Draft:Arnold sander

January 2012

edit 1 January edit Multiple reports on Twitter claimed that Syrians in several restive neighborhoods and cities, including al-Midan in central Damascus, Baba Amr in Homs, and Idlib city, were marching in New Year's Day protests against the government in the early morning, shortly after midnight. The opposition Local Co-ordinating Committees announced it had confirmed 5,862 deaths in the Syrian uprising during 2011, including 287 prisoners allegedly tortured to death. The LCC also announced the first confirmed death from the uprising in 2012, a wounded person who died due to insufficient blood plasma supply at a hospital.[1] That death toll rose to eight, several of them fatalities from Syrian security forces firing on protesters in the Damascene suburb of Daria, the LCC reported near the end of the day.[2]

Neoconservative commentator Nick Cohen, writing for the British newspaper The Guardian, said that the Western world should intervene militarily to oust President Bashar al-Assad and stop the Syrian Army from committing further human rights violations. The editorial echoed opposition claims that interrogators in Aleppo had invented a new type of torture wherein detainees are forced to stand on a heated metal plate until they confess or else collapse from extensive damage to their feet.[3]

The Arab Parliament, a consultative pan-Arab body created by the Arab League, called for the withdrawal of the supranational organization's observers from Syria. Ali El-Salem El-Dekbas, the speaker of the parliament, said the observers were doing no good and it was a disgrace to keep them in Syria with the crackdown ongoing. "The mission of the Arab League team has missed its aim of stopping the killing of children and ensuring the withdrawal of troops from the Syrian streets, giving the Syrian regime a cover to commit inhumane acts under the noses of the Arab League observers", Dekbas said in a statement.[4]

Assad insider and Syrian security officer Colonel Hafez Makhlouf's plans to visit Switzerland were waylaid when the Swiss Federal Tribunal ruled that Makhlouf should not be granted a visa. Makhlouf had reportedly planned to consult with an attorney in Switzerland on a bid to overturn international sanctions freezing his assets and restricting his travel.[5]

2 January edit Nabil Elaraby, secretary-general of the Arab League, defended the observer mission after the Arab Parliament's call for its withdrawal. Elaraby claimed that, as a result of the monitors' presence placing pressure on the Syrian government to comply with the Arab peace initiative, Syrian Army (SA) tanks had been withdrawn from cities, almost 3,500 detainees had been released, and humanitarian aid had been delivered to formerly besieged cities. However, contradicting mission leader General Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi's remarks on Newshour two days earlier, Elaraby acknowledged snipers remained in several areas and shooting was still ongoing, though it was hard for monitors to tell who was shooting and at whom. Opposition activists contested Elaraby's remarks, telling the Los Angeles Times that many tanks had not withdrawn and were being hidden within striking distance of city centers in restive areas.[6] Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak told the Knesset that he judged Assad's remaining time in power could be measured in weeks.[7]

The opposition Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC) said four were killed in Syria by security forces as of 9 am local time.[8] The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the state-run media outlet in Syria, said a school worker was killed by gunmen holding her hostage and a journalist died of wounds suffered in a shooting in Daraya, a Damascus suburb, some days earlier.[9]

In northern Syria's Idlib Governorate, near the border with Turkey, the opposition Syrian Observatory For Human Rights (SOHR) said that, despite a self-imposed moratorium on offensive actions against the regime during the Arab League mission, Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters captured two military checkpoints and took several dozen soldiers prisoner, and clashed with security forces at a third, leaving an unspecified number of SA soldiers dead or wounded. The claim could not be immediately confirmed due to tight restrictions on foreign media in Syria.[9]

3 January edit According to the SOHR, at least 18 people were killed in Jassem during clashes between SA soldiers after loyalist troops allegedly fired on comrades who were attempting to defect. Security forces swept through the area, detaining more than 100, after the fighting.[10] Witnesses said several were killed when security forces fired live ammunition into demonstrators massing in Hama.

According to SANA, a policeman was shot dead outside Homs National Hospital and another policeman was shot dead at al-Khudra market, Idlib.[11] The Syrian government claimed "terrorists" destroyed a gas pipeline near Rastan, disrupting the electricity supply to parts of the country.[12]

FSA leader Colonel Riad al-Asaad said the FSA may mount "a huge escalation of our operations" in coming days. However, some analysts cast aspersions on the claim, suggesting Asaad may be more a figurehead than a practical leader.[13]

President Nicolas Sarkozy, the French head of state, accused Assad of committing "massacres" in Syria. His criticism was echoed by French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, who called on the Syrian government to allow the Arab League's monitors unrestricted access.[10] In Cairo, the Arab League called an emergency meeting for 7 January to review the observer mission's work and discuss its future.[12]

4 January edit Syrian Defence Ministry official Mahmoud Sleiman Hajj Hamad defected to the opposition, The Guardian and other major news outlets reported.[14] Hamad was the Head Inspector of the Syrian Ministry of Defence.[15] He also held a press conference on Wednesday in Cairo to announce his defection. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Hamad, who was also an inspector at the monetary center for the interior ministry, denied government claims that the ongoing violence was caused by "terrorists" aided from abroad.

"We were analysing and seeing for ourselves that the regime's story about armed gangs going out and killing protesters was all lies," he said. "I confirm there are no armed gangs, they are all unarmed protesters". Hamad said the government has spent about $40m on loyalist militias to crush demonstrations since March, as security forces, at times backed by tanks, laid siege to protests hubs across the nation.

"While auditing, I found two billion Syrian pounds [$40m] paid out to the regime's paid thugs, and seen an increase in the spending of the intelligence and defense ministries for the purpose of paying thugs. We saw them preparing and heading out in their armored vehicles and buses toward the young protesters and killing them. It has been happening since the beginning of the protests". Hamad also said most government officials and employees want to defect but are afraid of the consequences.

"Syrian government officials live in a kind of prison...No one can go anywhere without being accompanied by a member of the security services," he added. Hamad continued that he has seen proof that Iran and Iraq are aiding the Syrian government's crackdown. Hamad also praised the FSA.[16]

Meanwhile, the LCC reported at least five deaths and numerous injuries it described as "serious" as a result of security forces' actions.[17] The SNC announced a new official website at syriancouncil.org.[18]

SANA reported that a gas pipeline and a bridge were bombed near al-Rastan. Mihajja Bridge in Daraa Countryside was also reportedly damaged by a bomb, which targeted a police patrol. The blast and gunfire that followed reportedly killed one policeman and wounded five. Meanwhile, a Baath Party worker was shot dead as he drove his car in Hama Countryside, SANA said.[19]

5 January edit Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani criticized the Arab League mission in Syria, saying after a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York City, "I said we must evaluate the types of mistakes it made and without a shadow of a doubt I see mistakes, even though we went in to observe, not to stop the violence." He said he had suggested to Ban that the UN could take a role in training Arab League personnel in how to monitor human rights situations in the future. Despite Sheikh Hamad's remarks, Reuters reported citing sources within Arab governments that the Arab League was likely to decide over the weekend to keep the observers in Syria.[20] Meanwhile, SNC President Burhan Ghalioun suggested a military intervention in Syria would not need to be NATO-led and could be done on a more limited scale than in the Libyan Civil War.[21] Influential Iranian parliamentarian Alaeddin Boroujerdi took the opposite tack, accusing Turkey of threatening the "stability" of the region by criticizing the Syrian government and harboring the FSA and other political dissidents. Boroujerdi called for Ankara to modify its stance to be in line with Tehran's approach of rejecting all international criticism of Damascus' handling of the uprising.[22]

In Syria itself, the government reported it had released 552 detainees "whose hands were not stained with blood".[20] Kurdish media reported the death of a young Kurdish man in Harasta and three injuries to Kurds in Qamishlo, all allegedly at the hands of loyalist snipers. The accounts could not be independently confirmed.[23]

According to SANA, a policeman and two bystanders were killed in a drive-by-shooting in Homs, while another two policemen were injured by an explosive device in al-Tarnabeh, Idlib province. Two rebels were allegedly killed when a bomb prematurely exploded in Idlib city industrial zone. Meanwhile, the mayor of al-Sina'a, al-Tadamon and Basatin Saleh district was shot dead outside his house in the city of Jableh, SANA reported.[24]

6 January edit Syrian state television reported that dozens of people died in a suicide bombing in the al-Midan quarter of Damascus (see January 2012 al-Midan bombing). The attack allegedly targeted a police bus,[25] leaving 25 people dead and 46 wounded.[26] The Syrian government immediately called the attack a "continuation of the terrorist acts targeting innocent civilians" and said it "reflects the criminal mentality of perpetrators and their antagonism towards moral heritage and national values",[27] while Colonel Asaad and the SNC both issued statements accusing the government of staging the attack to sully the opposition's image and deter a planned protest in the area, one of the hubs of the uprising.[28] Later in the day, SANA reported that an explosion caused by "terrorists" had severed an oil pipeline between Hama and Idlib governorates.[29]

Meanwhile, according to Al Arabiya, an Arab League team of monitors withdrew from the Damascus suburb of Arbeen after loyalist forces shot at them as they toured the streets.[30] CNN reported that the incident occurred when protesters surrounded the monitors, chanting slogans against the government, and security forces opened fire on them, endangering the observers.[31]

A Syrian opposition member claimed that he learned from anonymous security forces in Aleppo that the Syrian government was planning an orchestrated bombing in Aleppo.[32]

In Friday protests, activists said at least 35 were killed throughout Syria, including in the Kfar Souseh neighborhood of Damascus, according to a witness who said he saw security forces open fire on unarmed demonstrators.[33] Major protests also took place in Aleppo, Idlib, Qamishli, Deir ez-Zor, Homs, and elsewhere in Damascus, among other parts of Syria.[31][34][35] Three soldiers attempting to defect were shot dead in Rastan, according to the LCC.[31]

According to SANA, men in military uniform launched a gun attack on Sur police station in Deraa Countryside, killing two policemen and wounding six. It also reported that a colonel and lieutenant were shot dead as they drove through Homs, that a policeman was shot dead in Idlib city, and that the mayor of al-Amqieh Municipality in Hama province was assassinated.[36]

Brigadier General Mustafa al-Sheikh of the SAA, who previously defected in December, publicly announced his defection on Al Jazeera on 6 January; the highest-ranking defector so far.[37]

7 January edit Colonel Afeef Mahmoud Suleiman of the Syrian Air Force logistics division defected along with at least 50 of his men, ordering his men to protect protesters in the city of Hama. "We are from the Army and we have defected because the government is killing civilian protesters. The Syrian Army attacked Hama with heavy weapons, air raids and heavy fire from tanks...We ask the Arab League observers to come visit areas affected by air raids and attacks so you can see the damage with your own eyes, and we ask you to send someone to uncover the three cemeteries in Hama filled with more than 460 corpses," Colonel Suleima said in a statement.[38]

In Damascus, thousands of pro-government protesters gathered at a mosque for the funeral of 11 policemen the government said died in the previous day's bombing.[39] Opposition activists accused the government of making fake television footage of the aftermath of the bombing, pointing to three clips they said were "mistakenly" aired by Syrian state TV. One shows what seems to be an injured man on the ground standing up just before the end of the clip. Another shows a man with a microphone (allegedly a reporter for Syrian state TV) placing "bags of vegetables" in the street to give the impression that some of the victims were civilians shopping in the nearby market. The third video shows a person putting police shields in one of the damaged vans.[40]

8 January edit More than a dozen people, including 11 soldiers, were killed in clashes between rebels and loyalists in Basr al-Harir, a town in southern Daraa Governorate, according to the SOHR.[41] The LCC reported shelling and gunfire in Deir ez-Zor.

