Jump to content

East Aleppo offensive (2017)

Coordinates: 36°22′21″N 37°31′04″E / 36.3725°N 37.5178°E / 36.3725; 37.5178
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the previous offensive, see East Aleppo offensive (2015–16).
For the later offensive, see Maskanah Plains offensive.

East Aleppo offensive (2017)
Part of the Syrian civil war, the Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War, and the Russian military intervention in Syria

Map of the wider campaigns in northern Aleppo as of 11 March 2017
  Syrian Armed Forces and allied groups
  Syrian Democratic Forces
  Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
  FSA groups and Turkish troops in Northern Syria
Date17 January 2017[4] – 5 April 2017
(2 months, 2 weeks and 5 days)
Location
East Aleppo Governorate, Syria
36°22′21″N 37°31′04″E / 36.3725°N 37.5178°E / 36.3725; 37.5178
Result

Syrian government victory

Belligerents

Syria Syrian Arab Republic

Russia[1]

Hezbollah[1]

Syrian Democratic Forces (27 Feb.–6 Mar.)

Support:

Islamic State Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Syrian opposition Hawar Kilis Operations Room (26 Feb.–6 Mar.)

Ahrar al-Sham (26 Feb.–6 Mar.)
 Turkey (1–6 Mar.)[3]
Commanders and leaders

Maj. Gen. Suheil al-Hassan[19]
Mohammed Mualla[20]

Adnan Abu Amjad[21]
(Manbij Military Council top commander)
Ahmad Arsh[22]
(Manbij Revolutionaries Battalion commander)		 Islamic State Muhammad Al-Awad Hassan Al-Jam'ah †
(Field commander)[23]		 Turkey Lt. Gen. Zekai Aksakallı[24]
(Operations chief commander)
Turkey Lt. Gen. İsmail Metin Temel[25]
(Second Army commander)
Units involved

Syrian Armed Forces

United States United States special operations forces (against ISIL only)[21]		 Military of ISIL Unknown
Strength

Syria 10,000 soldiers (pro-government claim)[citation needed]

United States 300+ US soldiers, 50 armoured vehicles[26][27]		 Unknown Unknown
Casualties and losses

Syria 72+ killed (anti-government claims)
[28][29][30][31][32][33]
20 captured[34]

31 killed, 8 captured (per SDF)[35]
71 killed (per Turkey)[36]		 1,250+ killed[37][38] Syrian opposition 12–24 killed
[28][15][39]
26,000 civilians fled[40]

The East Aleppo offensive (2017), also referred to as the Dayr Hafir offensive,[41] was an operation launched by the Syrian Army to prevent Turkish-backed rebel forces from advancing deeper into Syria, and also to ultimately capture the ISIL stronghold of Dayr Hafir. Another aim of the operation was to gain control of the water source for Aleppo city, at the Khafsa Water Treatment Plant,[42][43] in addition to capturing the Jirah Military Airbase.[44] At the same time, the Turkish-backed rebel groups turned towards the east and started launching attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces, west of Manbij.[45]

Offensive

[edit]

Syrian Army push to al-Bab

[edit]
Further information: Battle of al-Bab

On 17 January, the Syrian Army launched an assault led by its Tiger Forces, capturing a village to the south of al-Bab.[citation needed] The SAA captured four more villages to the south of the city within the next three days,[citation needed] and another 13 villages to the southwest of al-Bab between 21 and 24 January.[46][47] By 29 January, 20 villages had come under Army control.[48]

On 1 February, the Turkish-backed rebels captured two villages to the southwest of al-Bab, cutting the main road between the city and Aleppo from another side in front of the recent advances by pro-Syrian government forces who had come within 7 kilometres (4.3 mi). Meanwhile, the SAA also captured a village to the south of the Kuweires airbase.[49]

By 5 February, the SAA was within two kilometers of cutting the last road into al-Bab, with support from Hezbollah and Russian artillery.[50] The next day, they captured Tal Uwayshiya hill, which overlooks the main supply route to al-Bab. The SAA advance effectively cut off the last main supply route to the city, putting it under a siege.[51][52] Government advances continued on 7 February, with SAA and Hezbollah capturing three villages and a nearby hill to the south of Al-Bab.[53][54] They later captured a hill and many other sites to the south of the Kuweires airbase, extending their control over Sabkhat al-Jabbul and fully securing the road near it.[55][56] Later on the same day, it was reported that the rapid Syrian Army advances had nearly encircled 5,000 ISIL militants within Al-Bab and its environs.[57]

During the night of 7 February, Turkish forces and rebels launched an assault at Al-Bab, capturing several strategic hills and breaking into the city.[58][59] On 9 February, the Syrian Army was within 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) of al-Bab.[60] On the same day, the rebels clashed with the Syrian Army for the first time near al-Bab, in a village to the southwest of the city.[61]

Syrian Army advance east of al-Bab

[edit]

After the Syrian Army advanced within 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) of the city of al-Bab on 10 February,[62] the next day, it was reported that Turkish-backed rebel forces had captured a strategic roundabout, effectively cutting off the Syrian Army from Al-Bab. To prevent further southern advances by the rebels, the military started operations east of Kuweires Airbase into ISIL territory so to cut off the rebels.

