2012–2013 escalation of the Syrian civil war

Part of the Syrian Civil War March 2026 2012–2013 escalation of the Syrian civil war Bombed out vehicles Aleppo.jpg For a war map of the current situation, see here. the Syrian civil war yes 2012 04 21 – yes 2014 01 2(04 21 2012 01 2 2014) Syrian territories, with minor spillovers in neighboring countries Inconclusive Ba'athist Syria Syrian government Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg Ba'ath Party Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg Syrian Arab Armed Forces InfoboxNDF.png National Defense Forces People's Army logo (Ba'athist Syria).svg People's Army Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg Ba'ath Brigades Syrian police emblem (Damascus).png Syrian Police Military Intelligence Directorate Air Force Intelligence Directorate General Intelligence Directorate IranSaeed Kamali Dehghan https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/28/syria-army-iran-forces Syrian army being aided by Iranian forces The Guardian 28 May 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130514000621/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/28/syria-army-iran-forces 14 May 2013 live https://www.foxnews.com/world/iranian-general-admits-fighting-every-aspect-of-a-war-in-defending-syrias-assad/ Fox News Lisa Daftari Iranian general admits 'fighting every aspect of a war' in defending Syria's Assad 28 August 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151019205745/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/08/28/iranian-general-admits-fighting-every-aspect-war-in-defending-syria-assad/ 19 October 2015 live https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/state-dept-official-iranian-soldiers-are-fighting-for-assad-in-syria/2013/05/21/a7c3f4ce-c23e-11e2-914f-a7aba60512a7_story.html State Dept. official: Iranian soldiers are fighting for Assad in Syria Washington Post 21 May 2013 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20190524012908/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/state-dept-official-iranian-soldiers-are-fighting-for-assad-in-syria/2013/05/21/a7c3f4ce-c23e-11e2-914f-a7aba60512a7_story.html 24 May 2019 live Flag of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution.svg Iranian Revolutionary Guards Flag of Quds Force.svg Quds Force Allied armed groups: Flag of Liwa Abu al-Fadhal al-Abbas (Ceremonial).svg Al-Abbas Brigade Hezbollah Hezbollahhttps://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/world/middleeast/syrian-army-and-hezbollah-step-up-raids-on-rebels.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& Hezbollah Commits to an All-Out Fight to Save Assad The New York Times 25 May 2013 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140328100848/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/world/middleeast/syrian-army-and-hezbollah-step-up-raids-on-rebels.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& 28 March 2014 live Palestine Palestinian Syrian militiasSyria rebels clash with army, Palestinian fighters http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-10/31/content_15858497.htm Agence France-Presse 31 October 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20181130121904/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-10/31/content_15858497.htm 30 November 2018 live PMF infobox.png Popular Mobilization Forceshttp://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/international/middle_east/2013/12/prominent_shiite_cleric_backs_fighting_in_syria Prominent Shiite cleric backs fighting in Syria Boston Herald 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115958/http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/international/middle_east/2013/12/prominent_shiite_cleric_backs_fighting_in_syria 10 October 2017 live Flag of Rojava.svg Rojava(DBK & TEV-DEM) 20px People's Protection Units (YPG) 20px Women's Protection Units (YPJ) MFS infobox flag.png Syriac Military Council (MFS) Asayish Sutoro Allied armed groups: Kurdish FrontKurdish Front a 20px Army of Dignity Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg PKK Syrian opposition Syrian opposition Flag of the Al-Nusra Front.svg Al-Nusra Fronthttp://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/The-Free-Syrian-Army-24MAR.pdf The Free Syrian Army Institute for the Study of War 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054313/http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/The-Free-Syrian-Army-24MAR.pdf 20 May 2018 live Syrian opposition Free Syrian Army Syrian opposition Syrian Martyrs' Brigades Syrian opposition Idlib Military Council Logo of the Army of Glory.png Jaysh al-Izza Syrian opposition Knights of Justice Brigade Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria).svg Islamic Fronthttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-22/238668-six-islamist-factions-unite-in-largest-syria-rebel-merger.ashx#axzz2lO4rbT76 Islamists forge Syria's biggest rebel alliance 22 November 2013 Daily Star 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170702201921/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-22/238668-six-islamist-factions-unite-in-largest-syria-rebel-merger.ashx#axzz2lO4rbT76 2 July 2017 live 25px Liwa al-Islam Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg Ahrar al-Sham Al-Tawhid Brigade Logo of the Suqour al-Sham Brigade.svg no Suqour al-Sham Brigades 20px Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement Syrian oppositionAl-Liwaa.svgFlag of Jihad.svg Other rebel groups AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg Islamic State of Iraq and the LevantNew front opens in Syria as rebels say al Qaeda attack means war https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE96B08A20130712 Reuters 12 July 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151013145005/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/12/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE96B08A20130712 13 October 2015 live (from 7 April 2013) Syria 1980 Bashar al-Assad(President of Syria) Syria 1980 Maher al-Assad(4th Division Commander) Syria 1980 Dawoud Rajiha(Defense Minister) Syria 1980 Fahd Jassem al-Freij(Chief of the General Staff) Syria 1980 Assef Shawkat(Deputy Defense Minister) Syria 1980 Ali Abdullah Ayyoub(Deputy Chief of Staff) Syria 1980 Issam Hallaq(Chief of Air Force Staff) Syria 1980 Rafiq Shahadah(Military Intelligence head) Syria 1980 Jamil Hassan(Air Force Intelligence head) Syria 1980 Mohammad al-Shaar(Interior Minister) Syria 1980 Walid Muallem(Foreign Minister)Ba'athist Syria Mohammed Dib Zaitoun(General Intelligence head) Rojava Salih Muslim(Democratic Union Party chairman)20px Sipan Hamohttp://www.rudaw.net/english/interview/23092013 YPG Commander Sipan Hemo: 'Give Us Real Support' Rudaw Mutlu Civiroglu 23 September 2013 27 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170826115929/http://www.rudaw.net/english/interview/23092013 26 August 2017 live(People's Protection Units commander)Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg Abu Laylahttp://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/11082013 Kurdish Commander: Jihadi Groups in Syria Have Hijacked FSA Civiroglu Mutlu 11 August 2013 Rudaw English 16 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140502121823/http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/11082013 2 May 2014 live(Kurdish Front leader) Flag of al-Sanadid Forces.svg Humaydi Daham al-Hadihttp://carnegie-mec.org/2017/02/28/eastern-expectations-changing-dynamics-in-syria-s-tribal-regions-pub-68008 Eastern Expectations: The Changing Dynamics in Syria's Tribal Regions Kheder Khaddour Kevin Mazur Carnegie Middle East Center 28 February 2017 28 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170704141031/http://carnegie-mec.org/2017/02/28/eastern-expectations-changing-dynamics-in-syria-s-tribal-regions-pub-68008 4 July 2017 live (Army of Dignity leader) Flag of the Al-Nusra Front.svg Abu Mohammad al-Julani (WIA)http://www.facebook.com/syriaohr/posts/367316493376695 Al-Nusra leader injured by regime bombardment Facebook.com 16 May 2013(Al-Nusra Front commander)Syrian opposition Riad al-Asaad (WIA) (Free Syrian Army commander)https://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/25/world/meast/syria-civil-war U.N. withdraws staffers as violence rages in Syria CNN 25 May 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010051105/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/25/world/meast/syria-civil-war/ 10 October 2017 live Syrian opposition Jamal Maarouf(Syrian Martyrs' Brigade commander)Syrian opposition Afif Suleimanhttp://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/The-Free-Syrian-Army-24MAR.pdf The Free Syrian Army O'Bagy Elizabeth Institute for the Study of War 24 March 2013 26 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054313/http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/The-Free-Syrian-Army-24MAR.pdf 20 May 2018 live(Idlib Military Council commander)Logo of the Army of Glory.png Jamil al-Saleh(Jaysh al-Izza commander)Syrian opposition Fares Bayoush(Knights of Justice Brigade commander)Jaysh Al Islam white flag.svg Zahran Alloush (Liwa al-Islam commander)Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg Hassan Aboud (Ahrar al-Sham commander)Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria).svg Abdul Qader Saleh (al-Tawhid Brigade commander)https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-commander-idUSBRE9AH03H20131118 Top Syrian rebel commander dies from wounds https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190940/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/18/us-syria-crisis-commander-idUSBRE9AH03H20131118 24 September 2015 Reuters 18 November 2013Logo of the Suqour al-Sham Brigade.svg no Ahmed Issa al-Sheikhhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25053525 Leading Syrian rebel groups form new Islamic Front BBC News 22 November 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20140125105150/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25053525 25 January 2014 live(Suqour al-Sham Brigades commander)20px Sheikh Tawfiq Shahabuddin(Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement commander) Islamic State flag.svg Abu Bakr al-BaghdadiUnited States Department of State https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/08/213032.htm U.S. Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Iraq and Pledges to Help Combat al Qaeda 10 August 2013 24 June 2017(ISIL commander) Syrian Armed Forces: 178,000 (by Aug 2013)https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gtkInEzwWbqoAc5rB8YjKot8Or-A?docId=CNG.d5f1d6f398b0170d098b3ce0afb1ae34.4a1 Syria's diminished security forces 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140202193348/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gtkInEzwWbqoAc5rB8YjKot8Or-A?docId=CNG.d5f1d6f398b0170d098b3ce0afb1ae34.4a1 2 February 2014 deadhttps://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/29/syria-army_n_3837031.html Huffington Post Syria's Army: What The West Will Face In Case Of Intervention 29 August 2013 Adrien Oster 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115946/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/29/syria-army_n_3837031.html 10 October 2017 live General Intelligence Directorate: 8,000 Shabiha: 10,000 fightershttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/world/meast/syria-shabiha/index.html Regime-backed militia does Syria's 'dirty work,' analysts say Joe Sterling 7 June 2012 CNN 27 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160815121138/http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/world/meast/syria-shabiha/index.html 15 August 2016 live National Defense Force: 60,000 soldiershttp://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-13/240910-pro-regime-militias-may-outlast-assad-threaten-future-state-report.ashx#axzz2nLDdtgGF Pro-regime militias may outlast Assad, threaten future state: report 13 December 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170531033704/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-13/240910-pro-regime-militias-may-outlast-assad-threaten-future-state-report.ashx#axzz2nLDdtgGF 31 May 2017 live Jaysh al-Sha'bi: 50,000 fightersBorger Julian Iran and Hezbollah 'have built 50,000-strong force to help Syrian regime' https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/14/iran-hezbollah-force-syrian-regime The Guardian 14 March 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130627032845/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/14/iran-hezbollah-force-syrian-regime 27 June 2013 live al-Abbas brigade: 10,000 fightersSyrian war widens Sunni-Shia schism as foreign jihadis join fight for shrines retrieved 5 June 2013 Hezbollah: 3,000–5,000http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-are-the-foreign-fighters-in-syria Who Are the Foreign Fighters in Syria? The Washington Institute for Near East Policy 5 December 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170519035143/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-are-the-foreign-fighters-in-syria 19 May 2017 live fighters Iran: 150http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/concoughlin/100219439/assad-might-yet-win-in-syria-thanks-to-irans-revolutionary-guards/ Assad might yet win in Syria thanks to Iran's Revolutionary Guards 30 May 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221216/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/concoughlin/100219439/assad-might-yet-win-in-syria-thanks-to-irans-revolutionary-guards/ 4 March 2016 dead–1,500http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-are-the-foreign-fighters-in-syria Who Are the Foreign Fighters in Syria? Washington Institute for Near East Policy 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170519035143/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-are-the-foreign-fighters-in-syria 19 May 2017 live IRGC Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq: 1,000 fighters People's Protection Units (YPG): 15,000Syria crisis: Guide to armed and political opposition https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24403003 BBC News 13 December 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190920132136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24403003 20 September 2019 live – 35,000Syria's Kurdish Army: An Interview With Redur Khalil http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=54016 Carnegie Endowment 25 December 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160503014350/http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=54016 3 May 2016 deadKurdish militia has 35,000 fighters: spokesman http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-27/242372-kurdish-militia-has-35000-fighters-spokesman.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8 The Daily Star 27 December 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170702192312/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-27/242372-kurdish-militia-has-35000-fighters-spokesman.