Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Liberating Syria depends on winning the battle for Aleppo. It continues raging, government forces inflicting heavy losses on US-supported terrorists.
According to Fars News, citing RT International’s Arabic service, (s)ources close to the terrorist groups admitted” taking up to 2,500 casualties – dead or wounded fighters in the last six days alone.
“The Great Epic Operation was the largest offensive of terrorists” against government troops since Obama’s war began in March 2011.
Their fighters haven’t “advanced in the 3,000-Unit Housing Complex and Housing Project 1070.” Government and allied forces repelled their attacks.
Senior Syrian MP Mohammad Jalal Darvish praised the heroic efforts of Iranian military advisors and Hezbollah forces for helping Syria’s military prevent a catastrophic outcome in Aleppo.
At the same time, he called Russia’s humanitarian pause “unjustifiable because…delay could lead to (disaster) in” the city. So far, it’s been averted.
On Tuesday, Putin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Russia won’t continue its moratorium if eastern Aleppo terrorists continue attacking residential areas, humanitarian corridors, while holding civilians hostage as human shields.
On Wednesday, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian aerial operations helped liberate over 4,600 square miles of Syrian territory since September 30, 2015, adding “(t)he residents of nearly 900 settlements joined the peace process.”
On the same day, Russian General Staff of the Armed Forces chief Gen. Valery Gerasimov explained all attempts by terrorists “to break through in the city of Aleppo” failed.
Their fighters “suffered heavy losses of manpower, weaponry and military equipment. They have no chance to escape from the city.”
Two corridors are available for them to leave safely if they cease fighting. One leads to the Syrian/Turkish border, the other to the Idlib countryside.
In a blunt statement, Gerasimov said “(t)aking into account that our American colleagues (sic) are incapable of separating the opposition from terrorists, we appeal to all the leaders of armed groups directly to stop combat actions and leave Aleppo with their arms.”
Terrorists have a choice. Leave Aleppo or face continued heavy attacks until their ranks are decimated. Moscow and Damascus intend liberating the city entirely.
A previous article discussed a possible Putin November surprise, citing Moscow State University Political Science Professor/co-chairman of the National Strategic Council of Russia Sergei Markov.
He believes a decisive battle to liberate Aleppo looms, maybe coinciding with US elections next week. He calls it Putin’s “blow to (Obama) before (his January) departure.”
If elected US president, Trump said “we could find common ground with Russia in the fight against ISIS.”
“My Administration will aggressively pursue joint and coalition military operations to crush and destroy ISIS, international cooperation to cut off their funding, expanded intelligence sharing, and cyber warfare to disrupt and disable their propaganda and recruiting.”
Hillary intends escalating war in Syria, using ISIS and other terrorist groups to oust Assad – risking direct confrontation with Russia.
She “advocate(s) a no-fly zone and safe zones.” Implementing them “require(s) us to go to war with Syria and Russia,” US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Joseph Dunford told Senate Armed Services Committee members in September.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.” http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.
