Conflicting Strategies on the Way to Raqqa
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Policy Notes for the Trump Notes Administration the Washington Institute for Near East Policy ■ 2018 ■ Pn55
TRANSITION 2017 POLICYPOLICY NOTES FOR THE TRUMP NOTES ADMINISTRATION THE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE FOR NEAR EAST POLICY ■ 2018 ■ PN55 TUNISIAN FOREIGN FIGHTERS IN IRAQ AND SYRIA AARON Y. ZELIN Tunisia should really open its embassy in Raqqa, not Damascus. That’s where its people are. —ABU KHALED, AN ISLAMIC STATE SPY1 THE PAST FEW YEARS have seen rising interest in foreign fighting as a general phenomenon and in fighters joining jihadist groups in particular. Tunisians figure disproportionately among the foreign jihadist cohort, yet their ubiquity is somewhat confounding. Why Tunisians? This study aims to bring clarity to this question by examining Tunisia’s foreign fighter networks mobilized to Syria and Iraq since 2011, when insurgencies shook those two countries amid the broader Arab Spring uprisings. ©2018 THE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE FOR NEAR EAST POLICY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE FOR NEAR EAST POLICY ■ NO. 30 ■ JANUARY 2017 AARON Y. ZELIN Along with seeking to determine what motivated Evolution of Tunisian Participation these individuals, it endeavors to reconcile estimated in the Iraq Jihad numbers of Tunisians who actually traveled, who were killed in theater, and who returned home. The find- Although the involvement of Tunisians in foreign jihad ings are based on a wide range of sources in multiple campaigns predates the 2003 Iraq war, that conflict languages as well as data sets created by the author inspired a new generation of recruits whose effects since 2011. Another way of framing the discussion will lasted into the aftermath of the Tunisian revolution. center on Tunisians who participated in the jihad fol- These individuals fought in groups such as Abu Musab lowing the 2003 U.S. -
Deir Ez Zor Governorate
“THIS IS MORE THAN VIOLENCE”: AN OVERVIEW OF CHILDREN’S PROTECTION NEEDS IN SYRIA Deir Ez Zor PROTECTION SEVERITY RANKING BY SUB-DISTRICT Severity ranking by sub-districts considered 3 indicators: i) % of IDPs in the population; Kisreh ii) conflict incidents weighted according to Tabni the extent of impact; and Sur iii) population in hard-to-reach communities. Deir-ez-Zor Khasham Basira Deir-ez-Zor Muhasan Thiban Sve anks Al Mayadin Hajin N oblem Ashara oblem Jalaa Moderat oblem Susat Abu Kamal oblem Svere oblem Cri�cal problem Catrastrophic problem POPULATION DATA Number of 0-4 Years 5-14 Years 15-17 Years Locations Total Children % of Children Total Population Communities 136 Overall Population 12% 27% 6% 400K 45% 895K PIN 12% 25% 8% 329K 45% 740K IDP 12% 27% 6% 68K 45% 152K Hard to Reach Locations 135 12% 27% 6% 285K 45% 638K Besieged Locations 0 Military Encircled Locations 1 12% 27% 6% 37K 45% 84K * es�mates to support humanitarian planning processes only SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 131 communities (96%) were assessed in Deir-ez-Zor issue of concern. Adolescent boys (70%) followed by adolescent governorate. girls (8%) were considered most affected child population groups. • In 7 per cent of assessed communities, respondents • In 100 percent of assessed communities respondents reported reported child labour preventing school attendance was that family violence was an issue of concern. Adolescent girls an issue of concern. Both adolescent boys in different age (100%) followed by both girls <12 years and boys <12 years (99%) groups 15-17 and 12-14 years were considered equally were considered the most affected child population groups. -
Syria SITREP Map 07
