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Revision as of 17:03, 12 June 2015 editNulla Taciti (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,543 editsm →al-Thula airbase← Previous edit Revision as of 17:47, 12 June 2015 edit undoEkoGraf (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users61,408 edits Nothing alleged about it. The Druze sided with Assad on this one. Adding source that it was the Druze and that they fully retreated. ''Rebels'' is the common term per RS. And for the last time, even SOHR does not know if it was shot down.Next edit →
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|place= ], ], ] |place= ], ], ]
|result= Ongoing |result= Ongoing
*Opposition forces capture Brigade 52, al-Rakham, al-Meleha al-Gharbia and Sakakah<ref name="sakakah"/> *Rebels capture Brigade 52, al-Rakham, al-Meleha al-Gharbia and Sakakah<ref name="sakakah"/>
*On 11 June opposition forces seize parts of al-Thula airbase,<ref name=Reuters_11June/> and withdraw from western half of the airbase the following day due to NDF reinforcements and airstrikes<ref name=Al_Jazeera>{{cite web | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/clashes-continue-army-airbase-syria-sweida-150612124929754.html |title=Syria clashes rage over army airbase in Sweida |publisher=Al Jazeera |last= |first= |date= 12 June 2015|accessdate= 12 June 2015 |quote=Al-Jazeera's correspondent confirmed that Syrian regime forces regained control over western parts of the airport, but noted that the battle was ongoing He also said that opposition forces launched several attacks to take control of a town near the army base, and to cut regime supply lines, while the military launched more than seventy air raids on the base and nearby towns, killing and wounding dozens of people.}}</ref> *Rebels seize<ref name=Reuters_11June/> the western half of the al-Thula airbase,<ref name=Al_Jazeera>{{cite web | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/clashes-continue-army-airbase-syria-sweida-150612124929754.html |title=Syria clashes rage over army airbase in Sweida |publisher=Al Jazeera |last= |first= |date= 12 June 2015|accessdate= 12 June 2015}}</ref> but the following day their attack is repelled and they retreat,<ref name=retreat/> with fighting ongoing<ref name=Al_Jazeera/>
|combatant1= {{flagicon image|Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg}} ]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria) (Black).svg}} ]<ref name="islamic">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IslamArmy01/status/608242500638228480|title=جيش الإسلام on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=9 June 2015}}</ref> |combatant1= {{flagicon image|Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg}} ]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria) (Black).svg}} ]<ref name="islamic">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IslamArmy01/status/608242500638228480|title=جيش الإسلام on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=9 June 2015}}</ref>
|combatant2= {{flagicon|Syria|23px}} ''']''' |combatant2= {{flagicon|Syria|23px}} ''']'''
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|strength2=Unknown |strength2=Unknown
|casualties1=36 killed<ref name="35killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/exchange-of-detainees-for-bodies-of-the-regime-forces-took-place-in-daraa-while-more-civilians-killed-in-the-countryside-of-daraa/|title=Exchange of detainees for bodies of the regime forces took place in Daraa, while more civilians killed in the countryside of Daraa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/the-regime-forces-shell-al-zabadani-and-the-eastern-ghouta-while-a-shell-wounds-some-people-in-the-center-of-damascus/|title=The regime forces shell al- Zabadani and the Eastern Ghouta, while a shell wounds some people in the center of Damascus|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> |casualties1=36 killed<ref name="35killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/exchange-of-detainees-for-bodies-of-the-regime-forces-took-place-in-daraa-while-more-civilians-killed-in-the-countryside-of-daraa/|title=Exchange of detainees for bodies of the regime forces took place in Daraa, while more civilians killed in the countryside of Daraa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/the-regime-forces-shell-al-zabadani-and-the-eastern-ghouta-while-a-shell-wounds-some-people-in-the-center-of-damascus/|title=The regime forces shell al- Zabadani and the Eastern Ghouta, while a shell wounds some people in the center of Damascus|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref>
|casualties2=28 killed and 3 captured (SOHR claim)<ref name="35killed"/><ref name="30regime">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/about-30-regime-forces-killed-in-dara/|title=About 30 regime forces killed in Dar’a|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref><br>83 killed (Southern Front claim)<ref name="washingtonpost"/><br>1 MiG aircraft lost<ref name=Mig/><br>7 ]s & several ] tanks captured<ref name=Stratfor/> |casualties2=28 killed and 3 captured (SOHR claim)<ref name="35killed"/><ref name="30regime">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/about-30-regime-forces-killed-in-dara/|title=About 30 regime forces killed in Dar’a|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref><br>83 killed (rebel claim)<ref name="washingtonpost"/><br>1 MiG aircraft lost<ref name=Mig/><br>7 ]s & several ] tanks captured<ref name=Stratfor/>
|casualties3= |casualties3=
}} }}
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On 10 June, rebels announced the start of the battle for the al-Thula airbase and began targeting it with mortars and artillery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2015/06/%D9%81%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D8%AF/|title=فصائل إسلامية ومقاتلة تعلن عن معركة جديدة للسيطرة على خاصرة مدينة السويداء وقصف يستهدف مطار الثعلة|work=SOHR|accessdate=10 June 2015}}</ref> Rebels seized the al-Koum checkpoint and Sakakah village to the east of Brigade 52 and near the airbase.<ref name="sakakah">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrias-southern-front-al-nusra-pushes-east-eye-on-key-airbase/|title=Syria’s Southern Front: Al Nusra pushes east, eye on key airbase|author=Zen Adra|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> On 10 June, rebels announced the start of the battle for the al-Thula airbase and began targeting it with mortars and artillery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2015/06/%D9%81%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D8%AF/|title=فصائل إسلامية ومقاتلة تعلن عن معركة جديدة للسيطرة على خاصرة مدينة السويداء وقصف يستهدف مطار الثعلة|work=SOHR|accessdate=10 June 2015}}</ref> Rebels seized the al-Koum checkpoint and Sakakah village to the east of Brigade 52 and near the airbase.<ref name="sakakah">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrias-southern-front-al-nusra-pushes-east-eye-on-key-airbase/|title=Syria’s Southern Front: Al Nusra pushes east, eye on key airbase|author=Zen Adra|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref>


