The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region of Earth’s seas, comprising the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two in the general area of Indonesia. The United States has a strategy for this biogeographic region, and it is called Indo-Pacific Strategy. It describes its Indo-Pacific strategy as “an ironclad and enduring…
Read moreSettling with Russia may defuse the Turkish quandary over northern Syria
Several media reported that during a speech in the nation’s parliament on 12 February 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Syria that if Turkish soldiers are hit by the Syrian army again, the retaliation will unfurl beyond Idlib. “I announce that we will strike the Syrian forces everywhere starting from today, without being bound to…
Read moreRecent developments in Syria
According to a media report, anti-government forces shot down a Syrian military helicopter near Saraqib in the Syrian province of Idlib. The report said, Hayat Tahrir al-sham shot down a Syrian military helicopter and the episode took place while intense fighting between the Syrian Army and anti-government forces is ongoing. In another development, pro -government…
Read moreTurkey responded to the Syrian Army assault in Idlib
On 10 February 2020, the Turkish Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that Syrian government forces had allegedly attacked its military post in the Taftanaz area of Syria’s Idlib Province, killing five soldiers, while injuring another five. The statement added that the Turkish military, in its turn, has immediately responded to the attack. Fahrettin Altun,…
Read moreTurkish forces in Idlib attacked by Syrian gov’t forces
Five Turkish soldiers were killed and five others wounded on 10 February 2020 in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib. Turkish authorities said that artillery fire by Syrian forces were responsible for the casualties. The killings increased the number of Turkish troops killed in Idlib to at least 12 this month. Turkey sent hundreds of…
Read moreUS, Germany, France and Australia are on the move to withdraw forces from Iraq
A member of the Iraqi Parliamentary Security Committee, Bader Al-Ziyadi said on 10 February 2020 that Germany, France and Australia submitted requests to withdraw their forces from Iraq. “Three countries, France, Germany and Australia, submitted a request to the Joint Operations Command to set a timetable for withdrawing their forces from Iraq,” said committee member…
Read moreConflict in Syria: an update
It is reported by several media outlets that attacks in Saraqib and Nayrab areas have taken place. According to the report, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other al-Qaeda-linked groups launched those attacks and attacks are reportedly supported by the Turkish military. Besides, at least 6 civilians have been killed in Afrin by a car bomb explosion….
Read moreIsrael will target Hamas leaders if ‘violence’ escalates in Gaza
In an election campaign on 8 February 2020, Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett called for a “cold war” with Iran. He also warned that Hamas leaders will be targeted, if ‘violence’ from Gaza doesn’t stop. He said he is not interested in more two- or three-day rounds of ‘violence’ with Hamas. According to him, Israel…
Read moreTurkey has plan B: Turkish Defense Minister
If agreements over the last major rebel enclave in the country continue to be violated, Ankara will change its plan of action in northwestern Syria, Turkish defense minister warned. Turkey and Russia brokered a ceasefire for Idlib where Syrian government forces backed by Russian warplanes is waging a fierce assault to capture the region from the anti-government…
Read moreRecent developments in Syria
Several media reported that the government forces took control of Buwaybiyah, al-Kusaybiyah and the ICARDA region. They also entered in Al-Zurbeh and Tall Hadeah area. Also, they have secured the area of Al-Eis encircling the nearby Turkish observation post. On the other side, anti-government militia sources reported intense airstrikes in Kafr Nouran, Kafr Hamrah, Khan…
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