearly 400,000 civilians displaced, and 93 areas fall to regime forces • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". 5 February 2020.
  16. ^ "Syria regime forces surround Turkish army post in Idlib". France 24. 23 December 2019.
  17. ^ "Aid groups warn of 'humanitarian catastrophe' in northwest Syria". www.aljazeera.com.
  18. ^ a b The New Arab (28 May 2020). "Iran-backed militants 'exhume' the grave of Caliph Umar II in Idlib". The New Arab. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  19. ^ Syria regime destroys graves, digs up bodies of opposition fighters. 10 February 2020. MEMO. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  20. ^ "Syrian regime forces destroy, dig up graves near Idlib". الصفحة الرئيسية _موقع ليفانت نيوز للاخبار. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  21. ^ "'Horror' in Syria: UN cites deliberate attacks on civilians". Al-Jazeera.
  22. ^ "Video: Aerial footage of Turkish artillery attacks on Syria". IWN.
  23. ^ Turkish forces and opposition factions storm Al-Nayrab amid fierce battles with regime forces, SOHR
  24. ^ Harun al-Aswad, Ragip Soylu (20 February 2020). "Two Turkish soldiers killed as Syrian rebels stage assault on Idlib's Neirab". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  25. ^ The New Arab (20 February 2020). "Turkey launches 'limited' operation to retake Idlib towns". alaraby. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  26. ^ "Dozens reported dead in Syria as Turkey-backed forces launch assault in Idlib | DW | 20.02.2020". DW.COM.
  27. ^ a b Fierce battles continue in Al-Nayrab and Turkish forces shell Saraqeb and surrounding villages intensively, SOHR
  28. ^ Turkish-backed militants attempt to shoot down Russian aircraft over Idlib: video Archived 20 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Al-Masdar
  29. ^ "محاولة إسقاط مقاتلة روسية في سوريا على يد مسلحين.. فيديو". Watan News (in Arabic).
  30. ^ Turkish soldiers killed in Syria amid threats of escalation, AP, 20 February 2020
  31. ^ Clashes in Syria's Idlib kill 27 fighters: monitor Archived 2 March 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Daily Star Lebanon, 20 February 2020
  32. ^ Rusya'dan İdlib açıklaması: Ankara'yla temas kurduk, Türkiye Suriye ordusuna yönelik topçu ateşini durduruldu, BBC Turkish
  33. ^ Son dakika haberleri... İdlib'den acı haber! 2 şehit, 5 yaralı, Milliyet
  34. ^ Turkey Claims 'More Than 50' Syrian Forces Killed After Two Turkish Soldiers Killed in Airstrike, Ha'aretz
  35. ^ Breaking: Russia destroys 10 Turkish-backed militant vehicles in northern Syria Archived 23 September 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Al-Masdar
  36. ^ "Turkey suffers casualties as Syrian government continues advance on Idlib". haaretz.com. 22 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  37. ^ Nearly 45 regime and Turkish soldiers and rebels killed in shelling and violent battles on Al-Nayrab frontline, east of Idlib, SOHR
  38. ^ "Türkische Soldaten sterben durch Luftangriffe in Idlib - DER SPIEGEL - Politik". Der Spiegel. 27 February 2020.
  39. ^ Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria, The Guardian
  40. ^ "Turkey hits 'all known' Syrian govt positions after soldiers killed in Idlib". France 24. France 24. 28 February 2020.
  41. ^ Gall, Carlotta (27 February 2020). "Airstrike Hits Turkish Forces in Syria, Raising Fears of Escalation". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  42. ^ "33 Turkish soldiers killed, 36 wounded in Syria's Idlib - live blog". Ahval. Archived from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  43. ^ a b c Gurcan, Metin (28 February 2020). "Deciphering Turkey's darkest night in Syria". Al-Monitor.
  44. ^ "One Turkish soldier killed, two wounded in Syria's Idlib: ministry". Reuters. 28 February 2020.
  45. ^ "56 Syrian regime troops, military hardware destroyed as another Turkish soldier killed in Idlib". Saily Sabah. 28 February 2020.
