2014 Latakia offensive

Syrian rebel offensive Latakia offensive (disambiguation) June 2026 2014 Latakia offensive the Syrian civil war 2014 Latakia Offensive Map.svg 300px #EDC4BE Syrian government control #CDEBC9 Syrian opposition control 21 March – 15 June 2014(2014 3 21 2014 6 15) Latakia Governorate, Syria Syrian government victory Flag of Syria (2025-).svg Free Syrian Armyhttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/08/201382810616786551.html Inside the battle for Assad's heartland Rania Abouzeid Al Jazeera English 23 August 2013 21 April 2025 Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria).svg Islamic Front Flag of the Al-Nusra Front (Variant).svg Al-Nusra Front Flag of Jihad.svg Junud al-Sham Flag of Harakat Sham al-Islam.svg Harakat Sham al-Islam Supported by:TurkeyUS United Stateshttps://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-us-made-missiles-170846577.html Syria rebels get US-made missiles AFP 15 April 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140417180750/http://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-us-made-missiles-170846577.html 17 April 2014 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-syria-rebels-idUSBREA0Q1S320140127 Congress secretly approves U.S. weapons flow to 'moderate' Syrian rebels Reuters 27 January 2014 27 January 2014 Syria 1980 Syrian Arab RepublicSyrian Resistance Flag.svg Syrian ResistanceFlag of the Ba'ath Party.svg Ba'ath BrigadesHezbollah Flag of the Al-Nusra Front (Variant).svg Unknown top provincial Al-Nusra commander(Nusra Front commander)Flag of the Al-Nusra Front (Variant).svg Abu Ahmed al-Turkmani(Nusra Front commander)Flag of Jihad.svg Muslim Shishani (Junud al-Sham commander)Bill Roggio http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/03/chechen_al_qaeda_com.php Chechen al Qaeda commander, popular Saudi cleric spotted on front lines in Latakia Longwarjournal.org 27 March 2014Ansar al-Sham Flag.png Abu Musa al Shishani(Ansar al-Sham commander)https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2014/03/the-ansar-al-sham-battalions?lang=en The Ansar al-Sham Battalions Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 24 March 2014 28 January 2025Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg Abu al Hassan(Ahrar ash-Sham commander)Flag of Harakat Sham al-Islam.svg Ibrahim Bin Shakaran(Harakat Sham al-Islam commander)Flag of Harakat Sham al-Islam.svg Abu Safiya Al-Masri(Harakat Sham al-Islam deputy commander)Syrian opposition Brig. Gen. Abdul-Ilah al-Bashir(FSA Chief of staff)Syrian opposition Anas Abu Malik(Latakia FSA commander) Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg Lt. Gen. Ali Abdullah Ayyoub(Army Chief of staff)InfoboxNDF.png Hilal al-Assad(Latakia NDF commander)Syrian Resistance Flag.svg Mihraç Ural(Syrian Resistance commander)Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg Hussam Khadra(Latakia Ba'ath Brigades commander)Jawad Aymenn http://brown-moses.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/aymenn-jawad-al-tamimi-latakia-front.html Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi – The Latakia Front Brown-moses.blogspot.co.uk 26 April 2014Ba'athist Syria Col. Samuel Ghannum(Observatory 45 commander) Flag of Syria (2025-).svg Free Syrian Army Flag of Syrian Turkmens (variant 2).svg Syrian Turkmen Brigades Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria).svg Islamic Front Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg Ahrar ash-Sham Ansar al-Sham Flag.png Ansar al-Sham Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg Syrian Armed Forces Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg Syrian Army Suqur al-Sahara InfoboxNDF.png National Defense Forces 4,000 fightershttp://www.debka.com/article/23808/Syrian-rebels-allowed-to-attack-Latakia-from-Turkish-soil-under-Turkish-air-cover-Iran-raises-Cain-in-Ankara Syrian rebels allowed to attack Latakia from Turkish soil under Turkish air cover. Iran raises Cain in Ankara Debka.com 22 January 2014 Unknown 582 killed (opposition claim)128 killed (21–30 March), 13 killed (31 March), 7 killed (1 April), 64 killed (2–3 April), 370 killed (4 April – 15 June),http://www.syriahr.com/ المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان الصفحة الرئيسية آخر الأخبار والتقارير عن سوريا والثورة السورية 7 December 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141024035532/http://www.syriahr.com/ 24 October 2014 total of 582+ reported killed2,700 killed and 5,635 wounded (government claim; by 30 March)http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/118064 most of 8000 between the gunman dead and injured toll losses opposition Brive Latakia! Alhadathnews.net 31 March 2014 1 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160320221022/http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/118064 20 March 2016 dead 571 killed (opposition claim)194 killed (21–30 March), 11 killed (31 March), 7 killed (1 April), 35 killed (2–3 April), 12 killed (4 April), 312 killed (5 April – 15 June),http://www.syriahr.com/ المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان الصفحة الرئيسية آخر الأخبار والتقارير عن سوريا والثورة السورية 7 December 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141024035532/http://www.syriahr.com/ 24 October 2014 total of 571 reported killed50 killed (government claim; by 26 March) 1 MiG-23 shot down by Turkish Air Forcehttp://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article4844.html Turkish F-16 shoots down a Syrian MiG-23 F-16.net 11 civilians killedhttp://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16918&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uy_-96h5NWI 295 died yesterday, including 245 from the regular forces and combat battalions Syriahr.com 24 March 2014 The 2014 Latakia offensive was a rebel offensive in the Latakia Governorate of Syria launched on 21 March 2014 by rebel Islamist groups including Al-Nusra Front, which called the offensive "Anfal",La chronique de Nagib AOUN http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/859899/syrie-combats-feroces-autour-dun-point-de-passage-avec-la-turquie.html Syrie: combats féroces autour d'un point de passage avec la Turquie Lorientlejour.com 21 March 2014 while a coalition of Supreme Military Council rebel groups called the offensive "The Martyrs Mothers".Rebels Reopen the Latakia Front https://www.iswresearch.org/2014/04/rebels-reopen-latakia-front.html?m=1 Institute for the Study of War 10 April 2014 10 April 2014 The objectives of the offensive have been stated to be the taking over of all strategic observatories, government villages and the Mediterranean coast.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/504188969689446?stream_ref=10 Lattakia province Facebook.com Observers have stated a strategic aim was to force the Syrian army to redeploy forces to Latakia,Syria rebels take coastal village in Assad heartland https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/540672-syria-rebels-take-coastal-village-in-assad-heartland Agence France-Presse 19 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140325234236/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/540672-syria-rebels-take-coastal-village-in-assad-heartland 25 March 2014 deadSyrian moderates try to rebuild opposition force http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/05/syria-search-moderate-opposition-force-jihadists.html Al Monitor 8 January 2025 13 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140824100346/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/05/syria-search-moderate-opposition-force-jihadists.html 24 August 2014 subscription which would relieve pressure on other rebels elsewhere in Syria.http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/03/syrian-rebels-slowly-advancing-latakia-201432612419604678.html Syrian rebels slowly advancing in Latakia Al Jazeera They reportedly succeeded in this with government forces being sent from Idlib, Hama and Aleppo to bolster defenses.http://www.janes.com/article/36601/increased-pressure-on-latakia-is-helping-to-improve-syrian-insurgents-position-in-aleppo Increased pressure on Latakia is helping to improve Syrian insurgents' position in Aleppo Jane's Defence 360 9 April 2014 21 May 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140416012413/http://www.janes.com/article/36601/increased-pressure-on-latakia-is-helping-to-improve-syrian-insurgents-position-in-aleppo 16 April 2014 Assad's forces deploy in Latakia to repel rebel offensive 4 April 2014 http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/04/04/Assad-s-forces-deploy-in-Latakia-to-repel-rebel-offensive.html Al Arabiya 18 May 2014 During the offensive the Syrian military was joined by Hezbollah, Iraqi Shi'ite militia and Iranian military advisers.In Assad's coastal heartland, Syria's war creeps closer http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBREA3C02A20140413?irpc=932 13 April 2014 Reuters 20 May 2014 After almost two months of fighting, the offensive