Syria Situation Report: February 7 - 21, 2018 1a-b February 10: Israel and Iran Initiate Largest Confrontation Over Syria Since 6 February 9 - 15: Turkey Creates Two Additional Observation Points in Idlib Start of the Syrian Civil War: Israel intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone that violated Province: The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) established two new observation points near its airspace over the Golan Heights. Israel later conducted airstrikes targeting the drone’s control the towns of Tal Tuqan and Surman in Eastern Idlib Province on February 9 and February vehicle at the T4 Airbase in Eastern Homs Province. Syrian Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (SAMS) 15, respectively. The TSK also reportedly scouted the Taftanaz Airbase north of Idlib City as engaged the returning aircraft and successfully shot down an Israeli F-16 over Northern Israel. The well as the Wadi Deif Military Base near Khan Sheikhoun in Southern Idlib Province. Turkey incident marked the first such combat loss for the Israeli Air Force since the 1982 Lebanon War. established a similar observation post at Al-Eis in Southern Aleppo Province on February 5. Israel in response conducted airstrikes targeting at least a dozen targets near Damascus including The Russian Armed Forces later deployed a contingent of military police to the regime-held at least four military positions operated by Iran in Syria. town of Hadher opposite Al-Eis in Southern Aleppo Province on February 14. 2 February 17 - 20: Pro-Regime Forces Set Qamishli 7 February 18: Ahrar Conditions for Major Offensive in Eastern a-Sham Merges with Key Ghouta: Pro-regime forces intensified a campaign 9 Islamist Group in Northern of airstrikes and artillery shelling targeting the 8 Syria: Salafi-Jihadist group Ahrar opposition-held Eastern Ghouta suburbs of Al-Hasakah a-Sham merged with Islamist group Damascus, killing at least 250 civilians. -
Syrian Army Shows Growing Signs of Strain | the Washington Institute
MENU Policy Analysis / PolicyWatch 1835 Syrian Army Shows Growing Signs of Strain by Jeffrey White Aug 1, 2011 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Jeffrey White Jeffrey White is an adjunct defense fellow at The Washington Institute, specializing in the military and security affairs of the Levant and Iran. Brief Analysis Although the Syrian army has shown signs of fraying for some time, the potential for more serious fissures is beginning to emerge. s Ramadan commences, the Syrian government is stepping up efforts to suppress unrest, with special A emphasis on the cities of Hama and Dayr al-Zawr. The regime has faced serious challenges in these areas and reportedly killed tens of people there during operations over the weekend and into today. These and other ongoing internal security efforts are placing serious strain on its forces, particularly the army. Regime Response T he government's response to the demonstrations since March has involved isolating areas of disturbance; arresting protestors, movement leaders, and uninvolved civilians; terrorizing the population with "disappearances" and shootings; conducting raids against centers of resistance; and, when these measures have proven insufficient, carrying out assaults with tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and helicopters. At the core of these tactics has been a willingness to use major violence against largely peaceful and unarmed demonstrators. This weekend's operations in Hama and Dayr al-Zawr are typical of this pattern. Yet the demonstrations are widespread, persistent, and growing in size, forcing the regime to conduct a "360 degree defense." No area of the country seems secure except perhaps the Alawi heartland in the northwest. -
Monthly Every 2 Months Yearly
Syrian Arab Republic: Coverage of Main Multisectoral Assessments and Timeline (April 2015) Al-Malikeyyeh Al-Malikeyyeh Turkey Turkey Quamishli Quamishli Jarablus Jarablus Ras Al Ain Ras Al Ain Afrin Ain Al Arab Afrin Ain Al Arab Azaz Tell Abiad Azaz Tell Abiad Al-Hasakeh Al Bab Al-Hasakeh Al Bab Al-Hasakeh Al-Hasakeh Harim Harim Jebel Saman Ar-Raqqa Jebel Saman Ar-Raqqa Menbij Menbij Aleppo Aleppo Ar-Raqqa Idleb Ar-Raqqa Idleb Jisr-Ash-Shugur Jisr-Ash-Shugur As-Safira Ariha As-Safira Lattakia Ariha Ath-Thawrah Lattakia Ath-Thawrah Al-Haffa Idleb Al-Haffa Idleb Deir-ez-Zor Al Mara Deir-ez-Zor Al-Qardaha Al Mara Al-Qardaha As-Suqaylabiyah Deir-ez-Zor Lattakia As-Suqaylabiyah Deir-ez-Zor Lattakia Jablah Jablah Muhradah Muhradah As-Salamiyeh As-Salamiyeh Hama Hama Banyas Banyas Hama Sheikh Badr Masyaf Hama Sheikh Badr Masyaf Tartous Tartous Dreikish Al Mayadin Dreikish Ar-Rastan Al Mayadin Ar-Rastan Tartous TartousSafita Al Makhrim Safita Al Makhrim Tall Kalakh Tall Kalakh Homs Syrian Arab Republic Homs Syrian Arab Republic Al-Qusayr Al-Qusayr Abu Kamal Abu Kamal Tadmor Tadmor Homs Homs Lebanon Lebanon An Nabk An Nabk Yabroud Yabroud Al Qutayfah Al Qutayfah Az-Zabdani Az-Zabdani At Tall At Tall Rural Damascus Rural Damascus Rural Damascus Rural Damascus Damascus Damascus Darayya Darayya Duma Duma Qatana Qatana Rural Damascus Rural Damascus IraqIraq IraqIraq Quneitra As-Sanamayn Quneitra As-Sanamayn Dar'a Quneitra Dar'a Quneitra Shahba Shahba Al Fiq Izra Al Fiq Izra As-Sweida As-Sweida As-Sweida As-Sweida Dara Jordan AREA OF ORIGIN Dara Jordan -