  46. ^ a b "Alarm after Syrian attack kills Turkish soldiers". BBC News. 28 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  47. ^ "Syrian airstrikes kill dozens of Turkish troops in Idlib - live updates - 28.02.2020". DW.COM. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  48. ^ "Syrian killed in rare clash between US troops, government forces". www.aljazeera.com.
  49. ^ "Syria war: 'One killed' as US troops clash with government loyalists near Qamishli". BBC News. 12 February 2020.
  50. ^ "US Convoy Attacked by Pro-Government Militia in Northeast Syria | Voice of America - English". www.voanews.com.
  51. ^ "US forces kill 1 Syrian regime militiaman in Al-Hasakah". www.aa.com.tr.
  52. ^ "Over 50 US military vehicles enter northeastern Syria".
  53. ^ Gall, Carlotta (1 March 2020). "Turkey Declares Major Offensive Against Syrian Government". The New York Times.
  54. ^ "Turkey announces major offensive against Syrian government forces". New Europe. 3 March 2020.
  55. ^ "Turkey downs two Syrian fighter jets as it intensifies Idlib attacks". the Guardian. 1 March 2020.
  56. ^ "Syria war: Turkey intensifies Idlib onslaught after air strike". BBC News. 1 March 2020.
  57. ^ Alsaafin, Linah. "Turkey shoots down two Syrian fighter jets over Idlib". www.aljazeera.com.
  58. ^ Kirby, Jen (2 March 2020). "Why Turkey launched a major offensive against the Syrian government". Vox.
  59. ^ "Turkey, Russia announce ceasefire in Syria's Idlib". www.aljazeera.com.
  60. ^ Gul Tuysuz and Ivana Kottasová (5 March 2020). "Turkey and Russia announce ceasefire in northwest Syria". CNN.
  61. ^ "Russia and Turkey agree ceasefire in Syria's Idlib province". the Guardian. 5 March 2020.
  62. ^ "Syria war: Russia and Turkey agree Idlib ceasefire". BBC News. 5 March 2020.
  63. ^ Williams, Sara Elizabeth (8 March 2020). "Fragile Idlib ceasefire holding after Syrian regime forces withdraw from villages". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  64. ^ "UN calls for total ceasefire in Syria to focus on coronavirus". www.aljazeera.com.
  65. ^ "Syrian Ceasefire Critical to Combating Coronavirus-U.N., Red Cross". The New York Times.
  66. ^ Sanchez, Raf (1 April 2020). "Israel 'strikes Syrian regime base' as campaign against Iran continues amid coronavirus". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  67. ^ "Syria air defences down Israeli missiles over Homs: state media". www.aljazeera.com.
  68. ^ "Syrian media says Israeli war planes attack near Homs". www.timesofisrael.com.
  69. ^ "Syria: Record drop in monthly death toll | DW | 01.04.2020". DW.COM.
  70. ^ "Lowest Monthly Death Toll in 9 Years of Syria War". Asharq AL-awsat.
  71. ^ Rothwell, James (8 April 2020). "Global watchdog for the first time formally accuses Syria of using chemical weapons". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  72. ^ "Protesters dispersed with teargas in rebel-held Idlib". 15 April 2020.
  73. ^ Turkish riot police break up Syrian highway protest. 14 April 2020. Middle East Monitor. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  74. ^ al-Aswad, Harun (14 April 2020). "Turkish crackdown on Idlib protest exposes Syrian rebel divisions". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  75. ^ Sources: Russia recruiting youth from southern Syria to fight in Libya. 14 April 2020. Middle East Monitor. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  76. ^ Assad regime violence continues despite coronavirus. AA. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  77. ^ Gross, Judah Ari; staff, T. O. I. "Syria reports Israeli strikes near Damascus". www.timesofisrael.com.
  78. ^ "Syria civilians killed in Israeli missile attack: State media". www.aljazeera.com.
