Cars Equipped with Machineguns Destroyed in Aleppo, Army Destroys Terrorists’ Center in Damascus Countryside
Aug 16, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA) – The army forces destroyed more than 12 cars equipped with DShK (Dushka) machineguns in Kefr Hamra area, north of Aleppo, and killed all the terrorists inside them as they were trying to inter into Aleppo city.
Units from the armed forces destroyed a number of cars and killed the terrorists inside them in al-Saba’ Bahrat and Bab al-Nasr area in Aleppo.
A unit of the armed forces clashed with mercenary terrorists near Nazlet al-Zubdieh in Saif al-Dawla neighborhood in Aleppo, killing big numbers of them, and destroyed two cars equipped with DShK machineguns.
The locals in Maskana in Aleppo confronted an armed terrorist group and managed to kill a number of terrorists, including the group’s leader who is known as Abu Hamza.
In al-Midan area in Aleppo, an armed forces unit confronted a terrorist group that came from al-Halk neighborhood, killing most of the group’s members.
Authorities also destroyed 8 cars equipped with DShK machineguns in Daret Izzeh area in Aleppo Countryside.
Meanwhile, the army units chased down armed terrorist groups in al-Ba’eidin area near al-Halak roundabout in the city of Aleppo killing a large number of them.
Authorities also chased terrorists driving 12 cars equipped with machineguns in Ma’aret al-Artiq roundabout in the countryside of Aleppo and destroyed all their cars.
A unit from the armed forces clashed with terrorists near the Post building in Masaken Hanano in Aleppo, killing and wounding a large number of them.
Army Units hunt vanquished mercenaries in a number of Aleppo neighborhoods and countryside, inflicting heavy losses among them
Units from the Syrian Army today also pursued the vanquished mercenaries in a number of Aleppo neighborhoods and countryside, inflicting heavy losses among them.
A source in Aleppo told SANA reporter that the Army units clashed with an armed terrorist group near al-Zibdea, at the end of Saif al-Dawla neighborhood, killing scores of terrorists and destroying two cars equipped with Dushka machineguns.
The Army also destroyed a number of cars and killed the terrorists onboard near Souk al-Mawazen at al-Saba Bahrat area in Bab al-Nasr.
In Aleppo countryside, the army units destroyed 12 cars equipped with machineguns in Kabtan al-Jabal, killing all the terrorist onboard.
Another army unit monitored an armed group leading boarding 10 cars equipped with Dushka machineguns at Kfar Bsein in Aleppo countryside, clashing with them and destroying the 10 cars and killing all the terrorists.
Authorities Storm Terrorists’ Hideout in Basateen al-Razi in Damascus
Authorities stormed a terrorists’ hideout behind Basateen al-Razi in Damascus.
An official source told SANA reporter that the authorities clashed with the terrorists killing and injuring some of them and arresting others.
The source added that the authorities seized the weapons inside the hideout.
Syrian Army units pursue vanquished mercenaries in Tafas, Daraa, fulfill specific operation in Ariha, Idleb
Units from the Syrian Army today pursued the vanquished mercenaries in Tafas, Daraa, arresting scores of them and killing many others.
A source in Daraa told SANA reporter that a number of terrorists threw their weapons and escaped after the strikes they received, while others were hit by panic.
Among the terrorists killed were Qasem Rawashda, Adham al-Zo’bi, Naser Kiwan and Ahmad Fawaz al-Mohammad.
The borders’ guards foiled an attempt by the armed terrorist groups to infiltrate into Syria from Jordan at Tal Shihab area, killing a number of them.
At Bosra al-Sham in Daraa countryside, the authorities clashed with an armed group, killing a number of them including their leader Hamid Mohammad Naser al-Mikdad.
In Idleb, a unit from the Army carried out a specific operation which lasted for three days in Ariha, storming the hideouts of the armed terrorist groups.
The Army seized big quantities of explosives, medical equipment and a number of stolen cars.
Army Destroys Terrorists’ Leadership Center in al-Tal, Damascus Countryside
The Syrian army destroyed a leadership center of the armed terrorist groups in al-Tal area in Damascus Countryside and killed a number of their leaders.