⚫ By 11 June, rebels had captured parts of al-Thula airbase, with a Southern Front spokesman stating that they expected to capture the entire base by the end of the day.<ref name=Reuters_11June>{{cite web | url= http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN0OR17P20150611?irpc=932 |title= Syrian rebels seize parts of air base in south: monitor |publisher= |agency= Reuters |last1= Perry|first1=Tom |last2= al-Khalidi |first2= Suleiman |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> Government reinforcements were sent to the area<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/more-shells-land-on-the-city-of-al-suwaydaa-and-the-clashes-continue-in-its-west/|title=More shells land on the city of al- Suwaydaa, and the clashes continue in its west|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> and managed to recapture parts of the airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BosnjoBoy/status/609010554552889345|title=BosnoSinj on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> The reinforcements included NDF, and Jaysh Al-Muwahiddeen (Druze Army) fighters.<ref name="leithfadel"/><ref name=retreat/> The next day, the rebel attack on the airbase was repelled, with the rebels retreating<ref name=retreat>{{cite web | url= http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/12/Syrian-Druze-mobilise-to-help-repel-rebels-in-south.html |title= Syrian Druze mobilise to help repel rebels in south | publisher= Reuters |last1= Perry |first1= Tom |date= 12 June 2015 |accessdate= 12 June 2015}}</ref> from the western part of the base they had captured the day before. Al Jazeera reported that fighting at the airbase was ongoing amid more than 70 airstrikes in the area as rebels attempted to capture a town near the base and cut military supply lines.<ref name =Al_Jazeera/> Rebels saw Druze involvement in the government militias as key to stopping the opposition advance on the airbase, while a leader of a group leading the attack asserted Assad was exploiting sectarianism and that the Druze know the "regime is collapsing and cannot protect them", while also claiming that there was coordination between the opposition and "the sheikhs of Sweida".<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN0OS0IJ20150612?irpc=932 |title= Syrian Druze join battle to push back rebels in south |publisher=Reuters |agency= |last1= Perry |first1= Tom |date= 12 June 2015 |accessdate= 12 June 2015 |quote= Groups fighting to topple Assad say he is trying to exploit sectarian fear to shore up his support base. Bashar al-Zoubi, the head of a rebel group involved in the battle for the army base, said those attempts would fail, adding that the Druze know the "regime is collapsing and cannot protect them" he added that there was "coordination between us and the sheikhs of Sweida" - a reference to community elders whom he did not identify.}}</ref>
⚫ Meanwhile, the Southern Front shot down a SyAAF MiG passing over the Brigade 52 base with AA fire.<ref name=Mig>{{cite web | url= http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0OR12B20150611 |title= Rebels say they shoot down Syrian military jet in south | publisher= Reuters |last1= Perry |first1= Tom |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> The ] reported, based on a video of the shootdown, that the pilot was unable to eject and was killed.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3119803/Spiralling-ground-unstoppable-flaming-tail-spin-moment-MiG-jet-serving-Assad-s-regime-shot-Syria.html |title= Spiralling to the ground in an unstoppable, flaming tail-spin: The moment a MiG jet serving Assad's regime is shot down over Syria | publisher= Daily Mail |agency= |last1= Hall |first1= John |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> State TV denied the MiG was shot down and instead said it crashed due to a technical failure and that the pilot successfully managed to eject himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-jet-downed-in-southern-syria/|title=Syrian jet downed in Southern Syria|author=Zen Adra|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> The SOHR also reported on conflicting accounts of what caused the crash and the fate of the pilot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/regime-warplanes-falls-in-al-suwaydaa-countryside/|title=Regime warplanes falls in al-Suwaydaa countryside|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> Footage later emerged of opposition forces using a ].<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=Charles Lister |author-link= |user=Charles_Lister |number=609374505643937792 |date=12 June 2015 |title= Jaish al-Yarmouk video shows use of an SA-7 MANPADS to target (& down?) #Syria jet as reported in #Deraa yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v0oZiUuGQg&feature=youtu.be … |retweet= |access-date=12 June 2015|language= }}</ref>