  79. ^ Staff, Al-Monitor (27 April 2020). "Israel bombs Iran-backed forces near Syrian capital". Al-Monitor.
  80. ^ "Bomb blast kills 40 people in Syria's Afrin: Turkey". Reuters. 28 April 2020.
  81. ^ "Fuel truck bomb kills more than 40 in northern Syria". the Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 29 April 2020.
  82. ^ "Dozens killed in fuel-truck blast in Syrian town of Afrin". www.aljazeera.com.
  83. ^ "Syria war: Dozens killed in truck bomb attack at Afrin market". BBC News. 28 April 2020.
  84. ^ AP. "Attack in Syria Town Run by Turkish-Backed Fighters Kills 40". New York Times.
  85. ^ "Syrie : Mohammed bin Zayed a encouragé Bachar al-Assad à rompre le cessez-le-feu d'Idlib". AlNas. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  86. ^ "'War crimes' committed by Russia, Assad gov't in Syria: Amnesty". www.aljazeera.com.
  87. ^ "Syria attacks constitute 'war crimes': Report". The New Humanitarian. 11 May 2020.
  88. ^ "Amnesty accuses Damascus, Moscow of 'war crimes' in Syria". TRTWorld.
  89. ^ "UN envoy calls for Russia-US talks to help end Syrian war". www.aljazeera.com.
  90. ^ "UN envoy calls on US, Russia to hold talks to help end Syria war". Middle East Monitor. 20 May 2020.
  91. ^ "UN Envoy Calls for Russia-US Talks to Help End Syria War". Asharq AL-awsat.
  92. ^ Services, Compiled from Wire (18 May 2020). "UN envoy calls on US, Russia to push for peace in Syria amid recent calm". Daily Sabah.
  93. ^ Tomb of Umayyad Caliph exhumed by militias in Syria. 28 May 2010. MEMO. Retrieved 2 June 2020
  94. ^ "Tomb of Umar Bin Abdulazeez Destroyed in Syria". Clarion India. June 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  95. ^ Sikander, Sana (30 May 2020). "Tomb of Umar Bin Khattab's great-grandson destroyed in Syria". The Siasat Daily (in Arabic). Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  96. ^ "Russia aims to boost military facilities in Syria | DW | 30.05.2020". DW.COM.
  97. ^ "Russia eyeing expansion of military bases in Syria". Russia eyeing expansion of military bases in Syria.
  98. ^ SABAH, DAILY (1 June 2020). "125 civilians killed in Syria in May". Daily Sabah.
  99. ^ "125 civilians killed in Syria in May: Watchdog". www.aa.com.tr.
  100. ^ "125 civilians killed in Syria in May, report finds". Middle East Monitor. 2 June 2020.
  101. ^ "125 Civilians Documented Killed in Syria in May 2020, including Eight Who Died Due to Torture, and One Massacre - Syrian Arab Republic". ReliefWeb.
  102. ^ Neilan, Catherine (3 June 2020). "Russian air strikes hit Syria's last major rebel bastion for first time since March ceasefire". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  103. ^ "Russia hits targets in Syria de-escalation zone, delivers MiG-29s". Ahval.
  104. ^ AP, Daily Sabah with (3 June 2020). "Syrian activists: Russia continuing attacks in Idlib despite ceasefire". Daily Sabah.
  105. ^ a b ""De-escalation zone" Nearly 30 Russian airstrikes pound rural Idlib and Hama, and regime forces shell the villages of Jabal al-Zawiya with artillery". Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  106. ^ "Syrian Army retakes 2 towns in northwestern Hama after launching counter-attack". Al Masdar. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  107. ^ Khodr, Zeina. "Syria's war: Activists call for release of political prisoners". www.aljazeera.com.
  108. ^ "Syria's war: Activists call for release of political prisoners - The Global Herald". 20 June 2020.
  109. ^ "Syrian doctor arrested in Germany for 'crimes against humanity'". www.aljazeera.com.
  110. ^ Schuetze, Christopher F.; Hubbard, Ben (22 June 2020). "Syrian Doctor Accused of Torture Is Arrested in Germany". The New York Times.
