Levant crisis - III

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 05 Nov 2016 13:55

Helicopters drop stark warning leaflets to ISIS ahead of Russian-backed ground assault

SYRIAN ARMY helicopters have dropped thousands of leaflets warning ISIS to “not make it worse” for themselves ahead of a huge Russian-backed ground assault.
The leaflets were dropped over the cities of Rastan and Tallish, which have been bombarded by Vladimir Putin’s warplanes and where Moscow claims 5,000 ISIS and al-Nusra terrorists are based.

Russian-based media claimed a huge ground operation in the area driven by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s troops and reportedly backed by Russia from the air and possibly on the ground, including Putin’s special forces unit Spetnatz.

Iranian troops, last week, also reportedly crossed the border from Iraq in a bid to help prop up Assad’s weakened regime.

The warning, aimed at ISIS and al-Nusra fighters, said: “Don’t make it even worse for yourselves.

Don’t make it even worse for yourselves
Warning leaflet aimed at ISIS fighters
“The Motherland [presumably Syria] is ready to hug you back again.

“Give up your arms as hundred of other young guys like you have done.”

And another aimed at civilians read: “Co-operate with the army and leave the zone of the special operations for the sake of your own life.”

The pamphlet designed to look like “religious literature” added they can travel through Syrian checkpoints with the leaflet, and the government will provide “shelter, food and medical aid”.

One warning, obtained by Russian website Komsomolskaya Pravda, included a cartoon of an al-Nusra (al-Qaeda in Syria) figurine being wound up by Israel and the United States.

A reporter from the website said: “Very soon the attack of the Syrian army will start.”

Mr Putin’s forces have bolstered their presence ahead of the anticipated ground assault against ISIS and rebel forces fighting Assad’s regime.

On Friday, yet another warship was sent to the Mediterranean by Moscow, days after a battle group arrived in the region after skirting the British coastlin

habal · Post by **habal** » 05 Nov 2016 14:17

there is tremendous infighting going on in rebel ranks

Rat Vs Rat (yet again!)

Following a failed offensive to break a government military blockade in eastern Aleppo, violent radical groups that previously had closed ranks against Damascus began fighting each other over rapidly diminishing resources, including weapons and advantageous positions in the besieged city.
According to a spokesperson for Nour al-Din al-Zinki, an Islamist group that is a component of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), militants from Zinki, Abu Amara, and the al-Nusra front jointly attacked the positions of the Fustaqim group, itself also a component of the FSA.

The failed offensive turned out to be a catastrophe for the terrorists, as they lost 21 battle tanks, 10 infantry fighting vehicles, six rocket artillery systems, 14 mortar crews, 80 cars with mounted heavy machine guns, as well as 12 bomb-equipped suicide vehicles, according to Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi.

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/2016 ... rn-aleppo/

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 05 Nov 2016 14:50

100s of Activists rally outside British Embassy in Moscow to support Russia’s diplomats

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:01

zinki is jealous of mustaqim because the last batch of CIA supplied TOWs all went to the latter. after the child beheading selfies zinki is out of favour with the powers that be - though it is likely they will quickly be pardoned if the promised huge SAA offensive comes through or Hillary takes charge, which is sooner

.

habal · Post by **habal** » 05 Nov 2016 15:04

I get a feeling that 1070 apts, which is the hub of all this resistance will be wiped off the face of the map. Na rahega bas na bajegi bansuri.
It is the hub of all guerilla warfare in Aleppo. You can always rebuild these trashy apts which must be wreck already.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:04

the key imo is hooking up with the YPG and hitting the jihadis on a broad front from behind from Afrin side. the front between afrin and the aleppo-idlib jihadis is a dormant one.

habal · Post by **habal** » 05 Nov 2016 15:07

Gather as many terrorist in tight places as possible and destroy them with mighty weapons [the Granits & Kalibers and thermobarics on the long range bombers]. This also means that other fronts are very much depleted of takfiri terrorists and their armament, a fact that should help the SAA + Allied Forces in freeing up more and more territory. With rapidly evaporating provisions, ammo and men, the terrorists have only 1 way to go. And that is 6ft under.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:07

Al-Masdar News ‏@TheArabSource 6h6 hours ago
#Saudi Arabia to behead disabled man who peacefully protested https://aml.ink/o4wit #KSA

habal · Post by **habal** » 05 Nov 2016 15:09

these new additions into Aleppo Fatah al-sham/fatah halab/nusra are all imports from Idlib. As a result Idlib is also getting thinned out.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:09

Iraq's al-Sumaria satellite television quoted an unnamed security source that claimed Mosul residents on Friday evening killed ISIS terrorists serving as security for the city's main prison, resulting in the liberation of at least 45 prisoners.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:13

good video of battle from IS pov in eastern mosul...atleast a few appear to be tall, strong, shishani types...rest are the one-legged spray n pray and pervert boys

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/is ... osul-iraq/

abu usama al irelandi also therein

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:19

kids and young men being drafted in Tel Afar .. similar to manbij. takbeer AoA, takbeer AoA ...