An official source said that among the killed terrorists were Maher Ismael al-Tahhan, Abu Ahmad, Abu Malek, Yaser Shareef al-Ahmar amd Moafaq Ismael al-Talab.
Terrorists Flee Tafas Area and Leave Their Weapons behind
The armed forces pursued the mercenary terrorists in Tafas area in Daraa Countryside and killed and arrested large numbers of them.
A source in the province told SANA that a number of terrorists fled Tafas and left behind their weapons after the operations carried out by the army against them.
The competent authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in al-Jheir in Busra al-Sham, Daraa countryside, and killed big numbers of terrorists, among them the group’s leader Hamed Mohammad Nasser al-Mikdad.
The engineering units also dismantled four explosive devices, weighing 150 kg each, in the farms surrounding Tafas area.
The competent authorities foiled a new infiltration attempt to Syria by mercenary terrorists in Tal Shihab area in Daraa countryside, killing big numbers of terrorists, among them Anas Smeia’t and Abdul-Ilah Smeia’t.
Infiltration Attempts by Terrorists Foiled in Homs
Authorities foiled infiltration attempts carried out by armed terrorist groups in several areas in Talkalakh in Homs Countryside.
SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that the authorities inflicted heavy losses upon the terrorists, adding that the remnants of terrorists fled back to the Lebanese lands.
Large Amount of Weapons Seized inside a Car on Homs-Palmyra Road
In Homs, the authorities seized a large amount of weapons and ammunition hidden inside a GMC pick-up on Homs-Palmyra road, near Mafraq Ghazaleh village.
SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that the seized weapons included BKC machineguns, three Russian rifles, three grenades, 17 bullet chargers and night vision telescope
Al-Moallem: Need for Harmony between UN Efforts to Help Syrians and Sanctions Targeting Their Livelihood
Aug 15, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Walid al-Moallem, reviewed with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valery Amos, the continuous update made to the response and evaluation plan to cope with the growing needs of those affected by the practicies of the armed terrorist groups which increased their attacks against public and private properties.
The two sides exchanged ideas to push the humanitarian work forward and overcome any administrative obstacles that might erupt during the implementation.
Al-Moallem said that the Syrian government has paid great attention to the humanitarian situation, particularly the rehabilitation of damaged places and facilities to ensure rapid return of normal life.
The Foreign and Expatriates Minister stressed the need for finding a sort of harmony, which is currently absent, between the UN efforts which aim at providing humanitarian aid to the affected Syrians and the policy of unfair economic sanctions which target the livelihood of the Syrian citizen.
For her part, Amos expressed satisfaction over the cooperation achieved between the two sides since her visit last March, indicating her Office’s efforts to mobilize the largest humanitarian assistance to help Syria face the crisis in an atmosphere of neutralism, independence and away from politicalization.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, Head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Organization, Abdulrahman Attar and Directors of the Departments of the International Organizations and Media at the Foreign Ministry.
Ghalawanji, Amos Discuss Cooperation in Providing Humanitarian Aid to Citizens Affected by Terrorism
Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Minister of Local Administration Omar Ghalawanji, discussed with UN Under-Secretary-General Amos cooperation between Syria and international organizations in providing humanitarian aid to citizens affected by the events taking place in Syria.
Ghalawanji reviewed his Ministry’s work, particularly in light of the current crisis, emphasizing that the Ministry’s priority is taking care of citizens who were forced to leave their homes due to the crimes of armed groups and providing humanitarian aid until they can return to their homes.
He said that the Ministry’s work also focuses on rehabilitating infrastructures and public establishments in the areas that witnessed vandalism by terrorists, in addition to helping locals, assessing the amount of needed aid, guaranteeing the fairness in the distribution of relief, and expediting infrastructure rehabilitation to allow citizens to return to their homes.
Ghlawanji noted that infrastructure restoration in al-Qaboun neighborhood is 75% complete while restoration is 90% complete in al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus.
He said that displaced families are estimated at 202,000 consisting of 1.11 million citizens, with 369 facilities being allocated to house them, adding that there are more families which were dislocated but haven’t been recorded as they are living with relatives.