Between 12 and 16 February, the Syrian Army captured nine villages northeast of the airbase, advancing some four kilometres and coming within five kilometres of the ISIL-held town of Dayr Hafir.[63]

Between 21 and 25 February, the military seized a dozen more villages[64][19] and imposed artillery fire-control over Dayr Hafir.[65] The Army started bypassing Dayr Hafir in an attempt to encircle it and force ISIL forces to withdraw instead of launching a direct assault on the town due to the possibility of extensive ISIL fortifications.[19]

On 25 February, amid a large retreat of ISIL forces from rural areas of east Aleppo, and following the fall of Al-Bab to Turkish-backed rebel forces, it was reported that most of ISIL's fighters had withdrawn from the town of Tadef. At this point, it remained unclear whether the town would be taken over by pro-government or rebel fighters.[1] The next day, the Syrian Army entered Tadef and took control of the town.[43][66] Subsequently, clashes erupted near Tadef between the Army and Turkish-backed rebels. The rebels claimed that at least 22 Syrian soldiers were killed in the fighting,[67] while at least six rebels also died.[28] Still, despite this, the military continued with its advances, seizing another two villages.[68]

Early on 27 February, government forces and Hezbollah seized another village from ISIL, bringing them within 5 or 6 kilometers from linking up with the Syrian Democratic Forces' Manbij Military Council and potentially besieging 13 ISIL-held villages.[69] Later in the morning, the Syrian Army captured several more villages, reaching SDF lines. Turkish-backed rebels also took control of five villages[11] after ISIL forces withdrew from those areas.[70] The SDF then launched an assault against ISIL southwest and south of Manbij, capturing nine villages. It was reported that the SDF was planning to capture the town of Al-Khafsa from ISIL, as well as that the SDF and SAA may be coordinating their actions in the region.[9]

Rebel attack on the SDF; SAA reaches Lake Assad

[edit]
US Humvees drive through a SDF-controlled village near Manbij in an attempt to "deter" the skirmishes between the SDF and Turkish-backed forces.[71]

On 28 February, both Syrian Army and SDF advances against ISIL continued with both sides capturing a total of five villages. Turkish-backed rebels meanwhile attacked the SDF near Arima and captured two villages.[72] During the day, according to lieutenant general Stephen J. Townsend of the United States Army, the Russian Air Force accidentally bombed the Syrian Democratic Forces forces, mistaking them for ISIL fighters. The bombing caused casualties but was stopped after United States commandos nearby informed Russian forces of the error.[73] On 1 March, the SDF captured five more villages from ISIL,[10] while the Syrian Army took control of one more.[74] Meanwhile, the Turkish-backed rebels made a push towards SDF-held Manbij[10] and captured three villages from the SDF[75] before the SDF recaptured them the following day.[15] Six or 12 rebels were killed in the fighting,[15] while the SDF lost four fighters.[76]

On 2 March, the Manbij Military Council announced that it had reached an agreement with Russia to hand over villages to west of Manbij, bordering the frontline with rebel forces,[16] to the Syrian government in the coming days. A YPG spokesman, meanwhile, stated that they hadn't sent any reinforcements to the area as they hadn't been requested.[77][78] SDF also launched a counter-attack, retaking several villages that had been captured by the rebels a day earlier.[15][79] The Syrian army and Hezbollah meanwhile continued advancing and captured 13 villages from ISIL by the next day.[80][81] Russian General Staff's Sergey Rudskoy confirmed on 3 March that SDF had agreed to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government.[82] He later stated that Syrian Army units had been deployed in these villages.[83] The United States Department of Defense also confirmed the deal.[84] On 4 March, United States special operations forces were also deployed in Manbij in response to the clashes. The United States military stated that its deployment was done to deter hostile acts, enhance governance, and ensure that there is no persistent YPG presence.[85][86] Meanwhile, the Syrian Army, backed by Hezbollah and Russian artillery, captured 5 villages from ISIL,[87] and another 8 on the next day.[88][89]

Syrian Army soldiers in a village west of Manbij, acting as peacekeepers.[20]

On 6 March, the Syrian Army captured six villages from ISIL.[90] Manbij Military Council meanwhile stated that Syrian Army had taken over positions on one part of its frontline with the Turkish-backed rebels.[91] Pro-rebel media meanwhile claimed that the rebels had captured a village to the west of Manbij, pro-Kurdish media, however, rejected this, claiming the attack was repelled.[92][93] On 6 March, it was also revealed that SDF forces were allowing the Syrian Army to enter 20 villages and towns along the frontline with rebel forces, after which they would reportedly withdraw.[18] On 7 March, the Syrian Army captured 23 more villages in the Deir Hafer countryside along with the strategic Mount Salmah, the town of Khafsah and its water treatment station supplying the city of Aleppo, reaching the western bank of Lake Assad in the process for the first time since 2012.[94][95][96][97][98] On the next day, the Syrian army captured 21 villages.[99] On 9 March, the Syrian Army started attacking the strategic Jirah Military Airbase.[44] However, by afternoon of 10 March their assault was repelled by ISIL which took advantage of a sandstorm to overrun Syrian Army north of the Airbase.[100] During the offensive in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, from 17 January to 10 March, the Syrian Army recaptured 150 villages.[4][101]