SANA reported that rebels fired at a police vehicle in the al-Khalidiyeh neighborhood of Homs, wounding 11 policemen. It also reported that another four policemen were wounded by gunfire near the National Hospital and that gunmen fired at a vehicle belonging to the Military Housing Establishment in Ashireh neighborhood, wounding the driver.[42]

A chief police officer was stopped by gunmen while he was driving on the Harasta-Douma road. He was shot dead but his passenger was allowed to leave unharmed, SANA reported.[42]

In Cairo, Arab foreign ministers met at the Arab League to discuss the monitoring mission in Syria and hear the first official report from Lieutenant General Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi, its leader.[43] The Arab League decided to extend their mission after having heard the first rapports of their observers. They called for an end to the violence by both the Syrian government and opposition.[44]

9 January edit Opposition activists said at least 21 people were killed in clashes throughout Syria. SOHR said most of the deaths were in the city of Homs and Idlib province.[45]

10 January edit Opposition activists said that security forces killed at least 31 protesters, most of them in the cities of Deir al-Zour and Homs.[46]

SANA reported that rebels fired at a vehicle carrying Syrian soldiers in Rif Dimashq. It said that three soldiers (including a colonel) were killed and three were wounded.[47]

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad addressed a crowd at Damascus University in a speech. He said that he would remain in power because he felt he had the support of the people of Syria. He claimed that victory was near if Syrians had "courage". He blamed what he called "foreign conspiracies" for the unrest in Syria and said that restoring order can only be done by fighting "terrorists" with an iron fist. He denied that he gave orders to shoot protesters. He also announced that he plans a referendum in March for constitutional changes.[48][49][50]

11 January edit Violence Opposition activists reported that 28 people were killed across Syria by security forces, 13 of them in Homs.[51]

A French reporter for the channel France 2 news was killed by a mortar shell or rocket while on a government organized trip to a pro-government rally. The reporter was killed when he went to check on an explosion near the local hospital, only to be hit by an additional mortar shell or rocket upon arriving there. Eight civilians were also killed in the attack.[52][53]

SANA reported that a military bus was struck by a roadside bomb and then fired upon in Ya'four, Rif Dimashq. It said that four soldiers were killed and eight wounded.[54]

Other events A former Arab League observer to Syria decried the organization's monitoring mission a "farce". Anwar Malek, an Algerian Arab League observer who was part of the monitoring team, told Al Jazeera that he resigned because of what he saw, and said that the mission was falling apart. "What I saw was a humanitarian disaster. The regime is not just committing one war crime, but a series of crimes against its people," he said. "The snipers are everywhere shooting at civilians. People are being kidnapped. Prisoners are being tortured and none were released". He said that security forces did not withdraw their tanks from the streets, but just hid them and then redeployed them after the observers left. Malek also said "The regime didn't meet any of our requests, in fact they were trying to deceive us and steer us away from what was really happening, towards insignificant things". He said that those who were supposedly freed and were shown on TV, were actually people who had been randomly grabbed off the street. "They were detained for four or five days in tough conditions and later released as if they had been real prisoners". Malek also said that he had seen snipers on top of buildings: "On one, there were even army officers in front of the building, while snipers were on the roof. Some on our team preferred to maintain good relations with the regime and denied that there were snipers". He said that Assad's government "has gained a lot of time that has helped it implement its plan. Therefore I've decided to withdraw from this mission". The head of the Arab League observer mission, Sudanese Lieutenant-General Mohammed Al Dabi, distanced himself from Malek's claims, saying that Malek did not leave his hotel room because of illness.[52] This was later denied by Malek, who said that he is shown on many videos taken by activists, as well as Syrian state TV coverage that showed him walking the streets of Homs. He also accused Dabi of ignoring his requests to talk to him about his reasons for resigning.[55]

The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Lynn Pascoe, said that, since the Arab League mission began, an estimated 400 people have been killed, an average of 40 a day, a rate much higher than before the mission began.[56]

Israeli officials said that if Assad fell, Alawis might be forced to flee to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.[57]

Tens of thousands turned out in a show of support for the government in Omeyad Square and were greeted by President Assad, who gave a short speech saying that his supporters would defeat what he called "a conspiracy against Syria".[58]

The archbishop of Aleppo, Jean Clément Jeanbart, said that he was very worried that Christians would suffer as much as they did in Iraq if the regime fell. He said that he was in favor of giving Assad a chance and claimed that most Christians in Syria supported Assad.[59]

12 January edit Opposition activists reported that security forces killed 18 people, mostly in Homs and Idlib.[60]

SANA reported that eight policemen were killed in an attack on their bus near Jbala crossroads, 5 km north of Khan Sheikhoun.[61]

Al Jazeera reported the defection of Sheikh Abdul Jalil al-Saeed, said to be public relations director for Grand Cleric Ahmad Hassoun. Hassoun denied that al-Saeed was ever employed by the state and asserted that no such position existed.[62]

13 January edit Weekly Friday protests occurred, with tens of thousands protesting in Homs, Hama, Idlib, Aleppo and Damascus's suburbs. Protesters chanted in support of the Free Syrian Army as the Syrian National Council announced that it would begin to co-ordinate with the FSA. Opposition activists reported that security forces killed at least 13 people during the protests, including three children. They also reported that the Syrian Army entered the outskirts of Zabadani, a town 30 km outside Damascus, and cut its communications. It was claimed that tanks were bombarding Zabadani and the nearby town of Madaya, but that government forces were meeting resistance from the FSA.[63][64][65]

SANA reported that three Syrian Army soldiers were killed and three wounded in a gun attack on a "Morse Code service center" in al-Mrah, Rif Dimashq.[66] It also reported that two policemen were shot dead and 12 wounded in Wadi al-Saei'h neighborhood of Homs, while a soldier was shot dead in a gun attack on a Syrian Army recruitment office in the city.[66]

14 January edit Opposition activists said that five civilians were killed by security forces throughout the country by noon.[67]

SANA reported that a bomb planted on the railway between Mahmabil and Bishmaroun stations in Idlib derailed a train drawing 20 tankers loaded with 1000 tons of fuel. Some of the tankers caught fire and three of the train workers were injured. It also reported that saboteurs destroyed a high-voltage electricity pylon in Deir Ezzor desert.[68]

The government of Qatar suggested that Arab League states should send in troops to end attack on civilians by Syrian government forces.[69] An SNC official said Brigadier General Mostafa Ahmed al-Sheik, deputy commander of Syria's northern army, defected to Turkey two weeks prior.[70]

15 January edit Syrian security forces shot dead 27 people on Sunday across the country, most of them in the city of Homs and the northwestern province of Idlib, the LCC reported. Meanwhile, 10,000 people marched in the town of Zabadani, in Damascus province, where an Arab observer team has been deployed, calling for regime change, according to the SOHR. Several thousand demonstrated in the Idlib town of Maaret al-Numan, calling for regime change and the trial of Bashar al-Assad when they met an observer team there.[71]

SANA reported that a bus carrying workers of an Idlib textile factory was struck by a roadside bomb on the road between Ariha and al-Mastouma. It said that six were killed and 16 injured.[72] SOHR reported that five were killed in the roadside blast near Ariha, while the LCC said that ten were killed "when pro-regime forces targeted their bus".[71] SANA also reported that a 20 kg bomb was defused in an ambulance belonging to Homs National Hospital, and that four people were injured by mortars in Ekrima neighborhood.[72]

After a student protest at Aleppo University, security officers raided the campus, The Daily Telegraph reported.[73]

16 January edit Twelve people across the country were reportedly killed by Syrian security forces on 16 January.[74]

SANA reported that five SA soldiers were killed and seven wounded in a rocket attack on a checkpoint near Sahnaya, Rif Dimashq. It also said that a brigadier general was shot dead in Ghotta, while a policeman and railway engineer were shot dead in Homs.[75]

The regime appeared to suffer another high-profile military defection, with amateur video posted online showing a man dressed in the uniform of an army general displaying his identification card and declaring his support for the revolutionary movement at a rally festooned with pre-Ba'athist flags in Homs Governorate. A parliamentarian from Homs, Imad Ghalioun, gave an interview to Al Arabiya while visiting Cairo announcing that he was also defecting from the regime. He described Homs as "disaster-stricken" and said, "The Syrian people are living their worst period."[73]

17 January edit According to the LCC, at least 30 people were killed by security forces; 18 of them in Homs. It said that the dead included two children and four SA defectors.[76][77]

Both SANA and the LCC reported four people were killed and seven wounded when a roadside bomb struck a minibus on the Idlib–Saraqeb road. SANA blamed "terrorists" while the LCC blamed government forces.[77][78] SANA also reported two policemen were shot dead outside Idlib Central Prison and the bodies of three soldiers and a civilian contractor were found with bullet wounds at a graveyard in Ariha.[78]

In Zabadani, where a military assault was underway over the weekend, anti-government insurgents and army troops reportedly reached an agreement to mutually withdraw armed fighters from the city's streets. The ceasefire also halted the tank bombardment of Zabadani, an opposition leader claimed. He said the withdrawal of regime forces from the city was set to begin on 18 January.[79]

18 January edit Anwar Malek, an Algerian ex-observer from the Arab League monitoring mission, said in an interview from his home in Paris that Syrian officials tried to intimidate him and other observers. He called for military aid to the rebels by the United States and other countries as the only way to resolve the conflict.[80] A European Union spokesman said the supranational body was weighing new sanctions against the Syrian government.[81] Reuters reported that Lebanese Druze politician Walid Jumblatt expressed concern during an interview in Beirut about a full-scale civil war in neighbouring Syria. Of Assad, Jumblatt said he was not listening to advice from former allies like Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, adding, "Up 'til now he has refused to listen to the rightful demands of the Syrian people for a new Syria."[82]

The LCC said 21 people were killed by security forces during the day, including 13 in Homs. Meanwhile, SANA claimed 15 soldiers and policemen, including an army colonel, were killed in "recent" fighting.[81]

