2020-02-16: News Headlines

yenisafak (2020-02-16). Assad forces suffer heavy losses in Idlib attacks. yenisafak.com Hundreds of forces of the Syrian Bashar al-Assad regime have been neutralized amid operations over the last two weeks in Idlib, northwestern Syria.Clashes have mounted for over a month between the Syrian regime, allied with Iran-backed foreign terrorist groups, against opposition and anti-regime armed groups in the east and south Idlib as well as the Aleppo countryside.Opposition groups downed two helicopters, one in southern Idlib and another in western Aleppo, within the last week.Meanwhile, hundreds of regime forces were neutralized along with their equipment including 12 vehicles, 24 tanks, eight anti-aircraf…

yenisafak (2020-02-16). Turkish Red Crescent provides tents for Idlib refugees. yenisafak.com The Turkish Red Crescent on Sunday distributed tents and heaters to Syrians fleeing clashes in and around Idlib, northwestern Syria.The aid agency also distributed beds, blankets and food to people in the Mashhad Ruhin area, close to the Turkish border.Hakan Sari, head of the Turkish Red Crescent's border assistance operations, said that most people had to flee to the north due to clashes and heavy bombings in Idlib."We supply tents, particularly to families without tents, so they can pitch them under the olive trees," Sari said.The aid agency also distributed hygiene materials, as well as cookies and chocolate f…

sputniknews (2020-02-16). More Than Fifty US Military Vehicles Reportedly Arrive in Syria From Iraq. sputniknews.com The US has repeatedly announced its military withdrawal from Syria, however, American troops are still present there. US President Donald Trump announced the fall of the Islamic State's five-year "caliphate" in March 2019, and added that the US would "remain vigilant until [IS] is finally defeated".

sputniknews (2020-02-16). Syrian Military Shoots Down 5 Drones Targeting Oil Refinery in Homs – Reports. sputniknews.com CAIRO (Sputnik) – The Syrian armed forces have shot down five unmanned aircraft attempting to attack an oil-processing plant in Syria's western province of Homs‚Äé, Sham FM radio station reported on Sunday.

RT (2020-02-15). But would anyone notice? CNN breaks 'report' of Syrian airstrikes… from 2018. rt.com CNN readers anxious to get updates on the Syrian war have been treated with a fresh report on the "regime's atrocities" citing the usual suspects… or it would only seem so, as the network reran a two-year-old story instead. | Citing the UK-based and

Aaron Mate (2020-02-14). New Leaks Shatter OPCW's Attacks on Douma Whistleblowers. globalresearch.ca Facing accusations that it issued a doctored report alleging a chemical attack in Syria, the OPCW has released an inquiry attacking two whistleblowers as rogue actors. Leaked documents obtained by The Grayzone reveal serious distortions in the OPCW inquiry as …

South Front (2020-02-14). Video: Battle of Idlib and Prospects of Turkish-Syrian War. globalresearch.ca In February 2020, the Syrian Army reached the vicinity of the main stronghold of anti-government forces in Syria, the city of Idlib. This development plunged into shock supporters and the leadership of Idlib armed groups and became a visual confirmation …

news.un (2020-02-14). Vital Idlib aid deliveries resume after 'heavy bombing' – WFP. news.un.org Urgently-needed aid deliveries to embattled civilians in north-west Syria have started again after a day-long break in distributions caused by escalating hostilities, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.

Susan Price (2020-02-13). European left and green MPs support Kurdish struggle. greenleft.org.au

Whitney Webb (2020-02-12). Scuffle Between Syrian Civilians and US Soldiers Reflects Increasing Hostility to US Troops. mintpressnews.com Though today's incident in Qamishli is a rare occurrence, it is likely a harbinger of the region-wide push that has seen countries like Syria and Iraq take a firmer posture towards the presence of US troops in their countries.

Aaron Maté (2020-02-11). Exclusive: New leaks shatter OPCW's attacks on Douma whistleblowers. thegrayzone.com Facing accusations that it issued a doctored report alleging a chemical attack in Syria, the OPCW has released an inquiry…

Staff (2020-02-11). Headlines for February 11, 2020. democracynow.org New Hampshire Voters Head to Polls for First Primary of 2020, Coronavirus Death Toll Tops 1,000, with Over 42,000 Confirmed Cases, Chuck Schumer Calls for Investigation into Trump's Retaliation-Motivated Firings, DOJ Reviewing Ukraine Info from Giuliani, DOJ Charges 4 Chinese Military Hackers in 2017 Equifax Breach, El Salvador President Bukele and Armed Officers Confront Lawmakers over Military Funding, Fears Mount for 5 Activists Detained in Philippines, Sinn Féin Scores Major Victory in Ireland, Syrian and Turkish Forces Step Up Attacks as 100,000s Face Humanitarian Disaster, Massive Locust Swarms Threaten Cro…

Middle East Eye (2020-02-07). Russia Says Israel Used Civilian Plane as Human Shield During Syria Strikes. theantimedia.com Russia accused Israel of "making a total mockery of the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians."

Middle East Eye (2020-02-06). Turkey Gives Assad Deadline to Pull Back or Face Military Action. theantimedia.com Turkey has given the Syrian government until the end of this month to withdraw from recently seized territory in Idlib province.

Medea Benjamin (2020-02-02). Why aren't Americans rising up like the people of Chile and Lebanon? zcomm.org The tinder for a revolutionary movement is everywhere…