Syrian Army captures Dayr Hafir

[edit]

The Tiger Forces abandoned attempts to capture Jirah Airbase, due to poor weather conditions, and instead decided to focus on villages east of the Kuweires Military Airport. On 13 March, the Syrian army captured the village of Humaymah Al-Kabira and stormed the northern part of Humaymah Al-Saghira capturing it after two hours of fighting, thus coming within 2 kilometres from the town of Dayr Hafir.[102][103][104][105] On 14 March, the ISIL launched the counterattack in attempt to recaptures two villages from the Syrian army but it was repelled.[106] Between 15 and 16 March, the Syrian army captured eight to nine villages near Dayr Hafir.[107][108] On 17 March, the Syrian Army captured another 4 villages along with a hill near Dayr Hafir.[109] On the next day, it captured 4 villages along with a strategic hill near Dayr Hafir.[110][111][112][113] On 19 March, they captured a village as well as its surrounding farmlands to the south of Dayr Hafir.[114][115] On the next day, the Syrian army captured another two villages along with a nearby train station, thus coming close to cutting off the main road between Dayr Hafir and Maskanah.[116][117][118]

On 21 March, the Syrian Army captured another three villages to the south of the city Dayr Hafir.[119][120] On the next day, the Syrian Army and Hezbollah captured the town of Umm Adasah in the countryside of Dayr Hafir, cutting off the Aleppo-Raqqa highway which was ISIL's main supply route.[121][122] Later, the Syrian army captured four more villages in the countryside, nearly encircling ISIL at the city of Dayr Hafir,[123][122] and leaving only one route open to the northeast for ISIL militants in the city to escape.[124] On 23 March, the Syrian Army captured four villages to the east of Dayr Hafir, cutting off the last escape route, and completely besieging the city.[125][126] There were also reports that the Syrian Army had captured Dayr Hafir after ISIL withdrew.[127][126][128] Nevertheless, the Syrian Army have not entered yet the city of Dayr Hafir, but they were expected they do so, after Syrian and Russian de-mining units clear the town of ISIL explosives.[129][130] On 24 March, mines and improvised explosive devices were cleared from the city, allowing the Syrian Army to enter and fully secure the city of Dayr Hafir.[131] The Syrian Army also captured a village to the east Dayr Hafir on the same day.[132][133] However, the Iranian Fars News Agency as well as the fact-checking Verify-sy reported that SAA was still besieging the city. In addition, a pro-government reporter also posted denial by a field commander of the city's capture.[134][135]

On 25 March, the Turkish-backed rebels reportedly took control of the town of Tadef after a Syrian Army withdrawal from the town.[136] However, the Syrian Army and the Sultan Murad Division denied these reports later.[citation needed] On the same day, the Syrian Army captured two more villages in the eastern Aleppo countryside, to the east of Dayr Hafir. Despite some earlier reports to the contrary, large parts of Dayr Hafir remained off-limits to the Syrian Army, since ISIL left behind improvised explosives in almost every building and street, which have not yet been completely cleared.[137] On 26 March, the Syrian Army advanced further eastward, capturing another 4 villages.[138][139][140] Another village along the Aleppo-Raqqa highway was captured on the next day, with the Syrian Army advancing on the strategic town of al-Mahdum.[141] On 28 March, the Syrian army captured another four villages along with a hill.[142][5]

On 29 March, the Syrian army officially entered and fully secured the town of Dayr Hafir for the first time after demining most of the explosives and IEDs planted by ISIL at the entrance of the town.[6][7] A military source announced that they had captured the town.[143]

Advance on Jirah Airbase

[edit]

The Syrian Army started clashing with ISIL around Jirah Airbase on 30 March, with ISIL trying to hold them off from progressing into the Raqqa Governorate. Clashes continued the next day, while both sides were unable to make any progress.[144] On 1 April, ISIL repelled an SAA assault on Madhum village, located on the M4 Highway, by sending an elderly suicide bomber at the soldiers, killing 11 of them.[33] The Syrian Army captured three villages near the airbase between 3 and 5 April.[145][146][147]

Aftermath – Sporadic fighting continues and renewed offensive southward

[edit]
Main article: Maskanah Plains offensive (May 2017)

Between 10 and 17 April, sporadic clashes and air raids took place around the Jirah airbase[148][149][150] as the Syrian Army had temporarily paused the offensive because of the rebel offensive in northern Hama. ISIL's Inghimasi unit carried out a raid on forward positions of SAA near the Jabbul Lake on 17 April, killing many Syrian soldiers. ISIL's Amaq News Agency claimed that 17 soldiers were killed.[150]