19 January edit The military withdrew from Zabadani to positions 8 km away, residents said, upholding their end of a deal brokered between army and opposition representatives. The Arab League's observation mandate officially expired, but an official in Cairo said observers would remain in Syria until at least 22 January, when Arab League ministers would meet to determine whether or not to extend the duration of the mission.[83] The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. Treasury Department officials said they had proof that Iran was attempting to dodge an international embargo on exporting oil to Syria. An unnamed Iranian official quoted in the article insisted that Tehran is not bound to comply with the embargo or any sanctions against Syria.[84] Leading Kurdish opposition figures said anti-government Kurdish activists and political dissents planned to unite and present their vision for a post-Assad Syria to Arab opposition members, citing distrust that Arabs would allow Kurdish autonomy in northeastern Syria if the government fell. Sources reported as many as 25 were killed in Syria throughout the day, Al Arabiya said.[85]

20 January edit Weekly Friday protests occurred, with the largest protests occurring in Idlib, Aleppo, Damascus, and Homs. Other protests occurred in Daraa, Deir Ezzor, Zabadani, Hama, and Latakia. Security forces prevented worshippers attending the Omari mosque in the southern town of Deraa. A security officer who had defected, was assassinated in Deraa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Activists said at least 12 people were killed on Friday, including seven in Idlib.[86][87][88]

French daily Le Figaro reported that FSA members mistakingly killed the French journalist Gilles Jacquier by firing a mortar round into a Syrian Army-controlled neighborhood of Homs, citing interviews with rebel leaders. The Free Syrian Army denied responsibility.[89][90]

Ahmad el-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Sunni Muslim learning, urged "Arab rulers to take the necessary measures to halt bloodshed in Syria", the state news agency MENA quoted him as saying on Friday. NATO's most senior officer said on Thursday that the alliance was not planning or even "thinking" of intervening in Syria. Burhan Ghalioun, the leader of the opposition Syrian National Council, also headed to Cairo to lobby the Arab ministers to refer the observer mission's findings to the United Nations Security Council for tough action.[86][91]

SANA reported that the chief warrant officer of Daraa was killed after being abducted by the FSA.[92]

As many as 19 people were killed by shooting from Syrian security forces on Friday, Al Arabiya reported, citing Syrian activists.[93]

21 January edit According to the Local Coordination Committees, 60 unidentified corpses were found in the morgue of the hospital in Idlib. The corpses reportedly had signs of torture.[94] The LCC said that security forces opened fire inside and outside the hospital as activists and residents found the bodies. A mass arrest campaign was reportedly underway in the area.[95] Including the corpses in Idlib, the death toll for the day reportedly reached a total of 94 people, including 14 prisoners on a bus in Idlib, two people shot dead by security forces in Douma, one in Deir Ezzor, and three in Homs.[94]

SANA reported that police vehicles were attacked with explosives at al-Mastouma. One of the vehicles was allegedly transporting prisoners. It said that 14 people were killed while 26 prisoners and at least six police were wounded.[96] SANA also reported that security forces clashed with gunmen trying to enter Syria from Lebanon, near al-Msherfeh village. Three gunmen were reportedly killed.[97]

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the FSA had temporarily seized parts of the town of Douma, near Damascus, during the night. Local activists reported that the FSA built barricades and occupied the streets but eventually withdrew to their hideouts, "most likely because it could offer the regime an excuse to storm the area".[98] However, the LCC denied that the FSA took control of Douma.[99]

The United States announced it was preparing to shut down its embassy in Syria.[100]

22 January edit The Arab League held a meeting at which the representative of Saudi Arabia announced the kingdom would withdraw its funding and personnel from the observer mission, saying it had failed. The League also drafted a plan calling for Assad to relinquish power to Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa and form a national unity government modeled off that of the Republic of Yemen, to include opposition leaders and establish an independent commission of inquiry into the uprising and crackdown, similar to the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry established to investigate the uprising in Bahrain, as well as reorganize the security forces with international assistance and prepare for free and fair parliamentary elections within three months of its formation. In the United States, Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced new legislation in the United States Senate to increase pressure on the Syrian government with further sanctions.[101] Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani said the Arab League planned to ask the UN Security Council to endorse the initiative.[102]

After the body of a 14-year-old Lebanese boy killed the day before by security forces who stormed a fishing boat in Mediterranean waters disputed between Beirut and Damascus was returned to his family, mourners threw stones at Syrian soldiers along the international border, calling Assad "the enemy of God". According to news reports, the soldiers did not retaliate, and the mourners eventually dispersed. One of the boy's two uncles seized in the attack on the boat said after his release that he had been interrogated and beaten in custody on suspicion of being an arms smuggler.[103]

Two Swiss journalists who were colleagues of Gilles Jacquier, the French reporter killed in Homs days earlier, said they blamed Syrian authorities for Jacquier's death. They claimed there were indications the "ambush" may have been planned in advance.[104]

In Talfita, a village outside Damascus, three members of the SA, one anti-government militant and two civilians were killed in clashes, the SOHR claimed. Citing opposition sources in Douma, Reuters reported that the FSA was said to be in control of about two-thirds of the town's main streets, with off-and-on fighting continuing.[102]

23 January edit At least 22 civilians, five security forces and an SA defector were killed on 23 January, activists said. The LCC said security forces killed 23 people including two children, a rebel soldier and two who died under torture. It said that five people were killed in Daraa, six in Homs, eight in Idlib, two in Damascus, two in Hama, one in the north-western province of al-Hasakeh and another in Deir al-Zour.[105]

SANA reported that 11 people were killed and three wounded when a bus was attacked with RPGs and gunfire in the Ashira neighborhood of Homs. An attack on two other minibuses at Homs Military Hospital reportedly killed a civil employee. SANA also reported a brigadier general and first lieutenant were shot dead in Talfita, two policemen and a civil employee were shot dead on the Souran-Hama road, while a policeman was killed by a bomb in Atman.[106]

The head of Arab League observers, Sudanese General Dabi, rejected criticism of his team's work and said that the mission had reduced the bloodshed in Syria. He also said that in some regions, the FSA attacked security forces, prompting them to return fire.[107]

Syria rejected the previous day's Arab League resolution calling on the Syrian government to quit violence and establish a national unity government, calling it a "foreign conspiracy" that threatened Syria's "sovereignty".[108]

24 January edit Local Coordination Committees reported that the number of Syrian deaths on 24 January rose to 52, 39 of which were in Homs, including 18 deaths from the Syrian army's artillery shelling of two buildings in Bab Tadmur neighborhood. Also 5 were killed in Hama, 3 in Daraa and 2 in Idlib, and one death each in Damascus, Douma in Damascus's Suburbs, and Raqqa.[109]

25 January edit The Local Coordinating Committees in Syria stated that the number of those killed on 25 January had risen to 24, among them 6 soldiers from the Free Syrian Army, 2 children, and 2 women. In addition, 5 were killed in Damascus Suburbs, 4 in each of Homs and Hama, 3 in Idlib, 1 in Aleppo, and 1 in Daraa.[110] The secretary general of the Syrian Red Crescent, a non-profit medical service, was shot dead in Idlib. The Red Crescent commented that his was not the first time they were attacked, and that security forces had shot at them before.[111]

26 January edit The Arab League chief has reportedly said that a peace plan that aims to end Syria's political crisis will be submitted to the United Nations Security Council early next week. Nabil Elaraby, the secretary-general of the Arab League, told reporters in Cairo that the meeting with UN officials will be held on Monday in New York City.[112][113]

Syrian state television reported that tens of thousands of Assad supporters showed their support in a rally held in Damascus. Various other pro Assad rallies happened across Syria.[114][115]

At least 34 civilians, including ten children, were killed by security forces in Syria, according to Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. In addition, seven or eight army deserters were killed Thursday in clashes, including a colonel in Homs, where government forces launched an offensive on Thursday night at the district of Karm al-Zeitoun, killing 26 civilians, including nine children, and leaving dozens injured.[116]

In the city of Hama, where the Syrian army launched a major offensive Tuesday, four civilians were killed including a woman, 58 years old, who was shot dead by snipers, the source said. One was killed in the province of Idleb, and two more in the suburbs of Damascus. In the province of Deraa, a teenager was killed and three others injured.[116]

By evening, the Local Coordination Committees in Syria reported that the death toll of civilians on 26 January reached 42.[117] In addition to the 42 killed, the LCC reported that 23 corpses were later found in the Bab Qebli section of Hama. The corpses were handcuffed and shown signs of torture.[118]

The centre of Douma, on the outskirts of Damascus, was under the control of the Free Syrian Army during the night, with checkpoints set up on the outskirts and there were reports of gunfire and explosions in some areas.[119]

27 January edit Opposition activists alleged 102 people were shot dead by Syrian security force across Syria, as Friday protests spread. The casualties included both protesters as well as defected soldiers. The death toll of 102 included the 23 corpses found overnight in Homs.[120]

Anti-government protests occurred primarily in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Daraa, and the Damascus suburbs. The cities of Hama and Homs also experienced mass protests, but were primarily under siege by the Syrian army. Since 23 January, both Hama and Homs have been under intensive siege and occupation by the Syrian army, which wishes to take back neighborhoods in Hama and Homs recently controlled by the Free Syrian Army. Over the past week intensive clashes between the Free Syrian Army and the government's forces led to the FSA's takeover of large proportions of Homs, Hama, and suburban Damascus, prompting retaliatory attacks by the Syrian army, which additionally led to dozens of civilian casualties. the majority of Friday's casualties were in Homs.[120][121][122]

Gen. Mustafa al-Dabi warned of an escalation of the conflict in recent days.

