Air raids targeted positions for the Islamic State in al-Hasaka governate, where al-Jbeiseh oil field, as well as few make shift refineries were attacked by the Americans and their “allies.” The Islamic State’s soldiers stayed at the doors of Ayn al-‘Arab/Kobani threatening to storm it any minute. The Islamic State had shelled that city with heavy artillery and rockets. Reports said that air raids stopped the Islamic State’s momentum for the moment.
Anti Assad groups attacked in Douma the building of al-Jawiyah. The attack did not bring results. al-Assad’s military jets attacked ‘Arbeen. Also, battles are still taking place in al-Dukhaniyah, and Jubar.
The Americans and their “allies” attacked the Islamic State in and around the city of al-Mayadin (الميادين) in Reef Deir al-Zur. A make shift oil refinery was hit in the desert areas of al-Mayadin. On the same day, the artillery of Bashar al-Assad regime bombed al-Huwayqah (الحويقة ) neighborhood in the city of Deir al-Zur with heavy artillery. The Islamic State is still attacking Ayn al-Arab/Kobani but did not make any significant progress since yesterday. Today, the Kudish forces spokes person spoke about the readiness of his troops for a street-to-street battle in the city if the Islamic State’s determent fighters were able to enter the city of Ayn al-Arab/Kobani. Canada and Australia to join the alliance attacking the Islamic State.
In Morek مورك, the anti Assad groups were able to control a point called: al-Niqtah al-Sadisah النقطة السادسة. al-Assad air force shelled al-Latamneh اللطامنة, Morek مورك, Kafar Zeeta كفر زيتا as well as other nearby areas. Also Saraqeb سراقب was hit in Reef Idleb. The eastern parts of Hama’s countryside saw activity recently with the fighters of the Islamic State threatening al-Salamiyah السلمية, a vital road between al-Assad troops in Allepo and those in the South. The Islamic State is active in al-‘Uqayribat عقيربات area.
In Dar’a a new battle is brewing in Tall al-Harra, where anti Assad forces had shelled it with tanks and heavy weaponry. al-Assad responded with air raids against the areas surrounding the positions of troops loyal to him. Also, pro Assad air force bombed Jasem جاسم, Inkhel إنخل, Nimr نمر, al-Taybeh الطيبة, Deir al-Adas دير العدس, and ‘Aqraba عقربا. In ‘Atamana (عتمانا) anti Assad troops started a battle called “Rami al-Jamarat رمي الجمرات.”
Two more rockets fell into Latakia few hours ago with reports of casualties. This coincides with heating up in Jabal al-Akrad clashes, east of the city. The other front in the coastal region, Jabal al-Turkman area, witnesses daily exchanges of fire, but no major scale engagement since the latest Battle for Kassab.
Aleppo witnessed battles to prevent al-Assad forces from encircling the city. Battles raged at Handarat Camp. Anti Assad groups put videos to show they still control the Castilo crossing. If both points fall, al-Assad would be able to encircle his enemies within the parts of the city they control.
In al-Qunaytara, anti-Assad force, attacked and gained little more ground. They attacked positions related to al-Assad’s Liwa’ 90. Also, in that area attacks on Israeli soldiers were reported. Some, anti Assad groups in the south are trying to unite to get training in Saudi Arabia. In Aleppo the Handarat Camp is a location of battles and air raids by al-Assad air force. al-Assad made some gains in Jabal Doreen in Jabal al-Akrad on the coast. Two Grad rockets slammed into Latakia.
The biggest battle the people are watching is Ayn al-Arab/Kobani in Syria’s north-east. The Islamic State did not advance after it posted a video with its takeover of one of the points at the southern tip of Ayn al-Arab/Kobani. The Kurdish forces were able to withstand the direct assault, which is happening under the watch of the Turks and the airplanes of the Americans and their “allies.” It was revealed also that the Islamic State had executed in al-Raqqa 35 local media specialists that it deemed on the wrong side. They are all anti Assad, but the Islamic State never wanted anyone reporting anything without going through its channels. The other big news is the take over of important points in Handarat ( حندرات) north of Allepo by the forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad. This could enable the Assad forces to encircle the city and cut the route to the supportive north for the anti Assad forces. Another reported advance for the pro Assad forces happened in the coast with an offensive towards Salma and Doreen (سلمى و دورين). Reports claim that the pro Assad forces were able to control new points in ‘Ayn al-Jawzah and Ruwaysat al-Ja’ura. Advances for the rebels were reported around ‘Arbeen next to Damascus. The situation in Damascus and its surrounding is still dire with ferocious fights in al-Dukhaniyah and next to the rebel strong hold of Douma. The dollar in Damascus is 192. The government raised the prices of many oil and heating products. Air raids by the government continued, around its operations in Allepo, Hama, Dar’a and many other places.
The Turkish Parliament authorized today the issue of the Turkish Army crossing into Syria and Iraq “if necessary.” In the meantime, the Islamic State is at the doors of Ayn al-Arab/Kobani inching in closer. Reports of air raids, by the coalition, but that did not stop the advance.
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