⚫ Meanwhile, on 11 June, rebels of the Southern Front reportedly shot down a SyAAF MiG passing over the Brigade 52 base with AA fire.<ref name=Mig>{{cite web | url= http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0OR12B20150611 |title= Rebels say they shoot down Syrian military jet in south | publisher= Reuters |last1= Perry |first1= Tom |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> The ] reported, based on a video of the shootdown, that the pilot was unable to eject and was killed.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3119803/Spiralling-ground-unstoppable-flaming-tail-spin-moment-MiG-jet-serving-Assad-s-regime-shot-Syria.html |title= Spiralling to the ground in an unstoppable, flaming tail-spin: The moment a MiG jet serving Assad's regime is shot down over Syria | publisher= Daily Mail |agency= |last1= Hall |first1= John |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> State TV denied the MiG was shot down and instead said it crashed due to a technical failure and that the pilot successfully managed to eject himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-jet-downed-in-southern-syria/|title=Syrian jet downed in Southern Syria|author=Zen Adra|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> The SOHR also reported on conflicting accounts of what caused the crash and the fate of the pilot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/regime-warplanes-falls-in-al-suwaydaa-countryside/|title=Regime warplanes falls in al-Suwaydaa countryside|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> Footage later emerged of opposition forces using a ].<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=Charles Lister |author-link= |user=Charles_Lister |number=609374505643937792 |date=12 June 2015 |title= Jaish al-Yarmouk video shows use of an SA-7 MANPADS to target (& down?) #Syria jet as reported in #Deraa yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v0oZiUuGQg&feature=youtu.be … |retweet= |access-date=12 June 2015|language= }}</ref>
⚫ By 11 June, rebels had captured parts of al-Thula airbase, with a Southern Front spokesman stating that they expected to capture the entire base by the end of the day.<ref name=Reuters_11June>{{cite web | url= http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN0OR17P20150611?irpc=932 |title= Syrian rebels seize parts of air base in south: monitor |publisher= |agency= Reuters |last1= Perry|first1=Tom |last2= al-Khalidi |first2= Suleiman |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> Government reinforcements were sent to the area<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/more-shells-land-on-the-city-of-al-suwaydaa-and-the-clashes-continue-in-its-west/|title=More shells land on the city of al- Suwaydaa, and the clashes continue in its west|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> and managed to stem further opposition advances at the airbase without totally retaking the airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BosnjoBoy/status/609010554552889345|title=BosnoSinj on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> The reinforcements included NDF, and allegedly Jaysh Al-Muwahiddeen (Druze Army) fighters according to pro-Assad Al Masdar News.<ref name="leithfadel"/> As of 12 June, a SOHR monitor stated that "There is a rebel retreat," from the base,<ref name=retreat>{{cite web | url= http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-12/301754-syrian-army-drives-rebels-from-air-base-in-south-activists.ashx |title= Syrian army drives rebels from air base in south: activists | publisher= Reuters |last1= Perry |first1= Tom |date= 12 June 2015 |accessdate= 12 June 2015 |quote="There is a rebel retreat" }}</ref> while Al Jazeera reported that fighting at the airbase was ongiong amid more than 70 airstrikes on opposition positions in the airbase and surrounding towns.<ref name =Al_Jazeera/> Some saw Druze involvement in the NDF and popular committees as key to stopping the opposition advance on the airbase, while a leader of a group leading the attack stated Assad was exploiting sectarianism and that the Druze know the "regime is collapsing and cannot protect them" and that there was coordination between the opposition and "the sheikhs of Sweida".<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN0OS0IJ20150612?irpc=932 |title= Syrian Druze join battle to push back rebels in south |publisher=Reuters |agency= |last1= Perry |first1= Tom |date= 12 June 2015 |accessdate= 12 June 2015 |quote= Groups fighting to topple Assad say he is trying to exploit sectarian fear to shore up his support base. Bashar al-Zoubi, the head of a rebel group involved in the battle for the army base, said those attempts would fail, adding that the Druze know the "regime is collapsing and cannot protect them" he added that there was "coordination between us and the sheikhs of Sweida" - a reference to community elders whom he did not identify.}}</ref>