The FSA announced that the group had captured around 7 Iranian men, 5 of whom were alleged to be Revolutionary Guard members participating in the government crackdown (two others were civilians). A video was posted displaying the men and their alleged Iranian military identity cards, it was too blurry to read the cards,[123] and shows one man, named Haidar Ali,[124][125] pleading to Ali Khamenei to withdraw all Iranian military personnel from Syria. The FSA stated its intention to hold the men hostage until military operations against Homs cease and FSA member Lieutenant Colonel Hussein Harmoush is freed.[126] Iran denied that they were soldiers, and instead said that they were the engineers who had been kidnapped in the previous weeks.[123]

Defected Col. Hammoud estimated the FSA had gained control about 90% of the northern city of Idlib and just over half of Homs.[127]

28 January edit Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported number of 28 January's deaths rose to 50, among them three 3 children and one 1 woman., 19 people were killed in Homs, 6 in Hama, 7 in Damascus Suburbs (Saqba, Douma, Moadamieh, Arbeen, Zamalka, Baseemeh), 3 in Daraa, 2 each in Deir Ezzor and Idlib, and 1 in each of Damascus and Qonaitra, additional to 10 casualties of the defected soldiers. Deaths in Rankous and Ghouta were also reported, but the number is not yet known.[128][129]

The Arab league decided to suspend for the moment its mission because of the spike of violence in the recent days in the country. The secretary general also asked the head of the mission to ensure the security of observers. At the same time interior minister Mohamed Shaar said that Syria will continue to try to "cleanse" Syria of what he named outlaws.[130]

By night, the LCC reported that the death toll for 28 January reached 98 people, including 20 unidentified corpses found in Hama's city hospital.[131]

29 January edit An estimated 2,000 troops backed by tanks attempted to retake rebellious Damascus suburbs, with a similar situation occurring in the mountain town of Rankous to the north. At least 19 people were reported killed, including fourteen civilians and five rebels during the government crackdown on the Damascus suburbs of Kfar Batna, Saqba, Jisreen and Arbeen[132] in what locals described as "urban warfare."[133]

The LCC reported one of the bloodiest days of the uprising, with 62 people claimed dead across Syria. Of the dead, 19 were in Homs, 16 were in and around Damascus, and 15 were in Hama, the LCC said. At least 50 were injured by government forces' shelling of Damascus' eastern suburb of Ghotta, the LCC claimed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a roadside bomb destroyed a military vehicle near Idlib, killing 10 soldiers. It also reported a rebel soldier was killed near Zabadani. SANA said another roadside bomb near Damascus killed six soldiers and wounded six more. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said that he did not agree with the Arab League's decision to suspend its observing mission in Syria, claiming it had reduced violence and was a "useful instrument" in gauging the situation in the country.[132][134] Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, head of the United Nations, called for an end to the violence in Syria and said it was the government's responsibility to end the bloodshed.[135]

After two days of clashes, oppositions and FSA sources confirmed that the Syrian army seized back the control of the eastern suburbs of Damascus from the rebels and started to make house to house arrests. SANA said 51 soldiers were killed in recent days of fighting.[136][137][138]

Opposition activists claimed that close family members of Assad, including his wife, had tried to leave Damascus via plane, but had been intercepted by the Free Syrian Army and forced to return to government held areas of Damascus. The government refused to comment on the rumor.[139]

30 January edit On 30 January, the Syrian Army continued its offensive on previously rebel held area around Damascus. After seizing back the eastern suburbs the previous day, the army entered the city of Rankous after several days of clashes forcing the rebels to retreat and withdraw, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.[140]

On the night of 30 January, the fighting subsided as Syrian army extended their control in Ghouta. An activist said that the FSA moved out of the suburbs and that the Syrian army arrested 200 opposition members in Hammourya. The opposition death toll in Damascus given by the activist was 19 civilians killed and 6 FSA soldiers killed.[136]

The Free Syrian Army returned to Saqba, and began conducting hit and run attacks against the Syrian army.[141]

Local Coordination Committees in Syria reported the number of people killed by the Syrian army on 30 January reached 100, including 8 children and a woman. 56 of the deaths were in Homs, 20 in Rastan, 15 in Daraa, 6 in Damascus suburbs, 1 in Hasakah, and 2 in Idlib.[142]

Despite the prior demand from the FSA, an official from the Syrian League for Human Rights claimed to AFP that FSA colonel Hussein Harmush was executed by a gunshot wound to the head by an Air Force intelligence unit. In June 2011, Harmush was the first military officer to defect from the Assad government, doing so by communicating such to AFP in the Turkish town of Guvecci. He was later allegedly captured by intelligence from a refugee camp and forced to confess to various "crimes," with the confessions broadcast on state television.[143]

31 January edit The Syrian Ministry of Interior issued a statement announcing that Assad's security forces had killed a number of suspected "terrorists" and arrested several others in Douma, Harasta, Saqba, Hammouriyeh and Kfar Batna, seizing a large stockpile of weapons.[144]

The Syrian army continued its assault in the Damascus region with troops and tanks moving on Arbeen and Zamalka. On another note, an activist claimed that the opposition fighters had captured the city of Rastan after a day of fighting with government forces.[145] Further clashes occurred in Rastan, according to certain activists, who witnessed the destruction of an unidentified structure by a tank.[146]

Local coordination committees reported that the number of those killed on 31 January have reached 34, including two children, a woman and 5 army defectors, 4 of whom were executed in Idlib. 14 were believed killed in Idlib, 12 in Homs, and at least 3 in the Damascus Suburbs.[147]

February 2012

edit 1 February edit While the army continued their operations, the Russian ambassador at the UN stated that Russia would veto the proposed resolution if a clause explicitly excluding any military intervention was not included.[148] Eleven Iranian pilgrims were allegedly kidnapped in Syria, and Iranian authorities accused armed opposition groups of being responsible.[149]

The number of those killed by Syrian security forces on 1 February has risen to 70 so far including 14 deaths from the Free Syrian Army, 2 women and 2 children. 35 were killed in Wadi Barada (Damascus suburbs), 8 in Daraa, 14 in Homs, 6 in Eastern Gharba (Daraa suburbs), 3 in Damascus suburbs (Arbeen and Moadamiya), 3 in Idlib and one in Qamishli.[150][151]

2 February edit Heavy gunfire and shelling were reported to have occurred in Wadi Barada outside Damascus. Twenty four people, including six army defectors were killed in the fighting according to activists.[152]

At the United Nations, talks were progressing toward a consensus. The text in Syrian resolutions being drafted have been watered down in an attempt to dodge a Russian veto and do not explicitly call for Assad to step down although the UN reaffirms its support for Arab League proposals. The new drafts also rule out foreign military intervention.[153] However, Russia continued to voice its disapproval.[154]

3 February edit Protesters across Syria rallied in memorial of the 1982 Hama massacre. The largest protests occurred within Homs, Aleppo, and Idlib. Protesters attempted to rally in Hama, but were dispersed by security forces stationed to preempt mass protesting in Hama. Other protests occurred in Daraa and Latakia. Protests in Damascus's suburbs were fired upon and dispersed the Syrian army stationed there. 42 protesters and civilians across Syria were reported killed by security forces.[155] Opposition troops assaulted Syrian army positions in Anadan, just outside Aleppo.[156][157] Demonstrations in Syria on 3 February were seemingly amongst the most widespread of the entire uprising, including protests in over 600 towns and neighborhoods.

4 February edit Government forces began an intense artillery bombardment of Homs, leading to over 400 civilian deaths, according to activists in the city. Shabiha invaded some hospitals as well, with intent to kill or abduct the wounded.[158][159] Syria strongly denied that such a shelling happened. They said that it was a fabrication from the opposition to try to influence the vote at the UN the same day and accused the armed groups in Homs of killing soldiers and civilians.[160] However, activists posted web videos which display burning structures believed to be hit by Syrian artillery. The authenticity of these films have not been verified.[161][162][163]

The Lebanese army deployed into the northern towns of Wadi Khaled and Akroum to root out possible Syrian opposition forces and gunrunners.[164][165]

A mass funeral was held in Khalidya, Homs, for those who lost their lives in the neighborhood during the night. Elsewhere in Daraya, Damascus, a second funeral was attacked by security forces, who reportedly shot 12 mourners.[166]

Russia and China announced their veto to the contemporary UN resolution on Syria at the security council.[167]

5 February edit The Local Coordination Committees said the number of those killed by security forces on 5 February had risen to 43, including 6 children and 3 women; of which, 29 of the deaths were in Homs, 6 in Idlib, 5 in Damascus Suburbs, 2 in Daraa and 1 in Aleppo.[168]

6 February edit At least 300 rockets were reported to have landed in the city of Homs, with at least 15 initially reported killed on Monday morning.[169] Great Britain recalled their ambassador.[170] A pipeline was damaged in the city of Homs.[171] The United States had announced that they were closing their embassy.[172] The United Kingdom has also summoned its ambassador to the Foreign Office,[173] and has suspended services in Syria.

United States sent an official to Russia to talk about sanctions against Syria and Iran.[174] Russia foreign minister Lavrov said western reactions to the Russian veto were too "hysterical".[175]

Canada said that contrary to the United States, they decided to keep their embassy open.[176]

The Local Coordinating Committees stated the number of those killed by security forces on 6 February has risen to 74, among them 4 children and 4 women: 47 deaths were in Homs, 12 in the Damascus Suburbs (Zabadany, Saqba, Madaya. Hazza, Daraya), 9 in Idlib, 3 in Damascus (Kafar Souseh, Dummar City), 2 in Aleppo, and 1 in Qalaat al-Madiq in Hama.[177]

7 February edit Russian FM Lavrov made his visit to Syria. Russia wants a solution based on the Arab League plan.[178] Gulf Arab states, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates joined countries pulling ambassadors from Syria. These countries are also asking Syria to recall its ambassadors.[179] Unicef says more 400 children have died during the past 11 months in Syria.[180] Unicef also demands Syrian officials to let in aid for the victims of the conflict.

Local Coordination Committees in Syria stated that number of those killed by security forces in Syria on 7 February was 35 including two women and 6 children, including a mother and her three children. 19 were killed in Homs, 10 in Madaya (Damascus suburbs), 2 in Idlib, 2 in Daraa and 2 in Aleppo.[181]

8 February edit The Syrian army launched an intense bombardment of Homs with artillery shelling, primarily on the Bab Amr neighborhood, reportedly killing 43 civilians.[182]

By night, the civilian death toll from the Syrian army's assault on Homs reached 117.[183]

The same day, 43 Syrian soldiers and security forces were buried, according to Syrian press agency SANA.[184][185]

9 February edit 110 civilians were killed in Homs by artillery shelling from the government's army on 9 February.[186][187]

137 civilians were reported killed in total throughout Syria on 9 February.[188]

Syrian press agency reported that 8 Syrian Army soldiers and policemen were buried after dying in engagements in Homs, the Damascus countryside, and Idleb.[189]

10 February edit Two explosions rocked Aleppo, targeting a security building and the Military Intelligence Directorate in the city, the state TV reported.[190] At least 25 people were killed and 175 were injured in the blasts.[190][191] Defected General Aref Hamoud, a FSA member, told Al Jazeera reporter Rula Amin that the FSA carried out an attack with RPGs and Mortars, while later other FSA leaders denied it and accused the government of manipulation, claiming that bombing the attacking security headquarters would be too difficult given the number of checkpoints in the surrounding area.[192]

The Syrian army massed outside of Homs preparing another offensive, as activists reported food and medical supplies had become scarce.[190]

Mass protests occurred throughout Syria, with the largest occurring in Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib. Other protests occurred in Daraa, Damascus and its suburbs, Deir Ezzor, Latakia, and neighborhoods in Homs that were not besieged.[190][193]

A fire fight broke out in the Lebanese city of Tripoli between armed supporters and opponents of Syria's president Assad. The violence broke out between Sunni and Alawite sects after an anti-Assad protest. RPGs and assault rifles were reportedly used in the clash that led to at least two soldiers and four civilians being wounded.[194][195] The casualties later increased to three killed and twenty three wounded, including ten soldiers of the Lebanese Army.[196]

The Local Coordination Committees in Syria said the number of those killed by security forces on Friday has reached 51, including five children and three women. 13 were killed in Aleppo, 11 in Homs, 8 in Domair in Damascus suburbs, 5 in Daraa, 1 in Hama, and 1 in Deir Ezzor.[197]