  111. ^ Hagedorn, Elizabeth (22 June 2020). "Syrian doctor accused of prison torture arrested in Germany". Al-Monitor.
  112. ^ Berlin, Agence France-Presse in (22 June 2020). "Syrian doctor arrested in Germany for alleged crimes against humanity". the Guardian.
  113. ^ "German police arrest Syrian doctor for 'crimes against humanity' | DW | 22.06.2020". DW.COM.
  114. ^ "Two Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli aerial attacks: State media". www.aljazeera.com.
  115. ^ "Syrian army says Israel hit several bases across country". www.aljazeera.com.
  116. ^ Boxerman, Aaron. "Israeli airstrikes reported against Iranian sites in Syria, killing 7". www.timesofisrael.com.
  117. ^ "Syrian air defences respond to Israeli attack on southern and eastern Syria". Cyprus Mail. Reuters. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  118. ^ "Israel launches overnight airstrikes on Syria's military sites - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020.
  119. ^ Charting the dramatic collapse of Syria's national currency, by Hugo Goodridge, 4 June 2020. Despite fears of a spill over from Syria affecting neighbouring Lebanon, it was conversely the collapse of the Lebanese pound that plunged Syria deeper into its economic quagmire. Rising Lebanese debts and a lack of financial ability to pay off these debts, with a seeming absence of political will to find a solution, led to capital controls being imposed. Throughout the war in Syria, Lebanon had been used by Syrians as a reliable place to withdraw dollars. "Syrians, who bought a lot of their dollars in Lebanon, suddenly couldn't access dollars, the value of the Syrian pound started to collapse.
  120. ^ Browne, Gareth (8 June 2020). "Assad faces backlash in Syria as economy crashes". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  121. ^ "Protest in southwest Syria against faltering economy, corruption". www.aljazeera.com.
  122. ^ "'Enough is enough': Syria anti-government protests in Sweida swell for second day". Middle East Eye.
  123. ^ "Syria's economic crisis sparks rare anti-regime protests". TRTWorld.
  124. ^ "Protests hit Druze city in Syria for fourth day amid plunging currency". The Straits Times. 11 June 2020.
  125. ^ Sanctions on Syrian government also threaten Washington's Kurdish allies, Jared Szuba, AL-Monitor, 9 June 2020. "While US and international sanctions aren't specifically targeted at Kurdish-ruled northeast Syria, the area is impacted all the same with trade practically halted and because of the sudden plunge of the Syrian pound."
  126. ^ Al-Khalidi, Suleiman (10 June 2020). "Protests hit Druze city in Syria for fourth day". Reuters – via www.reuters.com.
  127. ^ "Syria war: Assad sacks PM as economic crisis sparks protests". BBC News. 11 June 2020.
  128. ^ Syrian pound hits record low ahead of new U.S. sanctions: dealers. The Syrian pound sank to a new record low on Monday as investors scrambled for dollars ahead of new U.S. sanctions later this month, which many fear will tighten the noose around President Bashar al Assad's government, dealers and bankers said. 8 June 2020, Reuters.
  129. ^ Syrian currency collapse throws country into uncertainty The Syrian regime thought it was finally out of the woods in its almost decade-long civil war. By SETH J. FRANTZMAN JUNE 8, 2020, jpost. com.
  130. ^ Syrian currency loses more value as sanctions hit 11 June 2020, Associated Press.
  131. ^ Is Assad About to Fall? While the world wasn't watching, Syria has edged toward collapse, and the dictator is in his weakest position ever. The U.S. now has a narrow chance to prevent a catastrophe. Charles Lister, 6/11/2020, politico.com.
  132. ^ Assad faces backlash in Syria as economy crashes Hundreds of protesters gather in the restive south of the country as the prices of everyday essentials sky-rocket, By Gareth Browne, Telegraph, 8 June 2020.