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8 2 July 2017 live Free Syrian Army: 40,000http://www.zamanalwsl.net/en/news/2871.html Rebels top commander denies fleeing Syria to Qatar Zaman Alwsl 12 December 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20131215033742/http://www.zamanalwsl.net/en/news/2871.html 15 December 2013 live – 50,000Cockburn Patrick West suspends aid for Islamist rebels in Syria, underlining their disillusionment with those forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/west-suspends-aid-for-islamist-rebels-in-syria-underlining-their-disillusionment-with-those-forces-opposed-to-president-bashar-alassad-8998891.html The Independent 11 December 2013 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150925194648/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/west-suspends-aid-for-islamist-rebels-in-syria-underlining-their-disillusionment-with-those-forces-opposed-to-president-bashar-alassad-8998891.html 25 September 2015 livehttp://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article37127.htm US/Patrick Cockburn: British Policy on Syria has Been Sunk, and Nobody Noticed www.informationclearinghouse.info 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140118185823/http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article37127.htm 18 January 2014 dead Islamic Front: 45,000 – 60,000http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/rebels-consolidating-strength-in-syria-the-islamic-front Rebels Consolidating Strength in Syria: The Islamic Front Washington Institute for Near East Policy 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170517222300/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/rebels-consolidating-strength-in-syria-the-islamic-front 17 May 2017 liveCheck out my new 'Policy Watch' for the Washington Institute: "Rebels Consolidating Strength in Syria: The Islamic Front" http://jihadology.net/2013/12/03/check-out-my-new-policy-watch-for-the-washington-institute-rebels-consolidating-strength-in-syria-the-islamic-front/ JIHADOLOGY 3 December 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170904195756/http://jihadology.net/2013/12/03/check-out-my-new-policy-watch-for-the-washington-institute-rebels-consolidating-strength-in-syria-the-islamic-front/ 4 September 2017 live Al-Nusra Front: 5,000–7,000Al-Qaeda leader targeting U.N. workers http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-25/242270-al-qaeda-leader-targeting-un-workers.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8 The Daily Star 25 December 2013 Qassim Abdul-Zahra 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171011164015/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-25/242270-al-qaeda-leader-targeting-un-workers.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8 11 October 2017 live Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant: 3,000–5,000 Syrian government 15,000http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/19/syria-attacked-al-qaeda-assad Syria attacked by al-Qaeda: Assad 19 September 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115948/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/19/syria-attacked-al-qaeda-assad 10 October 2017 live–31,174 soldiers and policemen killed 19,256 militiamen killed 1,000 government officials killedhttp://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/06/syria-cameron-safe-passage-assad_n_2081341.html David Cameron Offers 'Safe Passage' For Syria's Bashar Al-Assad, But Not To Britain (PICTURES) Huffington Post 6 November 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20121110064454/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/06/syria-cameron-safe-passage-assad_n_2081341.html 10 November 2012 live 5,000 soldiers and militiamen capturedMay 2023 Hezbollah232–250https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.557727 Hardened in Syrian War, Hezbollah Presents New Set of Threats Amos Harel 13 November 2013 Haaretz 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924172440/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.557727 24 September 2015 live killed Other non-Syrian Shiite fighters265 killedhttps://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2013/12/02/U-N-Assad-involved-in-war-crimes- U.N. says Syrian govt. committed war crimes | Al Arabiya English 2 December 2013 25 June 2023 Iranian IRGC16 killedhttp://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/iran-world/12866-iran-senior-irgc-commander-killed-while-travelling-from-damascus-to-beirut Iran: Senior IRGC Commander killed while travelling from Damascus to Beirut 14 February 2013 Ncr-iran.org 30 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131002053915/http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/iran-world/12866-iran-senior-irgc-commander-killed-while-travelling-from-damascus-to-beirut 2 October 2013 live http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/13616-iran-funeral-for-irgc-officer-killed-in-syria Iran: Funeral for IRGC officer killed in Syria Ncr-iran.org 3 August 2013 30 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131002054613/http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/13616-iran-funeral-for-irgc-officer-killed-in-syria 2 October 2013 live http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/14299-iran-irgc-member-killed-in-syria-buried-in-tehran Iran: IRGC member killed in Syria buried in Tehran Ncr-iran.org 3 August 2013 30 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130903122129/http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/14299-iran-irgc-member-killed-in-syria-buried-in-tehran 3 September 2013 live http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/14327-iran-three-irgc-members-killed-in-syria-fighting-for-assad-regime Iran: Three IRGC members killed in Syria fighting for Assad regime Ncr-iran.org 3 August 2013 30 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131002054142/http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/14327-iran-three-irgc-members-killed-in-syria-fighting-for-assad-regime 2 October 2013 live http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-revolutionary-guards-commander-killed-in-syria.aspx?pageID=238&nID=57359&NewsCatID=352 Iran Revolutionary Guards commander killed in Syria – MIDEAST Hürriyet Daily News – LEADING NEWS SOURCE FOR TURKEY AND THE REGION 4 November 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115947/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-revolutionary-guards-commander-killed-in-syria.aspx?pageID=238&nID=57359&NewsCatID=352 10 October 2017 live Rojava265+ fighters killedhttp://www.badische-zeitung.de/nachrichten/ausland/die-arabische-revolution-hat-den-kurden-freiheit-gebracht--70598077.html Die arabische Revolution hat den Kurden Freiheit gebracht Wrase Michael 4 April 2013 Badische Zeitung de 1 May 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130515140938/http://www.badische-zeitung.de/nachrichten/ausland/die-arabische-revolution-hat-den-kurden-freiheit-gebracht--70598077.html 15 May 2013 livesee 2013 Syrian Kurdish–Islamist conflict 27,746–50,930With SOHR already stating that the number of government and rebel fatalities is evenly divided https://web.archive.org/web/20130513214927/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=293186 13 May 2013 and the pro-government fatalities to be an estimated 50,930,May 2023 a higher figure of rebels killed can be estimated to be 50,930 as well. This would be in line with SOHR's estimate that the number of combatant dead being double the documented number. https://web.archive.org/web/20231002105446/https://www.facebook.com/syriaohr/posts/368424863265858%26sourceid%3Dopera%26ie%3Dutf-8%26oe%3Dutf-8 2 October 2023 fighters killedFighters c979 protesters killedhttp://ansamed.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2012/03/19/visualizza_new.html_134589467.html Syria: Opposition, almost 11,500 civilians killed Ansamed.ansa.it 3 January 2010 27 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131002054619/http://ansamed.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2012/03/19/visualizza_new.html_134589467.html 2 October 2013 live 16,000https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=456760957765581&set=a.150495128392167.28686.121855461256134&type=1 Syrian Observatory for Human Rights www.facebook.com–46,601 opposition fighters and supporters captured 120,000 killed overall (September 2013 French estimate)France urges action on Syria, says 120,000 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115947/http://www.lse.co.uk/AllNews.asp?code=loegkpgo&headline=France_urges_action_on_Syria_says_120000_dead 10 October 2017 Wed, 25 September 2013 07:21 91,875http://www.vdc-sy.org/index.php/en/home Violations Documenting Center 1 December 2013 1 December 2013 Violations Documenting Center https://web.archive.org/web/20130303155835/http://www.vdc-sy.org/index.php/en/home 3 March 2013 livehttp://www.vdc-sy.org/index.php/en/otherstatistics Violations Documenting Center – other statistics 1 December 2013 1 December 2013 Violations Documenting Center https://web.archive.org/web/20130309091504/http://www.vdc-sy.org/index.php/en/otherstatistics 9 March 2013 live–125,835 deaths documented by opposition groups December 2013** 165,835 killed overall (December 2013 SOHR estimate)SOHR d 760–1,806 foreign civilians killed Iraq 16 Iraqi soldiers killedhttp://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/74130-iraqi-soldier-killed-by-fire-from-syria Iraqi Soldier Killed by Fire from Syria Naharnet.com 3 March 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130801024121/http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/74130-iraqi-soldier-killed-by-fire-from-syria 1 August 2013 live Zeina Karam Zeina Karam Associated Press http://washingtonexaminer.com/syrian-jets-bomb-northern-city-overrun-by-rebels/article/2523370 Syrian jets bomb northern city overrun by rebels Washington Examiner 17 September 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130928053739/http://washingtonexaminer.com/syrian-jets-bomb-northern-city-overrun-by-rebels/article/2523370 28 September 2013 live http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-rebels-fire-on-iraq/703066.html Syria rebels fire on Iraq border posts, one killed Channelnewsasia.com 9 June 2013 30 August 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130615180738/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-rebels-fire-on-iraq/703066.html 15 June 2013 Lebanon 5 Lebanese soldiers killedhttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Feb-02/204737-arsal-ambush-kills-two-lebanese-soldiers-hunting-w.ashx Arsal ambush kills two Lebanese soldiers hunting wanted fugitive Daily Star 8 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131014225632/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Feb-02/204737-arsal-ambush-kills-two-lebanese-soldiers-hunting-w.ashx 14 October 2013 live https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/world/middleeast/syria.html Rocket and Gun Attacks Add to Fears That Syria's Strife Is Reaching Lebanon 29 May 2013 The New York Times 27 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151001033928/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/world/middleeast/syria.html 1 October 2015 live Turkey 3 Turkish servicemen killedhttp://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/03/224145.html Assad regrets downing of Turkish jet, says won't allow open combat with Ankara Al Arabiya 3 July 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010082927/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/03/224145.html 10 October 2017 live http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=107960 Turkish police killed in clashes on Syrian border Worldbulletin.net 2 May 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130915234625/http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=107960 15 September 2013 usurped Jordan 1 Jordanian soldier killedhttps://www.foxnews.com/world/syrias-civil-war-spills-violence-across-borders-into-jordan-lebanon/ Syria's civil war spills violence across borders into Jordan, Lebanon 22 October 2012 23 October 2012 Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20121022140729/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/10/22/jordanian-soldier-killed-in-clash-with-militants-trying-to-slip-into-syria/ 22 October 2012 live 4.5 million (UN, Sep 2013) – 5.1 million (iDMC, Sep 2013) internally displaced"Syrian Refugees in Lebanon https://web.archive.org/web/20171014080251/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/09/05/world/middleeast/Syrian-Refugees-in-Lebanon.html?ref=world&pagewanted=all&_r=0 2017-10-14 ," The New York Times, 5 September 2013: UN says: 6.5 million displaced, of whom 2 million fled out of the countryhttp://www.internal-displacement.org/countries/syria Syria: A full-scale displacement and humanitarian crisis with no solutions in sight 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170616021903/http://www.internal-displacement.org/countries/syria 16 June 2017 live, iDMC, Sep 2013: 5.1 million internally displaced ("forced to flee their homes because their lives were at danger, but did not cross international borders")https://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/02/syrian-internally-displaced.html Dispatch: Syria's Internally Displaced Depend on Handouts PBS 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140125102716/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/02/syrian-internally-displaced.html 25 January 2014 dead, UN, Feb 2013: 2.5 million internally displaced 3,000,000 refugees (by November 2013)http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/11/29/syrian-refugees-top-three-million-mark-un Syrian refugees top three million mark: UN 29 November 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170812100658/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/11/29/syrian-refugees-top-three-million-mark-un 12 August 2017 live 130,000 missing or detainedhttp://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/syrias-meltdown-requires-a-u.s.-led-response Syria's Meltdown Requires a U.S.-Led Response Washington Institute for Near East Policy 22 March 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170702032221/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/syrias-meltdown-requires-a-u.s.