11 February edit Government forces resumed shelling Homs, leading to at least seven deaths during the morning.[198]

The Iraqi interior minister said that armed jihadists were crossing the Syrian border to take part in the armed rebellion.[199]

40 Syrian Army soldiers and policemen were buried after dying in fighting in Homs and Damascus, the Syrian press Agency SANA reported.[200] Among the dead is Army Brigadier General Dr. Issa al-Kholi, who was assassinated outside his home in Rukin Eddin, Damascus.[201]

The Local Coordination Committees said the number of those killed by security forces on Saturday has risen to 30, including 2 women and a child. 13 were killed in Daraa (Msaifra, Tseel, Deir Bekheit, and Daeel), 12 in Homs, 2 in each of Maaret Al-Nouman in Idlib and Rankous in Damascus Suburbs, and 1 in Damascus proper.[202]

12 February edit The leader of Al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, released a video where he urged all Muslims to support the Syrian rebels.[203] American officials blamed Al Qaeda elements for the suicide bombings which happened in Damascus in December.[203] The Jordanian affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood called for a jihad against Assad and said Muslims should give support to the rebels.[204]

Ministers from the Arab League, which suspended Syria's membership in response to the crackdown, met in Cairo on Sunday to discuss forming a joint UN-Arab League monitoring team in place of a league observer mission that was suspended last month. Sources told Al Jazeera that the league is going to form a new mission of about 3,000 observers that has an international character, under the supervision of the Arab League.[205]

Sudanese General Mustafa al-Dabi resigned from the observer mission.[206]

The Arab League passed a resolution pledging to ask the United Nations to form a joint peacekeeping force in Syria.[207] The resolution also called for "opening communication channels with the Syrian opposition and providing all forms of political and material support to it".[208] It also urged the Syrian opposition to unite. The resolution said violence against civilians in Syria had violated international law and "perpetrators deserve punishment". The resolution reaffirmed a call for Arabs to impose economic sanctions on Syria and decided on ending diplomatic cooperation with Damascus. Syria's ally Lebanon, which was outvoted at the summit, rejected the statement.[208]

Syrian government officials said that they completely rejected the Arab League resolution.[209]

Opposition forces within the city of Idlib were under preparations for the "inevitable attack" by Syrian Army troops.[210]

Activists reported 23 were killed by security across Syria, primarily in Homs and Daraa.[211]

13 February edit Syrian opposition groups rejected any interference by al-Qaida in their uprising. "We categorically reject these statements and any attempts by the al-Qaida network to interfere in our revolution," the General Commission of the Syrian Revolution said. We are a people struggling for freedom and dignity and for a democratic state," it added.[212]

Local Coordination Committees in Syria said the number of those killed by security forces on 13 February had reached 30, including 4 children and a defected soldier. 9 were killed in Idlib, 4 in the Damascus suburbs, 11 in Homs, and 3 in Daraa, 2 in Aleppo, and 1 in Hama.[213]

14 February edit Local Coordination Committees said the number of those killed by security forces on 14 February has risen to 49, including 3 defected soldiers (Damascus Suburbs) and 3 women. 11 were killed in Idlib, 9 in Homs, 4 in Daraa, 10 in Aleppo, 4 in Deir Ezzor, 3 in Hama, 6 in Damascus Suburbs, 1 in Lattakia, and 1 in Damascus.[214]

15 February edit The Syrian government says that a referendum for a "new constitution" will be held on 26 February.[215]

The Syrian government began "deliberately jamming" Al Arabiya's broadcast in Syria.[216]

The number of those killed by security forces in Syria on 15 February has risen to 32, among them 3 children, 1 woman and one defected soldier. 12 were killed in Idlib, 5 in Damascus Suburbs (Bloudan, Douma, Harasta), 4 were killed in Homs, 3 in Daraa, 3 in Hama, 2 in Hasakeh, and 1 in each of Lattakia, Damascus and Aleppo.[217]

The Syrian Revolution General Commission reported that by the end of the day, 54 people have been killed by security force gunfire across Syria on Wednesday, with most of the deaths in Idlib and Homs.[218]

16 February edit

UNGA Resolution A/RES/66/253 A (see also A/RES/66/253 B) for against abstain Ban-ki Moon, the UN Secretary-General, said that crimes against humanity had been carried out by government forces, saying "We see neighbourhoods shelled indiscriminately, hospita

The Local Coordination Committees in Syria said the number of those killed by security forces on 16 February reached 70 thus far, including 36 unidentified bodies, 13 soldiers, 3 woman and 2 pre-term infants. 38 were killed in Idlib, 12 in Hama, 5 in Homs, 6 in Damascus Suburbs "Zabadany, Madaya", 7 in Daraa, and 1 in Deir Ezzor and 1 in Raqqah.[220]

The United Nations General Assembly approved a non-binding resolution with 137 YES votes, 12 NO votes and 17 abstentions. The resolution called for the resignation of Bashar al Assad and a halt to the violence in the country.[221]

17 February edit The number of those killed by security forces on 17 February has risen to 39, including 12 defected soldiers executed on the site in Jassem. 15 civilians were killed in Daraa (Jassem, Hara), 4 in Homs, 5 in Mezze (Damascus), 3 in Deir Ezzor, 3 in Aleppo, 3 in Hama, and 3 in Damascus Suburbs (Yabrood, Douma).[222]

By the end of the day, the death toll had risen to 56 killed.[223]

Mass protests occurred across Syria, primarily in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, and Idlib.[223]

The Syrian opposition warned that the Syrian army was preparing for a massive assault on Bab Amr, Homs, and that the Syrian army was prepared to "annihilate everyone".[223]

US defence officials told a US network that "a good number" of unmanned US military and intelligence drones are operating in the skies over Syria to monitor Assad's government forces attacks against civilians and armed opposition.

"The officials said this surveillance is not in preparation for US military intervention," NBC News reported.[224]

Reuters news agency has reported that two Iranian naval ships have sailed through Egypt's Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, in a move likely to be keenly watching by Israel. "Two Iranian ships crossed through the Suez Canal following permission from the Egyptian armed forces," a source in the canal authority said. The destroyer and a supply ship could be on their way to the Syrian coast, the source added. Iran and Syria agreed to cooperate on naval training a year ago, and Tehran has no naval agreement with any other country in the region.[225]

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday that the UN General Assembly has shown an "overwhelming international consensus" to demand the Syrian regime end its bloody crackdown. The vote "demonstrated an overwhelming international consensus that the bloody assaults must end," Clinton said at a press conference with EU Foreign Policy Chief Cathy Ashton. "In the face of this global condemnation the regime in Damascus, however, appears to be escalating its assaults on civilians, and those who are suffering cannot get access to the humanitarian assistance they need and deserve," she said. "So we will keep working to pressure and isolate the regime, to support the opposition and to provide relief to the people of Syria."[226]

18 February edit 21 People were killed across Syria by gunfire from security forces. 15,000 Anti-government protesters assembled in Mezzeh, Damascus 2 kilometres southwest from Umayyad square, Damascus. The protest was significant as it was the largest single anti-Assad protest in central Damascus to date. Security forces fired on the protest in Mezzeh, killing at least one person.[227]

19 February edit Iranian state media reported that Iranian warships have crossed the Suez Canal and docked in Syria's port city of Tartous.[228] Egypt calls home envoy from Syria.[229] Gunmen in Syria staged a guerrilla-style ambush that killed a senior state prosecutor and a judge Sunday in an attack that suggested armed factions are growing bolder and more coordinated in their uprising against Assad's regime.

23 people were killed by security forces in Idlib and Homs, and 11 were killed in the town of Atareb in the Aleppo province when the Syrian army stormed the town. Communications and water were shut off in Atareb.[230]

20 February edit Local Coordination Committees in Syria said the number of killed by security forces on Monday has risen to 18 martyrs. 13 were killed in Homs, 2 in Hama, and 1 in each of Hassakeh, Idlib, and Douma in Damascus Suburbs.[231]

30 soldiers, as well as an officer and a tank defected to the Free Syrian Army in the town of al-Qusayr.[232]

21 February edit There were reports that many people had been killed in renewed heavy shelling of the Baba Amr neighbourhood of Homs following a buildup of forces the day before. Syrian tanks and troop have massed outside Homs for a possible ground assault, which Rami Abdul-Rahman, head of the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, warned would lead to a huge loss of life just as the Red Cross was attempting to broker a cease-fire to allow humanitarian aid in.[233][234] Two Iranian naval ships returned from Syria through the Suez Canal on Tuesday.[235] Iran says the real reason behind sending warships is that they will train the Syrian navy.[236]

By the end of the day, the number of those killed by security forces on Tuesday has reached 106, including 10 children, 3 women, 3 defected recruits: 45 were killed by artillery shelling in Homs, 55 in Idlib, two in Douma and Mesraba in Damascus Suburbs, 2 in Deir Ezzor, and one in Aleppo.[237]

22 February edit Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin along with photographer Remi Ochlik were killed in Homs by the Syrian army's artillery bombardment on the Bab Amr neighborhood.[238]

At least 92 people have been killed across Syria after security force shelling intensified in the rebel-held Baba Amr district in the city of Homs, the Syrian General Revolutionary Council said.[239]

23 February edit 88 people have been killed by Syrian army across Syria on Thursday, primarily in the cities of Homs, Idlib, and Hama.[240]

By the end of the day the LCC reported that 101 civilians were killed by Syrian army forces throughout Syria, with 47 killed in Idlib alone.[241] Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan appointed joint UN-Arab League special envoy to Syria.[242]

24 February edit The Friends of Syria meeting took place in Tunis, where 70 Western and Arab Nations gathered to discuss and act on the ongoing events in Syria.