COVID-19 Rapid Assessment Government of Syria Controlled Areas
Humanitarian Needs GOS 31 March, 2020 Assessment Programme COVID-19 Rapid Assessment Government of Syria Controlled Areas This report provides an overview of the response to the COVID-19 virus in GoS controlled areas. Data collection was undertaken at the sub-district level on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2020, via face-to-face key informant interviews. Mitigation Measures TURKEY No Yes Additional hand washing facilities in the camps / collective shelters 194 Menbij Nabul Al Bab Closure of public spaces Haritan 19 175 Rasm Haram El-Imam Jebel Saman Eastern Kwaires Dayr Hafir As-Safira ZarbahHadher Maskana Banan Communication on COVID-19 risk 6 188 Kasab Hajeb Saraqab Al-Khafsa Qastal MaafRabee'a Abul ThohurTall Ed-daman Maadan Kansaba Ziyara Ein El-Bayda Ma'arrat An Nu'man Khanaser Sabka Al-HaffaSalanfa Mansura Lattakia Kafr Nobol Sanjar Mzair'a Heish Tabni Disinfection campaign 68 126 Hanadi Shat-ha Madiq Castle FakhuraAl-Qardaha Tamanaah Khan Shaykun Hamra As-Suqaylabiyah IRAQ Jablah Kafr Zeita As-Saan Suran Qteilbiyyeh Tell Salhib Deir-ez-Zor Khasham Dalyeh Muhradah Anaza Jeb Ramleh Banyas Saboura Distribution of soap/disinfectant 189 5 Qadmous Hama Oqeirbat Rawda Masyaf As-Salamiyeh Muhasan Sheikh Badr Soda Khawabi Ein Halaqim Harbanifse Eastern Bari Sibbeh Oj Ar-Rastan Tartous Dreikish Talbiseh Al Mayadin Arwad HawashQabu Taldu Safita Ein Elniser Jeb Ej-Jarrah Kherbet Elma'aza Nasra Shin Al Makhrim Ashara Health screening for new IDPs 191 3 HameidiyyehSafsafa Homs SisniyyehTall KalakhHadideh Sokhneh Kherbet Tin Noor Jalaa Kareemeh -
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Syria Situation Report: March 22 - April 19, 2021 1 Mar. 27-Apr. 12: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) escalate operations to secure prisons and 6 Apr. 11: Russian-backed Syrian Arab Army (SAA) 5th Corps establishes camps in northeastern Syria and preempt an ISIS break-out attempt during Ramadan, April new military base and helipad in Ma’adan. The SAA 5th Corps previously construct- 12-May 12. The SDF conducted the “Humanitarian and Security Operation” in the al Hawl displaced persons camp ed a helipad near Ma’adan, Deir ez-Zour Province, in August 2020. Russian officers, from March 27-April 12, arresting at least 150 ISIS affiliates and raiding several ISIS cells responsible for the string members of the SAA 5th Corps, and local officials met on April 10 to discuss the potential of assassinations in the camp in early 2021. The SDF also transferred tens of detainees out of the overcrowded of establishing another military base in Tibni, about 15 miles southeast of Ma’adan, to Ghuwayran detention center in Hasakah City to smaller detention centers in Shaddadi and at the al Omar gas field, expand Russian-backed National Defense Force control in northwest Deir Ez-Zour. Deir ez-Zour Province, throughout March and early April. ISIS reportedly broke 11 detainees out of the SDF-affiliat- Russian-backed units will likely use their base at Ma’adan to expand the range of their ed prison in al Suwar, Deir ez-Zour Province, on March 22. ISIS also tried and failed to break detainees out of the rotary-wing aircraft during counter-ISIS operations in the Central Syrian Desert, where Kabiba detention center in Deir ez-Zour Province on April 6 and April 12. -
68%Educationfood As a Top 3 Priority