-led-response 2 July 2017 live Notes: The Kurdish Front was part of the FSA, but opposes ISIL & al-Nusra. The al-Nusra Front and ISIL cooperated with various other rebel groups during this time, while fighting other groups. Number of rebel fighters possibly higher due to the opposition counting rebels that were not defectors as civilians.http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/ngo-more-13000-killed-syria-march-2011 NGO: More than 13,000 killed in Syria since March 2011 Agence France-Presse 27 May 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160527054629/http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/ngo-more-13000-killed-syria-march-2011 27 May 2016 live Number of fatalities includes foreign fighters from both sides, as well as foreign civilians The 2012–2013 escalation of the Syrian civil war refers to the third phase of the Syrian civil war, which gradually escalated from a UN-mediated cease fire attempt during April–May 2012 and deteriorated into radical violence, escalating the conflict level to a full-fledged civil war. Following the Houla massacre of 25 May 2012, in which 108 people were summarily executed, and the subsequent Free Syrian Army (FSA) ultimatum to the Syrian Ba'athist government, the ceasefire practically collapsed as the FSA began nationwide offensives against government troops. On 1 June 2012, President Bashar al-Assad vowed to crush the anti-government uprising.http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/04/218430.html Deadly violence flares in Syria as EU-Russia seek solutions Al Arabiya 4 June 2012 6 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120705033042/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/04/218430.html 5 July 2012 dead On 12 June 2012, the UN for the first time officially proclaimed Syria to be in a state of civil war.Syria in civil war, says UN official Herve Ladsous https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18417952 BBC News 12 June 2012 7 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140126140104/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18417952 26 January 2014 live The conflict began moving into the two largest cities, Aleppo and the capital Damascus. Following the failure of another ceasefire in October 2012, during the winter of 2012–2013 and early spring of 2013 the rebels continued advances on all fronts. In mid-December 2012, American officials said that the Syrian military began firing Scud ballistic missiles at rebel positions in Syria. On 11 January 2013, Islamist groups, including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front, took full control of the Taftanaz air base in the Idlib Governorate, after weeks of fighting. In mid-January 2013, as clashes re-erupted between rebels and Kurdish forces in Ras al-Ayn, YPG forces moved to expel government forces from oil-rich areas in the Hasakah Governorate.http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5666.html Kurdish Forces Clash with Main Syrian Opposition in Syria, Reports Say van Wilgenburg Wladimir 17 January 2013 Rudaw 4 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130118175834/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5666.html 18 January 2013 dead By 6 March 2013, the rebels had captured the city of Raqqa, making it the first provincial capital to be lost by the Assad government. In early April 2013, the powerful jihadist insurgent group, the Islamic State of Iraq, expanded from Iraq into Syria and adopted the new name ar ad-Dawlah al-Islāmiyah fī 'l-ʿIrāq wa-sh-Shām (ar الدولة الإسلامية في العراق والشام), variously translated as "Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham",Irshaid Faisal Isis, Isil, IS or Daesh? One group, many names https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27994277 BBC 2 December 2015 2 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151203072620/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27994277 3 December 2015 live "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria"http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/09/Al-Qaeda-in-Iraq-confirms-Syria-s-Nusra-Front-is-part-of-its-network.html AlQaeda in Iraq confirms Syria's Nusra Front is part of its network Al Arabiya English 9 April 2013 15 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160119055306/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/09/Al-Qaeda-in-Iraq-confirms-Syria-s-Nusra-Front-is-part-of-its-network.html 19 January 2016 live (both abbreviated as ISIS), or "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (abbreviated as ISIL).Tharoor Ishaan ISIS or ISIL? The debate over what to call Iraq's terror group https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/06/18/isis-or-isil-the-debate-over-what-to-call-iraqs-terror-group/?_ga=1.75244306.1823250761.1403224335 21 June 2014 The Washington Post 18 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140706130950/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/06/18/isis-or-isil-the-debate-over-what-to-call-iraqs-terror-group/?_ga=1.75244306.1823250761.1403224335 6 July 2014 live The rebel advances were finally stopped in April 2013, as the Syrian Arab Army reorganized and then initiated offensives. On 17 April 2013, government forces breached a six-month rebel blockade on the Wadi Deif base near Idlib. Heavy fighting was reported around the town of Babuleen after government troops attempt to secure control of a main highway leading to Aleppo. The break in the siege also allowed government forces to resupply two major military bases in the region which had been relying on sporadic airdrops.http://jafrianews.com/2013/04/17/syrian-forces-loyal-to-asaad-break-rebel-blockade-in-north-syria/ Syrian forces Loyal to Asaad break Rebel Blockade in North Syria Jafria News 17 April 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20141103000045/http://jafrianews.com/2013/04/17/syrian-forces-loyal-to-asaad-break-rebel-blockade-in-north-syria/ 3 November 2014 dead In April 2013, government and Hezbollah forces, who have increasingly become involved in the fighting, launched an offensive to capture areas near al-Qusayr. On 21 April, pro-Assad forces captured the towns of Burhaniya, Saqraja and al-Radwaniya near the Lebanon–Syria border.http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/21/Syria-army-closes-in-on-Quasar-near-Lebanon-.html Syria army closes in on Qusayr near Lebanon Al Arabiya Network 21 April 2013 7 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150626143010/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/21/Syria-army-closes-in-on-Quasar-near-Lebanon-.html 26 June 2015 liveYacoub Khaled https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-lebanon-idUSBRE93K0DN20130421 Syria fighting flares both sides of Lebanese border Reuters 21 April 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20141022131758/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/21/us-syria-crisis-lebanon-idUSBRE93K0DN20130421 22 October 2014 live From July 2013, the situation became a stalemate, with fighting continuing on all fronts between various factions with numerous casualties, but without major territorial changes. On 28 June 2013, rebel forces captured a major military checkpoint in the southern city of Daraa.Syrian army, backed by jets, launches assault on Homs https://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/syrian-army-backed-by-jets-launches-assault-on-homs-1.532668 Haaretz 29 June 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130715201936/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/syrian-army-backed-by-jets-launches-assault-on-homs-1.532668 15 July 2013 live Shortly after, some Syrian rebel groups declared war on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant which was becoming increasingly dominant. A major advance took place on 6 August 2013, as rebels and ISIL captured Menagh Military Airbase after a 10-month siege. On 21 August a chemical attack took place in the Ghouta region of the Damascus countryside, leading to thousands of casualties and several hundred dead in the opposition-held stronghold. The attack was followed by a military offensive by government forces into the area.The Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324619504579028621159392790 Sam Dagher Farnaz Fassihi Syria Presses Offensive, Shrugs Off Gas Attack Claims 22 August 2013 5 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20150627040018/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324619504579028621159392790 27 June 2015 live The attack, largely attributed to Assad forces, caused the international community to seek the chemical disarmament of the Syrian Army. Late 2013 was marked by increased initiative on the part of the Syrian Army, which led offensives against opposition groups on several fronts. The Syrian Army along with its allies, Hezbollah and al-Abbas Brigade, launched an offensive on Damascus and Aleppo in November.Reuters https://www.voanews.com/a/boosted-by-foreign-shiite-militia-assads-forces-advance-on-aleppo/1788908.html Boosted by Foreign Shi'ite Militia, Assad's Forces Advance on Aleppo Voice of America 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129080411/http://www.voanews.com/content/boosted-by-foreign-shiite-militia-assads-forces-advance-on-aleppo/1788908.html 29 November 2014 livehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24927097 Syria rebels urge Aleppo mobilisation to halt assault BBC 13 November 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191015065255/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24927097 15 October 2019 live Fighting between Kurdish forces, rebels and al-Nusra front continued in other locations. Background Early insurgency phase of the Syrian Civil War Kofi Annan Syrian peace plan On 23 February 2012, the evening before an international "Friends of Syria" conference organised by the Arab League in Tunisia, The United Nations and the Arab League together appointed Kofi Annan as their envoy to Syria.Syria unrest: Opposition seeks arms pledge. https://web.archive.org/web/20130513211700/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17144805 13 May 2013 BBC News, 24 February 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013. 70 nations were present on the conference, Russia and China not among them; Syria called those nations attending "historic enemies of the Arabs". On 16 March, Kofi Annan submitted a six-point peace plan to the UN Security Council (see below), basically asking the Syrian government "to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people", stop fighting, pullback military concentrations from towns, while simultaneously the Envoy would seek similar commitments from the Syrian opposition and other “elements”."Kofi Annan's six-point plan for Syria" https://web.archive.org/web/20190620073125/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/2012327153111767387.html 20 June 2019 , Al Jazeera, 27 March 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013. On 5 April 2012, Annan told the UN General Assembly that the cease-fire deadline for the Syrian government would be 6 am local time on Tuesday 10 April, and for the rebels 6 am local time on 12 April.Syria: Caveat in cease-fire compliance. https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193349/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/04/06/Syria-Caveat-in-cease-fire-compliance/UPI-88981333695600/#ixzz1rJwS6FtA 9 October 2017 United Press International, 6 April 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013. On 12 April 2012, both sides, the Syrian Ba'athist government and rebels of the FSA and some other factions, entered a UN-mediated ceasefire period. Timeline Ceasefire attempt (April–May 2012) left|thumb|Syrian Army tanks during the clashes in Daraa Governorate in April 2012. Kofi Annan peace plan for Syria Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2012) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–August 2012) On 14 April 2012, the UN Security Council meeting adopting Resolution 2042 stated that the Envoy assessed that “as of 12 April, the parties appeared to be observing a cessation of fire”.Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution 2042 (2012), authorizing Advance Team to monitor ceasefire in Syria https://web.archive.org/web/20131031073549/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10609.doc.htm 31 October 2013 , press release Security Council 14 April 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2013. The UN-mediated cease fire attempt had eventually turned into a failure, with infractions of the ceasefire by both sides resulting in several dozen casualties. In a bombing in Idlib on 30 April, several dozen people were killed and many more wounded in two car bomb attacks targeting Syrian military facilities in the city, not far from where some of the UN observers in the city had been staying.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-17892505 Syria unrest: Deadly blasts rock Idlib BBC 30 April 2012 By the beginning of May, over 500 people had been killed in hostilities all across Syria since the ceasefire was declared on 12 April.https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/4/30/deadly-blasts-strike-syrias-idlib Deadly blasts strike Syria’s Idlib 29 October 2024 Al Jazeera Acknowledging the failure of the ceasefire, Kofi Annan called for Iran to be "part of the solution", though the country has been excluded from the Friends of Syria initiative.Iran reaffirms full support for Annan's Syria peace plan http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/10/225485.html Al Arabiya 10 July 2012 10 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120711013905/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/10/225485.html 11 July 2012 dead Following the Houla massacre of 25 May 2012, in which 108 people were summarily executed, and the subsequent FSA ultimatum to the Syrian Ba'athist government, the ceasefire entirely collapsed, as the FSA began nationwide offensives against government troops. The peace plan practically collapsed by early June and the UN mission was withdrawn from Syria. Annan resigned in frustration on 2 August 2012.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Kofi-Annan-resigns-as-UN-Syria-envoy/articleshow/15329904.cms Kofi Annan resigns as UN Syria envoy 2 August 2012 The Times of India https://web.archive.org/web/20120803140147/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Kofi-Annan-resigns-as-UN-Syria-envoy/articleshow/15329904.cms 3 August 2012 live Renewed fighting (June–October 2012) June Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–August 2012) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (September–December 2012) Battle of Damascus (2012) Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016) Rif Dimashq offensive (August–October 2012) thumb|left|Areas in western Syria under control of the Free Syrian Army and other rebel groups in June 2012 (dark red).|536x536px On 1 June 2012, President Assad vowed to crush the anti-government uprising. On 5 June 2012, fighting broke out in Haffa and nearby villages in the coastal governorate of Latakia Governorate. Government forces were backed by helicopter gunships in the heaviest clashes in the governorate since the revolt began. Syrian forces seized the territory following days of fighting and shelling.Reuters http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/assad-names-new-syrian-pm-army-battles-rebels/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130224031049/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/assad-names-new-syrian-pm-army-battles-rebels/ 24 February 2013 dead Assad names new Syrian PM, army battles rebels Trust 6 June 2012 6 July 2012 On 6 June 78 civilians were killed in the Al-Qubeir massacre. According to activist sources, government forces started by shelling the village before the Shabiha militia moved in.New 'massacre' reported in Syria's Hama province https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18348201 BBC News 7 June 2012 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20120607005653/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18348201 7 June 2012 live UN observers headed to Al-Qubeir in the hope of investigating the massacre, but they were met with a roadblock and small arms fire and were forced to retreat.Syria UN team 'shot at' near Qubair 'massacre site' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18352281 BBC News 7 June 2012 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190925105039/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18352281 25 September 2019 live On 12 June 2012, the UN for the first time officially proclaimed Syria to be in a state of civil war. The conflict began moving into the two largest cities, Damascus and Aleppo. In both cities, peaceful protests – including a general strike by Damascus shopkeepers and a small strike in Aleppo were interpreted as indicating that the historical alliance between the government and the business establishment in the large cities had become weak.Ivan Watson (12 June 2012). "Syria: Battle for the cities" . CNN. Retrieved 7 February 2013. On 22 June, a Turkish F-4 fighter jet was shot down by Syrian government forces, killing both pilots. Syria and Turkey disputed whether the jet had been flying in Syrian or international airspace when it was shot down. Bashar al-Assad publicly apologised for the incident. July By 10 July 2012, rebel forces had captured most of the city of Al-Qusayr, in Homs Governorate, after weeks of fighting.http://beta.dawn.com/news/733230/syrias-qusayr-prepares-for-ramadan-under-siege Syria's Qusayr prepares for Ramadan under siege 10 July 2012 20 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131021083014/http://beta.dawn.com/news/733230/syrias-qusayr-prepares-for-ramadan-under-siege 21 October 2013 live By mid-July, rebels had captured the town of Saraqib, in Idlib Governorate.Abouzeid, Rania In Rebel Syria: Celebrating Assad's Departure–Even Though He's Still Staying https://world.time.com/2012/07/20/in-rebel-syria-celebrating-assads-departure-even-though-hes-still-staying/ Time 20 July 2012 10 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130528204923/http://world.time.com/2012/07/20/in-rebel-syria-celebrating-assads-departure-even-though-hes-still-staying/ 28 May 2013 live By 15 July 2012, with fighting spread across the country and 16,000 people killed, the International Committee of the Red Cross declared the conflict a civil war.BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18849362 Syria in civil war, Red Cross says 15 July 2012 27 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20190515071912/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18849362 15 May 2019 live Fighting in Damascus intensified, with a major rebel push to take the city.