2014 Quneitra offensive

Military operation April 2018 Quneitra offensive the Syrian Civil War Road_from_Quneitra_to_Damascus_(48690282).jpg Road from Quneitra to Damascus in the offensive zone (photo taken in 2005) 27 August – 23 September 2014(2014 8 27 2014 9 23) Quneitra Governorate and Daraa Governorate, Syria Rebel victory Rebels take control of about 80 percent of towns and villages in Quneitra province and seize the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan. Rebels capture the Quneitra Crossing, ten villages/towns, one base and two strategic hills Rebels pull back from western Damascus countryside into northern Daraa countryside Al-Nusra Front takes 45 U.N. peacekeepers hostage on 28 August and released on 12 September Army counter-attack on Mashara repelled. Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg Free Syrian ArmyFlag of the Islamic Front (Syria).svgIslamic FrontJabhat Ansar al-IslamFlag of the Al-Nusra Front (Variant).svg Al-Nusra Front Syria 1980 Syrian Arab Republic Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg Syrian Armed Forces National Defense Force United Nations UNDOF Muhammad Majid al-Khatib(Alwiya al-Furqan leader)Abu Uthman(Ansar al-Huda commander) Brigadier-general Nazir FuddahOctober 2020 Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg Free Syrian Army Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg Youth of Sunnah Brigade Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg Quneitra Military Councilhttp://notgeorgesabra.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/the-moderate-rebels-a-complete-and-growing-list-of-vetted-groups/ The Moderate Rebels: A Complete and Growing List of Vetted Groups 2 December 2014 Democratic Revolution, Syrian Style 21 October 2014 Al-Liwaa.svg Ababil Houran Brigade Flag of Jihad.svg Alwiya al-Furqanhttp://mlm.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=42039&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=539&cHash=2bd9a9d0221d650cde1b043739bb7602#.U_qR-o1-_IU Muhammad Majid al-Khatib: A Rising Leader in the Free Syrian Army Jamestown Foundation 28 February 2014 25 August 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140826133845/http://mlm.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=42039&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=539&cHash=2bd9a9d0221d650cde1b043739bb7602#.U_qR-o1-_IU 26 August 2014 dead dmy-all Fursan al-Ababil brigade Ansar al-Huda Flag of the Islamic Front (Syria).svgIslamic Front Ahrar ash-Sham 7th Divisionhttp://www.debka.com/article/24239/Syria-forces-ranged-for-major-counteroffensive-to-dislodge-rebels-from-Quneitra-High-tension-on-Golan Syria forces ranged for major counteroffensive to dislodge rebels from Quneitra. High tension on Golan 21 November 201490th Brigade Unknown Unknown Unknown UNDOF: Hundreds119–120(Quneitra border crossing area) 76+ rebels killed 71+ Syrian soldiers killedhttp://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/42951-140907-syria-rebels-reportedly-advance-near-golan-heights Syria rebels reportedly advance near Golan Heights i24news 21 November 2014 11+ capturedhttp://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23760&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VCFSOPl_v94 ضباط وجنود أسرى لدى جبهة النصرة يناشدون النظام لمبادلتهم 21 November 20141 Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet downed by Israel 44–45 U.N. peacekeepers captured 1 Israeli soldier wounded The 2014 Quneitra offensive, code-named “The Real Promise”Jabhat al-Nusra advances on Quneitra, gains border crossing or "Chargers of Dawn",MESOP NEWS ROUND UP SYRIA : REBELS VICTORY OF QUNEITRA OPENS PATH TO GHOUTA https://web.archive.org/web/20141129164547/http://www.mesop.de/2014/09/04/mesop-news-round-up-syria-rebels-victory-of-quneitra-opens-path-to-ghouta/ 29 November 2014 was a military operation launched by Syrian rebels during the Syrian civil war in Quneitra Governorate, in an attempt to take control of several sections in the central part of the province and around Quneitra city "with the aim of opening the way to Damascus."http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2014/09/07/more-than-40-dead-in-clashes-between-syrian-army-and-rebels-in-quneitra/ More than 40 dead in clashes between Syrian army and rebels in Quneitra Fox News Latino 21 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129174344/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2014/09/07/more-than-40-dead-in-clashes-between-syrian-army-and-rebels-in-quneitra/ 29 November 2014 dead dmy-all The Quneitra Crossing is considered to be a "gateway" into Damascus from the west. The rebel capture of the crossing meant that the rebels gained control over a long section of the border with Lebanon (Sheikh Mountains), Jordan and the ceasefire line in the Golan Heights.October 2014 Background Quneitra Governorate clashes (2012–2014) Rebel offensive Quneitra crossing and UN personnel crisis On 27 August, rebels took control of the Quneitra Crossing between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. At least 20 soldiers and 14 rebels were killed during the battle. Fighting in the area continued in towns northeast of the crossing,https://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.612849 https://web.archive.org/web/20140828115101/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.612849 dead 28 August 2014 Syrian planes attack Golan Heights border post captured by rebels 28 August 2014 Haaretz.com 21 November 2014 while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shelled two Syrian army positions in retaliation for six mortar shells that fell in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the wounding of an Israeli officer. The Al-Nusra Front, Ahrar ash-Sham and other rebel groups (including moderate groups) participated in the fighting.Syrian Islamists seize Golan Heights border crossing The next day, fighters from the Nusra front captured 44-45 U.N. peacekeepers and surrounded 75 others, resulting in a gun fight that lasted over 7 hours. A group of 35 U.N. soldiers were successfully escorted out of the UN encampment in Breiqa by their colleagues. Rebels tried to breach the Rwihana U.N. encampment, but the attack was repelled by the U.N. defenders with support from the Syrian Army. The remaining 40 peacekeepers were eventually evacuated during the night of 29 August, after a ceasefire was established. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/31/syria-fiji-filipinos-peacekeepers-golan-heights-al-nusra Golan Heights peacekeeper crisis: Filipinos escape, Fijians taken hostage The Guardian 21 November 2014 Quneitra countryside offensive On 4 September, rebels announced the start of a new military operation in the Quneitra countryside,http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2419&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VAnBsfnV-iV Jabhat al-Nusra and Islamic battalions announce a new battle in al-Quneitra 21 November 2014 Over a period of two days, rebels managed to capture Mashara town,https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/579298422178500 Quneitra province: 6-9-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014February 2016 A Facebook post, even from a verified account, is a dubious and temporal source. the Tell Mashara and the Khamiseyyi Detachment.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=22958&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VAnCsPnV-iU Rebel gains in Quneitra countryside 21 November 2014 At least 21 rebels were killed since the start of the operation.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/578911125550563 Quneitra province: 5-09-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 According to Charles Lister, the offensive was led by the FSA backed by the al-Nusra Front.https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/507891297688907776 Charles Lister: 5-9-2014 Twitter 21 November 2014 On 6 September, the Army launched a counter-attack to recapture Mashara town, but reportedly failed. Meanwhile, rebels captured the Majduliya hospital which served as an Army stronghold.http://www.aljazeera.net/news/arabic/2014/9/6/%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%83-%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%81-%D9%85%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B2-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9 Massacre in Raqqah and heavy fighting in Quneitra 21 November 2014 According to the SOHR, at least 26 soldiers and 17 rebels were killed that day,http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23053&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VAw9dfl_v95 More than 40 killed in the countryside of Quneitra 21 November 2014 while the pro-government Al-Masdar news site reported over 50 rebels were killed in an ambush by a Druze militia.http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/50-rebel-fighters-killed-ambush-druze-militia-golan/ 50 rebel fighters killed in ambush by druze militia Leith Fadel Al-Masdar News 21 November 2014 12 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180612191914/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/50-rebel-fighters-killed-ambush-druze-militia-golan/ dead Al-Masdar news also claimed that government forces captured the town of Nabe’ al Sakher.Breaking News in the Golan: Syrian Army Liberates Vital Village However, according to at least one pro-opposition source, the town already appeared to be under government control before the offensive was launched.https://twitter.com/archicivilians/status/508011593028734976 NEW MAP: Battles of #Qunaitra Province.. Twitter 21 November 2014 Rebels captured Nabe’ al Sakher the next day.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/579909958784013 Al Qunaytera Province: 7-9-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 On 9 September, Syrian Army units retreated from the Khan al-Hallabat area, after rebels advanced there.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/580880042020338 Al Qunaytera Province: 9-9-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 At the same time, rebels captured the strategic Tell al-Mal, which connects the Quneitra and Daraa provinces.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23188&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VA7w6vl_v94 قوات النظام تتقدم في ريف حماه وتتراجع في ريف القنيطرة 21 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141020014318/http://www.syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23188&Itemid=2&task=displaynews 20 October 2014 Later that day, rebels also captured Al-Mal, al-Taiha, Aqrabahttps://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/581243318650677 Daraa province: 10-9-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 and the provincial border village of Kafr Nasij east of the hill.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23206&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VA-T-fl_v94 Advancements for Al-Nusra Front and rebel battalions in countryside of Daraa and 4 martyrs in Bakrba 21 November 2014 At least eight rebels were killed that day.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23211&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VA-gmPl_v95 The martyrdom of 8 rebels in Quneitra countryside 21 November 2014 At this point, according to the SOHR, rebels controlled about 70% of the villages and towns in Quneitra Governorate.