SYRIASYRIA 615 of524 1630 of 776assessed assessed ♍ ♍ communitiescommunities reported reported ☇☄ PriorityPriority Need:Need: FoodEducation Shelter - January - March 20192018 38%68%educationfood as a top 3 priority Kms ² 0 20 40 60 TURKEY AL-HASAKEH ALEPPO AR-RAQQA IDLEB HAMA DEIR-EZ-ZOR IRAQ HOMS Percent of assessed communities in sub-district reporting education as top 3 priority need RURAL 0% 0-25%DAMASCUS 26-50% 51-75% 76%-100% DAMASCUS Not assessed Assessed communities by sub-district reporting education in top 3 priority needs GovernorateSub-District Education GovernorateSub-District Education GovernorateSub-District Education GovernorateSub-District Education Al-HasakehAl-Hasakeh 6/9 Aleppo Hadher 0/1 Deir-ez-Zor Basira 2/14 Idleb Armanaz 6/14 Al-HasakehAl-Malikeyyeh 19/34 Aleppo Haritan 8/8 Deir-ez-Zor Deir-ez-Zor 5/17 Idleb Badama 2/10 Al-HasakehAmuda 10/18 Aleppo Jandairis 18/44 Deir-ez-Zor Hajin 1/4 Idleb Bennsh 0/4 Al-HasakehAreesheh 3/12 Aleppo Jarablus 11/35 Deir-ez-Zor Khasham 2/8 Idleb Dana 0/20 Al-HasakehBe'r Al-Hulo Al-Wardeyyeh7/9 Aleppo Ma'btali 25/25 Deir-ez-Zor Kisreh 14/19 Idleb Darkosh 13/26 Al-HasakehDarbasiyah 5/11 Aleppo Mare' 1/6 Deir-ez-Zor Muhasan 0/6 Idleb Ehsem 0/19 Al-HasakehHole 0/1 Aleppo Menbij 15/35 Deir-ez-Zor Sur 1/15 Idleb Harim 1/5 Al-HasakehJawadiyah 10/15 Aleppo Nabul 1/1 Deir-ez-Zor Tabni 0/10 Idleb Heish 2/18 Al-HasakehMarkada 5/11 Aleppo Raju 11/50 Deir-ez-Zor Thiban 0/11 Idleb Idleb 6/15 Al-HasakehQahtaniyyeh 15/19 Aleppo Sarin 2/4 Hama As-Salamiyeh 0/1 Idleb Janudiyeh 3/14 Al-HasakehQuamishli -
Humanitarian Access Team's Weekly Report 17-23 July, 2020
WEEKLY REPORT 17 – 23 July 2020 Key Dynamics COVID-19 COVID-19 cases in and around Damascus overwhelm Syrian healthcare system COVID-19 outbreak in northwest Syria leads to restrictions on freedom of movement Volatile security dynamics SDF’s anti-ISIS operation in Deir-ez-Zor accused of overreach Deteriorating security situation in northern Aleppo Recent anti-government attack in Jasim reflects continuing grievances in Dar‘a Reconstruction plans Criticism of Damascus reconstruction plans grows among local communities, loyalist circles MERCY CORPS Weekly Report 17 – 23 July 2020 > 1 COVID-19 cases in and around ventilators in circulation are not operating at Damascus overwhelm Syrian full capacity due to low electricity provided by hospital generators. The Syrian healthcare system government also does not allow private On 17 July, local sources stated that the Syrian hospitals to take in COVID-19 cases, instead Ministry of Health instructed government asking that any patient displaying symptoms hospitals in Damascus and Rural Damascus be directed to the government hospital where governorates to stop taking in COVID-19 the Ministry can conduct polymerase chain patients. The Ministry reportedly instructed reaction (PCR) tests on the patient. COVID-19 patients who have no severe symptoms (and do not need hospital COVID-19 cases highest in Damascus treatment) to quarantine themselves inside Local sources state that the rate of COVID-19 their homes. The move comes as government cases is particularly high in Damascus and hospitals lack sufficient numbers of beds and Rural Damascus, adding that those cases ventilators to deal with higher numbers of reported by the government are of COVID-19 patients, an issue compounded by individuals that have been submitted to the fact that the already low number of government hospitals, and exclude random testing results. -
Deir Ez-Zor a Suspension Bridge: Transformations of the City
Cities in Revolution Deir ez-Zor A Suspension Bridge: Transformations of the City Researcher: Sabr Darwish Project leader: Mohammad Dibo Translator: Lilah Khoja Supported by Cities in Revolution حكاية ما انحكت SyriaUntold Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Chapter One: The Fall of the Regime and its Idols 6 The First Groups and What Came Before ...................................................6 Crowds and the Toppling of Idols ................................................................9 The Siege of Othman Mosque ...................................................................11 Martyrs and the Revolutionary Transformation ..........................................12 Liberation ..................................................................................................14 Storming the City ......................................................................................16 I. End of June and Heavy Shelling ........................................................17 II. Old Airport Neighbourhood ...............................................................18 Chapter Two: Arms and the First Transformation 20 September of Arms and the Free Syrian Army ...........................................20 The Start of the Free Syrian Army .............................................................22 Battle of Rusafa, March 18, 2012 ..............................................................23 The Subsistence of the Free Syrian Army ..................................................25 I. Socioeconomic Origins -