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/vi ... nce-mosul/

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:23

dead jihadi footage east aleppo....the 5 together incl a huge fat one were probably captured and then shot together
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/18 ... rn-aleppo/

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:24

Al-Masdar News ‏@TheArabSource 20h20 hours ago
#PMU's commander Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandis warns Turkey https://aml.ink/yUEkn #Iraq #Mosul #Syria

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:26

platypus back at work in west aleppo - love this sturdy dog - no sick leaves, always willing to put in the hard work...
https://twitter.com/MIG29_/status/794494329523933184

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:30

hitler youth with panzerfausts taking shots at shermans and T34/IS2 situation -

The Islamic State terrorist group has killed over 400 people around Mosul and transported many others into the city to use as human shield, a UN human rights spokesperson said.
Among those killed are some 50 fighters who deserted during the battle for the Kokjali neighborhood east of Mosul a few days ago, Ravina Shamdasani said on Friday. Before withdrawing, the militants executed 180 former Iraqi government officials, she said.

The terrorists also executed some 200 other civilians inside the city, Shamdasani added.

The spokesperson said Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) has transported 1,600 people from the town of Hammam al-Alil to Tal Afar, possibly for use as human shields against airstrikes. They also took 150 families from Hammam al-Alil to Mosul on Wednesday.

The UN official said IS ordered Hammam al-Alil residents to hand over boys above age nine, indicating a recruitment drive for child soldiers

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 15:35

Borzou Daragahi ‏@borzou 19h19 hours ago
Tunisia religious affairs minister fired for linking Saudi wahabbism to terrorism

Rishi Verma · Post by **Rishi Verma** » 05 Nov 2016 16:10

So Aleppo so far is Sunni vs Sunni fight on the ground. (Al Nusra, ahrar besharam, *und Al Aksa, who all sound like curse words) are Al Queda and are supported by Turkey, Saudis, Al Amrikans. It should be easy for Russians because they would bomb beards on both sides. No wonder Al Amrikis are crying foul, one wonders if amrikis even know who to fight. I am suar hundreds of pakis must have arrived to volunteer with any bearded group. too bad they are relegated to toilet cleaning.

Mosul fight is clearer, Shias vs Sunnis.

Do Shias yell AlahuHuAkbar? Haven't noticed. Otherwise Russian pilots would learn too AllahuAkbarski or AllatovHuAkbar.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 05 Nov 2016 16:47

Death squad from golden division of Iraqi Army are killing many IS militants in hand to hand combat

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 16:53

hardcore shia war cries are Ya Ali, Ya Hussein
but Saa which is partially sunni has AoA too.
listen to the sound

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 17:00

old video two hinds fire rockets and then dive down to rooftop level for making a quick getaway

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 17:04

TSP contribution to the qabila and qaum is the priceless movie International Gorillay (note spelling).
this is a must watch for TSJ

- for indians of my era this was a cult classic like bloodsport or rocky or first blood

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 05 Nov 2016 17:06

WSJ

Islamic State fighters under siege by Iraqi forces have increasingly sent explosive-packed cars and trucks barreling toward the front lines. The Iraqi military’s answer to armored vehicle bombs is a Russian-made antitank missile mounted atop an American-made Humvee.

The successful use of the Kornet missiles—price tag $250,000 apiece—helped clear the way for the Iraqi army’s advance on Mosul, the extremist group’s last major stronghold in Iraq.

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 05 Nov 2016 17:07

Iraqis love that theatrical crapola. bunch of hamsters.

back in '03 a Marine unit captured a bunch of Iraqis wearing star wars darth vader gear !!!!

all that weird junk just tells the enemy "hey, shoot me first!".

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 18:23

syrians seems to be piling up quite a few truckloads of jihadi corpses on a daily basis. their strategy seems to be sit a bit withdrawn inside these housing complexes in safe shelter, keeping only spotters and ATGM crews on overwatch positions...the VBIED attack started and either gets taken out by a tank behind a berm, a ATGM from elevated firing position or runs into a earth berm and stalls...either way it explodes. jihadis charge in behind it, and right then the defenders emerge and take up positions and repel them, causing casualties on the semi open grounds.

they dont have resources to overpower and catch the jihadis milling around the countryside by scruff of the neck, so a compact defensive line at edge of the built up areas like 3000 and 1070 with some clear firing fields.

their only loss so far has been western part of the dahiyat al assad housing area.

Rammpal · Post by **Rammpal** » 05 Nov 2016 18:50

IndraD wrote:
The successful use of the Kornet missiles—price tag $250,000 apiece—helped clear the way for the Iraqi army’s advance on Mosul, the extremist group’s last major stronghold in Iraq.

250k.
F.ck, seriously ?!!
Why ?

habal · Post by **habal** » 05 Nov 2016 19:11

Foreign ISIS Fighters Defend Mosul Frontline as Locals Flee

Faraj, described scenes of growing chaos and an apparent breakdown of discipline among Isis forces in Mosul. He said that local fighters seeking to leave the east of the city, which Iraqi forces entered on Tuesday, were being stopped at checkpoints and cross-questioned by Isis security officers, whom he said were mostly Libyans and much feared for inflicting severe punishments. On this occasion, he said that “fighters accompanied by families are being allowed to cross the bridges to the west bank, while individuals are being sent back to the front line”.