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23205&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VA-T_Pl_v94 About 70 % of the villages and towns in Quneitra under rebel control 21 November 2014 On 10 September, rebels in the western countryside of Damascus pulled back into the northern countryside of Daraa province after the latest rebel gains. Meanwhile, rebels were advancing toward the outskirts of Madinat al-Baath, Khan Arnabah and into the ruined city of Quneitra, while the Army send reinforcements to al-Harra, al-Sanamayn, al-Jidiya and Zimrin east of Golan.http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/09/syria-golan-rebels-attack-control-quneitra.html Syrian rebels break uneasy peace in Golan Heights 12 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141025154857/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/09/syria-golan-rebels-attack-control-quneitra.html 25 October 2014 dead dmy-all The next day, Al-Nusra Front released all 45 U.N. peacekeepers they abducted on 28 August.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-12/270411-fijian-peacekeepers-in-syria-freed.ashx#axzz3D3e05GRZ Fijian peacekeepers in Syria freed The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon 21 November 2014 On 12 September, rebels took control of the villages of Rawadi and al-Hamidiya, while they were also trying to capture the towns of al-Baath and Khan Arnabah.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/582287055212970 Quneitra province: 12-09-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 As of 13 September, the Syrian government had lost control of about 80 percent of towns and villages in Quneitra province.https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/563568-rebels-seize-most-of-syrian-side-of-golan-truce-line Rebels seize most of Syrian side of Golan truce line NOW 13 September 2014 13 September 2014 20 July 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165821/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/563568-rebels-seize-most-of-syrian-side-of-golan-truce-line dead Two days later, the rebels managed to completely seize the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan. At the same time, the United Nations was forced to pull back hundreds of peacekeepers to the Israeli-occupied sector of the Golan. According to the Syrian ambassador Bashar Jaafari, the rebels took over their bases, weapons and vehicles.https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/563935-syrian-rebels-seize-un-weapons-on-the-golan Syrian rebels seize UN weapons on the Golan 16 September 2014 21 November 2014 19 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171019121714/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/563935-syrian-rebels-seize-un-weapons-on-the-golan dead On 18 September, rebels captured the Deir al-Adas area in Daraa province, east of Kafar Nasig, after the Army pulled back from it.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/584432848331724 Daraa province: 18-09-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 On 23 September, rebels announced the start of the Battle of "Nasron Mena Allah wa Fathon Qarib", targeting two hills and two bases related to 90th Brigade. Their aim was the complete control over the Quneitra countryside and the siege of the towns of Khan Arnabah and al-Baath. At the same day, the IDF downed a Syrian fighter jet that had infiltrated into Israeli airspace.http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=23912&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VCFSPvl_v94 اسقاط طائرة سورية على الحدود بين الجولان المحرر والجولان المحتل 21 November 2014Israel shoots down Syrian fighter jet that ‘infiltrated’ airspace. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 2014-09-25. The pilot died later that day,https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/586830478091961 Al Qunaytera Province: 23-09-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 while at least 16 rebels were killed around the village of Taranja in the northern Quneitra countryside.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/587106098064399 Al Qunaytera Province: 24-09-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 The rebel attack failed and was ended shortly after. Aftermath On 14 October, rebels of the "Fajer al Tawhid- First Corps Operation Room" announced the start of the "Qasas al Adel" battle, which aimed to capture Tell Krum hill, Jaba town, Mant al Faras detachment, Robai checkpoint and the Army held-Sharia School.http://syriahr.com/en/2014/10/the-rebel-and-islamic-battalions-have-announced-new-battle-in-al-qunaytera/ The rebel and Islamic factions have announced new battle in al Qunaytera 21 November 2014 This rebel operation also failed its objectives. On 21 October, the Army launched a counter-attack on the villages of al-Samdaniya and al-Hamidiya among the arrival of new Army reinforcements in an attempt to regain control of this area.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/600098486765160 al-Quneitra province: 21-10-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 According to Al-Masdar, pro-government troops recaptured Al-Samdaniya and broke through the defenses of the rebels in Al-Hamidiya, where heavy clashes occurred as the military was pushing into the village.http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-al-samdaniyya-quneitra-rebels-capture-umm-mayaazan-daraa/ Syrian Army Captures Al-Samdaniyya in Quneitra; Rebels Capture 'Umm Mayaazan in Dara'a Al-Masdar News 21 October 2014 22 October 2014 14 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171014063344/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-al-samdaniyya-quneitra-rebels-capture-umm-mayaazan-daraa/ dead The fighting led to the death of a commander in a rebel brigade and four other rebels.https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/600547650053577 Al Quneitra Province: 22-10-2014 Facebook 21 November 2014 See also Asia Daraa offensive (October 2014) 2018 Southern Syria offensive References 30em Quneitra offensive 2014 Quneitra offensive Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government 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