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9407153/Syrian-rebels-launch-campaign-to-liberate-Damascus.html Syrian rebels launch campaign to 'liberate' Damascus Ruth Sherlock Adrian Blomfield 17 July 2012 18 July 2012 The Daily Telegraph London https://web.archive.org/web/20120718034537/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9407153/Syrian-rebels-launch-campaign-to-liberate-Damascus.html 18 July 2012 live On 18 July, Syrian Defense Minister Dawoud Rajiha, former defense minister Hasan Turkmani, and the president's brother-in-law General Assef Shawkat were killed by a suicide bomb attack in Damascus.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9408321/Assads-brother-in-law-and-top-Syrian-officials-killed-in-Damascus-suicide-bomb.html Assad's brother-in-law and top Syrian officials killed in Damascus suicide bomb Damien McElroy 18 July 2012 18 July 2012 The Daily Telegraph London https://web.archive.org/web/20120719162441/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9408321/Assads-brother-in-law-and-top-Syrian-officials-killed-in-Damascus-suicide-bomb.html 19 July 2012 live The Syrian intelligence chief Hisham Ikhtiyar, who was injured in the same explosion, later succumbed to his wounds.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18920733 Syria blast: Security chief Ikhtiar dies from wounds BBC News 20 July 2012 20 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120720115207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18920733 20 July 2012 live Both the FSA and Liwa al-Islam claimed responsibility for the assassination.http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-bombing-claim-idUKBRE86H0FO20120718 Two Syrian rebel groups claim Damascus attack 18 July 2012 18 July 2012 Reuters Erika Solomon https://web.archive.org/web/20120719000456/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/07/18/uk-syria-crisis-bombing-claim-idUKBRE86H0FO20120718 19 July 2012 dead thumb|Situation in Syria, mid-August 2012 In mid-July, rebel forces attacked Damascus and were repelled over two weeks, although fighting still continued in the outskirts. After this, the focus shifted to the battle for control of Aleppo.https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/a-decisive-battle-being-waged-over-aleppo/article3693349.ece A decisive battle being waged over Aleppo 28 July 2012 Chennai, India The Hindu Atul Aneja 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201135117/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3693349.ece 1 February 2016 live On 25 July, multiple sources reported that the Assad government was using fighter jets to attack rebel positions in Aleppo and Damascus,https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/jul/25/syria-assad-strikes-back-aleppo-live Syria crisis: Assad strikes back with jets in Aleppo and Damascus – live updates The Guardian 25 July 2012 25 July 2012 London Matthew Weaver Brian Whitaker https://web.archive.org/web/20130828040042/http://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/jul/25/syria-assad-strikes-back-aleppo-live 28 August 2013 live and on 1 August, UN observers in Syria witnessed government fighter jets firing on rebels in Aleppo.https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/syria-using-fighter-jets-against-rebels-un/article3711815.ece Syria using fighter jets against rebels: UN Associated Press 1 August 2012 Chennai, India The Hindu 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201135116/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3711815.ece 1 February 2016 live In early August, the Syrian Army recaptured Salaheddin district, an important rebel stronghold in Aleppo. In August, the government began using fixed-wing warplanes against the rebels.http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/opeds/Boxx20130301-AirSpace.pdf Observations on the Air War in Syria Air & Space Power Journal March–April 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115630/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/opeds/Boxx20130301-AirSpace.pdf 10 October 2017 live http://www.understandingwar.org/press-media/graphsandstat/syrian-air-force-air-defense-overview Syrian Air Force & Air Defense Overview Institute for the Study of War 25 October 2012 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170505061127/http://www.understandingwar.org/press-media/graphsandstat/syrian-air-force-air-defense-overview 5 May 2017 live On 19 July, Iraqi officials reported that the FSA had gained control of all four border checkpoints between Syria and Iraq, increasing concerns for the safety of Iraqis trying to escape the violence in Syria.Arango Tim Iraq Says Rebels in Syria Control Border Posts https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/20/world/middleeast/syria-border-with-iraq.html 19 July 2012 The New York Times 19 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120720013736/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/20/world/middleeast/syria-border-with-iraq.html 20 July 2012 live September On 6 September 2012 Kurdish activists reported that 21 civilians were killed in the Kurdish neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsud in the city of Aleppo, when the Syrian Army shelled the local mosque and its surroundings. Despite the district being neutral during the Battle of Aleppo and free of clashes between government and FSA forces, local residents believed that the district was shelled as retaliation for sheltering anti-government civilians from other parts of the city. In a statement released shortly after the deaths, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) vowed to retaliate.http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5175.html Deadly Attack Claims Many Lives in Aleppo's Kurdish Sector Abdulmajid Adib 8 September 2012 Rudaw 10 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130406225022/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5175.html 6 April 2013 A few days later, Kurdish forces killed 3 soldiers in Afrin (ku Efrîn) and captured a number of other government soldiers in Ayn al-Arab (ku Kobanî) and Al-Malikiyah (ku Dêrika Hemko) from where they drove the remaining government security forces. It was also reported that the government had begun to arm Arab tribes around Qamishli in preparation for a possible confrontation with Kurdish forces, who still did not completely control the city.PYD Kills Syrian Soldiers in Revenge Attack http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5180.html 10 September 2012 Rudaw 10 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121122062634/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5180.html 22 November 2012 dead On 19 September 2012, rebel forces seized a border crossing between Syria and Turkey in Raqqa Governorate. It was speculated that this crossing could provide opposition forces with strategic and logistical advantages due to Turkish support for the Syrian opposition, whose headquarters subsequently relocated from southern Turkey into northern Syria.Syrian rebels seize control of border crossing on frontier with Turkey https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syrian-rebels-seize-control-of-border-crossing-on-frontier-with-turkey/ CBS News 19 September 2012 5 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120923041232/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57515876/syrian-rebels-seize-control-of-border-crossing-on-frontier-with-turkey/ 23 September 2012 live Rebel Group Says It Is Now Based in Syria, a Major Step https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/world/middleeast/rebels-move-command-from-turkey-to-syria.html 23 September 2012 The New York Times 23 September 2012 Anne Barnard Hania Mourtada https://web.archive.org/web/20120923024527/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/world/middleeast/rebels-move-command-from-turkey-to-syria.html 23 September 2012 live At least 8 government soldiers were killed and 15 wounded by a car bomb in the al-Gharibi district of Qamishli on 30 September 2012. The explosion targeted the Political Security branch.http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/assad-forces-killed-northeast-car-bomb Assad forces killed in northeast car bomb 30 September 2012 Syria Live Blog Al Jazeera English 10 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121010125050/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/assad-forces-killed-northeast-car-bomb 10 October 2012 October In October 2012, rebel forces seized control of Maarat al-Numan, a town in Idlib Governorate on the highway linking Damascus with AleppoNaeem Asad Syria rebels cut highway to northern battlefields http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1-front-top-news/85378-syria-rebels-cut-highway-to-northern-battlefields-.html Business Recorder 11 October 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141025174021/http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1-front-top-news/85378-syria-rebels-cut-highway-to-northern-battlefields-.html 25 October 2014 and captured Douma, marking increased influence in Rif Dimashq.Di Giovanni Janine Denial Is Slipping Away as War Arrives in Damascus https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/world/middleeast/syrian-war-reaches-damascus.html 20 October 2012 The New York Times 18 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121019162719/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/world/middleeast/syrian-war-reaches-damascus.html 19 October 2012 live Lakhdar Brahimi arranged for a ceasefire during Eid al-Adha in late October 2012, but it quickly collapsed.Weaver Matthew Syria conflict: what next after failed ceasefire? https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/oct/30/syria-conflict-after-failed-ceasefire-live The Guardian 30 October 2012 London 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170227233150/https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/oct/30/syria-conflict-after-failed-ceasefire-live 27 February 2017 live Rebel offensives (November 2012 – April 2013) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (September–December 2012) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2013) Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016) Rif Dimashq offensive (November 2012–February 2013) 2012 Hama offensive Damascus offensive Battle of Shadadeh Battle of Raqqa (2013) left|thumb|Free Syrian Army fighters clean their weapons during the Battle of Aleppo. After Brahimi's ceasefire agreement ended on 30 October 2012, the Syrian military expanded its bombing campaign in Damascus. The district of Jobar suffered the first bomb hit from a fighter jet in Damascus. The following day, Syrian Air Force commander Gen. Abdullah Mahmud al-Khalidi was assassinated by opposition gunmen in the Damascus district of Rukn al-Din.Gladstone Rick Syrian Air Force Commander Is Reported Killed https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/world/middleeast/syrian-air-force-commander-is-reported-killed.html 31 October 2012 The New York Times 31 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121031122222/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/world/middleeast/syrian-air-force-commander-is-reported-killed.html 31 October 2012 live In early November 2012, rebels made significant gains in northern Syria. The rebel capture of Saraqib in Idlib Governorate, which lies on the M5 highway, further isolated Aleppo.Syria army quits base on strategic Aleppo road https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE88J0X720121102 6 November 2012 Reuters 2 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121106064826/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/02/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE88J0X720121102 6 November 2012 live Due to insufficient anti-aircraft weapons, rebel units attempted to nullify the government's air power by destroying landed helicopters and aircraft on air bases.Syrian rebels struggle to keep regime Air Force on the ground (+video) https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2012/1126/Syrian-rebels-struggle-to-keep-regime-Air-Force-on-the-ground-video 26 November 2012 The Christian Science Monitor 26 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130801050356/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2012/1126/Syrian-rebels-struggle-to-keep-regime-Air-Force-on-the-ground-video 1 August 2013 live On 3 November, rebels launched an attack on the Taftanaz air base.https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/03/world/meast/syria-civil-war/ Rebels target air base in battle against aerial bombardment in Syria CNN 4 November 2012 6 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121105211414/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/03/world/meast/syria-civil-war/ 5 November 2012 live On 18 November 2012, rebels took control of Base 46 in the Aleppo Governorate, one of the Syrian Army's largest bases in northern Syria, after weeks of intense fighting. Defected General Mohammed Ahmed al-Faj, who commanded the assault, stated nearly 300 Syrian troops had been killed and 60 had been captured, with rebels seizing large amounts of heavy weapons, including tanks.http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-exclusive-syrian-rebels-seize-base-arms-trove https://web.archive.org/web/20150713012653/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-exclusive-syrian-rebels-seize-base-arms-trove 13 July 2015 dead Base Seizure Sharp Blow to Syria's Efforts to Roll Back Rebel Gains Associated Press Ben Hubbard 20 November 2012 19 March 2013 On 22 November, rebels captured the Mayadin military base in the country's eastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate. This gave the rebels control of much territory east of the base, stretching to the Iraqi border.Yeranian Edward Analysts Weigh in on Longevity of Syria's Assad https://www.voanews.com/a/analysts_weight_in_on_longevity_of_syrias_assad/1551388.html 24 November 2012 Voice of America 22 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121127191022/http://www.voanews.com/content/analysts_weight_in_on_longevity_of_syrias_assad/1551388.html 27 November 2012 live On 29 November, at approximately 10:26 UTC, the Syrian internet and phone service was shut off for two days.http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/28/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html Virtually all Internet service in Syria shut down, group says CNN 29 November 2012 6 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121205084139/http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/28/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html 5 December 2012 live Syrian officials blamed the blackout on terrorists having cut "a main fiber optic cable connecting Damascus to the rest of the world";McEvers Kelly Flights Into Syria Cancelled As Rebels Make Gains https://www.npr.org/2012/11/29/166186759/flights-into-syria-cancelled-as-rebels-make-gains 28 October 2020 NPR 29 November 2012 Edward Snowden in August 2014 claimed that this internet breakdown had been caused, though unintendedly, by hackers of the NSA during an operation to intercept internet communications in Syria.NRC Handelsblad (Dutch), 14 August 2014. In mid-December 2012, American officials said that the Syrian military had fired Scud ballistic missiles at rebel fighters inside Syria. Reportedly, six Scud missiles were fired at the Sheikh Suleiman base north of Aleppo, occupied by rebel forces. It is unclear whether the Scuds hit the intended target. The government denied this claimDecember 2016.