stalled and eventually petered out, with rebels losing most of their early gains.Aji Albert http://www.philstar.com/world/2014/04/15/1312919/syrian-troops-choke-rebels-north-damascus Syrian Troops Choke off Rebels North of Damascus The Philippine Star 15 April 2014 However, the rebels' established strategic bridgehead consisting of the town of Kessab and nearby territory remained.https://www.ft.com/content/60ce3964-cfa1-11e3-9b2b-00144feabdc0 Elections cannot mask Bashar al-Assad's vulnerabilities in Syria Financial Times 29 April 2014 28 May 2014 subscription By mid-June a new advance by government forces recaptured the last rebel gains of the campaign, including Kessab. The offensive resulted in the displacement of the native ethnic Armenians of the town of Kessab, who make up 70% of its population.Syrian Armenians, who had been insulated from war, forced to flee after rebel offensive https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/until-last-month-this-ancestral-home-of-syrian-armenians-had-been-insulated-from-war/2014/04/02/84a97180-5224-40fc-bcdf-6920aae3a7ab_story.html 11 April 2014 Washington Post subscription28 March 2014 Armenians dismayed as Syrian rebels seize historic area, prompting residents to flee https://www.foxnews.com/world/armenians-dismayed-as-syrian-rebels-seize-historic-area-prompting-residents-to-flee/ 11 April 2014 Fox News Background thumb|Kessab in 2010|left The Armenians of Kessab were previously victims of Turkish violence during the Hamidian massacres, Adana massacres and the Armenian genocide, last two of which took place in the last century and involved the massacre of two millions of Armenians.Syria: Kessab's battle and Armenians' history http://www.opendemocracy.net/vicken-cheterian/syria-kessabs-battle-and-armenians-history 2 April 2014 Opendemocracy.net 17 April 2014 18 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140418220548/http://www.opendemocracy.net/vicken-cheterian/syria-kessabs-battle-and-armenians-history dead Three days before the assault on Kessab, the leader of Turkey's opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, called on Chief of General Staff General Necdet Ozel "not to embark on an adventure" with a military intervention in Syria, saying that "He [Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan] could decide to move the army into Syria before the elections."Turkish main opposition leader warns over military strike in Syria http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-main-opposition-leader-warns-over-military-strike-in-syria.aspx?pageID=238&nID=63839&NewsCatID=338 20 March 2014 Hurriyet 9 January 2015 Kessab was the only city bordering Turkey that was controlled by the Syrian government. Syrian-Armenian war correspondent Sarkis Kassargian believes taking control of Kessab means taking control of the border crossing with Turkey, which allows anti-government fighters to advance toward the coastline, and in turn strengthen their position on the ground. In addition, the alleged capture of Samra village by rebel forces grants them access to the highest point in the village. Abdoullah Ali, an expert on Islamic groups in Syria, confirmed the takeover was headed by Abou Mousa al-Chechani (Chechnyan), among other senior and experienced fighters who had previously fought in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chechnya and Iraq, thus indicating the importance of this battle. Human Rights Watch Syria and Lebanon researcher Lama Fakih told the UK Telegraph rebel groups had wanted to attack Kassab for a long time, but Turkey had previously denied them access, citing a lack of unity.The Telegraph reveals Turkish role in the attack on Armenian-populated Kessab http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/04/15/the-telegraph-reveals-turkish-role-in-the-attack-on-armenian-populated-kessab/ 15 April 2014 Public Radio of Armenia 27 November 2015 Offensive Initial rebel advance left|thumb|An Ahrar al-Sham BM-21 Grad launch during the offensive In the early hours of 21 March 2014, rebel fighters led by the al-Nusra Front advanced from inside Turkish territory and attacked the Kasab border crossing with Turkey. The fighters reportedly crossed into Syria from the Turkish village of Gözlekçiler.Fehim Tastekin Fall of Kassab will be costly for Turkey Al Monitor http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/03/fall-kassab-syria-costly-turkey.html 31 March 2014 6 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208122730/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/03/fall-kassab-syria-costly-turkey.html 8 December 2015 dead subscription Subsequently, the civilian populations of Kessab and its surrounding villages either fled or were evacuated, with most seeking safety in Latakia, as Kessab remained under the control of rebel groups."Kessab Targeted by Al-Qaeda Front Groups in Cross-Border Attack from Turkey." The Armenian Weekly. 23 March 2014.Rebels Reassure Christians After Capturing Key Syrian Border Town https://time.com/40378/syria-kessab-christians/ 24 March 2014 Time Magazine 28 April 2014 The rebel fighters initially managed to capture guard posts around the crossing but not the crossing itself. The also captured the nearby Al-Sakhra hillhttp://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16790&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Casualties in the countryside of Lattakia Syriahr.com 21 March 2014 and a police station and directed mortar fire from the hill at the crossing and at the nearby Alawite village of Karsana, killing five people including a child. The leader of Al-Nusra for Latakia province was killed during the fighting.http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=683609 24 killed as rebels fight to take Syria border post Ma'an News Agency 22 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140322194553/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=683609 22 March 2014 dead http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16764&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Victory announces the start of a battle in the Anfal coast and clashes in the win Syriahr.com 21 March 2014 Rebels had also captured the Jabal al-Nisr mountain, but it was recaptured by the military within hours. By 22 March, the rebels managed to capture the Kasab crossing, while Kesab town remained under government control and fighting was still continuing around both of them.Evans Dominic https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBREA2L0G020140322 Rebels battle for Syria border post near Mediterranean Reuters 22 March 2014 Government forces launched a counter-attack in an attempt to recapture the crossingAssociated Press http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/477285/Syrian-troops-and-rebels-clash-near-Turkish-border.html?isap=1&nav=5033 Syrian troops and rebels clash near Turkish border Nujournal.com 22 March 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140323050223/http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/477285/Syrian-troops-and-rebels-clash-near-Turkish-border.html?isap=1&nav=5033 23 March 2014 and a security source stated the Army had retaken the previous day two police stations that were seized by the rebels.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-22/251061-syria-fighting-rages-in-assads-home-province.ashx Syria fighting rages in Assad's home province The Daily Star Lebanon According to the opposition activist group the SOHR, rebels at the crossing had been targeted by government troops since the previous day. In the meantime, rebels directed their attacks against a strategic hill known as Observatory 45, which they captured later in the day.https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hIyQKeeKMTX-hshP9jB0izACq0Cg?docId=2a0c0df2-0d4f-4dab-b19d-2f7ac9962f30&hl=en Syrian rebels seize strategic hill near Aleppo: NGO Overall, the SOHR reported fighting in three government-held villages that were coming under a rebel attack and three rebel-held villages which the Army was trying to capture. As fighting spread to other villages, the military responded with air strikes and ambushes which left 20 rebels dead and 30 wounded around Observatory Kherbah Solas.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16849&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uy7fz_ldWfU More than 20 martyrs and the continued clashes in the countryside of Lattakia Syriahr.com 23 March 2014 On 23 March, Turkish Air Force F-16 jet fighters shot down a Syrian warplane that allegedly bombed rebels fighting around the border post.http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/23/Turkey-downs-Syria-warplane-on-border.html Turkey downs Syria warplane on border 23 March 2014 Al Arabiya The pilot ejected safely, according to a Syrian military spokesman, who also claimed that the plane was in Syrian airspace;Syria says Turkey shoots down Syrian warplane https://web.archive.org/web/20140323164926/http://www.modbee.com/2014/03/23/3254626/heavy-clashes-in-syria-near-turkish.html 23 March 2014 Turkish officials, however, claimed it violated their airspace.http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-shoots-down-syrian-regime-plane-after-violating-airspace-pm-confirms.aspx?pageID=238&nID=63965&NewsCatID=352 Turkey shoots down Syrian regime plane after violating airspace, PM confirms Hürriyet Daily News 13 September 2011 Meanwhile, significant military reinforcements were sent to the border area.