He said that imams in the mosques were calling over loudspeakers for people “to stay and resist the apostates and unbelievers”.

Some 90 former police officers have been detained and confined in a school in central Mosul. There are reports of local resistance units ambushing and assassinating Isis officials and small groups of fighters.

The Shia paramilitary forces known as the Hashd al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilisation Units, on Thursday cut one of the main Isis supply routes linking Mosul to Syria. Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of the Shia Badr organisation, said that the next step would be to cut the route between Mosul and the small city of Tal Afar,

http://www.unz.com/pcockburn/exclusive- ... cals-flee/

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 21:08

As seen in east mosul no stalingrad type defences are in place barring one line of blocked roads on outer rim. tanks and bulldozers opened the door for isof to pour in and fan out.

The elite of isis are acting like gestapo to keep the wavering herd in line instead of risking their own necks in fighting

Hopefully hashd with lots of spies are keeping eye on western rim of city as panic ensues and deserters fight their way past the military police libyans

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 21:13

Its news that turkey has kornets...

* Igla (SA-18) MANPADS: $1.4 million for 1 launcher and 10 missiles - (based on this source for cost and this for number)
* Kornet-E (AT-14) ATGM: $875,000 for 1 launcher and 10 missiles - (based on recent Turkish buy)
* Metis-M (AT-13) ATGM: ~$500,000 for 1 launcher & 10 missiles - (based off unconfirmed data and inflaition compared to Kornet price)

So perhaps 80k for 1 missile when purchased in lots of 10.

Gyan · Post by **Gyan** » 05 Nov 2016 21:17

Isis cannot maintain a blockade on such a large city especially during night. Soon there will be mass desertions by cadre of Isis

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 21:20

Time for 9th div to drive a spear through the back door bypass the airport anf enter western suburbs

Issue sricks and guns to villagers to hunt isis on outskirts and $100 for every body. Everyone has lost someone they to isis there

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 05 Nov 2016 21:25

Iraqi PMU English ‏@pmu_english
#BREAKING - #Irish suicide bomber in #ISIS blown up in #Mosul attacking #Iraqi forces. We work closely with #Ireland to defeat terrorism.

habal · Post by **habal** » 05 Nov 2016 22:24

Northern Hama

Terrorists attempted, early today, to advance north of the Christian town of Mahardeh, this town is home of one of the fiercest group of soldiers and fighters, many defending the town 24x7 and others with the Tiger Forces and SAA.

The attempt failed at Abu Obeida and the SAA is now advancing. This is important since the terrorists inside Halfiya could find themselves in much tougher situation surrounded from 3 axis.
Fight continues on M5 in the direction of Morek and al Latmanah.
As time passes, and the SAA and allies continue to revert any terrorist's counter offensive into allied forces net gains, the pocket folding up point approaches the key moment, we are not far from this point.

rsingh · Post by **rsingh** » 05 Nov 2016 22:34

habal wrote:
"Poland’s claim that Egypt sold Mistral warships to Russia for €1 outrages France"

https://www.rt.com/news/365341-france-p ... onspiracy/

[quote]The Polish minister’s remarks about the French arguably pale in comparison to those made by his deputy, who dismissively said that the Poles had taught the French “to eat with a fork a couple of centuries ago” after France revoked Poland’s invitation to the Euronaval 2016 defense expo in Paris amid the helicopter deal row.[/quote]

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 05 Nov 2016 23:40

The Russian media just loves the campaign to demonize Putin

Y. Kanan · Post by **Y. Kanan** » 06 Nov 2016 00:38

Much ado about the Russian battle group and its cruise missiles + SU-33's. But what Aleppo really needs is large scale carpet bombing. I doubt cruise missiles and lightly loaded Flankers will have any effect on the battle. Not that the Russians shouldn't use the opportunity to train and demonstrate their naval strike capabilities, it's just that without a larger commitment of true strike aircraft I don't see how Russia can break the W. Aleppo stronghold. That entire part of the city must be essentially leveled.

If I were Gen. Zhuravlev I'd be asking for my SU-25's back, more SU-24's and as many TU-22's as can be spared.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 06 Nov 2016 01:37

@TSJ sir
Those Iraqi army SF in peculiar gears like star wars warriors are trained and dressed up by US.
Via The Sun UK

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 06 Nov 2016 04:18

Five ISIS leaders STEAL millions of dollars from the terror group's treasury in Iraq and flee as extremists send hit squad to hunt them down

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... z4PB39TZKn

few days back there was an explosion where top honchos of IS were meeting , now this ! None of this sabotage happening in Syrian IS curiously ! It seems US intel has successfully penetrated Iraq IS.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 06 Nov 2016 04:23

Well Well !!!! All these peculiar star wars type fatigue have indeed been imported from US !!

It's not the first time these masks have been spotted on American soldiers. Above, a Battalion captain from Idaho uses the skull mask to protect himself from a sandstorm in Kuwait in 2003

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... z4PB3duXqI

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 06 Nov 2016 05:32

Ice hockey goalkeepers use them