On 8 May, the SAA resumed their offensive operations in the region, advancing towards the Jirah Airbase. On 12 May, the SAA captured the Jirah Airbase from ISIL, with the ISIL militants retreating southward into the Maskanah Plains.[151] On 13 May, ISIL counterattacked at the Jirah Airbase, attempting to recapture the airbase from Syrian Government forces. However, the SAA repelled the ISIL assault and advanced further, capturing additional areas to the south of the Jirah Airbase.[152]

Strategic analysis

[edit]

After the Syrian Army severed the last strip of territory in eastern Aleppo that connected Turkish-backed rebels with ISIL, it was speculated by Al-Masdar News writer Chris Tomson that the rebels would either attack the Syrian Army or the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) if they were to advance deeper into Syria. Any such further acts would put Turkey at odds with either the United States or Russia.[153] A trade route between Syrian government and SDF-held areas was opened at the end of February, with goods and services being exchanged between the two areas, and relatives being able to visit each other.[154] Abdul Karim Saroukhan, head of the Kurdish-led administration, stated that the opening of a corridor to the Syrian Government-controlled west will have a positive impact and open new trade opportunities for the Kurdish region that had been under a "siege" by hostile parties, though advances in East Aleppo province by the Syrian Army had led to tensions with YPG in some areas. He also stated that there were no contacts with the Syrian Government over trade.[155] The capture of Dayr Hafir has let the door wide open for a Syrian attack into the Raqqa Governorate, with the only obstacles being the Jirah Airbase and Maskanah.[citation needed] By 28 March, it looks inevitable that Jirah will fall, bringing with it the highly arable Dayr Hafir plain under the Syrian Army's full control, improving food security for Syria's citizens, and reaching the final defensive line for ISIL in east Aleppo, the narrow Thermopylae-like gap of the Maskanah plains.[citation needed]