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-23/251083-third-day-of-fighting-at-syria-turkey-border-crossing.ashx Third day of fighting at Syria-Turkey border crossing The Daily Star Lebanon Rebels also launched a new attack against the village of Kherbah Solas, about 25 kilometers south of Kasab.Butler Daren https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-airplane-idUSBREA2M09X20140323 Turkey shoots down Syrian plane it says violated air space Reuters 23 March 2014 Opposition sources claimed that over 20 soldiers surrendered to the rebels in the village of Nab Al-Murr after a three-hour siege on a building.http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/03/23/news-opposition-forces-seize-multiple-villages-latakia Opposition forces seize multiple villages in Latakia Syrianewsdesk.com 26 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140327221052/http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/03/23/news-opposition-forces-seize-multiple-villages-latakia 27 March 2014 dead Later during the day, government forces recaptured Observatory 45 and secured the village of Al-Samra,http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16893&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Provide for regular troops in the countryside of Lattakia Syriahr.com 23 March 2014 while rebels captured the village of Al-Nab'inhttp://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2368203&language=en Syrian paramilitary commander killed in Latakia Kuna.net.kw 24 March 2014 and the surroundings of Jabal al-Nisr, which forced the Army to evacuate it. However, the rebels were not able to capture the top of Jabal al-Nisr itself due to the Army's control of Observatory 45, which is the highest point in the region and oversees Jabal al-Nisr. During the day's fighting, the NDF commander of Latakia province, Hilal al-Assad, and seven pro-government militiamen were killed in fighting in Kasab.http://syriahr.net/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1982&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uy89-fldXX5 Islamic battalions kills the NDF leader "Hilal Al-Assad" in Lattakia countryside Syriahr.net 23 March 2014 23 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140813184134/http://syriahr.net/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1982&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uy89-fldXX5 13 August 2014 dead According to the rebel Islamic Front, he was killed when they used Grad rockets to hit a scheduled meeting of pro-government militia leaders in Latakia city.http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syria-assad-cousin-20140323,0,632467.story Cousin of Syria's President Assad reportedly killed by rebels Los Angeles Times 24 March 2014 On 24 March, according to the SOHR, rebels were in control of the village of Kasab, after capturing the main square the previous day,http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-idUKBREA2N13T20140324 https://web.archive.org/web/20181202142533/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-idUKBREA2N13T20140324 dead 2 December 2018 Syrian forces battle rebels near Turkey border crossing Reuters 24 March 2014 with fighting continuing in the town's outskirts,http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-24/251180-rebels-seize-border-village-as-regime-warplanes-bomb-frontier.ashx Rebels seize border village as regime warplanes bomb frontier The Daily Star Lebanon specifically the hills outside the center of Kasab.https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/heavy-clashes-syria-turkish-border-23023925 Syrian Rebels Capture Town Near Turkish Border ABC News However, according to a military source, neither side had control of the village and the situation was unclear. Rebel jihadists reportedly took Armenian families hostage in Kasab and desecrated the town's three Armenian churches.http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/03/24/reports-cite-80-dead-in-kessab-churches-desecrated/ Reports cite 80 dead in Kessab; Churches desecrated Armradio.am 24 March 2014 The Army managed to recapture the town of Nab al-Murr. Meanwhile, Turkish media claimed the leader of the pro-government Syrian Resistance militia, Mihraç Ural, had been killed the previous day.http://www.todayszaman.com/news-342885-pro-assad-thkpc-leader-reportedly-killed-in-clashes-with-syrian-opposition.html Pro-Assad THKP/C leader reportedly killed in clashes with Syrian opposition Today's Zaman 24 March 2014 24 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140324171346/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-342885-pro-assad-thkpc-leader-reportedly-killed-in-clashes-with-syrian-opposition.html 24 March 2014 dead http://www.internethaber.com/mihrac-ural-suriyede-oldu-iddiasi-653051h.htm Mihraç Ural Suriye'de öldü iddiası! Internethaber.com 24 March 2014 However, that evening Mihraç Ural posted a video on his Facebook account denying rumors of his death.http://www.sabah.com.tr/Gundem/2014/03/26/mihrac-ural-olmedim Ural Maharaja: I'm not dead Sabah.com.tr 26 March 2014 Al-Arabiya television also claimed that two other cousins of Bashar al-Assad were killed in the fighting. According to Col. Afif Suleiman, head of the rebel Idlib Military Council, the Army withdrew many of its soldiers from Idlib province to reinforce their forces in Latakia province after the rebel offensive against the coastal area began.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-25/251260-syria-rebels-launch-northern-offensive-after-heavy-losses.ashx Syria rebels launch northern offensive after heavy losses The Daily Star Lebanon On 25 March, rebels captured Al-Samrahttp://gulfnews.com/news/region/syria/syria-rebels-take-coastal-village-in-al-assad-heartland-ngo-1.1308698 Syria rebels take coastal village in Al Assad heartland – NGO Gulf News 25 March 2014 and were reportedly advancing towards Anfal.http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/131976/free-syrian-army-marches-on-to-lazkiya https://web.archive.org/web/20140325173520/http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/131976/free-syrian-army-marches-on-to-lazkiya usurped 25 March 2014 Free Syrian Army marches on to Lazkiya Worldbulletin.net 25 March 2014 A military source denied the village had fallen stating that fighting was still ongoing and that the Army was in complete control of the mountains overlooking Al-Samra. Meanwhile, fighting was still raging at Kasab, with the Army shelling the town and the Air force striking it four times around noon. Later, a pro-government news agency claimed the Army managed to recapture most of Kasab.http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2014/03/25/kesab-syria/ Syrian army ousts militants from border town of Kesab Aysor.am 25 March 2014 According to the editor-in-ehief of Aztag Daily, information warfare was being conducted and that it was too early to conclude whether government forces managed to regain control of the town, but confirmed fighting was ongoing.http://hayernaysor.am/en/%D6%84%D5%A5%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%A2%D5%AB-%D5%B7%D6%80%D5%BB%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%B4%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%BF%D5%A5%D6%80-%D5%A5%D5%B6-%D5%A8%D5%B6%D5%A9%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%B7%D5%A1/ Clashes are taking place in Kessab-Shahan Kantaharian Hayernaysor.am 25 March 2014 25 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140326025521/http://hayernaysor.am/en/%d6%84%d5%a5%d5%bd%d5%a1%d5%a2%d5%ab-%d5%b7%d6%80%d5%bb%d5%a1%d5%b6%d5%b8%d6%82%d5%b4-%d5%b4%d5%a1%d6%80%d5%bf%d5%a5%d6%80-%d5%a5%d5%b6-%d5%a8%d5%b6%d5%a9%d5%a1%d5%b6%d5%b8%d6%82%d5%b4-%d5%b7%d5%a1/ 26 March 2014 dead Rebels had also once again captured Observatory 45,Activists: Syrian rebels seize coastal area https://web.archive.org/web/20140325221013/http://www.thestate.com/2014/03/25/3347105/clashes-spread-near-syrias-border.html 25 March 2014 after a Tunisian suicide bomber in an armored troop carrier blew himself up in the Observatory's yard killing a number of soldiers, including Colonel Samuel Ghannum, commander of Observatory 45.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/26/c_133215835.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20140326132117/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/26/c_133215835.htm dead 26 March 2014 Over 500 rebels killed in Syria's Latakia battles Xinhua News Agency 26 March 2014 The fall of the Observatory removed the threat of artillery strikes against Jabal al-Nisr and the rebels were able to occupy its peak. Government troops from the hill retreated towards Qastal Maaf. Fighting around Observatory 45 continued.