==Strategic analysis== ==Strategic analysis==
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===Domestic reaction=== ===Domestic reaction===
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Druze.svg}} Syrian Druze – Druze leader Sheikh Wahid Balous issued a statement stating that the offensive was focused on the Thaaleh airport, not the nearby Druze village of the same name, and also urging the Druze of ] to avoid being swayed by social media which he said was trying to spread “fear and confusion”.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-11/301539-rebels-target-airport-in-swaida.ashx |title= Rebels target airport in Swaida | publisher= TDS | agency= |last= Dick |first= Marlin |last2= |first2= |editor= |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote=}}</ref> In addition, a pro-opposition source claimed, based on Druze sources, that Balous issued an order to arrest Brigadier General Wafiq Naser, the government's head of the ] in As-Suwayda Governorate.<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=archicivilians |author-link= |user=archicivilians |number=609039352954408960 |date=11 May 2015 |title= #Syria: Druze Sources - Druze leader "Wahideddine Balous" gave orders to his fighters to arrest "Wafiq Naser". (1/2) |retweet= |access-date=11 June 2015|language= }}</ref> Following the alleged killing of 20 Druze villagers in Idlib province by ], the Syrian Druze spiritual leader urged the Druze to join the ].<ref name="peril">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/who-are-druze-minority-sect-peril-after-syrian-al-qaeda-branch-slaughters-villagers-1963618|title=Who Are The Druze? Minority Sect In Peril After Syrian Al Qaeda Branch Slaughters Villagers|author=Lora Moftah|date=11 June 2015|work=International Business Times|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> The Southern Front issued a statement condemning "in the strongest terms" the Druze killings in Idlib, and further stated "We stress that the people of Sweida are our brothers and our people, and we... will not fight them" — the Southern Front has refused to cooperate with al-Nusra Front since March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-seize-most-sweida-military-airport-spokesman-114623190.html|title=Syria rebels seize most of Sweida military airport: spokesman|publisher=Yahoo News|agency=AFP|accessdate=12 June 2015|date=11 June 2015}}</ref> * {{flagicon image|Flag of Druze.svg}} Syrian Druze – Druze leader Sheikh Wahid Balous issued a statement stating that the rebel offensive was focused on the Thaaleh airport, not the nearby Druze village of the same name, and also urging the Druze of ] to avoid being swayed by social media which he said was trying to spread “fear and confusion”.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-11/301539-rebels-target-airport-in-swaida.ashx |title= Rebels target airport in Swaida | publisher= TDS | agency= |last= Dick |first= Marlin |last2= |first2= |editor= |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote=}}</ref> In addition, a pro-opposition source claimed, based on Druze sources, that Balous issued an order to arrest Brigadier General Wafiq Naser, the government's head of the ] in As-Suwayda Governorate.<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=archicivilians |author-link= |user=archicivilians |number=609039352954408960 |date=11 May 2015 |title= #Syria: Druze Sources - Druze leader "Wahideddine Balous" gave orders to his fighters to arrest "Wafiq Naser". (1/2) |retweet= |access-date=11 June 2015|language= }}</ref> However, following the killing of 20 Druze villagers in Idlib province by the rebel ] group, the Syrian Druze spiritual leader urged the Druze to join the ].<ref name="peril">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/who-are-druze-minority-sect-peril-after-syrian-al-qaeda-branch-slaughters-villagers-1963618|title=Who Are The Druze? Minority Sect In Peril After Syrian Al Qaeda Branch Slaughters Villagers|author=Lora Moftah|date=11 June 2015|work=International Business Times|accessdate=12 June 2015}}</ref> The Southern Front issued a statement condemning "in the strongest terms" the Druze killings in Idlib, and further stated "We stress that the people of Sweida are our brothers and our people, and we... will not fight them". The Southern Front sought to distance itself from Al-Nusra and not cooperate with the group since March 2015, but still found itself fighting on the same side as the Al-Qaeda group affiliate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-seize-most-sweida-military-airport-spokesman-114623190.html|title=Syria rebels seize most of Sweida military airport: spokesman|publisher=Yahoo News|agency=AFP|accessdate=12 June 2015|date=11 June 2015}}</ref>