The Friends of Syria meeting announced the recognition of the SNC as the "legitimate representative of the Syrian people", a step below recognition as the sole legitimate government, and requested that any other opposition groups in Syria rally behind the SNC. The meeting also called for the UN and Arab league to establish a peacekeeping force on the ground in Syria. The meeting called for tougher sanctions, as the European union announced that they would freeze Syria's assets within their country. The Tunisian president proposed in addition that the Syrian conflict be resolved with an amnesty deal for Bashar Assad, where Bashar Assad would resign take leave in Russia. The Saudi Arabian foreign minister left the meeting, claiming that the Friends of Syria did not go far enough to try to solve the crisis, and further exclaimed that the Free Syrian Army should be armed and supported to out-right topple the regime.[243][244][245]

The leaders of Hamas announced that they were completely abandoning support for the Syrian government, and announced their support for the armed rebellion.[246]

The Free Syrian Army announced that they had received their first supply of light arms and communication equipment from the Persian Gulf region and neighboring countries, purchased by Syrian exiles, but emphasized that it was only a limited number of light weaponry that they received.[247]

Mass Friday anti-government protests occurred in Syria, with the largest gatherings in Aleppo, Idlib, Daraa, Qamishli and the Damascus suburbs. Activists reported that 50 people were killed on Friday by security forces, primarily in Homs, Aleppo, Hama and Qamishli.[243]

By the end of the day the LCC reported that 103 had been killed by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs and Hama.[248]

25 February edit Over 100 people were killed by the Syrian army across Syria, primarily in Homs, Hama, and Idlib.[249]

26 February edit At least 31 Syrian civilians and soldiers were killed on Sunday in bloodshed that coincided with a vote on a new constitution that could keep President Bashar al-Assad in power until 2028, Assad says the referendum shows his commitment to democratic reform while Western powers and Syrians involved in an 11-month-old revolt against his rule have described it as a farce.[250]

By the end of the day, the death toll reached 65, primarily in Homs.[251]

Tens of thousands of people have marched in Morocco to demand an end to the Syrian regime's brutal crackdown on dissenters and to call for international intervention in the crisis. The MAP news agency says Syrians residing in Morocco were among the marchers Sunday in Casablanca. The demonstrators carried Moroccan and Syrian flags as well as signs calling on embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad to stop killing those seeking his ouster.[252]

27 February edit The European Union has agreed new sanctions against Syria.[253]

Activists reported that 68 civilians in Homs were summarily executed in a massacre when security forces arrested them as they tried to flee the neighborhood of Baba Amr.[254][255]

By the end of the day the death toll had risen to 125, including from artillery shelling and the massacre in Homs, with rest of the deaths having occurred in Hama, Aleppo province, and Idlib.[256]

28 February edit The number of civilians killed by the Syrian army has reached 104 on 28 February, among them 35 in a regime-conducted massacre in Halfaya in the Hama suburbs. In addition, 26 were killed in a massacre in Baba Amr, including 3 women and 2 children; 37 in the Hama suburbs; 50 in Homs; 7 in the Aleppo suburbs; 5 in the Idlib suburbs; 3 in Deir Ezzor; and 1 in Daraa and 1 in Hama.[257] Tunisia says ready to give asylum to Syria's Assad.[258] According to the UN more than 7,500 people have died in Syria since beginning of the uprising.[259]

29 February edit Syrian security forces are advancing on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Baba Amr in the city of Homs.[260] The Pentagon is going over plans for a potential operation in Syria.[261] U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos says Syria has denied her repeated requests to visit country.[262] Libya will donate $100 million in humanitarian aid to the Syrian opposition and allow them to open an office in Tripoli.[263]

The LCC reported that 30 people were killed by the Syrian army on 29 February, but could not include the death toll from Baba Amr due to lack of communication.[264]

March 2012

edit 1 March edit The FSA and the local civilians withdrew from Baba Amr, after running out of ammunition, food, and water. 4,000 civilians refused to leave Baba Amr. The International Red Cross was given permission to send aid to Baba Amr. 42 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including 23 in Homs.[265] UK diplomats withdrawn from Syria.[266]

2 March edit Mass Friday protests occurred throughout Syria, with the largest protesting occurring in Aleppo, central Homs, Idlib, Qamishli and the Damascus Suburbs as well as the central Damascus area.[267][268] 75 protesters and civilians were killed throughout the day. Ten were killed in Baba Amr and 16 in Rastan after a protest was hit by mortar shells.[269]

France is closing its embassy in Syria.[270]

3 March edit 47 soldiers who were caught attempting to defect were executed in the Idlib province. 30 civilians were killed by the security forces, including 8 in the Damascus suburbs. The Free Syrian Army claimed to have killed over 100 government soldiers in the Damascus suburbs in hit and run attacks on 3 March.[271] Suicide bomber kills 2 in Deraa.[272]

4 March edit The Syrian army shelled Rastan, killing 7 civilians.[273] The Red crescent were denied access to Bab Amr, despite promises given to them that they could enter.[274]

The father-in-law of the Syrian President, Bashar al-assad, said he was "horrified" at his son-in-law's brutal suppression of the Uprising and begged him to make democratic changes in the country before it was too late. As Syrian troops renewed their ferocious bombardment of the city of Homs Dr. Fawaz Akhras revealed for the first time that he has been quietly pushing for reform since before the revolution. Akhras said he feared for his daughter and his grandchildren, who could be killed by opposition fighters in revenge if the government falls. Some rumors said that Asma was being kept under virtual house arrest in Damascus by the presidents henchmen because they were scared she might leave the country, which would be a move that would damage the Syrian regime.[275]

5 March edit Local Coordination Committees said that 15 people were killed by the Syrian army on 5 March. 6 were killed in Homs, 2 in each of Idlib, Daraa and Aleppo, and 1 in each of Yabroud in Damascus Suburbs, Jableh and Raqqa.[276]

6 March edit At least 39 people were killed by the Syrian army, included 23 in Homs, according to the LCC.[277]

7 March edit The LCC reported that at least 40 civilians were killed by the Syrian army on 7 March, including 23 in Homs.[278] Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, claimed that he has information that there is a special training center for the Syrian revolutionaries in Libya.[279]

The deputy oil and mineral wealth minister Abdo Hussameddin defected.[280]

8 March edit The LCC reported that 62 civilians were killed across Syria including 52 in Homs, of which 44 were found summarily executed.[281]

9 March edit 82 civilians were killed throughout Syria, including 33 in Idlib and 26 in Homs.[282] Mass Friday protests occurred, particularly in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Daraa, Idlib, Deir ez-Zor and Qamishli.[283][284]

Rebel groups reported that four generals had defected to the FSA, and had crossed into Turkish territory.[285] Two other generals and four colonels had defected a few days before this event, bringing a total of six generals, according to opposition sources. A high ranking defector told reporters that the regime was detaining Sunni officers. It was claimed 2,000 officers had been detained by their own army. "Just being Sunni is suspect," he said.[286]

10 March edit President Assad met international envoy Kofi Annan and promised him that he would back any "honest" peace bid but warned dialogue would fail if "terrorist groups" remained.[287]

The Syrian army started the Battle of Idlib by heavily shelling the city with artillery, mortar and tanks. Later, infantry backed by tanks began to move into Idlib from the southeast.[288] Witnesses described a shell landing every two minutes in the city, with no definite targets. The rebels were unable to fight back the shelling of the city which lasted until the night with a lull at midday.[289]

The LCC reported that 63 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including 47 in Idlib.[290]

11 March edit At least 80 civilians were killed throughout Syria, primarily in Idlib and Homs.[291][better source needed]

The Free Syrian Army and the Syrian government clashed in central Damascus for the first time.[292]

12 March edit 50 civilians including children were massacred in the Karm al zhoutan and Bab Driad neighborhoods of Homs. An online video from Homs said to show the corpses of the massacre also identified some of the dead as having been burnt to death. The city of Idlib came under siege by the Syrian army, with water being turned off and neighborhoods under artillery shelling.[293] 19 other civilians were killed by Syrian army according to the LCC, including 7 from Idlib.[294]

13 March edit Both a pro-government newspaper and the opposition group SOHR reported that the Syrian Army took control of Idlib, with slight resistance to mop-up operations in three districts.[295]

Activists reported that over 40 civilians were executed outside a mosque in Idlib by the Syrian army.[296]

Separately, the LCC reported that additionally 46 civilians were killed across Syria, including 12 in Homs, bring the day's death toll to 86.[297]

14 March edit Activists said that 76 were killed across Syria by security forces and the Syrian army.[298]

15 March edit Syrian took to the street for the 1 year anniversary of the uprising, amongst intensifying crackdown in Homs, idlib, and Daraa. Pro-government counter rallies were also held in Umayyad square of Damascus as well as the Druze city of Sweida. Turkey confirmed the reports about 6 generals defecting earlier in the week, and added that another general defected to Turkey on 14 March.[299][300]

55 civilians were killed across Syria, including 45 in Idlib. Activists reported that 23 bodies appearing to have been tortured and summarily executed were found in Idlib's countryside. Turkish media announced that Shabiha had captured and tortured two Turkish journalists who crossed into Syria.[301]

A massacre took place in the Karm Allouz neighborhood in Homs in which 15 Syrians were killed, including a woman and her four children, one day before a Security Council session on Syria. According to the Syrian government the perpetrators were terrorist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda. This incident was cited by the government in the aftermath of the 25 May Houla massacre to support its contention that there was a pattern of these terrorist attacks escalating before Security Council sessions on Syria, or in that case, coinciding with UN special envoy Kofi Annan's announced visit to the country.[302][303]

16 March edit Syrian protests took to the streets in weekly Friday protests, with the largest occurring in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Qamishli, Damascus and its suburbs, the Idlib province and the Daraa province. Large protests also turned out in the Northeastern city of Raqqa, to which security forces fired on the crowd and reportedly killed a dozen people. Soldiers defected in Raqqa and began clashing with the regime's army. An increase in FSA attacks in Damascus and its suburbs was also noted.[304][305][306] Turkey requested that all its citizens living abroad in Syria return home to Turkey, and also publicly announced for the first time that is considering establishing a buffer zone on the northern border of Syria.[307]

The LCC reported mid-day that 46 civilians were killed across Syria by the Syrian army and security forces, 37 of which died in the Idlib province.[308]

17 March edit Syrian state television reported that twin bombs placed in two cars exploded, targeting Syria security offices and the aviation intelligence building in Damascus, reportedly killing at least 27 and wounding 97 people.[309]

The LCC reported that 16 people across Syria were killed by the Syrian army, including 6 in the city of Raqqa and 2 who died under torture.[310]

18 March edit At least three people have been killed and 25 injured in a car bomb explosion in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, according to reports.[311]

The LCC reported that 37 people were killed by the Syrian army throughout Syria, including 12 in Idlib.[312]

19 March edit Army intelligence officer Abdel Barakat defected to Turkey, bringing with him hundreds of documents and files detailing orders from Bashar al Assad to crack down on and kill protesters. Amongst the leaked documents included plans to attack protesters in Syria's major cities including Damascus and Aleppo, how security operations are planned, and orders for security forces spy on foreign observers sent by the Arab league. Barakat's leaked documents also showed that the government spied on Arab League observers in the country. Barakat was in charge of collecting information from across Syria at the secret joint crisis management cell in Damascus, and had been one of Assad's most trusted officials. However, he had been a mole for the opposition for months, before he was compromised and went to Turkey to save his and any relatives' lives.[313]

Heavy fighting occurred between the Free Syrian Army and government forces in central Damascus, particularly in the Mezzeh neighborhood. Explosions and gunfire could be heard for several hours during the night, according to residents.[314]

Turkey announced that two more generals defected to Turkey on 18 March.[315]

The LCC reported that 30 civilians were killed across Syria by the Syrian army, including 9 in Dier Ezzor and 6 in Homs.[316] At least 6 protesters were killed and 200 wounded after pro government-forces had fired on Friday in the street of Raqqa and in Damascus.[citation needed]

20 March edit The LCC reported that 57 civilians were killed across Syria by security forces, primarily in Homs and Deir Ezzor.[317][318]