Ghalawnji said that the temporary housing facilities are provided with electricity, water and medical services provided by non-resident doctors, along with medical and food supplies, children food and sleeping supplies, adding that a committee has been formed to find more housing facilities while other committees were formed to receive complaints of citizens whose uninsured properties were damaged across Syria, noting that such damages are estimated at around SYP 7 to 8 billion, with the exception of Homs city, while damage to public properties exceeded in value SYP 155 billion due to methodical vandalism.
He went on to say that the government allocated SYP 1 billion to provide relief to governorates and humanitarian bodies, in addition to SYP 120 million to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent along with other amounts for civil societies, adding that the government also allocated SYP 50,000 for each family returning to the town of al-Heffeh to help them repair damages done to their homes in addition to providing a job opportunity to one family member of each such family.
Ghalawanji stressed that the government is doing its duties and providing all the available resources to assuage the suffering of citizens, affirming the government’s full readiness to carry out the response plan for humanitarian needs signed with the UN.
Lavrov: Russia Will Not Allow Thwarting Geneva Agreement on Syria
Aug 15, 2012
MINSK/MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed on Wednesday that Russia will not allow anyone to thwart Geneva Agreement on Syria, calling for commitment to this agreement.
In a statement in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, Lavrov affirmed that there is no other solution to the crisis in Syria other than that which is based on respecting the principles of the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of Syria and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.
He said that it is necessary to exert pressure on all Syrian sides and to stop encouraging the opposition to continue armed fighting.
The Russian Foreign Minister noted that Russia seeks to obtain from the Western countries an answer on the extent of their readiness to commit to what was agreed on at Geneva meeting, adding that if the answer was yes, he would question why no tangible measures have been taken by these countries towards implementing the agreement.
He pointed out that the Russian-Chinese veto against draft resolutions on Syria came to defend the principles of the UN Charter, while the American partners used the veto to thwart decisions that have been taken.
Russia: Withdrawal of UNSMIS Would Further Complicate the Situation in Syria and the Region
Russia on Wednesday stressed that it supports the continuation of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).
A well-informed source at the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow sees that halting the presence of the UN in Syria should not be allowed given that it is considered a main source for obtaining objective information on what is taking place in the country.
The source highlighted the unbiased stance adopted by the UN observers since the beginning of their work in Syria in terms of recording the cases of violations against the peace plan by the parties in Syria.
The source also underscored the reduction in the level of violence noticed since the first weeks of the international observers’ work.
The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified withdrawing the UNSMIS would further complicate the situation in Syria and the region in general to a large extent.
A source at the Press and Media Department at the Ministry said Russia calls for the UNSMIS to continue in Syria, adding that the withdrawal under the current circumstances would leave serious negative consequences on Syria and the entire region.
The source added that the presence of the UN mission could take other forms according to the reality on the ground.
Bogdanov: The Audio Recording Posted by Saudi Website Fake
The Russian President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stressed that the audio recording posted by the website of the Saudi al-Watan newspaper claiming to having held an interview with him two days ago is fake.
In a phone call with Russia Today TV channel, Bogdanov affirmed that he made no statements on the situation in Syria recently, denying particularly those related to the brother of President Bashar al-Assad.
“I cannot say that the brother of the Syrian President was injured in his legs as we know very well that he was not at the meeting of the crisis cell at the time of the explosion which claimed the lives of a number of Syrian military and security leaders and injured others,” Bogdanov added.
He described the purported interview to be entirely fabricated from A to Z.
The Russian official reiterated his country’s clear stance towards the crisis in Syria which is based on that the Syrian people alone are the decision-makers in choosing their leadership.
He added that Russia has, since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, rejected foreign interference and called for dialogue and political settlement.
Bogdanov, who is on his annual vacation, said that it is inappropriate that some resort to fabrication to make fake scoop at the expense of sensitive issues that affect peoples’ destiny.
Russia Today TV indicated that anyone can listen to Bogdanov’s real voice on its website.
Iranian President Stresses Necessity that Syria Remain Strong
Aug 15, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA)_Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stressed the importance that Syria remain strong, expressing regret over some countries’ incitement of massacres in Syria through sending weapons.
In a speech on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Jeddah, Ahmadinejad said ”Iran has always sought to solve the crisis in Syria through dialogue, and the Iranian people see that national dialogue, not fighting, war and atrocities, is the sole way to solve problems.”