===International reaction=== ===International reaction===
* {{flagu|Lebanon}} – Lebanon’s most influential Druze leader, ], urged the Druze in southern Syria to abandon the Assad government<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/12/world/middleeast/nusra-front-druse-syria-attack.html |title= Syrian Druse Reconsider Alliances After Deadly Attack |last=Barnard |first=Anne|publisher=NYT|accessdate=12 June 2015|date=11 June 2015|quote=Walid Jumblatt declared on his Twitter account that Druse should give up on the government}}</ref> and unite with other communities, stating that "reconciliation with the people of Houran " would protect them from "dangers".<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.i24news.tv/en/mobile#content/74525 |title= Israeli President Rivlin Says Syrian Druze Under Threat | publisher= I24 News |agency= Reuters |last1= |first1= |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref> The alleged killing of the 20 Druze villagers in Idlib prompted the Lebanese Druze party chief and former government minister Wiam Wahhab to urge the Druze to form an armed force to defend their community in an angry televised speech saying “We will not accept to sell Druze blood!“. Jumblatt rejected the idea, calling instead for an emergency meeting of a Druze religious council.<ref name="peril"/> * {{flagu|Lebanon}} – The killing of the 20 Druze villagers in Idlib prompted the Lebanese Druze party chief and former government minister Wiam Wahhab to urge the Druze to form an armed force to defend their community in an angry televised speech saying “We will not accept to sell Druze blood!“. His call was much in line with that of the Syrian Druze spiritual leader. Lebanon’s most influential Druze leader, ], rejected the idea, calling instead for an emergency meeting of a Druze religious council.<ref name="peril"/> Jumblatt urged the Druze in southern Syria to abandon the Syrian government<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/12/world/middleeast/nusra-front-druse-syria-attack.html |title= Syrian Druse Reconsider Alliances After Deadly Attack |last=Barnard |first=Anne|publisher=NYT|accessdate-12 June 2015|date=11 June 2015|quote=Walid Jumblatt declared on his Twitter account that Druse should give up on the government}}</ref> and unite with other communities, stating that "reconciliation with the people of Houran " would protect them from "dangers".<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.i24news.tv/en/mobile#content/74525 |title= Israeli President Rivlin Says Syrian Druze Under Threat | publisher= I24 News |agency= Reuters |last1= |first1= |date= 11 June 2015 |accessdate= 11 June 2015 |quote= }}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Revision as of 17:47, 12 June 2015