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17023&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Violent clashes in the countryside of Lattakia Syriahr.com 26 March 2014 Meanwhile, the Army recaptured Al-Nab'in.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16988&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Agaydada prominent Saudi Abdullah Mahiseny speaking from the top of the observatory 45 Syriahr.com 25 March 2014 Nineteen rebels and 16 soldiers were killed during the day's fightinghttp://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=16994&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Violent clashes in the countryside of Lattakia Syriahr.com 25 March 2014 and 40 soldiers and 100 rebels were wounded. The Turkish Army accused the Syrian government of "harassing" five Turkish F-16 fighter jets with surface-to-air missile systems. The Turkish F-16's intercepted four Syrian aircraft approaching Turkish airspace in Yayladagi and Cilvegozu of Hatay province in southern Turkey before the incident occurred.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/25/c_133213513.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20140329152549/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/25/c_133213513.htm dead 29 March 2014 Syrian missile system "harasses" Turkish F-16 jets: statement Xinhua News Agency 25 March 2014 On 26 March, rebels slowly pressed their advance from Observatory 45 and attacked the town of Qastal Maaf. Fighting had also renewed at Al-Nab'in. The battle for both towns had been described as a seesaw one with both attacks and retreats.https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-rebels-army-clash-coastal-town-23066253 Syrian Rebels and Army Clash Over Coastal Town ABC News At the same time, fighting continued around Kasab, Observatory 45 and Al-Samrahttps://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hidkM8lCh4PAPEZob-Kpf1QeNc0g?docId=58c679e1-6f4a-424f-b8bf-de420c757831&hl=en Fierce fighting raging in Syria's Latakia as the Army intensified its shelling on Kasab and Al-Samra. The government mobilised thousands of soldiers and NDF fighters to retake the areas that had been lost to the rebels and many government supporters, the majority of them Alawites, volunteered to fight against the rebels.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-26/251394-syria-forces-in-heavy-counterattack-on-rebels-in-latakia.ashx Syria forces in heavy counterattack on rebels in Latakia The Daily Star Lebanon 26 March 2014 12 April 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190412094639/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-26/251394-syria-forces-in-heavy-counterattack-on-rebels-in-latakia.ashx dead A military officer claimed rebels had been pushed back from Observatory 45, but were still in nearby areas.https://jordantimes.com/news/region/syrian-rebels-and-army-clash-over-coastal-town Syrian rebels and army clash over coastal town Agence France-Presse 3 June 2026 27 March 2014 The Jordan Times Another source also confirmed that the Army had beaten back the rebels from Observatory 45, but did not reoccupy it, instead securing the hill's surroundings. The military had also evacuated from Nab al-Murr, due to the town's vulnerability to rebel shelling from Observatory 45 and Jabal al-Nisr.http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/03/syria-kasab-opposition-army-battles.html Kassab falls to Syrian opposition gunmen Al-monitor.com subscription Pro-government sources claimed 500 rebels and 50 soldiers had been killed since the start of the offensive, while the SOHR stated around 100 fighters on each side had died. The Syrian government called on the United Nations to halt the Turkish involvement in the Kasab region. It accused the Turkish government for "organizing, receiving, funding and hosting tens of thousands of terrorists from various Takfiri movements and facilitating their entry into the Syrian territories" and for providing the rebels with direct military support in the region.http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2018&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Syria complains to the UN over Turkish "aggression" Syriahr.com 27 March 2014 On 27 March, several helicopter and air strikes were conducted against Observatory 45,Aji Albert Surk Barbara 2024-03-27 Activists: Syrian warplanes bomb rebels in Latakia https://www.ksl.com/article/news/world/activists-syrian-warplanes-bomb-rebels-in-latakia/29228370 2026-06-03 www.ksl.com en Associated Press while Jabhat Al-Nusra reinforcements arrived in the contested areas.http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2011&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Clashes continue in Lattakia countryside Syriahr.com 27 March 2014 Two pro-government sources reported the military managed to defend their positions at Al-Nab'in and Qastal Maaf and was advancing towards Kasab from the two towns.<%= item.timeFlag %> http://en.itar-tass.com/world/725546 Syrian forces regain control over highlands on border with Turkey Information Telegraph Agency of Russia Aji Albert http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/27/activists-syrian-warplanes-bomb-rebels-in-latakia/ Activists: Syrian warplanes bomb rebels in Latakia The Washington Times 27 March 2014 A pro-opposition source reported that rebels managed to capture Al-Nab'in but that fighting was ongoing as the military was trying to recapture both it and Kasab.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-28/251522-regime-fights-back-against-rebel-gains-in-latakia.ashx Regime fights back against rebel gains in Latakia The Daily Star Lebanon Another source reported that the military recaptured Al-Nab'in after it received reinforcements from troops who evacuated Jabal al-Nisr. Fighting was also still raging around Al-Samra.http://armenpress.am/eng/news/755712/hot-battles-continue-in-surrounding-of-samra-village.html Hot battles continue in surrounding of Samra village Armenpress.am A pro-government newspaper also claimed another 200 rebel fighters had been killed in the last day. The military intelligence head in Latakia province was reportedly able to escape after he was surrounded by rebels for five days in Al-Nab'in.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17106&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Head of the military intelligence in Latakia province escaped after being surrounded Syriahr.com 27 March 2014 By the end of this day, according to the SOHR, more than 150 pro-government fighters, including 14 officers, had been killed since the start of the offensive.http://syriahr.net/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2021&Itemid=2&task=displaynews more than 150 regular forces killed in Lattakia countryside Syriahr.net 28 March 2014 28 March 2014 29 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140329011051/http://syriahr.net/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2021&Itemid=2&task=displaynews dead On 28 March, it was reported that the rebels had blocked several attempts by the Syrian Army to send reinforcements to Latakia.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-29/251654-syrians-rally-in-support-of-rebels-coastal-offensive.ashx Syrians rally in support of rebels' coastal offensive The Daily Star Lebanon On 29 March, Al-Nab'in was once again reported under rebel control, but with fighting continuing in its outskirts.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17164&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UzbjM_ldWfU Continuing clashes in Rural Damascus and Latakia Syriahr.com 29 March 2014 Al Aan TV claimed that 10 pro-government fighters were killed in an attempt by the Army to recapture Observatory 45. It also reported the arrival of Hezbollah fighters in the area. According to a local activist, the FSA had set up a joint operations room under command of Brigadier General and FSA Chief of staff Abdul-Ilah al-Bashir to support the rebel offensive.رانيا علوني http://www.alaan.tv/news/world-news/30323/syria-latakia-activists-fighting-clashes-armed-soldiers-kill-assad-forces-hezbollah مقتل 10 جنود من قوات النظام أثناء محاولتهم اقتحام البرج 45 في كسب Ten regime fighters killed while trying to capture Observatory 45 alaan.tv 30 March 2014 10 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160425010631/http://www.alaan.tv/news/world-news/30323/syria-latakia-activists-fighting-clashes-armed-soldiers-kill-assad-forces-hezbollah 25 April 2016 dead On 30 March, the SOHR reported that several attempts by the Army to retake areas in northern Latakia had been repelled by the rebels. However, the military was bringing more reinforcements from the coastal city of Tartous to try to stem the rebel advance.