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-12/13/c_132039471.htm Syria denies using Scud missiles in fighting armed militia Xinhua News Agency 13 December 2012 17 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121219140300/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-12/13/c_132039471.htm 19 December 2012 dead Later that month, a further Scud attack took place near Marea, a town north of Aleppo near the Turkish border, apparently missing its target,https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/21/world/middleeast/syrian-forces-lobbing-more-scud-missiles-at-rebels-us-says.html Syria Fires More Scud Missiles at Rebels, U.S. Says The New York Times 20 December 2012 27 December 2012 Michael R. Gordon Eric Schmitt https://web.archive.org/web/20121226223118/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/21/world/middleeast/syrian-forces-lobbing-more-scud-missiles-at-rebels-us-says.html 26 December 2012 live and the FSA penetrated into Latakia Governorate's coast through Turkey.Syrian rebels cut off Bashar al-Assad's escape route Ruth Sherlock https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9751531/Syrian-rebels-cut-off-Bashar-al-Assads-escape-route.html The Daily Telegraph 17 December 2012 17 December 2012 London https://web.archive.org/web/20121218143550/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9751531/Syrian-rebels-cut-off-Bashar-al-Assads-escape-route.html 18 December 2012 live In late December, rebel forces pushed further into Damascus, taking control of the adjoining Yarmouk and Palestine refugee camps, pushing out pro-government Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command fighters with the help of other factions."Syria rebels make further gains" https://web.archive.org/web/20180917211730/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20766628 17 September 2018 . BBC. 18 December 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013. Rebel forces launched an offensive in Hama Governorate, claiming to have forced army regulars to evacuate several towns and bases,Syrian rebels launch major assault on army across Hama http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-148994-Syrian-rebels-launch-major-assault-on-army-across-Hama https://web.archive.org/web/20150713014647/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-148994-Syrian-rebels-launch-major-assault-on-army-across-Hama 13 July 2015 dead 18 December 2012 The News International 18 December 2012 and stating that "three-quarters of western rural Hama is under our control."Rebels seize towns in central Syria https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121219 20 December 2012 Reuters 19 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121219142936/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/19/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121219 19 December 2012 live Rebels also captured the town of Harem near the Turkish border in Idlib Governorate, after weeks of heavy fighting.Syrian rebels fully capture town near Turkish border after weeks of siege https://www.foxnews.com/world/syrian-rebels-fully-capture-town-near-turkish-border-after-weeks-of-siege/ 22 July 2013 Fox News Channel 24 December 2012 Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20131115104456/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/25/syrian-rebels-fully-capture-town-near-turkish-border-after-weeks-siege/ 15 November 2013 live thumb|right|Situation in Syria, mid-March 2013 On 11 January 2013, Islamist groups, including al-Nusra Front, took full control of the Taftanaz air base in the Idlib Governorate, after weeks of fighting. The base had been used by the Syrian military to carry out helicopter raids and deliver supplies. The rebels claimed to have seized helicopters, tanks and rocket launchers, before being forced to withdraw by a government counter-attack. The leader of the al-Nusra Front said the amount of weapons they took was a "game changer".Syrian rebels seize key air base, activists say https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/01/11/syrian-rebels-seize-key-air-base-activists-say/1826117/ 11 January 2013 Associated Press USA Today 11 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130112051935/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/01/11/syrian-rebels-seize-key-air-base-activists-say/1826117/ 12 January 2013 live On 11 February, Islamist rebels captured the town of Al-Thawrah in Raqqa Governorate and the nearby Tabqa Dam, Syria's largest dam and a key source of hydroelectricity.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/middleeast/syrian-insurgents-claim-to-control-large-hydropower-dam.html Syrian Insurgents Claim to Control Large Hydropower Dam The New York Times 11 February 2013 12 February 2013 Hwaida Saad Hwaida Saad Rick Gladstone https://web.archive.org/web/20190625014943/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/middleeast/syrian-insurgents-claim-to-control-large-hydropower-dam.html 25 June 2019 livehttps://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/rebels-take-control-of-military-airport-in-north-syria-ngo-says Rebels take control of military airport in North Syria, NGO says NOW News 12 February 2013 12 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20180725184105/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/rebels-take-control-of-military-airport-in-north-syria-ngo-says 25 July 2018 live The next day, rebel forces took control of Jarrah air base, located 60 km mi east of Aleppo.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE91A0MU20130212 Syrian air base falls, Assad forces under pressure Reuters 12 February 2013 12 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130212084145/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/12/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE91A0MU20130212 12 February 2013 live On 14 February, al-Nusra Front fighters took control of Shadadeh, a town in Al-Hasakah Governorate near the Iraqi border.https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/jihadists-seize-syria-town-on-iraq-border Jihadists seize Syria town on Iraq border NOW News 14 February 2013 16 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130513184134/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/jihadists-seize-syria-town-on-iraq-border 13 May 2013 live On 20 February 2013, a car bomb exploded in Damascus near the Ba'ath Syrian Regional Branch headquarters, killing at least 53 people and injuring more than 235.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21529634 Syria conflict: Many dead in huge Damascus bombing BBC 21 February 2013 21 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130221145429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21529634 21 February 2013 live No group claimed responsibility.Barnard Anne Car Bomb in Damascus Kills Dozens, Opposition Says https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/world/middleeast/car-bomb-in-damascus-kills-dozens-opposition-says.html The New York Times 21 February 2013 Hwaida Saad Hania Mourtada 21 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130221145028/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/world/middleeast/car-bomb-in-damascus-kills-dozens-opposition-says.html 21 February 2013 live On 21 February, the FSA in Quasar began shelling Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Prior to this, Hezbollah had been shelling villages near Quasar from within Lebanon. A 48-hour ultimatum was issued by a FSA commander on 20 February, warning the militant group to stop the attacks.http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syrian-rebels-attack-hezbollahs-positions-in-lebanon-fsa-commander.aspx?pageID=238&nID=41647&NewsCatID=352 Syrian rebels attack Hezbollah's positions in Lebanon: FSA commander Hürriyet Daily News 22 February 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170620031003/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syrian-rebels-attack-hezbollahs-positions-in-lebanon-fsa-commander.aspx?pageID=238&nID=41647&NewsCatID=352 20 June 2017 live On 2 March 2013, intense clashes between rebels and the Syrian Army erupted in the city of Raqqa, with many deaths reported on both sides.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21641113 Syria: Fierce clashes in provincial capital Raqqa BBC 2 March 2013 6 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130305182723/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21641113 5 March 2013 live On the same day, Syrian troops regained several villages near Aleppo.https://news.yahoo.com/syria-iran-us-aid-rebels-extend-war-155957995.html Syria, Iran say US aid to rebels will extend war Yahoo News Associated Press 3 March 2013 22 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131106023532/http://news.yahoo.com/syria-iran-us-aid-rebels-extend-war-155957995.html 6 November 2013 live By 3 March, rebels had overrun Raqqa's central prison and freed hundreds of prisoners, according to the SOHR.http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/topic/syria-153 Syria Live Blog Al Jazeera 6 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071334/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/liveblog/topic/Syria-153 4 March 2016 live The SOHR also stated that rebel fighters had taken control of most of an Aleppo police academy in Khan al-Asal, and that over 200 rebels and government troops had been killed fighting for control of it.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21647196 Rebels 'seize most of Syria police academy' BBC 3 March 2013 6 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130306015341/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21647196 6 March 2013 live By 6 March 2013, the rebels had captured the city of Raqqa, effectively making it the first provincial capital to be lost by the Assad government. Residents of Raqqa toppled a bronze statue of his late father Hafez al-Assad in the centre of the city. The rebels also seized two top government officials.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/05/syria-iraq-ambush/1963987/ Syrian Rebels Battle Regime Holdouts in Raqqa Zeina Karam Associated Press 5 March 2013 27 August 2014 USA Today https://web.archive.org/web/20141111214405/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/05/syria-iraq-ambush/1963987/ 11 November 2014 live On 18 March, the Syrian Air Force attacked rebel positions in Lebanon for the first time, at the Wadi al-Khayl Valley area, near the town of Arsal.Barnard, Anne https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/syria-warplanes-hit-lebanon-for-first-time.html Syria Warplanes Hit Lebanon for First Time The New York Times 18 March 2013 8 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130328051935/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/syria-warplanes-hit-lebanon-for-first-time.html 28 March 2013 live On 21 March, a suspected suicide bombing in the Iman Mosque in Mazraa district killed as many as 41 people, including the pro-Assad Sunni cleric, Sheikh Mohammed al-Buti.Jim Muir https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21887877 Syria mosque blast: Pro-Assad cleric among dozens dead BBC 21 March 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190330184146/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21887877 30 March 2019 live On 23 March, several rebel groups seized the 38th division air defense base in southern Daraa Governorate near a highway linking Damascus to Jordan.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE92M03K20130323 Syria rebels seize southern base, border area Reuters 23 March 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151126064830/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/23/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE92M03K20130323 26 November 2015 live On the next day, rebels captured a 25 km mi on off strip of land near the Jordanian border, which included the towns of Muzrib, Abdin, and the al-Rai military checkpoint.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Mar-24/211277-activists-clashes-in-syria-near-jordan-border.ashx#axzz2OSgwmleH Rebels seize Jordan-Syria border area: activists The Daily Star 24 March 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010135353/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2013/Mar-24/211277-activists-clashes-in-syria-near-jordan-border.ashx#axzz2OSgwmleH 10 October 2017 live On 25 March, rebels launched one of their heaviest bombardments of Central Damascus since the revolt began. Mortars reached Umayyad Square, where the Ba'ath Party headquarters, Air Force Intelligence and state television are located.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-damascus-idUSBRE92O07320130325 Syrian rebels bombard central Damascus, army artillery hits back Reuters 25 March 2013 Oliver Holmes 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20131104221617/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/25/us-syria-crisis-damascus-idUSBRE92O07320130325 4 November 2013 live left|thumb|Fighters of the al-Tawhid Brigade deface an image of President Bashar al-Assad on the road between Hama and Raqqa on 27 March 2013. On 26 March 2013, near the Syrian town of al-Qusayr, rebel commander Khaled al Hamad, who commanded the Al Farooq al-Mustakilla Brigade and is also known by his nom de guerre Abu Sakkar, ate the heart and liver of a dead soldier and said "I swear to God, you soldiers of Bashar, you dogs, we will eat from your hearts and livers! O heroes of Bab Amr, you slaughter the Alawites and take out their hearts to eat them!" in an apparent attempt to increase sectarianism.Baker Aryn https://world.time.com/2013/05/12/atrocities-will-be-televised-they-syrian-war-takes-a-turn-for-the-worse/ Savage Online Videos Fuel Syria's Descent into Madness Time 12 May 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170511204936/http://world.time.com/2013/05/12/atrocities-will-be-televised-they-syrian-war-takes-a-turn-for-the-worse/ 11 May 2017 live https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/05/13/most_disgusting_atrocity_syrian_civil_war_rebel_eat_heart Is This the Most Disgusting Atrocity Filmed in the Syrian Civil War? Foreign Policy 13 May 2013 14 May 2013 Bouckaert Peter https://web.archive.org/web/20130517103317/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/05/13/most_disgusting_atrocity_syrian_civil_war_rebel_eat_heart 17 May 2013 live Video of the event emerged two months later and resulted in considerable outrage, especially from Human Rights Watch which classified the incident as a war crime. According to the BBC, it was one of the most gruesome videos to emerge from the conflict to-date.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22519770 Outrage at Syrian rebel shown 'eating soldier's heart' BBC 14 May 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20130515020850/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22519770 15 May 2013 live On 29 March, rebels captured the town of Da'el after fierce fighting. The town is located in Daraa Governorate, along the highway connecting Damascus to Jordan.