[edit]
  • A joint base of Russia and the Syrian Army in the border area between the SDF and the pro-Turkish forces.
    A joint base of Russia and the Syrian Army in the border area between the SDF and the pro-Turkish forces.
  • United States special operations forces near Manbij.
    United States special operations forces near Manbij.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "The "Islamic State" organization retreats its members from Tedef and breaks down in the southeastern countryside of al-Bab and great advancement for the regime forces supported by the Hezbollah's elite and Russian artillery". 25 February 2017.
  2. ^ "US coalition continues to assist SDF-led Manbij Military Council north Syria". ARA News. 23 February 2017. Archived from the original on 25 February 2017.
  3. ^ "U.S.-allied militia agrees to hand villages to Syrian govt". Reuters. 2 March 2017.
  4. ^ a b "A loyal-to-regime group of thieves tried to dismantle and steal water pumps of al-Khafseh station was arrested; widespread resentment prevails due to steal operations in tens of villages in the eastern countryside of Aleppo". 10 March 2017.
  5. ^ a b Chris Tomson (28 March 2017). "Syrian Army enters Maskanah Plains as ISIS flees from more villages in eastern Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  6. ^ a b Adra, Zen (29 March 2017). "In Pictures: Syrian Army enters Deir Hafer for the first time". Archived from the original on 8 January 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  7. ^ a b Dalkesen, Eren (29 March 2017). "Suriye Ordusu, IŞİD'in kalesi Deyr Hafir'i tamamen kontrol altına aldı!". Archived from the original on 23 November 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  8. ^ "Syrian army captures major IS stronghold in Aleppo". Indo-Asian News Service. The Financial Express. 30 March 2017.
  9. ^ a b Tomson, Chris (27 February 2017). "Massive loss for ISIS as Kurdish troops restart operations south of Manbij". Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  10. ^ a b c Tomson, Chris (1 March 2017). "Turkish Army seizes two villages from Kurdish forces amid push towards Manbij". Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  11. ^ a b Adra, Zen (27 February 2017). "Field Report: Syrian Army, Turkish-backed forces vie for control in northern Syria. Map Update". Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  12. ^ @CivilWarMap (28 February 2017). "Rebel sources claim that Kirijah was..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ^ @CivilWarMap (6 March 2017). "- Syrian Arab Army captured several..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ^ @CivilWarMap (7 March 2017). "- Syrian Arab Army captured 16..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ^ a b c d e "Syrian state to be buffer between Manbij and Turkish forces".
  16. ^ a b "Syria conflict: Manbij militia to hand villages to army". BBC News. 2 March 2017.
  17. ^ "Syrian Kurds cede buffer as Turkish-backed FSA advances on Manbij". 2 March 2017. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  18. ^ a b Tomson, Chris (6 March 2017). "Kurdish forces hand over 20 villages to the Syrian Army in rural Aleppo". Archived from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  19. ^ a b c d Tomson, Chris (24 February 2017). "ISIS on the run as the Syrian Army liberates two more villages in eastern Aleppo". Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  20. ^ a b Mahmoud Bali (15 March 2017). "Rival Forces Bring Tentative Peace to Syria's Manbij". VOA News. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  21. ^ a b MICHAEL R. GORDON (4 March 2017). "U.S. Strengthens Its Forces in a Crowded Syrian Battlefield". The New York Times.
  22. ^ "A Border Police of Assad regime? or a commander in SDF factions?". Verify. 6 March 2017. Archived from the original on 25 July 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  23. ^ "ISIS in full-scale retreat as the Syrian Army gears up for assault on Jirah Airbase". Al Masdar News. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  24. ^ Turkish Special Forces: From stopping a coup to the frontline of the ISIL fight Hürriyet Daily News, 24 August 2016.
  25. ^ Nick Tattersall; Humeyra Pamuk (26 August 2016). "Turkey signals no quick end to Syria incursion as truck bomb kills police". Reuters.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ Correspondent, Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon (8 March 2017). "US Marines join local forces fighting in Raqqa". CNN. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ "US sends 200 more soldiers to northern Syria's Manbij". Kom News. 13 March 2017. Archived from the original on 14 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  28. ^ a b c Tomson, Chris (27 February 2017). "Syrian Army neutralizes Turkish-backed troops near Al-Bab". Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  29. ^ "ISIS suicide attack kills 11 Syrian soldiers in rural Aleppo". 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 15 May 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  30. ^ "Twin Islamic State suicide attacks kill 15 in north Syria". 6 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  31. ^ Tomson, Chris (8 March 2017). "11 Syrian Army soldiers killed by ISIS suicide bomber in eastern Aleppo". Archived from the original on 17 August 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  32. ^ Fadel, Leith (28 March 2017). "ISIL suicide bombing kills 9 Syrian Army soldiers in east Aleppo". Archived from the original on 23 November 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  33. ^ a b Antonopoulos, Paul (1 April 2017). "ISIS successfully repels Syrian Army assault in rural Aleppo village". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  34. ^ Tomson, Chris (9 March 2017). "Syrian Army, Kurdish forces team up against Turkish troops in Aleppo province". Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  35. ^ "Li Minbicê 4 cangoriyên azadiyê hatin oxirkirin – ANHA". Archived from the original on 2 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
    "5 özgürlük şehidi Minbic'de uğurlandı – ANHA". Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
    [1]
    Scores of Kurds killed, captured as Turkish troops kick off Manbij offensive (graphic photos) Archived 9 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine, [2] Archived 15 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  36. ^ "Turkish military says 71 Kurdish fighters killed in Syria in last week". Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  37. ^ Fadel, Leith (11 February 2017). "Syrian government forces killed 650 militants in east Aleppo: Russian MoD". Archived from the original on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  38. ^ "The Latest: Syria calls for retreat of Turkish troops". 10 March 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  39. ^ "Attacks on Manbij repelled, Jubb al Hamir liberated – ANHA". Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  40. ^ "North Syria exodus as families flee assault on ISIL". Al Jazeera. 6 March 2017.