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-31/251773-regime-tries-to-rally-on-coast-after-taking-qalamoun-villages.ashx Regime tries to rally on coast after taking Qalamoun villages The Daily Star Lebanon The battle for Observatory 45 By 31 March, thousands of refugees reportedly fled to Latakia city, while a rising tension between the Armenian-Christian-Alawite community and the Turkmen community was reported.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-31/251761-fear-and-loathing-descending-on-latakia.ashx Fear and loathing descending on Latakia The Daily Star Lebanon 30 March 2014 30 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190330055101/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-31/251761-fear-and-loathing-descending-on-latakia.ashx dead At this time, Barnabas Aid stated 80 Christian civilians were killed and thousands more displaced after rebel fighters captured Kasab;http://www.worthynews.com/12839-syrian-islamists-kill-80-christians-displace-thousands-more Syrian Islamists Kill 80 Christians, Displace Thousands More Worthynews.com 31 March 2014 however, a delegation from the Armenian National Assembly visited and interviewed refugees from Kessab who fled to Latakia and concluded that "fortunately, no casualties were reported on the Armenian side," though around 2500 were displaced.http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/interviews/9719/ Tevan Poghosyan: "No casualties reported in Kessab on the Armenian side" Poghosyan Ekaterina 31 March 2014 Mediamax 27 April 2014 According to the SOHR, 1,052 fighters from both sides had been killed and wounded since the start of the offensive.http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2023&Itemid=2&task=displaynews More than 1000 killed and wounded in the clashes in Latakia Syriahr.com Among the dead were 27 Army officers and 56 foreign rebel fighters.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-31/251809-syrian-army-pounds-rebels-in-assads-home-province.ashx Syrian army pounds rebels in Assad's home province The Daily Star Lebanon During the day, government forces made an attempt to advance towards Kasab as the rebel offensive started to stagnatehttps://twitter.com/CdricLabrousse/status/450599606636646400 Chronicle Map Update Twitter.com and state TV made a live report from near the hilltop of Observatory 45 claiming the Army had recaptured it.http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/turkey-fires-syria-after-shelling-damages-mosque Turkey fires into Syria after shelling damages mosque English.al-akhbar.com 31 March 2014 31 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140403210949/http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/turkey-fires-syria-after-shelling-damages-mosque 3 April 2014 dead The SOHR confirmed the Army made progress in the areahttp://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17273&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uzl8U_mSykE Shelling and clashes in Latakia and Hama clashes South Mork Syriahr.com 31 March 2014 and stated that government troops managed to install multiple rocket launcher on Observatory 45, but fighting was continuing in the vicinity of the hillside.http://main.omanobserver.om/?p=69364 Syrian army retakes key post in Latakia Main.omanobserver.om 31 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407055610/http://main.omanobserver.om/?p=69364 7 April 2014 dead Meanwhile, rebels hit the pro-government village of Bahloulieh with seven Grad missiles. Other pro-government villages were also shelled with mortars. The Turkish Army stated that they had returned fire after mortar shells and a rocket struck areas near the town of Yayladagi.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-31/251811-turkish-military-fires-into-syria-after-rocket-hits-mosque.ashx Turkish military fires into Syria after rocket hits mosque The Daily Star Lebanon After midnight, government troops ambushed rebels in the forest around Observatory 45 resulting in a number of deaths among opposition fighters.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17294&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UzqGVT1_vHQ Shelling and clashes in Latakia Syriahr.com 1 April 2014 On 1 April, Ahmad Jarba, head of the Syrian National Coalition, visited the front-line in the Kasab region. The SOHR also denied State TV's claim that the Army had recaptured Observatory 45, stating that clashes were still ongoing over the hilltop.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-01/252004-syria-opposition-says-chief-visits-latakia.ashx Syria opposition says chief visits Latakia The Daily Star Lebanon On 2 April, according to the SOHR, the rebels reached the perimeter of al-Badrousiya village where violent clashes took place amid new Army reinforcements in that area.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17352&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Reef Latakia witnessing violent clashes and arrival of reinforcements Syriahr.com 2 April 2014 Opposition activists in Latakia claimed that the rebels repulsed an Army attack on Observatory 45. During the fighting for the hill, the Moroccan leader of the Harakat Sham al-Islam rebel group, Ibrahim bin Shakran, was killed.The Arab Chronicle http://the-arab-chronicle.com/maghrebi-jihad-veteran-killed-syria/# Abu Ahmad al-Maghrebi (Ibrahim Bencheqroun), un vétéran du Jihad mort en Syrie Jihad veteran killed in Syria The-arab-chronicle.com 3 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140607204250/http://the-arab-chronicle.com/maghrebi-jihad-veteran-killed-syria/ 7 June 2014 dead A local rebel commander was also killed in other clashes, while "dozens of bodies" of pro-government fighters were reportedly bussed to the city of Tartous, according to opposition activist's claims. An opposition TV station also claimed that 11 Hezbollah fighters were captured in an ambush by rebels in the province, but this report could not be verified.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-03/252127-violence-flares-around-damascus.ashx Violence flares around Damascus The Daily Star Lebanon 2 April 2014 10 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010004613/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-03/252127-violence-flares-around-damascus.ashx dead On 3 April, according to the SOHR, rebels managed to regain control over the buildings of Observatory 45 after they were captured by pro-government fighters during the night. At least 11 rebels were killed in the fighting, while at least 20 pro-government fighters were killed and wounded.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17400&Itemid=2&task=displaynews استعادة مقاتلون من شام الاسلام السيطرة على مباني بالمرصد45 Syriahr.com 3 April 2014 But later activists reported that government forces, supported by the NDF, had managed to reach the peak of Observatory 45 and clashes ensued with opposition fighters, including Jabhat al-Nusra.http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/111781449 Battle for Latakia Al Jazeera The SOHR also updated the past day's rebel death toll to 20.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-03/252197-fighting-rages-in-syrias-latakia-activists.ashx Fighting rages in Syria's Latakia: activists The Daily Star Lebanon On 4 April, the SOHR reported that 64 rebels, including 40 foreign fighters, and 35 government soldiers were killed in fighting for Observatory 45 over the previous two days. 50 soldiers were also woundedLundquist Lisa http://www.longwarjournal.org/today-in/2014/04/the_us_is_said_to.php Al Qaeda emir Ayman al Zawahiri eulogized Abu Khalid al Suri... The Long War Journal 4 April 2014http://www.diaridegirona.cat/espanya-internacional/2014/04/05/centenar-morts-combats-rebels-lexercit/663870.html Un centenar de morts en combats entre els rebels i l'Exèrcit a Síria Diaridegirona.cat 5 April 2014 and among rebel fatalities, beside the leader of Harakat Sham al-Islam, was the group's Egyptian military commander, Abu Safiya Al-Masri.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17424&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uz6-r_mSyfU The death of the commander of the movement Cham Islam and his deputy during clashes with regime forces Syriahr.com 3 April 2014 Fighting was continuing around Observatory 45 with mutual bombardment from both sides.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17440&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uz7TN_mSyfU Clashes continued in the countryside of Lattakia Syriahr.com 4 April 2014 Eight rebels and eight pro-government fighters were killed and 15 wounded in the fighting at Observatory 45.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17449&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uz_Pf_mSykE مقتل 8 عناصر من القوات النظامية وجرح اكثر من 15 في اللاذقية Syriahr.com 4 April 2014 Meanwhile, the Turkish Army fired shells into Syria, responding to six shells that landed in Yayladadi.