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/rebels-claim-to-take-key-city-in-southern-syria/2013/03/29/e53b75e8-987c-11e2-814b-063623d80a60_story.html Rebels claim to take key city in southern Syria The Washington Post 29 March 2013 Babak Dehghanpisheh 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171014043505/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/rebels-claim-to-take-key-city-in-southern-syria/2013/03/29/e53b75e8-987c-11e2-814b-063623d80a60_story.html 14 October 2017 live On 3 April, rebels captured a military base near the city of Daraa.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/world/middleeast/Syria-rebels.html New Rebel Gains Reported in Southern Syria With Seizure of Military Base The New York Times 3 April 2013 Rick Gladstone Hala Droubi 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170425212833/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/world/middleeast/Syria-rebels.html 25 April 2017 live In mid-January 2013, as clashes re-erupted between rebels and Kurdish forces in Ras al-Ayn, YPG forces moved to expel government forces from oil-rich areas in Hassakeh Province. Clashes broke out from 14 to 19 Januaryhttp://www.kurdwatch.org/index.php?aid=2741&z=en&cure=1009 Al Maʿbada: Fighting between YPG and Syrian military 24 January 2013 5 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130728090423/http://www.kurdwatch.org/index.php?aid=2741&z=en&cure=1009 28 July 2013 usurped between the army and YPG fighters in the Kurdish village of Gir Zîro (Tall Adas), near al-Maabadah (ku Girkê Legê), where an army battalion of around 200 soldiers had been blockaded since 9 January. YPG forces claimed to have expelled government after the clashes. One soldier was reportedly killed and another eight injured, while seven were captured (later released) and 27 defected.http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/clashes-getting-heavier-in-serekaniye-update.htm Clashes getting heavier in Serêkaniyê-UPDATE ANF 20 January 2013 Firat News 4 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130207024708/http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/clashes-getting-heavier-in-serekaniye-update.htm 7 February 2013 Fighting at the oil field near Gir Zîro ended on 21 January, when government forces withdrew after receiving no assistance from Damascus.http://www.kurdwatch.org/index.php?aid=2748&z=en&cure=1009 Al-Maʿbada: YPG gains control of oil field 3 February 2013 KurdWatch 5 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130728085238/http://www.kurdwatch.org/index.php?aid=2748&z=en&cure=1009 28 July 2013 usurped In Rumeilan, directly west of al-Maabadah, another 200 soldiers had been surrounded by YPG forces, and 10 soldiers were reported to have defected. right|thumb|YPG fighters in 2013 From 8 to 11 February 2013,http://www.kurdwatch.org/?aid=2763&z=en&cure=1009 Aleppo: Heavy fighting between YPG and Syrian Army 24 February 2013 KurdWatch 27 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130728090031/http://www.kurdwatch.org/?aid=2763&z=en&cure=1009 28 July 2013 usurped heavy clashes broke out between the YPG and government troops in the PYD/YPG-held district Ashrafiyah where, according to SOHR, at least 3 soldiers and 5 pro-government militiamen were killed. The fighting followed deadly shelling on 31 January on Ashrafiyah, in which 23 civilians were killed after FSA units moved into the Kurdish sector of Aleppo.http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurds/5726.html Kurdish Fighters Kill 8 on Aleppo Clashes van Wilgenburg Wladimir 10 February 2013 Rudaw 10 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130215053434/http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurds/5726.html 15 February 2013 According to its own reports, the YPG lost 7 of its members in the fighting, while also claiming that 48 soldiers were killed and 22 captured,http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/five-killed-in-syrian-attack-in-aleppo.htm Five killed in Syrian attack in Aleppo 27 February 2013 Firat News 27 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130728084853/http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/five-killed-in-syrian-attack-in-aleppo.htm 28 July 2013 and a further 70http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/fierce-fighting-in-aleppo-video.htm Fierce fighting in Aleppo – VIDEO 11 February 2013 Firat News 16 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130728090553/http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/fierce-fighting-in-aleppo-video.htm 28 July 2013 injured. In early March, YPG forces established full control of oil fields and installations in north-east Syria after government forces posted there surrendered. Also, YPG assaulted government forces and took control of the towns of Tall ʿAdas, which is adjacent to Rumeilan oil fields, and Al-Qahtaniya (ku Tirbespî).http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/power-vacuum-oil-fields-syria-kurdish-militia-pyd.html Syrian Kurdish Militia Takes Over Oil Fields Al-Monitor 7 March 2013 24 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141024140428/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/power-vacuum-oil-fields-syria-kurdish-militia-pyd.html 24 October 2014 live In April 2013, the powerful jihadist insurgent group, the Islamic State of Iraq, expanded from Iraq into Syria and adopted the name ar ad-Dawlah al-Islāmiyah fī 'l-ʿIrāq wa-sh-Shām (ar الدولة الإسلامية في العراق والشام). As al-Shām is a region often compared with the Levant or the region of Syria, the group's name has been variously translated as "Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham", "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (both abbreviated as ISIS), or "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (abbreviated as ISIL). Government offensives (April–June 2013) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2013) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (from May 2013) Al-Qusayr offensive Battle of al-Qusayr (2013) On 17 April 2013, Ba'athist government forces breached a six-month rebel blockade in Wadi al-Deif, near Idlib. Heavy fighting was reported around the town of Babuleen after government troops attempt to secure control of a main highway leading to Aleppo. The break in the siege also allowed government forces to resupply two major military bases in the region which had been relying on sporadic airdrops. On 18 April, the FSA took control of Al-Dab'a Air Base near the city of al-Qusayr.https://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/syria-rebels-claim-strategic-airbase/news-story/a51bb4c76c5c4923f393933c3335d2c9 Syria rebels claim strategic airbase news.com.au 18 April 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20130731095637/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/syria-rebels-claim-strategic-airbase/story-e6frfkui-1226623878591 31 July 2013 live The base was being used primarily to garrison ground troops. Meanwhile, the Syrian Army re-captured the town of Abel. The SOHR said the loss of the town would hamper rebel movements between al-Qusayr and Homs city. The capture of the airport would have relieved the pressure on the rebels in the area, but their loss of Abel made the situation more complicated.http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130418/syria-troops-seize-strategic-homs-village https://web.archive.org/web/20130507060016/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130418/syria-troops-seize-strategic-homs-village dead 7 May 2013 Syria troops seize strategic Homs village Global Post 18 April 2013 The same day, rebels reportedly assassinated Ali Ballan, who was a government employee, in the Mazzeh district of Damascus.Lebovic Matt https://www.timesofisrael.com/fierce-battles-in-syria-us-to-raise-aid-to-rebels/ Fierce Battles in Syria; US To Raise Aid To Rebels The Times of Israel 19 April 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170717193401/https://www.timesofisrael.com/fierce-battles-in-syria-us-to-raise-aid-to-rebels/ 17 July 2017 live On 21 April, government forces captured the town of Jdaidet al-Fadl, near Damascus.Sebastian Usher https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22240540 Syria army seizes Jdaidet al-Fadl 'killing dozens' BBC 22 April 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20140329084415/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22240540 29 March 2014 live right|thumb|The Syrian government and allied Hezbollah forces won a major strategic victory during the Al-Qusayr offensive. In April 2013, government and Hezbollah forces launched an offensive to capture areas near al-Qusayr. On 21 April, pro-Assad forces captured the towns of Burhaniya, Saqraja and al-Radwaniya near the Lebanese border. By this point, eight villages had fallen to the government offensive in the area.http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/130421/lebanon-border-area-mired-syrian-conflict https://web.archive.org/web/20130510082727/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/130421/lebanon-border-area-mired-syrian-conflict dead 10 May 2013 Lebanon border area mired in Syrian conflict Global Post 21 April 2013 On 24 April, after five weeks of fighting, government troops re-took control of the town of Otaiba, east of Damascus, which had been serving as the main arms supply route from Jordan.http://www.businessinsider.com/assad-might-be-winning-the-syrian-war-2013-4 Assad Thinks He's Winning The Syrian War – And He May Be Right Business Insider 25 April 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170522130442/http://www.businessinsider.com/assad-might-be-winning-the-syrian-war-2013-4 22 May 2017 live Meanwhile, in the north of the country, rebels took control of a position on the edge of the strategic Mennagh Military airbase, on the outskirts of Aleppo. This allowed them to enter the airbase after months of besieging it.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22283746 Syria clashes destroy ancient Aleppo minaret BBC 24 April 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191231143354/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22283746 31 December 2019 live On 2 May 2013, government forces captured the town of Qaysa in a push north from the city's airport. Troops also retook the Wadi al-Sayeh central district of Homs, driving a wedge between two rebel strongholds.Solomon, Erika https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE9410VP20130502 Dozens dead as Assad's forces storm coastal village Reuters 2 May 2013 10 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130815053539/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/02/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE9410VP20130502 15 August 2013 live SOHR reported a massacre of over 100 people by the Syrian Army in the coastal town of Al Bayda, Baniyas. However, this could not be independently verified due to movement restrictions on the ground.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/May-02/215831-up-to-100-feared-dead-in-syrian-massacre-monitoring-group.ashx#axzz2SAjabaj0 Dozens killed in Syria's Banias: watchdog The Daily Star 2 May 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170706100826/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/May-02/215831-up-to-100-feared-dead-in-syrian-massacre-monitoring-group.ashx#axzz2SAjabaj0 6 July 2017 live Yet the multiple video images that residents said they had recorded – particularly of small children, were so shocking that even some government supporters rejected Syrian television's official version of events, that the army had simply "crushed a number of terrorists."https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/world/middleeast/grisly-killings-in-syrian-towns-dim-hopes-for-peace-talks.html New York Times, 15 May 2013 The New York Times 15 May 2013 21 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929134355/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/world/middleeast/grisly-killings-in-syrian-towns-dim-hopes-for-peace-talks.html 29 September 2015 live Barnard Anne Mourtada Hania On 15 June, the Syrian Army captured the Damascus suburb of Ahmadiyeh near the city's airport.Syrian troops capture Damascus suburb near airport https://news.yahoo.com/syrian-troops-capture-damascus-suburb-near-airport-135233418.html 15 June 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065108/http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-troops-capture-damascus-suburb-near-airport-135233418.html 4 March 2016 livehttp://www.startribune.com/syrian-troops-capture-damascus-suburb-near-airport/211673011/ Syrian troops capture Damascus suburb near airport, days after attack on the facility StarTribune 15 June 2013 7 June 2015 Beirut https://web.archive.org/web/20150617221356/http://www.startribune.com/syrian-troops-capture-damascus-suburb-near-airport/211673011/ 17 June 2015 live On 22 June, the Syrian Army captured the rebel stronghold town of Talkalakh.Tal Kalakh: The Syrian town that lost the will to fight – The once rebel stronghold is back in the hands of the Syrian army https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/tal-kalakh-the-syrian-town-that-lost-the-will-to-fight-8673695.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/tal-kalakh-the-syrian-town-that-lost-the-will-to-fight-8673695.html 1 May 2022 subscription 25 June 2013 London The Independent Patrick Cockburnhttp://www.news24.com/World/News/Syria-rebels-lose-border-town-20130626 Syria rebels lose border town News24.com 26 June 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170703174538/http://www.news24.com/World/News/Syria-rebels-lose-border-town-20130626 3 July 2017 live Continued fighting (July–October 2013) Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–December 2013) 2013 Syrian Kurdish–Islamist conflict Ghouta chemical attack left|thumb|YPG fighters battle mujahideen and the Free Syrian Army at Ras al-Ayn. On 28 June 2013, rebel forces captured a major military checkpoint in the city of Daraa. On 12 July FSA reported that one of its commanders, Kamal Hamami, had been killed by Islamists a day before. The rebels declared that the assassination by the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, was tantamount to a declaration of war.Karouny, Mariam Holmes, Oliver https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE96B08A20130712 New front opens in Syria as rebels say al Qaeda attack means war Reuters 12 July 2013 12 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130712160904/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/12/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE96B08A20130712 12 July 2013 live On 17 July, FSA forces took control of most of the southern city of Nawa after seizing up to 40 army posts stationed in the city.Syria rebels seize parts of Deraa's Nawa city (Blog) https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054944/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/syria-rebels-seize-parts-deraas-nawa-city 4 March 2016 . Al Jazeera (17 July 2013). On 18 July, Kurdish YPG forces secured control of the northern town of Ras al-Ayn, after days of fighting with the al-Nusra Front.