21 March edit 70 civilians were killed across Syria by security forces and the Syrian army, included 40 in Homs, of which 25 were killed in a reported massacre.[319]

22 March edit 63 civilians were killed by security forces and the Syrian army, including 12 who were killed while trying to flee to Turkey.[320]

The head of the ruling Ba'ath party in the north west city of Idlib announced his defection to the opposition, urging other high-ranking officials to do the same.[321]

23 March edit Protesters took to the street for weeks Friday protests, amongst intense fighting nationwide between the FSA and the Syrian army. The SOHR reported that several hundred thousand speople joined the protests across the country. The largest protests occurred in Central and Suburban Damascus, Daraa, Qamishli, Hasakah, the Idlib province, Aleppo, Homs, and the Hama province.[322] By the end of the day 59 protesters and civilians were killed by Syrian government forces.[323]

A pilot from the Syrian Army defected to Turkey. He had been ordered to kill civilian protesters, however, instead of this he targeted a military building in Aleppo until he ran out of ammo. A member of the Syrian National Council (SNC) confirmed that the defected pilot has reached Turkey, and said that President Bashar al-Assad's regime has become incapable in controlling the army. Fearing an attack against the presidential palace, the army is sending military pilots without ammunitions, the SNC member added.[324]

24 March edit 45 civilians were killed by Syrian government forces, primarily in Idlib and Homs, the LCC reported.[325]

25 March edit 65 civilians were killed across Syria by the Syrian army, primarily in the bombardment of Homs.[326]

26 March edit The LCC reported that by mid-day 59 civilian were killed across Syria by the Syrian army, of which 33 died under artillery shelling in Homs.[327]

The Syrian army renewed shelling on Zabadani in the Damascus outskirts, killing 4.[328]

By the end of the day the 70 were killed across Syria, primarily in Homs. The opposition also reported that the FSA assassinated the head of Air force intelligence, Iyad Mando, in Damascus.[329]

27 March edit 70 civilians were killed in Syria by the Syrian army, the LCC reported. 40 of which were killed in Idlib, including 23 reportedly summarily executed in a field in Saraqib, Idlib province.[330]

28 March edit The LCC reported that 30 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, 13 of which were killed in Homs.[331]

Two British journalists of Algerian descent were killed by Shabiha while crossing the border from Turkey into Syria.[332]

29 March edit 60 civilians were killed throughout Syria, primarily in Homs and Idlib.[333] The Free Syrian Army assassinated two colonels in central Aleppo, and kidnapped an air force general in Damascus.[334] Three brigadier generals reportedly defected to the Free Syrian Army upon releasing defection videos in which they showed their officer cards.[335]

30 March edit Protesters took to the streets in mass in weekly Friday protests, with the largest occurring in Damascus and its suburbs, Hama, Homs, the Idlib province, Aleppo and the Daraa province. 55 protesters and civilians were killed by security forces across the country, primarily in Homs and Deir Ezzor.[336][337][338]

31 March edit 40 people were killed by the Syrian army across Syria, primarily in Homs.[339]

April 2012

edit See also: April 2012 Idlib Governorate Operation 1 April edit 70 civilians were killed when the Syrian army launched artillery attacks on the central Homs neighborhoods and Deir Ezzor. The Friends of Syria meeting recognized the SNC as the legitimate representative of Syria, one step under full recognition as the sole government. The GCC countries announced that they intend to start paying and funding the Free Syrian Army and any army member who defects.[340]

2 April edit 65 civilians were killed across Syria from artillery shelling by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs and Dier Ezzor. The Free Syrian Army captured Homs's national hospital, where they found 75 unidentified corpses stored in the morgue. The combined death toll of 2 April's shelling and the recently found corpses brought the death toll for Monday to 140.[341]

3 April edit 29 civilians were killed across Syria, primarily in the shelling of Homs and Damascus's suburbs including Zabadani.[342]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 80 civilians had been killed by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs and Idlib.[343][344]

4 April edit 101 civilians were reported killed by the Syrian army, primarily in the bombardment of Homs and sieges in the Idlib province.[345]

5 April edit 70 civilians were killed across Syria by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs and Idlib.[346]

6 April edit Protests took to the street in mass in weekly Friday protests, as ongoing sieges and clashes took place across Syria. The largest protests occurred in Damascus and its suburbs, Homs, Daraa, Idlib province, Aleppo, and Hama.[347] Thousands of people fled the Aleppo province to Turkey, as 51 civilians were killed, primarily in the Syrian army's bombardment of Homs.[348]

Separately, there have been reports that over 100 were killed in Taftanaz, Idlib, in a reported massacre by the Syrian army. Refugees fleeing from Taftanaz to Turkey reported mass graves and intentional burning of homes by the Syrian army.[349]

7 April edit By mid-day, over 150 people were reported killed, primarily in the artillery shelling in Homs, but also over 50 dead when the Syrian army stormed rural villages in Hama.[350]

8 April edit The LCC reported 45 civilians killed by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs and Idlib.[351]

9 April edit 160 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including 52 in Homs, 45 in the Aleppo Provence, and 36 in Hama.[352]

A journalist in Lebanon was killed by heavy machine gun fire from the Syrian army. Ali Shaaban, who works as a cameraman for Al Jadeed TV station, was shot as he was filming in the northern Wadi Khaled area on the Lebanese side of the border. The gunfire apparently came from the Syrian side of the frontier.[353] His colleague, reporter Hussein Khreis, said the team heard heavy gunfire around them from all sides "falling like rain". Mr Shaaban was inside a car when he was struck, Mr Khreis said. "If you see the car you would think it was in a war zone," Mr Khreis said on Al Jadeed TV. "It is completely destroyed from the bullets." He said they waited for more than two hours for the Lebanese army and some residents to come and pull them out to safety. "I ask forgiveness from Ali's family because I couldn't do anything for him," he said, breaking into tears.[354]

10 April edit 101 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including 56 in Homs and 22 in Hama.[355]

11 April edit By mid-day the LCC reported over 100 civilian deaths, of which 57 were in Homs.[356]

12 April edit The Kofi Annan sponsored ceasefire came into effect, but there were several occurrences of ceasefire violations by the Syrian army. Additionally the Syrian army did not withdraw its heavy weapons. At least 1 soldier and 24 others were wounded by an improvised explosive device near Aleppo.[357]

The LCC reported 22 civilians killed by the Syrian army, including 9 in Homs.[358]

13 April edit Mass weekly Friday protests broke out, with larger-than-usual protests occurring in Aleppo, Damascus and its Suburbs, Latakia, Deir Ezzor, Daraa, the Idlib province, Hama and Homs, despite no withdrawal of the Syrian army and heavy weaponry from cities. 11 protesters were reported killed by the evening. Some places such as Zabadani and al Quseir Homs were shelled despite a ceasefire.[359]

14 April edit 27 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including 13 in Homs when the Syrian army shelled the central neighborhood of Homs despite the cease-fire. Security forces opened fire on a funeral in Aleppo city, killing 8 mourners.[360]

15 April edit 28 civilians were killed, as the intense shelling of Homs continued.[361]

16 April edit By the end of the day 55 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including 26 in Idlib.[362]

17 April edit By the end of the day 77 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs and Idlib.[363][364]

18 April edit At least 32 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs, Idlib, and Damascus. Ten soldiers were also killed by an IED near Idlib.[365]

Also, Ban-Ki Moon, secretary-general for the UN, said that the Syrian Government had "yet to fully implement its initial obligations regarding the actions and deployments of its troops and heavy weapons, or to return them to barracks. Violent incidents and reports of casualties have escalated again in recent days, with reports of shelling of civilian areas and abuses by government forces."

Ban also said that the U.N observers deployed to Syria had yet to visit Homs because the Syrian government refused to give them permission to go there. Ban confirmed violent incidents when the UN observers went to Arbeen, in the Damascus suburbs, and said that a crowd of opposition demonstrators that had protested around the passing UN cars had been shot at, and one UN vehicle had been damaged.[366]

19 April edit More secret documents were leaked from the Syria government. Highly classified documents from a covert Syrian government unit exposed attempts by the regime to contain the unrest sweeping the country, according to Al arabiya. These were leaked by a defector from this covert unit who was called Abdel-Majeed Barakat. He leaked copies of the Crisis Cell's official documentation, which included security force reports on deaths across the country, statements which admitted the mistreatment of Syrian civilians and prisoners and notes on the Syrian opposition. One month into the anti-government protests across Syria, this "Crisis Cell", was formed by President Bashar al-Assad's regime to monitor events and decide to tackle the unrest with military-led solutions. The cell included top intelligence, government and security force figures who documented events across Syria, gathering information which would reach the president directly on a daily basis.[367]

42 civilians were reported killed by the Syrian army, including 27 in Homs.[368]

20 April edit Over 50 civilians were killed, primarily in the Idlib region, as weekly Friday protests emerged in Syria, concentrating primarily in Aleppo city, Damascus and its Suburbs, the Daraa, Idlib, Homs, Deir Ezzor, and Hama provinces, and the Raqqa and Hasakah provinces. The Syrian Army continued its heavy bombardment on the Khalidya neighborhood of Homs, as state television reported that rebels killed 10 soldiers in Quneitra.[369]

SANA reported the deaths of ten security forces in a roadside bombing in southern Syria. It also reported a bombing near Daraa province.[370] Al Arabiya claimed that 5 more soldiers were killed in a bombing in the village of Karak.[371] State media claimed that the first bomb was over 100 kg (220 lbs). It also reported that a police station was attacked by a group of men with machine guns, causing one policeman and one chief warrant's deaths.[372]

21 April edit At least 40 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, mostly in Homs and Daraa.[373]

22 April edit 22 civilians were reported killed by the Syrian Army, as the Damascus suburbs came under artillery shelling.[374] The presence of Tunisian volunteers was reported, with three Tunisian FSA fighters being confirmed to have died in combat.[375]

23 April edit 38 civilians alone were killed in a reported massacre by the Syrian army in central Hama, when the Syrian army launched a barrage of mortars against a neighborhood. 20 civilians were killed when the Syrian army shelled Douma. Another 22 civilians were killed throughout the country, primarily in Homs, Idlib, and Daraa, bringing the day's death toll to 80.[374][376]

24 April edit 38 civilians were killed by the Syrian army, including over a dozen in Homs and 9 in the Damascus suburbs.[377]

25 April edit By the end of the day over 100 civilians were reported killed by the Syrian army, at least 70 of which were in Hama.[378] In Hama, a rocket attack was reported to have completely destroyed a building. The Local Co-ordination Committees (LCC) said security forces fired a rocket at the building in the Mashaa Attayar area. Activists said among the dead were 13 children and 16 women, with more bodies still under the rubble. Footage on YouTube of the blast showed a crowd of men pulling out the bloodied body of a young girl. Another video shows the collapsed remains of the building, as ash-covered men dig through piles of masonry looking for bodies amid the cries of onlookers.[379]

