War on Multiple Fronts in Syria

 

The week ending with July 24, 2020 has seen an escalation of  fighting and conflict in Syria on multiple fronts.  An American warplane intercepted an Iranian airliner over Syria, Israel killed some top Hezbollah militants in Syria, prompting an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and the Syrian military.

 

Also, near-daily confrontations occur in Syria between U.S. and Russian forces.  The situation is becoming increasingly complex and dangerous for all. In addition, tensions between Russian and Turkish forces in the northwestern Idlib region grow, as Russian airstrikes on pro-Turkish Syrian militias take place against the backdrop of Russia-Turkey tension in Libya and now also in the Caucasus region as Armenia (a Russia ally) and Azerbaijan ( a Turkish ally) face off.

 

In mid-July, Russia launched airstrikes on anti-Assad targets as the Syrian military started an offensive in the area.  

 

July 20-Israeli forces conduct missile strikes in the Damascus area targeting Iranian, Hezbollah, and Syrian bases.  Syria reported several Syrian military casualties as well as Iranian and Hezbollah dead.  

 

July 24-Israel reported rocket fire on Israeli positions in the Golan Heights from Syrian positions. Israel reported no casualties, but an Israeli military vehicle and a building were damaged. Israel responded with helicopters firing on three outposts in Syria’s southern Quneitra area with anti-tank guided missiles. 

Also on July 24, an American F-15 intercepted a civilian Iranian airliner over Syria, in the vicinity of the American garrison at al-Tanf (in Syria) and approached to within about 3,000 feet of the airliner.  The Iranian plane made a steep descent, causing several minor injuries to passengers.  U.S. military sources said the visual inspection was to confirm that it was a civilian aircraft.

 

On July 21, an American soldier died while on patrol in Syria.  The official announcement said the death was not caused by enemy action, but that the death was still “under investigation.” 

The statement from the military says “Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount, 25, from St. George, Utah, died as the result of a vehicle rollover accident while conducting reconnaissance operations, July 21, 2020, in Eastern Syria. The incident is under investigation.

Mount was assigned to 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.“

This American fatality comes on the heels of video that became public on social media that shows aggressive behavior by Russian troops and vehicles towards U.S. troops on the ground in Syria.

Trump plays golf as US forces in Syria now on a daily basis confront Russians thanks to his impetuous decision to abandon 2/3 of once-stable ground to Putin and Erdogan. Mr. President: Pick up the phone and tell Putin to stop harassing our troops.👇pic.twitter.com/hzukdWzVKl

— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) July 18, 2020

 

 

The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate as confrontations and potential confrontations continue between multiple actors. Just this week we see these interactions:

 

Russia vs. Turkey

Israel vs. Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah

U.S. vs. Iran

Russia vs. U.S.

 

In addition, the Turks are still fighting Syrian Kurdish forces that are now aligned with Assad; Syrian, Russian, and Hezbollah forces continue to fight against anti-Assad (pro-Turkish) militias; The U.S. battles ISIS/Daesh forces in Syrian and Iraq.  All this is happening in the same battlespace, and it would not take much to spark a truly violent, and very public, clash that could lead to a war.  Stay tuned.

 

AA.com-July 17, 2020

 

The Hill-July 22, 2020

 

Enob Balabadi-July 22, 2020

 

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