The Iranian president saw it important to reach an agreement between the Syrian government and opposition to implement reforms and exert efforts to solve problems.
In the same context, Ahmadinejad said in a speech before the extraordinary Islamic summit in Mecca that ”It is illogical that great powers teach us the lessons of freedom and justice , especially as they are the birthplace of injustice and dictatorship.’
The Iranian president considered that ”the enemy has seized the opportunity to deal a blow to us to deprive us of any chance of development.”
Jazaeri: Syria and the Syrian People Are to Win the War
The Media Assistant of the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Massoud Jazaeri, said Syria is a red line for the resistance and any negotiations regarding the Syrian issue should be in the framework of the interest of the resistance and the Syrian people.
In a statement to the Iranian Mehr news agency on Wednesday, Jazaeri said the psychological war which the West and its allies have waged against Syria seems to give them the impression that they are to win the war, whereas the indicators and evidence suggest that the winners will be the Syrian regime and people.
The Iranian official called for exposing the lies of the US, the international Zionism and the reactionary forces in the region regarding Syria, adding that it is important not to take weak stances towards the countries supporting terrorism against Syria at the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Tehran.
He added that these countries should assume the responsibility for supporting the terrorism, killing and destruction in the Syrian cities.
Gunman from al-Khaldea in Homs Gives himself up to the Authorities
Aug 15, 2012
HOMS, (SANA)-A gunman from al-Khaldea neighborhood in Homs gave himself up and handed his weapon to the competent authorities which released him after settling his case.
“I gave myself up to a unit of the Syrian Arab Army positioned at the surroundings of al-Khalea after I tried to do so 4 times, but I failed as the armed groups prevented me from surrender,” Mohammad Fares Ghanam said in a speech to the Syrian TV broadcast Wednesday.
Ghanam added that what pushed him to surrender was his wish to abandon what he was involved in and return to normal life, and after his recognition that the acts of armed groups have no relation to which they call a revolution.
“The rebel should be good, clean person.. he doesn’t loot house or shops, he doesn’t burn or destroy public and private properties,” Ghanam said.
He underlined that the families in al-Khaldea want to go out of the neighborhood and get rid of the armed terrorist groups, but they prevent them from leaving to take them as human shields. He called on all gunmen to judge their conscience after hundreds of innocents were killed at their hands.
Syrian Journalists’ Union Calls for more Struggle in Defense of Free Speech
Aug 15, 2012
DAMASACUS, (SANA)_The Syrian Journalists’ Union stressed that the Syrian journalists are more determined than ever to continue conveying the truth of the situation in Syria.
In a statement on Wednesday on the occasion of the Syrian Journalists’ Day, the Union called for more struggle in defense of free speech.
”Syria is targeted by a conspiracy that aims at fragmenting the Arab nation so as to succumb to US-Israeli hegemony, aided by an Arab and foreign interference that employed domestic tools and mercenaries whose only project is killing and destruction.”
The Union said that the Syrian journalists are shouldering their responsibilities in defending Syria, indicating that they paid a heavy price to reveal the truth about what is happening on the ground.
The statement added that colonial powers have used media as a tool for blemishing the image of the Syrian army and people, adding that the dubious media campaign is part and parcel of the conspiracy against Syria.
The Union saluted the great Syrian people who stood up to the conspiracy, also saluting the martyrs of free speech and the valiant Syrian Arab army who is defending Syria.
Pinheiro Warns against Catastrophic Repercussions of any Foreign Military Interference in Syria
Aug 15, 2012
NEW YORK, (SANA)- Chairman of the Independent International Committee of Inquiry on Syria Paulo Pinheiro warned against the catastrophic repercussions of any foreign military interference in Syria, saying that the explosion which took place near a hotel where the UN observers reside indicates to the foreign presence in the country.
“It is not oblivious who were responsible for the explosion, but using such explosives is widely linked to the presence of armed foreign, extremist groups which participate in the acts of killing in Syria and this is worrying,” UPI quoted Pinheiro as saying in a speech to the UN Radio Wednesday.