  41. ^ "Assad flexes military muscle against ISIS ahead of new round of Syria peace talks". The Washington Times.
  42. ^ Fadel, Leith (19 February 2017). "Syrian Army to cutoff [sic] Turkish Army from southeast Aleppo: map". Archived from the original on 17 November 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  43. ^ a b "Syrian army advances against Islamic State near Aleppo – monitor". Reuters. 26 February 2017.
  44. ^ a b Fadel, Leith (9 March 2017). "Syrian Army on the brink of liberating key military airport in east Aleppo". Archived from the original on 21 September 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  45. ^ "Turkey starts offensive to take Manbij from Kurds". The New Arab. 2 March 2017.
  46. ^ "Syrian army nears Turkish-backed rebels in new advance". Reuters. 22 January 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  47. ^ ""Tiger Forces" lead the regime forces to further advancement towards the southwestern area of al-Bab city". SOHR. 23 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  48. ^ "More advancement by the regime forces put the "Islamic State" organization at al-Bab between the jaws of pliers of the regime and Turks". SOHR. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  49. ^ "Turkish forces and the "Euphrates Shield" control villages southwest of al-Bab city to stop the regime forces' advancement in these areas". SOHR. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  50. ^ "After new advance in it countryside… hundreds of meters separates the regime forces from completing the siege on al-Bab city and its vicinity with support from Hezbollah and Russian artillery". SOHR. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  51. ^ "Syria conflict: Army cuts IS supply route into al-Bab". BBC. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  52. ^ "Syrian troops, Turkish-backed forces surround 'IS' stronghold al-Bab". Deutsche-Welle. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  53. ^ "Tiger groups and Hezbollah's elite reinforce their siege on al-Bab and reach a distance of less than 5 kilometers away in the southeastern area of the city". 7 February 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  54. ^ Charkatli, Izat (7 February 2017). "Syrian Army two villages from Al-Bab after swift new advance: Map Update". Archived from the original on 8 February 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  55. ^ "تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" يخسر المزيد من المناطق في ريف حلب وقوات النظام تتمكن من السيطرة على سبخة الجبول جنوب مطار كويرس العسكري" (in Arabic). SOHR. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  56. ^ Tomson, Chris (7 February 2017). "Syrian Army secures main road along Jabbul Lake as ISIS pulls out of eastern Aleppo". Archived from the original on 1 May 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  57. ^ "MINA Breaking News – Syrian Army surrounds 5,000 ISIS fighters in Al Bab". Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  58. ^ Pamuk, Humeyra; Perry, Tom (8 February 2017). "Turkish army and Syrian rebels close in on Islamic State town". Reuters. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  59. ^ "Turkish-backed forces break into Islamic State's al-Bab from the west in overnight assault". Syria Direct. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  60. ^ "The regime forces advance in the southwest of al-Bab city and violent attack by the Turkish forces and the "Euphrates Shield" in the north of the city". SOHR. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  61. ^ "Russian bombing in Syria mistakenly kills three Turkish soldiers". Russia. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  62. ^ "Kremlin: Turkey gave target for mistaken Syria strike". Al Jazeera. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  63. ^ "The regime forces are about 5 km northwest of Deir Hafer town after controlling 9 villages in the road between it and between al-Bab area". 16 February 2017.
  64. ^ "The regime forces achieved a broad advancement in the road of al-Bab – al-Tabaqa and move towards al-Khafseh area". 25 February 2017.
  65. ^ Fadel, Leith (24 February 2017). "Tiger Forces liberate new village from ISIS in east Aleppo: map". Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  66. ^ Tomson, Chris (26 February 2017). "BREAKING: Syrian Army liberates ISIS-held town neighboring Al-Bab". Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  67. ^ "Reports: Syrian rebels, loyalists clash south of al-Bab near Tedef". Rudaw. 27 February 2017.
  68. ^ "Syrian Army liberates two villages near Al-Bab amid clashes with the Turkish Army". Al-Masdar News. 27 February 2017. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  69. ^ "The regime forces and Hezbollah's elite are about 6 km away of areas controlled by Manbij Military Council". 27 February 2017.
  70. ^ "The "Islamic State" organization withdraws from 23 villages east of al-Bab city and the regime forces finish drawing their border with the "Euphrates Shield" operation according to the Turkish – Russian agreement". 27 February 2017.
  71. ^ Carla Babb (6 March 2017). "US Troops in Manbij to 'Deter' Skirmishes Between Turks, Kurds". VOA News.
  72. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (28 February 2017). "Map Update: Syrian Army continues blitz against ISIS as Turkish forces battle with Kurds". Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  73. ^ "Russian jets accidentally bomb US-backed forces in Syria: US general". Agence-France Presse. Straits Times. 2 March 2017.
  74. ^ Fadel, Leith (1 March 2017). "ISIS on the run in east Aleppo as the Syrian Army liberates more territory". Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  75. ^ "Rebels advance over Menbej military council in 3 villages". March 2017.
  76. ^ "60 persons were killed yesterday including 16 members of the regime forces and militiamen loyal to them and 4 citizens". 2 March 2017.
  77. ^ "Syria conflict: Manbij militia to hand villages to army". BBC. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  78. ^ "Roundup: Kurdish-backed group to hand over areas in northern Syria to gov't army". Xinhua. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  79. ^ "In the first round of fight on Manbij front after controlling al-Bab… Manbij Military Council regains what it lost in the city's countryside hours after controlling them by factions of the "Euphrates Shield"". 2 March 2017.
