Russia sets up no-fly zones for US-led Coalition over declared de-escalation zones

[Bleipriester]

The Kremlin announced that "no flights, especially by the international coalition, are allowed. With or without prior notification. [The issue is closed]".

These zones, located in the Latakia, Idlib, Homs and Aleppo governorates, will not be targeted by the Russian and Syrian airforces, as well and allow "moderate rebels" to stay but no jihadists.

"“As for [the coalition] actions in the de-escalation zones, starting from now those zones are closed for their flights,” Aleksandr Levrentyev told journalists in the Kazakh capital.

As guarantors we will be tracking all actions in that direction,” he remarked. “Absolutely no flights, especially by the international coalition, are allowed. With or without prior notification. The issue is closed.”

He added that the US-led coalition would continue airstrikes near Raqqa, the Syrian stronghold of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), near some towns near the Euphrates River and close to the city of Deir ez-Zor."

US-led coalition warplanes banned from Syria safe zones – Russian envoy

 

[Marion Morrison]

The Kremlin announced that "no flights, especially by the international coalition, are allowed. With or without prior notification. [The issue is closed]".

These zones, located in the Latakia, Idlib, Homs and Aleppo governorates, will not by targeted by the Russian and Syrian airforces, as well and allow "moderate rebels" to stay but no jihadists.

"“As for [the coalition] actions in the de-escalation zones, starting from now those zones are closed for their flights,” Aleksandr Levrentyev told journalists in the Kazakh capital.

As guarantors we will be tracking all actions in that direction,” he remarked. “Absolutely no flights, especially by the international coalition, are allowed. With or without prior notification. The issue is closed.”

He added that the US-led coalition would continue airstrikes near Raqqa, the Syrian stronghold of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), near some towns near the Euphrates River and close to the city of Deir ez-Zor."

US-led coalition warplanes banned from Syria safe zones – Russian envoy

Interesting.

 

[Bleipriester]

For the correction: Here are the de-escalation zones:

I did not expect them to be that big. However, terrorists will gain nothing from that but I also doubt that any "moderates" will be separated because moderates never join al-Qaeda forces in the first place.

Map of Syria's four safe-zones

 

[Bleipriester]

The zones seem to be welcomed by the population

"BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:20 P.M.) – Residents of the Harasta suburb of Damascus praised the safe zones agreement on Saturday, while also doubting that the rebel forces would respect its implementation.

One resident, Naser Ahmed, said, “We hope it will be a good omen to prevent the bloodshed of people. The government used to take care of everyone. The reconciliations are good for the situation. We live in this country.”

Other resident, Ali Mohamed, expressed doubt about the rebels respecting the deal. “I don’t trust the terrorists whatsoever, for we saw nothing from them but deceit. Nevertheless, we are optimistic. The government is more ethical than them,” he claimed.

Another resident, Mona Khalil, was of similar opinion. “The terrorists will not comply with this resolution, that is of a ceasefire or stopping the launch of mortars. No, they would not. It is because they are not Syrians. For if they were Syrians, all of this wouldn’t have happened. They are not Syrians, they are from outside Syria,” she added.

The agreement appoints four areas in Syria as safe zones, aiming at separating a number of extremist groups, including the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and Al-Nusra Front (also known as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham), from the moderate opposition."



Meanwhile, more "rebels" are moving from Damascus to Idlib but there, they attacked the SAA again. No "rebel" group has officially agreed to the de-escalation zones.

Residents praise 'safe-zone' deal in Harasta suburb of Damascus: video
Breaking: Southern Damascus to be rebel-free within weeks, including Yarmouk Camp

 

[esthermoon]

Those de-escalation zones could be the first step to the end of Syria as we know it...

 

[Bleipriester]

Those de-escalation zones could be the first step to the end of Syria as we know it...

The zones are not supposed to define future partitioning lines.

 

[Meane]

How long shall we give it?

I say, three days. "The opposition attacked."

Of course they did.

What is international coalition? Does it count Syrian army out?

 

[Bleipriester]

How long shall we give it?

I say, three days. "The opposition attacked."

Of course they did.

What is international coalition? Does it count Syrian army out?

Don´t be fooled by false western coverage. The de-escalation zones don´t mean al-Qaeda can mount attacks without responds. In so far, as the terrorists have renewed their Hama offensive, there are Syrian airstrikes. This doesn´t mean the zones fail.

 

[Vastator]

What are the repercussions, of a US incursion of said zones?

 

[Bleipriester]

What are the repercussions, of a US incursion of said zones?

The Russians weren´t clear on that. All they added is that they are monitoring the airspace.

 

[Meane]

How long shall we give it?

I say, three days. "The opposition attacked."

Of course they did.

What is international coalition? Does it count Syrian army out?

Don´t be fooled by false western coverage. The de-escalation zones don´t mean al-Qaeda can mount attacks without responds. In so far, as the terrorists have renewed their Hama offensive, there are Syrian airstrikes. This doesn´t mean the zones fail.

if the terrorists are on the side of the opposition and the no fly zones are not for them then the no fly zones do not exist.

 

[Bleipriester]

How long shall we give it?

I say, three days. "The opposition attacked."

Of course they did.

What is international coalition? Does it count Syrian army out?

Don´t be fooled by false western coverage. The de-escalation zones don´t mean al-Qaeda can mount attacks without responds. In so far, as the terrorists have renewed their Hama offensive, there are Syrian airstrikes. This doesn´t mean the zones fail.

if the terrorists are on the side of the opposition and the no fly zones are not for them then the no fly zones do not exist.

They have no planes. The purpose of the zones is that "rebels" who don´t fight, will not be attacked, a political solution is the goal. US-led Coalition supply drops for al-Qaeda, however, are not a good measure to decrease their fighting spirit. This is why Russia particularly banned Coalition aircraft. The problem are mostly the foreign terrorists. They have no prospects of finding the government´s mercy and keep the conflict ongoing.

 

[Bleipriester]

Jordan, back on the anti-Syria side since the Trump "miracle", may pose a threat to Syria.

"DAMASCUS, SYRIA (3:45 P.M.) – The Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid al-Moallem, said his government is committed to the recently-brokered de-escalation deal, warning at the same time that violations by the opposition forces will be strictly answered.

“We are committed to the deal, but there will be a decisive response in case of any violation by the armed groups,” he said in a televised press conference held earlier today.

Responding to accusations made by opposition figures in exile that the Syrian government is sacrificing the country’s unity, al-Moallem stressed that the de-escalation zones will not lead to partition.

“We are keen on our national unity, and the unity of Syria and its policies, thanks to the steadfastness of our people, and the bravery of our army,” he said.

The Foreign Minister made clear that there is no role for UN or international powers in the deal which will last for six months.

Al-Moallem stated that the Syrian Army will respond to any intervention made by Jordan in the southern frontiers. His remark came as a response to comments made by a Jordanian official that Jordan might enter the Syrian depth to protect its national security.

He also described the role of U.S.-backed Syrian Kurds fighting the Islamic State group in Syria as “legitimate.”"

Syrian FM: we will respond to any intervention by Jordan

 

[Bleipriester]

What are the repercussions, of a US incursion of said zones?

Aircraft violating the no-fly zones will be considered "hostile forces".

 

[Vastator]

What are the repercussions, of a US incursion of said zones?

Aircraft violating the no-fly zones will be considered "hostile forces".

And then...?

 

[Bleipriester]

What are the repercussions, of a US incursion of said zones?

Aircraft violating the no-fly zones will be considered "hostile forces".

And then...?

Better, if we don´t need to find that out.