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-05/252405-rebels-take-northern-town-on-main-highway.ashx Rebels take northern town on main highway The Daily Star Lebanon Continued Army advance On 5 April, after midnight, government troops ambushed rebels on the road towards Al-Nab'in resulting in a number of deaths among opposition fighters, while two Moroccan field commanders of Ahrar Al-Sham were killed in fighting in Kasab.Lundquist Lisa http://www.longwarjournal.org/today-in/2014/04/a_few_hundred_members_of.php The Long War Journal The Al Nusrah Front and the Islamic Front clashed with regime forces... 5 April 2014 It was reported that Latakia city was hit by two Grad missiles during the day.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17493&Itemid=2&task=displaynews سقوط صاروخ غراد في بساتين الريحان بمدينة اللاذقية Syriahr.com 5 April 2014 On 7 April, fighting erupted on the edges of the Jabal al-Haramiya area with government forces advancing.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17594&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Violent clashes in the vicinity of Mount thieves Brive Latakia Syriahr.com 7 April 2014 On 12 April, fighting erupted in Al-Nab'in and Nab Al-Murrhttps://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/513024445472565?stream_ref=10 Lattakia province Facebook.com 12 April 2014 and later in the day clashes were still ongoing in the towns perimeters.http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2066&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Clashes continue in Lattakia and Homs Syriahr.com 12 April 2014 The next day, the Army recaptured Chalma mountain (also known as Sal-Darin mountain), near Kassab, while heavy clashes were still taking place near Observatory 45.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17904&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.U0xY-fmSzX4 Violent clashes and martyrs in Lattakia and Kalamoon Syriahr.com 14 April 2014http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13930126000443 Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army Takes Back Strategic Mountains in Eastern Syria English.farsnews.ir 15 April 2014 15 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140416205646/http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13930126000443 16 April 2014 dead By 15 April, the FSA commander for Latakia province stated the offensive had stagnated after rebel forces had become exhausted due to the number of casualties they had endured and a shortage of ammunition.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=17988&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.U02B_PmSyfU Leader of the Free Syrian Army: Battle of the "coast" entered a phase of stagnation Syriahr.com 15 April 2014 Three days later, another opposition commander criticised the opposition Syrian National Coalition for not providing enough financial support for the offensive and supporting countries for not providing enough arms.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=18101&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Commander of the Western Front and Central :: 398 thousand dollars given to battles Coast Syriahr.com 18 April 2014 Capture of Al-Samra and the battle for the hills On 27 April, government forces captured a guard post near Al-Samra,http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140427/rebel-fire-kills-21-syrias-aleppo Rebel fire kills 21 in Syria's Aleppo Globalpost.com namely the town's police station,http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13930207001208 Site of Al-Samra Police Station in Lattakia under Army's Control English.farsnews.ir 27 April 2014 27 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140427234609/http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13930207001208 27 April 2014 dead after an amphibious assault from the sea. As evening came, rebels had retreated from Al-Samrahttps://twitter.com/CdricLabrousse/status/460496838173655040 The Arab Chronicle Twitter.com 27 April 2014 and government forces captured the village.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-28/254616-aleppo-violence-claims-dozens-of-lives.ashx Aleppo violence claims dozens of lives The Daily Star Lebanon The next day, the military secured Chalma mountain and engaged rebels on top of Tal Al-Ahmar, while other government troops, including Special Forces from Al-Samra, advanced towards Al-Nab'in. Four soldiers were killed and 75 wounded by mid-day, while an unknown number of rebels also died.https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/460761646072623105 https://web.archive.org/web/20140429065157/https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/460761646072623105 dead Elijah J Magnier 29 April 2014 Government forces from Observatory 45 had also advanced, capturing Height 724 north of the Observatory.http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=148652&frid=23&seccatid=20&cid=23&fromval=1 Syrian Army Regains Control over Height 724 in Latakia Almanar.com.lb 28 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140429111456/http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=148652&frid=23&seccatid=20&cid=23&fromval=1 29 April 2014 dead The Army further captured Heights 959 and 1017.Разработка сайта prodengiblog.ru http://lratvakan.com/news/84903.html Syria: Summary fights for April 28, 2014 Lratvakan.com 29 April 2014 Two days later, government forces were fighting rebels on Jabal al-Nisr mountain, near Al-Nab'in, and on three hills overlooking Kasab in an attempt to capture the hilly terrain before engaging opposition forces in the towns themselves.https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/461909955671785472 https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005057/https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/461909955671785472 dead Twitter / EjmAlrai: 3d #Update #Syria 1/ #Lattakia ... 2 May 2014 twitter.com Later in the day, government troops fully secured Al-Samra and its surrounding hills.https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/461964566235475968 https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032856/https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/461964566235475968 dead Elijah J Magnier 2 May 2014 On 3 May, government troops captured radar hill 1013 overlooking Elijah J Magnier EjmAlrai 462690727722745856 3 May 2014 #BreakingNews #Syria #Lattakia #Kessab #SAA #Hezbollah:... 2 January 2016 and the next day fighting erupted in Al-Nab'in. Elijah J Magnier EjmAlrai 463043649874698241 4 May 2014 2/ #Syria #Kessab: SOHR confirmed Nab'ayn,... 2 January 2016 In mid-May, rebels reportedly recaptured Hills 53, 724 and 1013, as well as Seriatel and Al-Nab'in hills. Opposition forces also attempted to capture Observatory 45, but failed. Elija J Magnier EjmAlrai 467697923900571648 17 May 2014 1/ #BreakingNews #Syria #Kessab #Lattakia 2 January 2016 As of 18 May, the offensive was considered to have petered out.Thomson Reuters Foundation http://www.trust.org/item/20140518065939-0eyse Street by street, Assad extends grip in central Syria Trust.org 18 May 2014 2 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402162015/http://www.trust.org/item/20140518065939-0eyse dead Syrian army offensive – Rebel retreat On 12 June, the military started a new offensivehttps://www.facebook.com/syrianmilitary/posts/670446179703434 Syrian Arab Army 1 Facebook.com and by the next day captured Hills 714, 767https://www.facebook.com/syrianmilitary/posts/671429426271776 Syrian Arab Army 2 Facebook.com and 803.http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?fromval=1&cid=23&frid=23&eid=156319 Syrian Army Advances in Kasab, Strikes Nusra Terrorists in Rankous Almanar.com.lb 24 May 2010 15 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200325/http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?fromval=1&cid=23&frid=23&eid=156319 14 July 2014 dead On 14 June, most rebels retreated from Kasab, while a few of them stayed to protect the retreating fighters. This came after the Army took hold of areas that surround Al-Nab'in and advanced towards Kasab.http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=20146&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.U5y-vaMilvw Withdrawal of fighters from the front and the victory of the Islamic battalions town win Syriahr.com The SOHR reported the military was moving towards nearby villages,May 2023 including Al-Nab'in,http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/06/14/NGO-Syria-rebels-jihadists-withdraw-from-town-near-Turkey.html NGO: Syria rebels, jihadists withdraw from town near Turkey 14 June 2014 Al Arabiya while state TV already reported the capture of the town.http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140614/syria-rebels-withdraw-border-town-near-turkey Syria rebels withdraw from border town near Turkey Globalpost.com 6 June 2014 SANA also stated two-thirds of Kasab were under military control.http://asbarez.com/124113/militants-being-driven-out-of-kessab/ Kessab Liberated [Update Asbarez.com 24 April 2014 15 June 2014 18 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140618041126/http://asbarez.com/124113/militants-being-driven-out-of-kessab/ dead On 15 June, the Syrian Army took control of Kasab, its border crossing, Al-Nab'in and Nab Al-Murr, fully reversing all opposition gains during the three-month campaign.Associated Press http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Jun-15/260169-syria-govt-forces-retake-strategic-town-on-turkey-border-state-tv.ashx Syrian Army Crushes Rebel Push Near Turkish Border Time 16 February 2016 10 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010151522/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Lebanon-News/2014/Jun-15/260169-syria-govt-forces-retake-strategic-town-on-turkey-border-state-tv.ashx dead http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=20157&Itemid=2&task=displaynews System controls the gain and Mabrha and bitter spring Syriahr.com Meanwhile, the Army intensified its operations in the east of the province near Salma.