2nd Southern Syria offensive
Part of the Syrian Civil War
Date9 June 2015 (2015-06-09) – present
LocationAl-Hirak, Daraa Governorate, Syria
Result

Ongoing

  • Rebels capture Brigade 52, al-Rakham, al-Meleha al-Gharbia and Sakakah
  • Rebels seize the western half of the al-Thula airbase, but the following day their attack is repelled and they retreat, with fighting ongoing
Belligerents
Free Syrian Army
Islamic Front

Syria Syrian Arab Republic

Commanders and leaders
Col. Ziad Salamat (WIA)
Lt. Col. Najm

Syria Issam Zahreddine

Syria Brigade 52 garrison commander
Units involved

Southern Front

Jaysh al-Islam
Ahrar ash-Sham

Syria 9th Armoured Division

  • 52nd Mechanized Brigade
Jaysh al-Muwahhideen
Strength
2,000 (Southern Front claim) Unknown
Casualties and losses
36 killed 28 killed and 3 captured (SOHR claim)
83 killed (rebel claim)
1 MiG aircraft lost
7 BMP-1s & several T-72 tanks captured
Syrian civil war
Timeline
Civil uprising in Syria (March–August 2011)
Start of insurgency (Sept. 2011 – April 2012)
UN ceasefire; Rebel advances (May 2012 – Dec. 2013)
Rise of ISIS in 2014
U.S.-led intervention, Rebel and ISIL advances (Sept. 2014 – Sept. 2015)
Russian intervention (Sept. 2015 – March 2016)
Aleppo escalation and Euphrates Shield (March 2016 – February 2017)
Collapse of the Islamic State in Syria (Feb. – Nov. 2017)
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(Nov. 2017 – Sep. 2018)
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(Sep. 2018 – April 2019)
First Idlib offensive, Operation Peace Spring, & Second Idlib offensive (April 2019 – March 2020)
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Transitional government and SNA–SDF conflict (Dec. 2024 – present)
Syrian War spillover and international incidents
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U.S.-led intervention against ISIL

The Brigade 52 offensive (Liwa 52) was launched in the Daraa Governorate during the Syrian Civil War, by the Free Syrian Army and allied Islamic Front against government positions in and around the 52nd Mechanized Brigade base, which housed an infantry unit, an artillery battalion and a T-72 tank battalion. The offensive moved directly onto al-Thula airbase after the swift capture of Brigade 52. The government had reportedly been aware of the impending offensive for months and the speed with which the Brigade 52 base fell, in the opinion of Stratfor, indicated how weakened the Syrian military had become.

The offensive

Brigade 52 base

On 9 June, the Southern Front of the Free Syrian Army launched the offensive after evacuating the residents of al-Hirak for "security reasons" on 7 June. After less than six hours of fighting, the Brigade 52 base (which was the largest government-held base in Daraa), the town of al-Meleha al-Gharbia and al-Rakham village were captured. The rebels fired more than 100 missiles at the base during the attack. Opposition forces were seen using French APILAS anti-tank weapons for the first time in this battle. The Army retreated to the al-Thula airbase, while the Syrian Air Force covered the retreat. According to the SOHR, 35 rebels, including three commanders, and 28 soldiers were killed. The military made no comments about the loss of the base.

al-Thula airbase

On 10 June, rebels announced the start of the battle for the al-Thula airbase and began targeting it with mortars and artillery. Rebels seized the al-Koum checkpoint and Sakakah village to the east of Brigade 52 and near the airbase.