  133. ^ Syria Insight: Syria's collapsing economy threatens Assad's rule, Syria has been hit by further economic instability Date of publication: 7 June 2020, english.alaraby.co.uk
  134. ^ Warm waters at last: Russia's expanding military footprint in the Middle East. Russia is increasing its presence in the wider Middle East and North Africa region through the deployment of its armed forces, the sale of arms and the establishment of new military bases. In recent weeks, it began negotiating the establishment of new concessions from the Syrian regime on its indefinite military presence in that country and has also become more directly involved in the civil war tearing Libya apart. 9 June 2020. alaraby.co.uk.
  135. ^ Number of Damascus businessmen launch initiatives to reduce prices, Hazem Sabbagh, 14 June 2020, sana.sy.
  136. ^ Turkey imposes its currency on the areas it occupied in northern Syria, 14 June 2020.
  137. ^ a b "US 'Caesar Act' sanctions could devastate Syria's flatlining economy". the Guardian. 12 June 2020.
  138. ^ Syria economic meltdown presents new challenge for Assad Archived 14 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine, By BASSEM MROUE Associated Press 12 Jun 2020.
  139. ^ Syria, wracked by years of war, about to be hit by punitive U.S. sanctions The Associated Press · Posted: 12 Jun 2020
  140. ^ The Caesar Act: Impacts and Implementation, 20 February 2020, syriaaccountability.org
  141. ^ Inflation, shortages worsen Syrian poverty on eve of new US sanctions. The price of a typical basket of food items increased 111 percent in a year], by Ben Parker Senior Editor, New Humanitarian, 9 June 2020.
  142. ^ How Syria's Economic Difficulties have Caused a Food Crisis, 10 JUNE 2020 Phoebe Sleet, Research Analyst, Global Food and Water Crises Research Programme, Future Directions.
  143. ^ Text of H.R.31 - Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, congress.gov official website.
  144. ^ The Caesar Act: The beginning or end of US Syria Policy? By Will Christou, Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim, 5 January 2020, syriadirect.org.
  145. ^ Yevimov: Syria and Russia will not be defeated by economic terrorism SANA,13 June 2020.
  146. ^ Why do Russia's patrols in Syria keep running into trouble? According to reports, there were tensions on 2 June when a Russian vehicle tried to enter some areas near Derik in eastern Syria. By SETH J. FRANTZMAN JUNE 4, 2020. The SDF still nominally controls much of eastern Syria. But an uneasy and bizarre peace reigns: Russia and Turkey do joint patrols in one area, while the US, supposedly a Turkish ally, patrols in another area. Turkey claims the SDF are terrorists, even though the SDF defeated ISIS. Russia also ended up doing patrols in Idlib because the Russian-backed Syrian regime launched an offensive in February that clashed with Turkish troops in Idlib. Russia stepped in to enforce a ceasefire. Russia is a sort of referee in Syria. But like all referees, it can't be all things to everyone. Kurds are disappointed Russia didn't do more to support them, and Syrian rebels despise Russia for aiding the Assad regime. The US doesn't like the Russians. Only Turkey and Russia seem to get along well. After the 2 June incident near Derik, another incident developed on Thursday. Long lines of civilian cars were backed up as US and Russian soldiers squared off. Reports indicated the US stopped the Russians from entering Derik, and the Russians had to go back to Qamishli. Something else may be afoot. The Russians may be seeking to expand their presence and build a base near Qasir Dib, a village near Derik, according to Sirwan Kajjo of VOA news. The US may not want Russia expanding its footprint even more. The full details of what caused the standoff are still unclear. Meanwhile, Russian and Turkish soldiers carried out their 15th joint patrol near Idlib.
  147. ^ Russian Embassy In Washington Dismisses US Accusations Over Role In Syria, By Vusala Abbasova 8 June 2020, Caspian News. "The rivalry between Russia and the United States in the Middle East continues to escalate as the countries exchange tense remarks over military presence in the region. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Friday, the Russian embassy in Washington, DC. criticized the remarks of David Schenker, the State Department's top diplomat for the Middle East, who had said that Russia should leave Syria and described its role there as "destructive"."