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=20149&Itemid=2&task=displaynews Clashes in the win and martyrs in Daraa Syriahr.com Controversies Allegations of Turkish involvement It was reported that the attackers, members of the al-Nusra Front, Sham al-Islam, and Ansar al-Sham, advanced directly from the village of Gözlekçiler on Turkish territory, were being supported by the Turkish military, and that injured rebel fighters were being sent to medical centres in Turkey. Some Kessab village guards reported that the Turkish military withdrew from its positions along the border shortly before the fighters crossed from Turkey. Mehmet Ali Ediboğlu, MP of Turkish CHP party, who visited the area several days after the attack began, said locals told him that "thousands of fighters coming from Turkey crossed the border at at least five different points to launch the attack on Kassab." While journalists were barred from visiting Gözlekçiler, Ediboğlu said he personally observed "dozens of Syrian-plated cars nonstop transporting terrorists and firing into the Syrian outpost from the military road between Gözlekçiler village and our military base at Kayapinar." According to security sources in Kessab, the attacks were waged under heavy artillery cover by the Turkish army, while the injured were being carried back and treated in the city of Yayladagi in Turkey, which borders Syria. A jihadistLund Aaron No, the United States Isn't Dropping Syria's Jihadis From Its Terror List https://tcf.org/content/commentary/no-united-states-isnt-dropping-syrias-jihadis-terror-list/ The Century Foundation 18 May 2017 11 June 2018 told the Telegraph on 21 March "Turkey did us a big favour... They allowed our guys to enter from their border post," allowing them to finally access Kessab. Turkey denied the allegations as "totally unfounded and untrue", the Telegraph reported, but HRW's Fakih replied "it is not feasible that these groups could have crossed into Syria from where they did without the knowledge of the Turks." Turkish shootdown of Syrian fighter jet After Turkish Air Force F-16 jet fighters had shot down a Syrian warplane near the border post, the pilot, who ejected safely, claimed that the plane was in Syrian airspace. Turkish officials, however, claimed it violated their airspace. Turkey's opposition leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu (CHP) claimed that the Syrian jet was a reconnaissance plane and that its downing was part of a government scheme to provoke war with Syria to divert attention from corruption scandals enveloping Turkey's president Erdogan and his party.Amberin Zaman Turkish opposition leader says Erdogan wants war with Syria http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/turkish-opposition-says-erdogan-wants-syria-war.html Al Monitor 27 March 2014 6 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208132314/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/turkish-opposition-says-erdogan-wants-syria-war.html 8 December 2015 dead Amberin Zaman Istanbul-based journalist Amberin Zaman commented that the recently leaked audio tapes in which Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu is heard discussing ways to spark a war with Syria might vindicate Kilicdaroglu's claims.Amberin Zaman Fear of war grips Turkish border province http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/turkey-hatay-province-border-war.html Al Monitor 27 March 2014 6 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151203130904/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/turkey-hatay-province-border-war.html 3 December 2015 dead Amberin Zaman Armenian civilian fatalities The offense has been widely compared to the Hamidian massacres and Armenian genocide, as over 70% of Kessab's population is Armenian and is one of the last Armenian settlements in the Cilicia region, where the Armenian population had been massacred twice by Turkey. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan stated, "All of us perfectly remember the history of Kessab, which was unfortunately full of hellish realities of deportations in the last 100 years", referring to both events.http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2014/03/25/president-kessab-statement/ Serzh Sargsyan makes press statement on Kessab in The Hague Panorama.am 25 March 2014 25 March 2014 30 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140330214352/http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2014/03/25/president-kessab-statement dead On 2 April, during a hearing before the House State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and in response to a question by Congressman Schiff, US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, said that Kessab "is an issue of huge concern". Congressman Schiff noted that many of the residents were descendants of victims of the Armenian genocide and that "there is a particular poignancy to their being targeted in this manner".Samantha Power Questioned About Kessab, Syria by Rep. Schiff http://www.aaainc.org/index.php?id=7&no_cache=1&newsID=491 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231022003/http://www.aaainc.org/index.php?id=7&no_cache=1&newsID=491 31 December 2014 On 3 April Armenia's Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan said that 38 of Kessab's Armenian inhabitants had been captured when the town fell to the rebels, 24 of them were later released, 3 had been forcefully taken into Turkey and were now in the village of Vaqif, and that 670 Armenian families had been displaced after the attack on Kessab, with about 400 of the families, at least 2,000 ethnic Armenian civilians, sought refuge in Latakia and other neighboring hills. The minister also said that in Kessab, Armenian churches had been defaced, crosses on the churches had been removed, Armenian shops and homes had been looted.Armenian Homes in Kessab Looted, Occupied http://asbarez.com/121079/armenian-homes-in-kessab-looted-occupied/ 25 March 2014 Asbarez 9 January 2015Minister of Diaspora: Armenian Churches Were Defaced in Kessab http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/politics/9769/ Also on 3 April, Ruben Melkonyan, deputy dean of the Oriental Studies department at Yerevan State University, said that the Armenian community of Kessab was unlikely to recover and that what had happened were "crimes that make a genocide".http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenian_expert_in_turkish_affairs_accuses_west_of_inaction_over_kessab_armenians_/#sthash.NQc6Ghct.dpuf Armenian expert in Turkish affairs accuses West of inaction over Kessab Armenians 13 February 2015 A number of eyewitness accounts of looting and occupation of Armenian homes, stores, and churches left behind were reported in Kessab. Armed men entered the town, looted Armenian shops and homes, taking families hostage, and desecrating the town's three churches. Kessab Armenians who phoned their neighbors and relatives homes from Latakia discovered that their houses are already occupied by rebel fighters, who went on to taunt and threaten the refugees. Some of the rebels had spoken in Turkish. Some 670 Armenian families, the majority of the population of Kessab, were evacuated by the local Armenian community leadership to safer areas in neighboring Basit and Latakia. Ten to fifteen families with relations too elderly to move were either unable to leave or chose to stay in their homes. According to witnesses, the rebels had raped elderly women because they couldn't find any girls.Latakia not a safe place – Kessab Armenians on evacuation, looting and rapes http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/03/27/qesab1/1041688 27 March 2014 Tert.am 9 January 2015 10 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150110032206/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/03/27/qesab1/1041688 