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-turkey-idUSBRE96H0EQ20130718 Kurds seize town on Syria-Turkey border, Ankara concerned Reuters 18 July 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151002135524/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/18/us-syria-crisis-turkey-idUSBRE96H0EQ20130718 2 October 2015 live In the following three months, continued fighting between Kurdish and mainly jihadist rebel forces led to the capture of two dozen towns and villages in Hasakah Governorate by Kurdish fighters,http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/833671/syrie-les-kurdes-chassent-des-jihadistes-dun-village-du-nord-est.html Syrie: les Kurdes chassent des jihadistes d'un village du nord-est Lorientlejour.com 18 September 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20131016233341/http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/833671/syrie-les-kurdes-chassent-des-jihadistes-dun-village-du-nord-est.html 16 October 2013 live while the Jihadists made limited gains in Aleppo and Raqqa governorates after they turned on the Kurdish rebel group Jabhat al-Akrad over its relationship with the YPG. In Aleppo Governorate, Islamists massacred the Kurds leading to a mass migration of civilians to the town of Afrin.https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/08/28/the_civil_war_within_syria_s_civil_war_kurdish_fighters The Civil War Within Syria's Civil War Foreign Policy 28 August 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20141012161638/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/08/28/the_civil_war_within_syria_s_civil_war_kurdish_fighters 12 October 2014 live On 22 July 2013, FSA fighters seized control of the western Aleppo suburb of Khan al-Asal. The town was the last government stronghold in the western portion of Aleppo Governorate.http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/77092/World/Region/Syria-rebels-seize-key-northern-town-NGO.aspx Syria rebels seize key northern town: NGO Ahram Online 22 July 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170701185454/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/77092/World/Region/Syria-rebels-seize-key-northern-town-NGO.aspx 1 July 2017 live On 25 July, the Syrian Army secured the town of al-Sukhnah, after expelling the al-Nusra Front.Homs province: Activists in the town of... – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights https://web.archive.org/web/20160224203924/https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/398131266961884 24 February 2016 . Facebook. On 27 July, after weeks of fighting and bombardment in Homs, the Syrian Army captured the historic Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque,Syrian troops capture historic mosque in Homs https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/27/syrian-troops-capture-historic-mosque-in-homs/2592611/ USA Today 27 July 2013 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170711224739/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/27/syrian-troops-capture-historic-mosque-in-homs/2592611/ 11 July 2017 live and two days later, captured the district of Khaldiyeh.Syria: Government forces take control of strategic Homs neighbourhood https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/07/29/syria_government_forces_take_control_of_strategic_homs_neighbourhood.html Toronto Star 30 July 2013 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170820153620/https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/07/29/syria_government_forces_take_control_of_strategic_homs_neighbourhood.html 20 August 2017 live On 4 August, around 10 rebel brigades, launched a large-scale offensive on the government stronghold of Latakia Governorate. Initial attacks by 2,000 opposition members seized as many as 12 villages in the mountainous area. Between 4 and 5 August 20 rebels and 32 government soldiers and militiamen had been killed in the clashes. Hundreds of Alawite villagers fled to Latakia. By 5 August, rebel fighters advanced to a position 20 km off from Qardaha, the home town of the Assad family.Isabel Nassief Regime Regains Ground on the Coast http://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/regime-regains-ground 22 August 2013 Reuters 5 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140328094623/http://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/regime-regains-ground 28 March 2014 liveMroue, Bassam hrw-syrian-missiles-kill-hundreds-civilians http://bigstory.ap.org/article/hrw-syrian-missiles-kill-hundreds-civilians https://web.archive.org/web/20150713014126/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/hrw-syrian-missiles-kill-hundreds-civilians 13 July 2015 dead 5 August 2013 Associated Press 12 September 2013 However, in mid-August, the military counter-attacked and recaptured all of the territory previously lost to the rebels in the coastal region during the offensive.https://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/11/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html Syrian rebel fighters guilty of serious abuses, says Human Rights Watch CNN 11 October 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170619233032/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/11/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html 19 June 2017 live Evans Dominic https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE97I0HW20130819 Assad's forces push back rebels in Syria's Alawite mountains Reuters 19 August 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924183924/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/19/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE97I0HW20130819 24 September 2015 live A Syrian security force source "told AFP the army still had to recapture the Salma region, a strategic area along the border with Turkey."Syria army recaptures all rebel positions in Latakia' http://www.france24.com/en/20130819-syria-army-recaptures-all-rebel-positions-latakia Agence France-Presse 19 August 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170601104644/http://www.france24.com/en/20130819-syria-army-recaptures-all-rebel-positions-latakia 1 June 2017 live According to a Human Rights Watch report 190 civilians were killed by rebel forces during the offensive, including at least 67 being executed. Another 200 civilians, primarily women and children, were taken hostage.HRW: Executions, Unlawful Killings, and Hostage Taking by Opposition Forces in Latakia Countryside https://web.archive.org/web/20131016062324/http://www.hrw.org/embargo/node/119645?signature=e2f9f3f7816e1c649b9265b332fc2ec2&suid=6 16 October 2013 https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/world/middleeast/syrian-civilians-bore-brunt-of-rebels-fury-report-says.html The New York Times Syrian Civilians Bore Brunt of Rebels' Fury, Report Says 11 October 2013 21 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150928215256/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/world/middleeast/syrian-civilians-bore-brunt-of-rebels-fury-report-says.html 28 September 2015 live right|thumb|Victims of the Ghouta chemical attack, which killed hundreds and wounded over three thousand.Syria: Thousands suffering neurotoxic symptoms treated in hospitals supported by MSF Médecins Sans Frontières 24 August 2013 http://www.msf.org/article/syria-thousands-suffering-neurotoxic-symptoms-treated-hospitals-supported-msf 24 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130826214418/http://www.msf.org/article/syria-thousands-suffering-neurotoxic-symptoms-treated-hospitals-supported-msf 26 August 2013 dead On 6 August 2013, rebels captured Menagh Military Airbase after a 10-month siege. The strategic airbase is located on the road between Aleppo city and the Turkish border.Syrian rebels capture military airport near Turkey https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-airport-idUSBRE97411J20130805 Reuters 5 August 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924183618/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/05/us-syria-crisis-airport-idUSBRE97411J20130805 24 September 2015 livehttp://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/06/FSA-takes-control-of-Menagh-air-base-near-Aleppo.html FSA takes control of Menagh air base near Aleppo Al Arabiya 6 August 2013 8 August 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130807213418/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/06/FSA-takes-control-of-Menagh-air-base-near-Aleppo.html 7 August 2013 live On 21 August a chemical attack took place in the Ghouta region of the Damascus countryside, leading to thousands of casualties and several hundred dead in the opposition-held stronghold. The attack was followed by a military offensive by government forces into the area, which had been hotbeds of the opposition. On 24 August, rebels captured the town of Ariha. However, government forces recaptured Ariha on 3 September.http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/96651-army-retakes-strategic-town-in-northwest-syria Army Retakes Strategic Town in Northwest Syria Naharnet.com 3 September 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010034109/http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/96651-army-retakes-strategic-town-in-northwest-syria 10 October 2017 live http://www.news24.com/World/News/Assad-forces-capture-strategic-Syria-northern-town-20130903 Assad forces capture strategic Syria northern town News24.com 3 September 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170627205204/http://www.news24.com/World/News/Assad-forces-capture-strategic-Syria-northern-town-20130903 27 June 2017 live On 26 August, rebel forces took over the town of Khanasir in Aleppo Governorate which was the government's last supply route for Aleppo.http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/2013826124946176888.html Syria rebels take control of strategic town Al Jazeera 26 August 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170605144554/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/2013826124946176888.html 5 June 2017 live On 8 September 2013, rebels led by the al-Nusra Front captured the Christian town of Maaloula, 43 km off north of Damascus,http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/activists-syrian-rebels-take-christian-village/ Activists: Syrian rebels take Christian village The Seattle Times 8 September 2013 7 June 2015 Jamal Halaby https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115310/http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/activists-syrian-rebels-take-christian-village/ 24 September 2015 live The Syrian Army launched a counterattack a few days later, recapturing the town.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10309239/Maaloulas-cathedral-and-churches-empty-of-Christians-as-Syrias-latest-front-line-fight-takes-its-toll.html Maaloula's cathedral and churches empty of Christians as Syria's latest front-line fight takes its toll Bill Neely The Telegraph 14 September 2013 23 October 2013 London https://web.archive.org/web/20131009203443/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10309239/Maaloulas-cathedral-and-churches-empty-of-Christians-as-Syrias-latest-front-line-fight-takes-its-toll.html 9 October 2013 live On 18 September, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) overran the FSA-held town of Azaz in the north. The fighting was the most severe since tensions rose between militant factions in Syria earlier in the year.Morris Loveday https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/al-qaeda-linked-fighters-seize-syrian-town-of-azaz-from-more-moderate-rebels/2013/09/18/113e0954-20ad-11e3-966c-9c4293c47ebe_story.html Al-Qaeda-linked fighters seize Syrian town of Azaz from more moderate rebels The Washington Post 18 September 2013 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110214331/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-18/world/42179489_1_rebel-group-islamic-state-rebel-supply-lines 10 November 2013 live Soon after ISIS captured Azaz, a ceasefire was announced between the rival rebel groups. However, in early October, more fighting erupted in the town.Dziadosz Alexander https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-azaz-idUSBRE9920FV20131003 Syria rebels try to end infighting near Turkish border Reuters 3 October 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151007065408/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/03/us-syria-crisis-azaz-idUSBRE9920FV20131003 7 October 2015 live On 20 September 2013, Alawite militias including the NDF killed 15 civilians in the Sunni village of Sheik Hadid in Hama Governorate. The massacre occurred in retaliation for a rebel capture of the village of Jalma, in Hama, which killed five soldiers, along with the seizure of a military checkpoint which killed 16 soldiers and 10 NDF militiamen.https://www.foxnews.com/world/activists-syrian-troops-and-pro-government-militiamen-storm-sunni-village-killing-15/ Activists: Syrian troops and pro-government militiamen storm Sunni village, killing 15 Associated Press 21 September 2013 23 October 2013 Fox News https://web.archive.org/web/20131014211203/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/09/21/activists-syrian-troops-and-pro-government-militiamen-storm-sunni-village/ 14 October 2013 livehttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE98K08H20130921 Syria meets deadline for chemical weapons disclosure Thomas Escritt Reuters 21 September 2013 23 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131016061343/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/21/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE98K08H20130921 16 October 2013 live In mid-September, the military captured the towns of Deir Salman and Shebaa on the outskirts of Damascus. The Army also captured six villages in eastern Homs.http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syrian-army-makes-headway-damascus-and-homs Syrian Army Makes Headway in Damascus and Homs Marah Mashi Al-Akhbar 19 September 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170702083842/http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syrian-army-makes-headway-damascus-and-homs 2 July 2017 dead Fighting broke out in those towns again in October.http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-3-october-2013/ Events: Thursday 3 October 2013 Support Kurds in Syria 3 October 2013 23 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131012101113/http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-3-october-2013/ 12 October 2013 live On 28 September, rebels seized the Ramtha border post in Daraa Governorate on the Syria Jordan crossing after fighting which left 26 soldiers dead along with 7 foreign rebel fighters.http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/09/student-deaths-reported-syria-air-raids-201392914391313718.html Students reported killed in Syria air attack Al Jazeera 29 September 2013 23 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20171019180041/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/09/student-deaths-reported-syria-air-raids-201392914391313718.html 19 October 2017 live On 3 October, AFP reported that Syria's army had managed to re-take the town of Khanasir, which is located on a supply route linking central Syria to the city of Aleppo.Syria army retakes northern strategic town http://gulfnews.com/in-focus/syria/syria-army-retakes-northern-strategic-town-1.1238911 Gulf News 3 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131004064006/http://gulfnews.com/in-focus/syria/syria-army-retakes-northern-strategic-town-1.1238911 4 October 2013 dead On 7 October, the Syrian Army managed to reopen the supply route between Aleppo and Khanasir.http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/92310948 Syria Live Blog – Live Blogs – Al Jazeera English Al Jazeera 5 February 2011 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170512020612/http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/92310948 12 May 2017 live On 9 October 2013, rebels seized the Hajanar guard post on the Jordanian border after a month of fierce fighting. Rebels were now in control of a swath of territory along the border from outside of Daraa to the edge of Golan Heights.http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131009/syria-rebels-seize-guard-post-jordan-border-0 https://web.archive.org/web/20131210064929/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131009/syria-rebels-seize-guard-post-jordan-border-0 dead 10 December 2013 Syria rebels seize guard post on Jordan border Globalpost.com 9 October 2013 The same day, Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite fighters, backed up by artillery, air-strikes and tanks, captured the town of Sheikh Omar, on the southern outskirts of Damascus. Two days later, they also captured the towns of al-Thiabiya and Husseiniya on the southern approaches to Damascus. The capture of the three towns strengthened the government hold on major supply lines and put more pressure on rebels under siege in the Eastern Ghouta area.Khaled Yacoub Oweis http://www.thestar.com.my/News/World/2013/10/11/Syrian-army-retakes-two-Damascus-suburbs-from-rebels.aspx Syrian army retakes two Damascus suburbs from rebels – activists The Star Malaysia 11 October 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140128152333/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/World/2013/10/11/Syrian-army-retakes-two-Damascus-suburbs-from-rebels.aspx/ 28 January 2014 dead https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-opposition-Hezbollah-Iraqi-militia-capture-Damascus-suburb-328304 Syrian opposition: Hezbollah, Iraqi militia capture Damascus suburb The Jerusalem Post 21 November 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170509220531/http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-opposition-Hezbollah-Iraqi-militia-capture-Damascus-suburb-328304 9 May 2017 live On 14 October, SOHR reported that rebels captured the Resefa and Sinaa districts of Deir ez-Zor, as well as the city's military hospital.