  148. ^ Yevimov: Syria and Russia will not be defeated by economic terrorism, Gh.A.Hassoun, 13 June 2020, SANA.
  149. ^ How new protests in Syria are pushing Assad to the brink, MURAT SOFUOGLU, 14 June 2020, TRT World
  150. ^ Al-Jaafari calls for lifting coercive measures on Syria which hinder tackling coronavirus, achieving development, by Ruaa al-Jazaeri, 3 June 2020, sana.sy
  151. ^ Russia removes Syria forces from major oil field in Deir Ez-Zor. 6 July 2020. MEMO. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  152. ^ Russia fails again at U.N. ahead of last-ditch vote on Syria cross-border aid. 9 July 2020. Reuters. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  153. ^ "Russian, Turkish troops wounded in attack on Syria joint patrol". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  154. ^ "Russia says joint patrol with Turkey struck by bomb in Syria". Reuters. 14 July 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  155. ^ Staff, The New Arab (16 July 2020). "Suspected Russian airstrike kills civilian in Turkish-controlled Al-Bab in northern Syria". alaraby. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  156. ^ "Al-Bab airstrikes widen rift between Ankara and Kremlin". Arab News. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  157. ^ "Russian forces injured in drone attack in Rojava's Darbasiyah: Asayesh". www.rudaw.net. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  158. ^ "Russian, Syrian forces injured in drone attack in Rojava's Darbasiyah: local sources • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  159. ^ "Al-Bab | "National Army" factions raise readiness and amass militiamen at Turkish forces' orders • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  160. ^ "Five dead, 85 wounded in car bomb attack in Syria's Azaz: Turkish state media". Reuters. 19 July 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  161. ^ Agency, Anadolu (19 July 2020). "5 killed, 85 injured in car bombing in northwestern Syria's Azaz". Daily Sabah.
  162. ^ "Civilian casualties after explosion in Syria's Azaz". Civilian casualties after explosion in Syria's Azaz.
  163. ^ "Deadly clash reported between U.S. and Syrian forces". www.cbsnews.com.
  164. ^ "Syria says U.S. forces clash with Syrian troops, killing 1". ABC News.
  165. ^ "Car bomb kills 7 in northeastern Syria". Arab News. 26 September 2020.
  166. ^ "Syrians protest 5 years of Russia's intervention". Anadolu Agency. 30 September 2020.
  167. ^ "Oman becomes first Gulf state to reinstate ambassador in Syria". Reuters. 5 October 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  168. ^ "At least 11 dead in blast in northwest Syrian town: witnesses". Reuters. 6 October 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  169. ^ Syria regime forces attack Iran sites in Deir Ez-Zor. 12 October 2020. Middle East monitor. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  170. ^ US drone strike kills two Al-Qaeda members in Syria. 17 October 2020. Middle East monitor. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  171. ^ Russian airstrike injures 5 civilians in Syria's Idlib. 21 October 2020. Middle East Monitor. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  172. ^ US: 7 Al-Qaeda leaders killed in air strike in Syria, Middle East Monitor. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  173. ^ "Death toll update | 23 people killed in US drone attack on "dinner gathering" in Idlib's Salqin". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 23 October 2020.
  174. ^ "Death toll update | Nearly 30 people killed and wounded in Russian rocket attacks on oil market and refineries in rural Aleppo". SOHR. 5 March 2021.
  175. ^ "Long-range Russian missiles destroy militant oil smuggling sites in northern Syria: video". Al-Masdar. 24 October 2020.
  176. ^ "Russian air strikes kill dozens of Turkish-backed rebels in Syria, monitor says". France24. 26 October 2020.
  177. ^ "Russian airstrikes kill Turkish-backed rebels in Syria". Deutsche Welle. 26 October 2020.
  178. ^ "Air strikes on Syrian rebel camp kill at least 35 people - sources". Reuters. 26 October 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  179. ^ "Israeli air raids in Syria kill three soldiers, hit Iranian sites". www.aljazeera.com.