Health Response to the Situation in Deir-Ez-Zor
Health Response to the Situation in Deir-ez-Zor Report of a WHO assessment SEPTEMBER 2017 CONTENT Executive summary 3 Background 4 Displacement trends 5 Trauma care in northern Syria 6 WHO’s Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative: 6 Challenges 7 Situation assessment 8 Health care resources in Deir-ez-Zor governorate 8 Recommended actions 11 1. Enhance capacity of Al-Assad hospital 11 2. Organize evacuation pathways for wounded patients in and around Deir-ez-Zor 11 3. Reduce the patient load on Al-Assad hospital and secure advanced treatment 11 4. Establish standby surgical capacity in Abu Kamal or Hajin 11 5. Establish evacuation pathways to Abu Kamal or Hajin 12 6. Identify and organize evacuation pathways for the frontline north of Al Quesra. 12 General considerations 13 List of equipment 14 Annex 15 Health Response to the Situation in Deir-ez-Zor - September 2017 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Large swathes of the northern Syrian governorate of Deir-ez-Zor have been under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) since mid-2014. On 5 September 2017, the Government of Syria (GoS) and allied forces broke ISIL’s three-year siege on the government-held parts of the governorate’s capital city, also called Deir-ez- Zor. ISIL is becoming increasingly isolated as the GoS and allied forces advance on several fronts towards ISIL-held territory in the governorate, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the US-led coalition, advance from the north. The intensity of clashes and airstrikes continues to result in civilian casualties, large numbers of internally displaced people (IDPs), and damaged or destroyed infrastructures including health care facilities. -
SYRIAN GOVERNMENT FAILS to CONTAIN ISIS in BADIA SITUATION REPORT 14 April 2021
SYRIAN GOVERNMENT FAILS TO CONTAIN ISIS IN BADIA SITUATION REPORT 14 April 2021 Contents Key points 2 Current situation 3 Analysis and forecasting 4 ISIS activity in the Syrian Badia 5 ISIS has crossed ‘red-lines,’ becoming a serious threat 6 Syrian government’s previous attempts to contain ISIS 7 Unprecedented Iranian participation in current anti-ISIS campaign 8 Current anti-ISIS campaign takes defensive posture 8 Humanitarian impact 9 MERCY CORPS HUMANITARIAN ACCESS SYRIAN GOVERNMENT FAILS TO CONTAIN ISIS IN BADIA 1 KEY POINTS On 4 February, the government’s Syrian Arab Army (SAA), pro-government militias and the supporting Russian Air Force launched a large military campaign in the Syrian desert (Badia) west of the Euphrates aimed at eliminating ISIS cells positioned in the area. This military campaign comes after an increase in ISIS attacks against Syrian government forces and their allies, targeting military positions, vital infrastructure, economic trade routes and commercial convoys. ISIS activity in the Badia is characterized by direct military engagement through guerilla tactics. This is due to the Badia’s geography, where vast, unpopulated areas of the desert allows the group to maintain a small, mobile fighting force which can launch direct attacks on government forces. Government forces and their allies established military positions in different areas of the Badia, and military checkpoints on main roads, including the Deir-ez-Zor– Damascus road, the Ar-Raqqa–Salamiyeh road and the Asrieh–Khanaser road. According to local sources, Russian and Iranian-backed militias have established an estimated 37 checkpoints and military positions on the Deir-ez-Zor–Tadmor road, and about 20 checkpoints and military positions on the Ar-Raqqa–As-Salamiyeh road.