By 11 June, rebels had captured parts of al-Thula airbase, with a Southern Front spokesman stating that they expected to capture the entire base by the end of the day. Government reinforcements were sent to the area and managed to recapture parts of the airbase. The reinforcements included NDF, and Jaysh Al-Muwahiddeen (Druze Army) fighters. The next day, the rebel attack on the airbase was repelled, with the rebels retreating from the western part of the base they had captured the day before. Al Jazeera reported that fighting at the airbase was ongoing amid more than 70 airstrikes in the area as rebels attempted to capture a town near the base and cut military supply lines. Rebels saw Druze involvement in the government militias as key to stopping the opposition advance on the airbase, while a leader of a group leading the attack asserted Assad was exploiting sectarianism and that the Druze know the "regime is collapsing and cannot protect them", while also claiming that there was coordination between the opposition and "the sheikhs of Sweida".

Meanwhile, on 11 June, rebels of the Southern Front reportedly shot down a SyAAF MiG passing over the Brigade 52 base with AA fire. The Daily Mail reported, based on a video of the shootdown, that the pilot was unable to eject and was killed. State TV denied the MiG was shot down and instead said it crashed due to a technical failure and that the pilot successfully managed to eject himself. The SOHR also reported on conflicting accounts of what caused the crash and the fate of the pilot. Footage later emerged of opposition forces using a SA-7 MANPADS.

Strategic analysis

The Brigade 52 base has been described as the "most important", largest and heavily-equipped army base in Daraa province, as well as a "key military base". Its capture would bring the rebels "very close" to the al-Thula airbase. According to Syria Direct, the fall of the base leaves the government with only two military garrisons along the main supply line between Damascus and Daraa city. The collapse of the military's defense of the strategic Brigade 52 base in the south has been seen as part of a pattern of defeats for the government, with Charles Lister, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Doha Center stating “What seems to be happening is a redrawing of the power map in Syria, with the regime seemingly more willing to cede territory outside of its most critically valuable zones.” An analyst from the Institute for Strategic Studies stated that the fall of the base to the Southern Front weakens the government's defenses around the capital of Damascus, and bolsters opposition control of Daraa province which stands at 70%; Southern Front spokesman Issam al-Reis stated that “We have most of Daraa liberated, our lines of defense behind us are solid, and now we can start the operation toward Damascus and the highway leading to it”.

Reactions

Domestic reaction

  • Syrian Druze – Druze leader Sheikh Wahid Balous issued a statement stating that the rebel offensive was focused on the Thaaleh airport, not the nearby Druze village of the same name, and also urging the Druze of As-Suwayda Governorate to avoid being swayed by social media which he said was trying to spread “fear and confusion”. In addition, a pro-opposition source claimed, based on Druze sources, that Balous issued an order to arrest Brigadier General Wafiq Naser, the government's head of the Military Intelligence Directorate in As-Suwayda Governorate. However, following the killing of 20 Druze villagers in Idlib province by the rebel al-Nusra Front group, the Syrian Druze spiritual leader urged the Druze to join the Syrian Army. The Southern Front issued a statement condemning "in the strongest terms" the Druze killings in Idlib, and further stated "We stress that the people of Sweida are our brothers and our people, and we... will not fight them". The Southern Front sought to distance itself from Al-Nusra and not cooperate with the group since March 2015, but still found itself fighting on the same side as the Al-Qaeda group affiliate.

International reaction

  •  Lebanon – The killing of the 20 Druze villagers in Idlib prompted the Lebanese Druze party chief and former government minister Wiam Wahhab to urge the Druze to form an armed force to defend their community in an angry televised speech saying “We will not accept to sell Druze blood!“. His call was much in line with that of the Syrian Druze spiritual leader. Lebanon’s most influential Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, rejected the idea, calling instead for an emergency meeting of a Druze religious council. Jumblatt urged the Druze in southern Syria to abandon the Syrian government and unite with other communities, stating that "reconciliation with the people of Houran " would protect them from "dangers".

See also

References

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