  180. ^ "Israel strikes Syria, killing 3 troops, after finding bombs". AP NEWS. 18 November 2020.
  181. ^ Agencies, The New Arab Staff & (18 November 2020). "Three Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli air strike: report". alaraby.
  182. ^ Al-Khalidi, Jeffrey Heller, Suleiman (18 November 2020). "Israel strikes widely in Syria, sending signal of aggressive post-Trump posture". Reuters – via www.reuters.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  183. ^ "Syria names Faisal Mekdad as new foreign minister". www.aljazeera.com.
  184. ^ "Syria Appoints Veteran Diplomat Faisal Mekdad as Foreign Minister | Voice of America - English". www.voanews.com.
  185. ^ "Syria's Assad names new foreign minister to replace late envoy". www.timesofisrael.com.
  186. ^ "Eleven killed in clash between Kurdish, Turkey-backed fighters in Syria, war monitor says". Haaretz.
  187. ^ "Kurdish and Turkey-backed fighters clash in Syria, 11 killed". Arab News. 24 November 2020.
  188. ^ "Kurdish and Turkey-backed fighters clash in Syria, 18 killed". AP NEWS. 24 November 2020.
  189. ^ "Syria: Casualties reported in bomb attacks in Aleppo governorate November 24". GardaWorld.
  190. ^ "UN officials denounce bombings in northern Syria". UN News. 25 November 2020.
  191. ^ AA, DAILY SABAH WITH (25 November 2020). "Terror attack kills 2, injures 17 in Syria's Afrin". Daily Sabah.
  192. ^ "UN: Urgent aid needed for 3 million refugees in northern Syria". www.aljazeera.com.
  193. ^ "Turkish army shells Ayn Issa district in Syria's Raqqa governorate — paper". TASS.
  194. ^ "Given gaps, inconsistencies, Syria's declarations on chemical weapons programme not considered 'accurate and complete'". UN News. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  195. ^ "Syria accuses Israel of airstrike in western province | DW | 25.12.2020". DW.COM.
  196. ^ "Syria's air defences 'intercept barrage of Israeli missiles'". www.aljazeera.com.
  197. ^ "Israeli airstrikes kill 6 pro-Iran fighters in Syria". Daily Sabah. 25 December 2020.
  198. ^ "Israeli Strikes on Syria Kill 6, Monitor Says | Voice of America - English". www.voanews.com.
  199. ^ "Satellite images show airstrike damage to weapons facilities in Syria". www.timesofisrael.com.
  200. ^ "At least six killed by Israeli missile strikes in Syria, monitor says". Haaretz.
  201. ^ "Explosions reported in Syria's Masyaf after Israeli jets fly over Beirut". Explosions reported in Syria's Masyaf after Israeli jets fly over Beirut.
  202. ^ "Syrian soldier killed in Israeli raid near Damascus". Al Jazeera.
  203. ^ "Syrian Army Says Israeli Strike Near Damascus Kills Soldier". VOA News.
  204. ^ "One killed, three soldiers injured in Israeli attack in Syria: SANA". Reuters. 30 December 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  205. ^ staff, T. O. I.; Gross, Judah Ari. "Syrian media says 1 soldier killed, 3 injured in Israeli strikes near Damascus". www.timesofisrael.com.
  206. ^ "Israel says it hit 50 targets in Syria in 2020 including govt, Iran, Hezbollah forces". Al Arabiya English. 31 December 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  207. ^ "At Least 37 Soldiers Killed In ISIS Bus Ambush In Syria". NDTV.com.
  208. ^ "'25 killed' in ambush on bus in Syria's Deir Az Zor". www.aljazeera.com.
  209. ^ "Syria: dozens killed in Isis bus attack". The Guardian. 31 December 2020.
  210. ^ "At least nine Syrian soldiers killed in militant bus attack in Badia". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.
  211. ^ "Islamic state claims responsibility for Wednesday's Syria bus attack". Reuters. 31 December 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  212. ^ "Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Wednesday's Syria Bus Attack".