deadSuzy Kasab testimony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV0j8KICrrk 1 May 2014 YouTube 9 January 2015 Aftermath After the Syrian Army retook Kessab and the surrounding villages, news agencies and local residents of Kessab reported that the town's Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches had been ruined and burnt by the Islamist groups, along with the Misakyan Cultural Centre.http://armenpress.am/eng/news/765892/photos-of-ruined-armenian-churches-of-kessab-appear-in-internet.html Photos of ruined Armenian churches of Kessab appear in internet 16 June 2014 armenpress.am 13 February 2015http://news.am/eng/news/214871.html Syrian Armenians: Terrorists burnt all Armenian churches in Kessab 13 February 2015http://www.shoah.org.uk/2014/06/15/armenia-rebels-robbing-homes-desecrating-churches-in-kessab-syria/ Rebels Robbing Homes, Desecrating Churches in Kessab, Syria 19 June 2014 4 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160504082905/http://www.shoah.org.uk/2014/06/15/armenia-rebels-robbing-homes-desecrating-churches-in-kessab-syria/ dead Around 250 families from Kessab who had taken refuge in Latakia returned to their homes a day after the Syrian Army recaptured the town.http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/06/17/250-families-return-to-kessab/ 250 families return to Kessab Public Radio of Armenia 13 February 2015http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2014/06/18/residents-of-syrias-kessab-returning-home-after-liberation-2/ Click here to Log in 13 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231011915/http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2014/06/18/residents-of-syrias-kessab-returning-home-after-liberation-2/ 31 December 2014 dead On 25 July the St. Astvatsatsin Church in Garaturan was reconsecrated, with the first liturgy since the ending of the Islamist occupation taking place on 27 July, the day of Vardavar, and attended by a large number of peopleArmenian Church of Kessab Was Re-consecrated. Lragir.am, 28 July 2014. Foreign reaction Armenia – President Serzh Sargsyan made a press statement at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague (Netherlands) expressing his deep concern over the events in Kessab, remembering that the Armenian population of Kessab had experienced exile and deportation in April 1909 and in 1915 (during the Armenian genocide), making a parallel with the 2014 situation: "The third deportation of Kessab Armenians today is a serious challenge to ethnic minority rights protection mechanisms of the 21st century." He also thanked the Syrian authorities for the steps being taken to protect the Armenians in Kessab.Serzh Sargsyan makes press statement on Kessab in The Hague http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2014/03/25/president-kessab-statement/ Panorama.am 25 March 2014 25 March 2014 30 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140330214352/http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2014/03/25/president-kessab-statement dead Canada – Andrew P. W. Bennett, Canadian Ambassador to the Office of Religious Freedom stated: "Canada is deeply concerned by the recent attacks by al Qaeda affiliated armed groups on the ancient Armenian town of Kessab in the Latakia district of northern Syria during which Armenian churches were reportedly desecrated and Armenians driven from their homes...We stand determined that the perpetrators be brought to justice for such acts and to stem the rising tide of sectarian violence.".Canada Concerned by Attacks on Armenian Town in Syria International.gc.ca, 25 March 2014Canada Concerned by Attacks on Armenian Town in Syria https://web.archive.org/web/20140326142721/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=829149 26 March 2014 News.gc.ca, 25 March 2014 Nagorno-Karabakh – David Babayan, Spokesman for the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, said that Turkey continues its anti-Armenian policy, in particular in Kessab: "Through subversive attacks, Turkey tries to make Armenians leave Syria and aims to liquidate the Armenian community of Syria." He also stated that while it would be preferable for Syrian Armenians to remain in Syria and preserve their communities there, Nagorno-Karabakh would be ready to accept and welcome any refugees.Babayan: Through subversive attacks, Turkey tries to make Armenians leave Syria http://www.panorama.am/en/current_topics/2014/03/25/d-babayan/ Panorama.am 25 March 2014 26 March 2014 26 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140326232657/http://www.panorama.am/en/current_topics/2014/03/25/d-babayan/ dead Russia – Gennady Gatilov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, condemned the attack on Kesab and the ethnic cleansing of Armenian Syrians in Latakia. He accused Turkey, the western countries and the Persian gulf states of supporting terrorism in Syria and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation.John says http://nsnbc.me/2014/04/01/russia-denounced-war-on-syria-and-ethnic-cleansing-of-armenian-syrians-in-kessab-and-lattakia/ Russia Denounced War on Syria and Ethnic Cleansing of Armenian Syrians in Kessab and Lattakia Nsnbc.me 5 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407105927/http://nsnbc.me/2014/04/01/russia-denounced-war-on-syria-and-ethnic-cleansing-of-armenian-syrians-in-kessab-and-lattakia/ 7 April 2014 dead The UN Security Council declined Russia's meeting proposal.UN Rejected Russian Proposal on Kessab http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/32240 https://web.archive.org/web/20140411221659/http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/32240 11 April 2014 Chechnya – Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Chechen Republic, condemned the attack on Kesab and accused Turkey of assisting terrorists and expressed his condolences to the ethnic Armenian victims.May 2023 United States – State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf stated during a press briefing on 28 March: "We are deeply troubled by recent fighting and violence that is endangering the Armenian community in Kessab, Syria and has forced many to flee. As we have said throughout this conflict, we deplore continued threats against Christians and other minorities in Syria". She ended adding: "The United States will continue its steadfast support to those affected by violence in Syria and throughout the region, including Syrian Armenians. We have long had concerns about the threat posed by violent extremists, and this latest threat to the Armenian community in Syria only underscores this further".Daily Press Briefing – March 28, 2014 https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2014/03/224104.htm#SYRIA U.S. Department of State 28 March 2014 6 April 2014 The Congressional Armenia Caucus noted their concern in a letter to the President.http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-kasab-armenia-california-20140408-story.html Lawmakers, Armenians urge U.S. to investigate attack on Syrian city Los Angeles Times 8 April 2014 The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), has condemned the "onslaught on Kessab" and accused Turkey of facilitating the infiltration of radical groups in their attacks on Christian and other minority populations in Kessab. The group has also called on the US administration and Congress to pressure Ankara to end its support for "the destruction of Kessab." In a statement, the group said, "For months, we have warned the international community of the imminent threat posed by extremist foreign fighters against the Christian minority population in Syria. These vicious and unprompted attacks against the Armenian-populated towns and villages of Kessab are the latest examples of this violence, actively encouraged by neighboring Turkey. We call upon all states with any influence in the Syrian conflict to use all available means to stop these attacks against the peaceful civilian population of Kessab, to allow them to return to their homes in safety and security." See also Asia 2013 Latakia offensive References 35.9333 N 35.9833 E source:wikidata title Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2014 Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving al-Nusra Front Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Hezbollah Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Turkey Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the United States Category:Latakia Governorate in the Syrian civil war Category:Anti-Armenian sentiment Category:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan controversies Category:Ethnic cleansing in Asia Category:War crimes in the Syrian civil war Category:Persecution of Christians by Muslims Category:Looting in Syria Category:Attacks on churches in Syria Category:Attacks on shops in Syria Category:Attacks on residential buildings in Syria Category:Attacks on churches in the 2010s Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2014