  80. ^ "Syrian Army liberates 10 villages in eastern Aleppo amid dash towards Euphrates River". Al-Masdar News. 2 March 2017. Archived from the original on 3 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  81. ^ "The regime forces and Hezbollah's elite control 13 villages in less than 24 hours and reach a distance of 15 km of Khafsah area". 3 March 2017.
  82. ^ "Russia confirms regime takeover in Syria's YPG-held Manbij". Daily Sabah. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  83. ^ "Syrian troops deployed to areas controlled by Kurds — General Staff". TASS. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  84. ^ "US allies in Syria make deal with Moscow and Damascus". CNN. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  85. ^ Chris Tomson (3 March 2017). "Standoff in eastern Aleppo as US troops face the Turkish Army across the battlefield". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  86. ^ Karen DeYoung; Liz Sly (4 March 2017). "Pentagon plan to seize Raqqa calls for significant increase in U.S. participation". The Washington Post.
  87. ^ Tomson, Chris (4 March 2017). "Busy day in eastern Aleppo as the Syrian Army closes in on ISIS bastion of Deir Hafer". Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  88. ^ Fadel, Leith (5 March 2017). "Syrian Army liberates 5 villages in east Aleppo amid new push for Deir Hafer". Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  89. ^ "Regime forces backed by Hezbollah and Russian artillery reach 5-9 km from alJarah military airport". SOHR. 5 March 2017.
  90. ^ Tomson, Chris (6 March 2017). "Six villages liberated in eastern Aleppo as the Syrian Army closes in on Jarrah Airbase". Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  91. ^ Suleiman Al-Khalidi (6 March 2017). "Syrian govt forces take over positions from U.S.-backed militia in northern Syria- militia spokesman". Thomson Reuters Foundation. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  92. ^ Leith Fad (6 March 2017). "Turkish-backed rebels seize village from Kurdish forces in northeast Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  93. ^ "MMC fighters repel a Turkish attack". Hawar News. 6 March 2017. Archived from the original on 16 July 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  94. ^ Fadel, Leith (7 March 2017). "Syrian Army liberates 5 villages in east Aleppo as ISIS retreats towards the Euphrates". Archived from the original on 8 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  95. ^ "defenses collapse as Syrian Army troops liberate key mountaintop in east Aleppo".[permanent dead link‍]
  96. ^ Adra, Zen (7 March 2017). "Syrian Army seizes more villages from ISIS in East Aleppo. Map Update". Archived from the original on 8 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  97. ^ "Syrian army capture Aleppo water station". The Australian. Reuters. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  98. ^ Tomson, Chris (7 March 2017). "+20 villages liberated as the Syrian Army seizes ISIS pocket in stunning Aleppo offensive". Archived from the original on 27 December 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  99. ^ Desk, News (9 March 2017). "Syrian Army seizes control of 21 settlements in 24 hours". Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2017. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  100. ^ Tomson, Chris (10 March 2017). "In pictures: ISIS foils Syrian Army assault on Jirah Airbase in eastern Aleppo". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  101. ^ Fadel, Leith (11 March 2017). "Syrian Army liberates over 150 east Aleppo villages in nearly two months". Archived from the original on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  102. ^ Fadel, Leith (13 March 2017). "Bad weather halts Syrian Army operations in east Aleppo". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  103. ^ Fadel, Leith (13 March 2017). "Syrian Army opens new front against ISIS in east Aleppo". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  104. ^ Fadel, Leith (13 March 2017). "Syrian Army opens new front against ISIS in east Aleppo". Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  105. ^ Fadel, Leith (13 March 2017). "Syrian Army advances with 2km of ISIL's last Aleppo stronghold: map". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 4 January 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  106. ^ Tomson, Chris (14 March 2017). "VIDEO: Syrian Army repels last-ditch ISIS counter-offensive in rural Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  107. ^ Tomson, Chris (14 March 2017). "BREAKING: Syrian Army liberates four villages in eastern Aleppo, encircles ISIS bastion". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  108. ^ "With the end of the second month of military operation… the regime forces advance in 9 villages in Deir Hafer area after being expelled from al-Jarrah airbase by the "Islamic State" organization". SOHR. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  109. ^ "Doğu Halep'te sona doğru: 4 köy daha IŞİD'den temizlendi" (in Turkish). Al-Masdar News. 17 March 2017. Archived from the original on 18 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  110. ^ Adra, Zen (18 March 2017). "Map Update: Syrian Army tightens the nose around ISIS in east Aleppo". Archived from the original on 18 May 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  111. ^ "Regime forces advance in 2 villages over IS and reach Der Hafir outskirts". SOHR. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  112. ^ "The regime forces advance further in their attempt to turn around Deir Hafer town". SOHR. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  113. ^ "Syrian Army reaches outskirts of ISIL's last east Aleppo stronghold: map". Al-Masdar News. 18 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  114. ^ "Syrian Arab Army continues to outflank the ISIS bastion of Deir Hafer from the south". Al-Masdar News. 19 March 2017. Archived from the original on 19 March 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  115. ^ "After reaching the outskirts of Deir Hafer… Tiger Groups and the gunmen loyal to the regime expand their control in the countryside of the town". SOHR. 19 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  116. ^ Adra, Zen (20 March 2017). "Syrian Army attempts to encircle ISIS in east Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  117. ^ "The regime forces almost close the main road between Deir Hafer and Maskanah which leads to the countryside of Al-Raqqah and Deir Ezzor". SOHR. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  118. ^ Tomson, Chris (20 March 2017). "ISIS almost trapped in Deir Hafer as Syrian Army seizes more villages in rural Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2 January 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  119. ^ Adra, Zen (21 March 2017). "Breaking: Government forces recapture new villages in east Aleppo". Archived from the original on 25 December 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  120. ^ "مجموعات النمر ونخبة حزب الله بإسناد روسي تتقدم وتقطع طريق حلب – الطبقة – دير الزور وتقترب من حصار بلدة دير حافر" (in Arabic). SOHR. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  121. ^ Fadel, Leith (22 March 2017). "Syrian Army besieges last ISIL stronghold in east Aleppo after cutting off Raqqa Highway". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  122. ^ a b "Tiger Groups and Hezbollah's elite control 4 new villages in the vicinity of Deir Hafer and besiege the remaining members of the "Islamic State" organization". SOHR. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  123. ^ Yusha Yuseef (22 March 2017). "بالخريطة- الجيش السوري يطبق حصاره لمدينة دير حافر ويسقطها بالنار بعد السيطرة على القرى المحيطة" (in Arabic). Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  124. ^ Fadel, Leith (23 March 2017). "Syrian Army on the verge of liberating ISIL's east Aleppo stronghold". Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  125. ^ Fadel, Leith (23 March 2017). "No way out of Deir Hafer for ISIL as Syrian Army troops full besiege town". Archived from the original on 2 January 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  126. ^ a b "مجموعات النمر ونخبة حزب الله تسيطر على 4 قرى جديدة بمحيط دير حافر وتحاصر من تبقى من عناصر تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" فيها". SOHR. Arabic. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  127. ^ Fadel, Leith (23 March 2017). "ISIL withdraws from last east Aleppo stronghold". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  128. ^ "Assad flexes military muscle against ISIS ahead of new round of Syria peace talks". The Washington Times. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  129. ^ Fadel, Leith (24 March 2017). "ISIL's collapse continues in east Aleppo as Syrian Army units liberate another village". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  130. ^ "على الرغم من سحب تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" لغالبية عناصره من دير حافر..قوات النظام لم تدخل البلدة إلى الآن بعد حصارها لها".
  131. ^ Fadel, Leith (24 March 2017). "Syrian Army fully liberates ISIL's east Aleppo bastion". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  132. ^ "Tiger groups supported by the gunmen loyal to them and the Russian bombardment advance in the eastern countryside of Deir Hafer". SOHR. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  133. ^ Fadel, Leith (24 March 2017). "ISIL's collapse continues in east Aleppo as Syrian Army units liberate another village". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  134. ^ "Syria in Past 24 Hours: Terrorists' Offensive Warded Off by ISIL Hunters in Homs". Fars News Agency. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  135. ^ "قوات الأسد لم تسيطر على "دير حافر" حتى صباح السبت". Verify-sy. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  136. ^ Tomson, Chris (25 March 2017). "Turkish forces dislodge Syrian troops from key town neighboring Al-Bab in rural Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  137. ^ Tomson, Chris (25 March 2017). "Syrian Army liberates two ISIS villages in rural Aleppo, eyes Raqqa province – Map update". Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  138. ^ Tomson, Chris (26 March 2017). "Syrian Army joins race to Raqqa, three ISIS-held villages liberated in eastern Aleppo". Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  139. ^ "Regime forces advance again in Deir Hafer and violent clashes at the western outskirts of Aleppo city". SOHR. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  140. ^ "Syrian Army keeps rolling in east Aleppo as ISIL retreats to the Euphrates". Al-Masdar News. 26 March 2017. Archived from the original on 26 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  141. ^ "Aleppo in past 24 hours: Army scores more victories against ISIS along Aleppo-Raqqa highway". Ahlul Bayt News Agency. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  142. ^ Chris Tomson (28 March 2017). "Syrian Army seizes two ISIS villages in rural Aleppo amid push to encircle Jirah Airbase". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  143. ^ Angus McDowall (28 March 2017). "Syrian army captures Islamic State village near Aleppo". Reuters. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  144. ^ Chris Tomson (31 March 2017). "In pictures: ISIS militants fight back in Aleppo, refuse to let Syrian Army push to Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  145. ^ "مئات الأمتار تفصل مجموعات النمر ونخبة حزب الله هم مطار الجراح العسكري". SOHR (in Arabic). 4 April 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  146. ^ "Syrian Army set to storm Jirah Airbase after liberation of ISIS-held village in rural Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  147. ^ "بعد شهر من طردها من مطار الجراح العسكري مجموعات النمر ونخبة حزب الله تصلان لأطراف المطار الواقع بريف دير حافر الشرقي". SOHR (in Arabic). 6 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  148. ^ "غارات تستهدف محيط مسكنة مع استمرار قوات النظام في محاولاتها استعادة مطار الجراح". SOHR (in Arabic). 10 April 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  149. ^ "عملية تبادل لجثامين وأسرى بين قوات سوريا الديمقراطية ولواء مقاتل في ريف حلب". SOHR (in Arabic). 16 April 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  150. ^ a b "BREAKING: 17 Syrian Army troops killed by ISIS raid in eastern Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. 17 April 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  151. ^ "Al-Masdar exclusive: Details behind the Syrian Army's capture of Jirah Airbase". Al-Masdar News. 13 May 2017. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  152. ^ "Syrian Army advances south of strategic airbase in east Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. 14 May 2017. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  153. ^ Tomson, Chris (27 February 2017). "Syrian Army cuts off frontline between Turkish Army and ISIS – Map update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 October 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  154. ^ Tomson, Chris (28 February 2017). "Damascus opens up trade route with Kurds in northern Syria". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  155. ^ Tom Perry and Rodi Said (3 March 2017). "Syria's Kurdish-led administration sees end to economic 'siege'". Reuters. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=East_Aleppo_offensive_(2017)&oldid=1265991722"