In a relevant context, Pinheiro indicated to a report presented by the Committee on the situations in Syria, considering that the most important point of it is that the situation has changed and deteriorated to a great deal.
“The other escalation was on the diplomatic level, as the five permanent members at the UN Security Council had no ability to cooperate among them regarding Syria, Pinheiro said, adding that there is a need, more than before, for an international concordance as the resolution to the crisis in Syria wouldn’t happen except by the international cooperation.
Explosive Device Explodes behind Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, Mikdad: All UNSMIS Members are Safe
Aug 15, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)- An explosive device on Wednesday exploded behind Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.
The device was attached by an armed terrorist group under a diesel tank.
The explosion resulted in the ignition of the tank, injury of three persons and minor material damage in the surrounding area.
Mikdad: All UNSMIS Members are Safe, None of them Wounded by the Terrorist Attack
Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, said that all the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) members and their properties are safe and none of them was wounded by the terrorist attack which took place near their residence at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.
During his visit to Dama Rose Hotel Mikdad told reporters that “The terrorist explosion is another attempt by those who seek to distort the civilized image of Syria and its people,” adding that from the start of the UNSMIS mission in Syria, our main goal was supporting and protecting them, thanks God none of them was hurt during their mission.”
He underscored that this criminal act reflects the heinous campaign against Syria and the criminal and barbarian nature of those who lead and support it from inside or outside Syria.
Mikdad said “Syria will not be affected by such terrorist explosions and will continue its cooperation with the United Nations and will exert all efforts to protect its mission and enable observers to play their role appropriately.
The Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister said that what happened is terrorism and it should be halted, calling on the international community, the UN and the Security Council to work together against terrorism.
Mikdad said that terrorism is an international phenomenon, pointing out that “after September 11th events in the US and other attacks which hit Europe, Asia and Africa , we unified ourselves and worked together in several ways and today we have to unite all together to combat terrorism”.
Later, Minister of Tourism, eng. Hala Naser, visited Dama Rose Hotel and inspected the situation of its departments, the workers and the guests, including the UN observers.
Minister Naser affirmed that no serious material or human damage was caused due to the terrorist attack, calling for increasing efforts to improve the services provided at all the tourist institutions.
Lukashenko: Belarus Supports Russia’s Stances towards Syria
Aug 15, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Russia share the same stances regarding the international events.
During his talks with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Minsk, Lukashenko expressed support to the Russian statements about Syria, stressing commitment to Moscow’s view in this regard.
Minister al-Shaar Affirms Commitment to Protecting Citizens and Pursuing Terrorists
Aug 15, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Interior Minister Gen. Mohammad al-Shaar affirmed commitment to remaining vigilant and working to ensure the safety and comfort of citizens and continuing to pursue armed terrorist groups until they are eliminated.
During a meeting on Wednesday with directors of departments and police chiefs of Damascus and its countryside, al-Shaar stressed the need for serious pursuit of wanted people and bringing them to justice and for cleaning the country of mercenary terrorist groups so that Syria may return to being an oasis of safety and security.
He called on unit commanders to constantly meet their personnel on the field and give them moral support, affirming that Syria is strong and that it will prove victorious thanks to its army and its honest people.
The Minister also reviewed the details of the crisis in Syria and the international rallying against it due to its principled position and its refusal to abandon its resistant course and its rights
National Media Council to Bring Suits against the Parties Instigating Violence against the Syrians and National Media
Aug 15, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The National Media Council said necessary legal measures are underway to bring suits against all the parties that instigate killing, violence and terrorism against the Syrian people, its national institutions and the Syrian media.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Council expressed condemnation of the operations of killing, abduction and threats practiced against the Syrian journalists and the terrorist attacks targeting the national media institutions.
It said that the targeting of the Syrian national media is part of the war waged against Syria by foreign sides seeking to undermine it.
The Council stressed that attacking journalists is an attack on the freedom of press and communication guaranteed by the international laws and conventions.
The statement affirmed that the Council is working at having the necessary measures prepared for taking legal action against the parties which instigate such practices.
It pointed out that the Council is working with the Journalists Union to bring these suits and address the Arab and international journalistic organizations and unions to get them acquainted with the terrorist crimes inflicted upon the Syrian journalists and institutions.