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/433712646737079 Deir Ezzour province: A fighter from... – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Facebook 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160224204106/https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/433712646737079 24 February 2016 live Government offensives (October–December 2013) Aleppo offensive (October–December 2013) Battle of Qalamoun (2013–2014) 250px|left|thumb|In a large-scale offensive in late 2013, Syrian government forces made major advances in Aleppo. The Syrian Arab Army along with its allies, Hezbollah and the al-Abbas brigade, launched an offensive on Damascus and Aleppo. On 16 October, AFP reported that Syrian troops recaptured the town of Bweida, south of Damascus. On 17 October, the Syrian government's head of Military Intelligence in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Jameh Jameh, was assassinated by rebels in Deir ez-Zor city. SOHR reported that he had been shot by a rebel sniper during a battle with rebel brigades.http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/10/top-syrian-army-general-killed-battle-20131017182611866437.html Syrian military spy chief killed in battle – Middle East Al Jazeera 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180801060818/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/10/top-syrian-army-general-killed-battle-20131017182611866437.html 1 August 2018 live On 24 October, the Syrian Army managed to retake control of the town of Hatetat al-Turkman, located southeast of Damascus, along the Damascus International Airport road.Dziadosz Alexander https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-suburb-idUSBRE99N0NU20131024 Syrian army seizes Damascus suburb from rebels: state TV Reuters 24 October 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190219/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/24/us-syria-crisis-suburb-idUSBRE99N0NU20131024 24 September 2015 live On 26 October 2013, Kurdish rebel fighters seized control of the strategic Yarubiya border crossing between Syria and Iraq from al-Nusra in Al Hasakah Governorate.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24689025 Syria Kurdish fighters seize border post from Islamists BBC 26 October 2013 31 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20180918043526/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24689025 18 September 2018 live Elsewhere, in Daraa Governorate, rebel fighters captured the town of Tafas from government forces after weeks of clashes which left scores dead.https://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=20686002&sid=76 Syrian Kurds Capture Border Crossing With Iraq Bassem Mroue Associated Press 25 October 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021718/https://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=20686002&sid=76 29 November 2014 live On 1 November, the Syrian Army retook control of the key city of Al-Safirahttp://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-01/236495-syrian-forces-capture-town-near-chemical-weapons-site-activists.ashx#axzz2hs2ziHUm Syrian forces capture town near chemical weapons site: Activists The Daily Star 1 November 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170702172403/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-01/236495-syrian-forces-capture-town-near-chemical-weapons-site-activists.ashx#axzz2hs2ziHUm 2 July 2017 live and the next day, the Syrian Army and its allies recaptured the village of Aziziyeh on the northern outskirts of Al-Safira.https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEyztI8NQHagOrUBEQdrKXTc1rag?docId=fe3e3476-346a-4d68-bbf8-6dd59c8fb67b&hl=en AFP: Air raids on rebel areas near Damascus, Kurds advance: NGO https://web.archive.org/web/20131209114326/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hEyztI8NQHagOrUBEQdrKXTc1rag?docId=fe3e3476-346a-4d68-bbf8-6dd59c8fb67b&hl=en 9 December 2013 From early to mid-November, Syrian Army forces captured several towns south of Damascus, including Hejeira and Sbeineh. Government forces also recaptured the town of Tel Aran, southeast of Aleppo, and a military base near Aleppo's international airport.https://www.foxnews.com/world/syrian-government-gaining-ground-in-war-strengthening-hand-ahead-of-proposed-peace-talks/ Syrian government gaining ground in war, strengthening hand ahead of proposed peace talks Fox News 16 November 2013 7 June 2015 Beirut https://web.archive.org/web/20150619151326/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/16/syrian-government-gaining-ground-in-war-strengthening-hand-ahead-proposed-peace/ 19 June 2015 live On 10 November 2013, the Syrian Army had taken full control of "Base 80", near Aleppo's airport.https://www.foxnews.com/world/syria-activists-say-rebels-reach-deal-with-government-to-ease-blockade-of-rebel-held-town/ Syria activists say rebels reach deal with government to ease blockade of rebel-held town Fox News 10 November 2013 16 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140126061623/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/10/syria-activists-say-rebels-reach-deal-with-government-to-ease-blockade-rebel/ 26 January 2014 live According to the SOHR, 63 rebels, and 32 soldiers were killed during the battle. One other report put the number of rebels killed between 60 and 80.http://cphpost.dk/news14/international-news14/two-danes-allegedly-die-fighting-in-syria.html Two Danes allegedly die fighting in Syria The Copenhagen Post 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150617144659/http://cphpost.dk/news14/international-news14/two-danes-allegedly-die-fighting-in-syria.html 17 June 2015 dead Army units were backed-up by Hezbollah fighters and pro-government militias during the assault.https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gz6wr66r6Oa38fRV4RQH7uwZd2pA?docId=7ab4cb0a-40ef-49b8-b757-5b337a3ee3a0&hl=en Syria army retakes key base near Aleppo: state TV Agence France-Presse https://web.archive.org/web/20131209114330/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gz6wr66r6Oa38fRV4RQH7uwZd2pA?docId=7ab4cb0a-40ef-49b8-b757-5b337a3ee3a0&hl=en 9 December 2013 The following day, government forces secured most of the area around the airport.Diaa Hadid http://www.nwherald.com/2013/11/11/syria-based-groups-say-talks-may-be-last-chance/a8ppwjk/ Syria-based groups say talks may be 'last chance' Nwherald.com 11 November 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170630024410/http://www.nwherald.com/2013/11/11/syria-based-groups-say-talks-may-be-last-chance/a8ppwjk/ 30 June 2017 live http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-11/237517-syria-army-seeks-to-reopen-aleppo-airport-military.ashx#axzz2kLOt6xon Syria army seeks to reopen Aleppo airport: military The Daily Star Lebanon 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170705222031/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-11/237517-syria-army-seeks-to-reopen-aleppo-airport-military.ashx#axzz2kLOt6xon 5 July 2017 live On 13 November, government forces captured most of Hejeira.N Lucas http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/nov/13/syrian-media-troops-capture-south-damascus-suburb/ Syrian media: Troops capture south Damascus suburb U-T San Diego 13 November 2013 24 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150626134540/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/nov/13/syrian-media-troops-capture-south-damascus-suburb/ 26 June 2015 live Rebels retreated from Hejeira to Al-Hajar al-Aswad. However, their defenses in besieged districts closer to the heart of Damascus were still solid.Yacoub Khaled https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-damascus-idUSBRE9AC0IC20131113 Assad's forces make further gains around Damascus Reuters 13 November 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151005181102/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/13/us-syria-crisis-damascus-idUSBRE9AC0IC20131113 5 October 2015 live On 15 November 2013, the Syrian Army retook control of the city of Tell Hassel near Aleppo.Evans Dominic https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9AE11X20131115 Assad's forces advance in northern Syria towards Aleppo Reuters 15 November 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190848/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/15/us-syria-crisis-aleppo-idUSBRE9AE11X20131115 24 September 2015 live On 18 November, the Syrian troops stormed the town of Babbila.Syrian troops besiege strategic town amid fierce fights http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-11/18/c_125716083.htm Xinhua News Agency 18 November 2013 18 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131119234639/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-11/18/c_125716083.htm 19 November 2013 dead On 19 November, government forces took full control of Qara.Syria troops seize Qara village near Lebanon border https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/521429-syria-troops-seize-qara-village-near-lebanon-border NOW 19 November 2013 19 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131119131433/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/521429-syria-troops-seize-qara-village-near-lebanon-border 19 November 2013 dead The same day, the Syrian Army captured al-Duwayrinah.http://www.trust.org/item/20131119145959-vur9p Forces loyal to Syria's President Capture Raqqa Reuters 19 November 2013 4 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131209170814/http://www.trust.org/item/20131119145959-vur9p 9 December 2013 live On 23 November, al-Nusra Front and other Islamist rebels captured the al-Omar oil field, Syria's largest oil field, in Deir al-Zor Governorate causing the government to rely almost entirely on imported oil.Islamist rebels capture Syria's largest oilfield: activists https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-oil-idUSBRE9AM03K20131123 Reuters 23 November 2013 30 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151115063204/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/23/us-syria-crisis-oil-idUSBRE9AM03K20131123 15 November 2015 liveConal Urquhart https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/23/syrian-islamist-rebels-oilfield-assad Syrian Islamist rebels claim capture of key oilfield The Guardian 23 November 2013 23 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131123133811/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/23/syrian-islamist-rebels-oilfield-assad 23 November 2013 live On 24 November, rebels captured the towns of Bahariya, Qasimiya, Abbadah, and Deir Salman in Damascus's countryside.Solomon Erika http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-damascus-siege-idUKBRE9AN09320131124 Scores killed as rebels battle to break siege of Damascus suburbs Reuters 24 November 2013 20 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140305053031/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/11/24/uk-syria-crisis-damascus-siege-idUKBRE9AN09320131124 5 March 2014 dead On 28 November, the Syrian Army recaptured Deir Attiyeh.https://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.560767 Syrian troops capture town near Lebanon border Haaretz 28 November 2013 The Associated Press 7 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150617164356/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.560767 17 June 2015 live On 2 December 2013, rebels led by the Free Syrian Army recaptured the historic Christian town of Ma'loula. After the fighting, reports emerged that 12 nuns had been abducted by the rebels. However, the FSA disputes this and said that the nuns had been evacuated to the nearby rebel held town of Yabrud due to the Army shelling.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-03/239723-rebels-retake-christian-town-of-maaloula.ashx#axzz2mSZNeOZP Rebels retake Christian town of Maaloula The Daily Star 3 December 2013 4 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203231452/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-03/239723-rebels-retake-christian-town-of-maaloula.ashx#axzz2mSZNeOZP 3 December 2013 livehttp://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/108284-suicide-bomber-kills-four-in-central-damascus Suicide Bomber Kills Four in Central Damascus, Abducted Nuns Taken to Yabrud Naharnet 3 December 2013 4 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131209113132/http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/108284-suicide-bomber-kills-four-in-central-damascus 9 December 2013 live In early December, the Islamic Front seized control of Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, which had been in hands of FSA.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-10/240625-syria-islamists-seize-turkey-border-crossing-monitor.ashx Syria Islamists seize Turkey border crossing The Daily Star 10 December 2013 28 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150515141347/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-10/240625-syria-islamists-seize-turkey-border-crossing-monitor.ashx 15 May 2015 live The groups also captured warehouses containing equipment delivered by the U.S. In response, the U.S. and Britain said they halted all non-lethal aid to the FSA, fearing that further supplies could fall in hands of al-Qaeda militants.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/11/us-britain-to-halt-non-lethal-aid-to-syria/ U.S., Britain to halt non-lethal aid to Syrian opposition Dave Boyer Washington Times 11 December 2014 6 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140107060749/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/11/us-britain-to-halt-non-lethal-aid-to-syria/ 7 January 2014 live On 9 December, the Free Syrian Army took full control of Nabek,https://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syrian-army-seizes-town-20131209-story.html Syrian army reportedly seizes third town along key north-south highway Los Angeles Times 9 December 2013 19 September 2015 Patrick J. McDonnell Nabih Bulos amp Beirut, Libanon https://web.archive.org/web/20151005050859/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/09/world/la-fg-wn-syrian-army-seizes-town-20131209 5 October 2015 live with fighting continuing in its outskirts. See also Timeline of the Syrian Civil War Asia References 30em Category:2012 conflicts Category:2013 conflicts Category:2012 in Syria Category:2013 in Syria