26 April edit At least 28 civilians were reported killed, primarily in Hama.[380]

27 April edit Weekly Friday demonstrations came out against the Syrian government, amid 16 people being gunned down across the country by security forces fire, and 9 were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in al-Midan Damascus targeting security forces. Protests were largest in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, the Idlib and Daraa province, and Damascus and its suburbs.[381][382]

28 April edit Hundreds of soldiers reportedly defected in Damascus and Latakia, amid clashes between rebels and the Syrian government. 15 civilians were reported killed by mid-day, and 9 soldiers and rebels were killed in fire-fights, Meanwhile, the Rebels made an amphibious attack near Latakia against the Syrian Regime's troops .[383][384]

29 April edit The LCC reported 29 civilians killed by the Syrian along with two defectors.[385]

30 April edit 20 government soldiers were killed in three coordinated bombings in Idlib targeting security and military buildings. A car bomb exploded in Damascus Qudsaya causing unspecified number of casualties, and 28 civilians were killed across the country by the Syrian army, primarily in Homs.[386]

May 2012

edit 1 May edit The Local Coordination Committees of Syria (LCC) reported 45 people were killed, including 18 in a reported massacre in the Idlib province.[2][3][4]

Hervé Ladsous, the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that both sides had violated the 12 April ceasefire agreement.[5][6]

2 May edit The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that 15 Syrian troops, including two colonels, were killed in an ambush by rebels in the northern province of Aleppo. Two rebel fighters were also killed.[7][8][9]

The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that government forces had killed at least 95 civilians and demolished hundreds of houses in a two-week offensive in Idlib during ceasefire negotiations. The report documented dozens of extrajudicial executions, killings of civilians, and destruction of civilian property that qualify as war crimes, as well as arbitrary detention and torture by the Syrian government.[8][10][11]

30 people were killed across Syria, the LCC reported.[12]

3 May edit 25 people were reported killed by Syrian security forces, including at least 4 students from Aleppo University.[13][14] Around 1,500 students had been protesting in student dormitories next to Aleppo university's main campus when security forces and Shabiha attacked them, firing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the student protesters. 200 students were reportedly detained, and the university announced the suspension of all classes as a consequence of the attack on campus.[15][16][17]

The White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said it may be time for the world to acknowledge the cease-fire in Syria is not holding and try a new approach to stopping the violence.[18][19]

4 May edit Anti-government protesters took to the streets after Friday prayers, with the largest demonstrations occurring in Aleppo, Damascus, the Idlib and Daara provinces, and Homs and Hama. Syrian forces killed at least 12 people when they fired on demonstrators in Damascus and Aleppo.[20][21] The LCC reported that 37 people were killed across Syria by the Syrian army.[22]

Amnesty International senior crisis adviser Donatella Rovera, returning from a visit to Idlib, reported that Syrian forces were executing scores of suspected opposition sympathisers in Idlib.[23][24]

Kofi Annan's spokesman Ahmad Fawzi told reporters in Geneva that the "peace plan is on track."[19][25] US officials say the plan is failing mainly because of Syrian government violations.[26]

5 May edit SOHR reported that at least 5 people were killed in a bomb explosion at a car wash in the Al Sukari neighborhood of Aleppo. A member of the Free Syrian Army claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the car wash was used by members of a pro-Assad militia.[27][28]

Reuters reported that the Syrian army had not withdrawn tanks in Douma in line with 12 April truce agreement.[29]

25 people were killed across Syria, the LCC reported.[30]

6 May edit The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that 9 civilians, including a woman and child, were killed by Syrian government forces. In other incidents nationwide there were dozens of casualties as government forces shot randomly at protesters. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria (LCC) reported that 20 people were killed by the Syrian army including 8 bodies found in a mass grave in Idlib and a defected soldier.[31][32]

7 May edit The LCC reported 35 people killed, this total including the discovery of a mass grave in Idlib.[33]

8 May edit The LCC reported 36 people killed.[34][35]

9 May edit The LCC reported 20 people killed. Several Syrian soldiers were killed by an ambush from the FSA as well.[36][37]

10 May edit At least 55 people were killed and some 372 people injured by two powerful car bomb blasts in Damascus.[38] Opposition groups denied responsibility while Haitham Maleh, a leading opposition figure, blamed the government. Media attention focused on the Al-Nusra Front, a little known jihadi-type group that had previously claimed responsibility for bombings in Damascus and Aleppo.[39] Earlier in the week Maj. Gen. Robert Mood, head of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), had expressed worries that Syria was rushing into an uncontrollable spiral of sectarian violence and following the latest bombings urged the perpetrators to refrain from violence and let the peace process move forward.[40][41]

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the attacks and urged all sides to "immediately and comprehensively" implement the six-point peace plan of UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.[42][43] The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the bombings the work of "outsiders", alleging that unspecified foreign states shared the blame.[44][45][46] The LCC responded by asserting that the Syrian government had orchestrated and masterminded the bombings to bolster the Russian position.[47] The United States Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said that it was too early to call the peace plan a failure. She confirmed that the US was providing logistical and communication support to the Syrian opposition, but had shied away from providing arms.[48]

Elsewhere, the LCC reported that 37 people were killed, including 10 in Homs.[49]

11 May edit Anti-government protesters took to the streets after Friday prayers, with the largest demonstrations occurring in Aleppo, Damascus, the Idlib and Daara provinces, and Homs and Hama. Syrian forces killed at least 14 people by mid day when they fired on demonstrators in Damascus and Aleppo.[50][51][52][53]

The Al-Nusra Front allegedly claimed responsibility for Thursday's twin bombings in Damascus in a video posted online.[54]

The Al-Nusra Front however denied responsibility, saying the video was a fake and that any information regarding their operations would be announced through Jihadi forums. Al Nusra denied responsibility for the attack.[55]

Two Turkish journalists arrested in March were released following Iranian mediation.[56]

12 May edit The LCC reported 20 people killed by mid-day.[57]

13 May edit The LCC reported 30 people killed.[58][59]

14 May edit The LCC reported that at least 22 people were killed.[60]

23 soldiers were killed by the FSA when the Syrian army attempted to assault Rastan, Homs Province. The Syrian army also began heavy artillery shelling of Rastan.[61]

15 May edit At least 21 people were killed when Syrian security forces opened fire on a funeral procession in the central town of Khan Sheikhoun, during the U.N observer visit to the town. A spokesman of the rebel military council gave a higher death toll, saying at least 50 people were killed. During this attack, cars belonging to the U.N team were hit and damaged and no monitors were injured. One monitor and a member of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) said the team of seven observers was with FSA fighters, waiting for a U.N pickup.[62]

The LCC reported that at least 63 people were killed, including 33 in Idlib.[63]

16 May edit At least 40 people were killed, including 21 summarily executed in the Shammas neighborhood of Homs.[64]

A former state Television producer has told Reuters that many of the "confessions" by alleged terrorists aired by the channel are bogus. She was distressed at what she described as a campaign of misinformation and said "Some of the men are just normal people who were arrested in anti-government demonstrations and others were thieves and criminals who were nearing the end of their sentence," said the producer, "They were told they will be set free if they confess to the made-up crimes."[65]

17 May edit 34 people were killed.[66] The Syrian army barraged Rastan with artillery fire.[67]

18 May edit Protesters took to the streets for weekly Friday protests, this time with the biggest protests at any single time in Aleppo. The Salahadin and Shukour neighborhoods saw tens of thousands, and tens of thousands more protested in the other area of Aleppo. Damascus and its suburbs, the Idlib and Daraa provinces, the Homs and Hama provinces, and Latakia and Deir Ezzor also saw large protests. Protesters were shot and killed across the country, including in the Tandamoun area of central Damascus.[68] At least 33 people were killed by security forces by mid-day.[69]

19 May edit A car bomb at an intelligence complex in the city of Deir al-Zour killed 9 members of the security forces and left 100 injured.[70][71]

The LCC reported 26 people killed.[72]

20 May edit During the very early morning the Free Syrian Army (FSA) launched widespread attacks against the Syrian government in Central Damascus. The Kafer Souseh, Mezzeh, Malki, and Ruk al Adn neighborhoods erupted with intense gunfire. Security forces began closing off Umayyad square and absereen square, and blocked of Central Damascus' Al-Shami Hospital. The Free Syrian Army's Damascus council announced that one of their operatives from the FSA's Al Sahabeh battalion had successfully poisoned all eight members of Bashar Assad's Crisis Cell, a group of top military officials who currently run the Syrian army's daily operations. Members of the Crisis cell include the interior and defense ministers, as well as Assef Shawkat. The Free Syrian Army's Damascus council said they believed at least six out of the eight to have been killed. Mohammed Shaar, the interior minister, apparently denied the assassinations by telephone, calling it "categorically baseless". He also denied the gunfire in Damascus which was confirmed by all witnesses.[73][74][75]

Adib Habb al-Rumman, the head of Idlib's Jish Shugour's Baath party branch, was assassinated by the FSA, the SOHR reported. The SOHR also made note of increased political and military assassinations by the FSA in recent weeks.[76]

At least 28 people were killed by mid-day in Syria, primarily in the Hama province. Soran, Hama, and Douma, Damascus, came under intense artillery shelling by the Syrian army. By the end of the day more than 60 people were killed nationwide,[77] including 37 civilians in Soran.[78]

21 May edit 5 civilians, 11 rebels, and 22 soldiers were killed by mid-day. Much of the soldier deaths occurred when the Syrian army attempted to storm Atarib, Aleppo.[79] The LCC reported 33 people killed by the end of day.[66] According to S.O.H.R, 31 soldiers were killed by the end of the day.[80]

22 May edit An IED exploded in the Damascus neighborhood of Qaboun, killing at least five people.[81]

The LCC reported that at least 25 people killed.[82]

23 May edit 23 people were killed, including 6 in Homs.[83]

24 May edit 40 people were killed.[84] 203 soldiers reportedly defected to the opposition, including 3 officers. An FSA officer said that the FSA was now present in all governorates and regions of Syria.[85] A Brigadier General in the Syrian army who had defected to the FSA gave a speech in which he said that a safe zone or international intervention like air strikes was needed to stop what he called the genocide the Syrian army was committing in Syria.[86]

25 May edit Main article: Houla massacre Protesters took to the streets for weekly Friday protests, amassing in Aleppo, Damascus and its suburbs, Homs, Hama, Qamishli, and the Daraa, Idlib, and Deir Ezzor provinces. Tens of thousands protested in central Aleppo, to which security forces responded with live fire, killing several.[87]

Maj. Gen. Robert Mood, head of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), confirmed opposition group claims that at least 90 civilians were killed, including 32 children in Houla, Homs province.[88] General Mood declared the killings "indiscriminate and unforgivable" without explaining how they happened, but said the violence had begun Friday evening with the use of "tanks, artillery, rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy machine guns", implying an attack by government forces since the FSA do not possess heavy weaponry.[89] The official news agency of the Syrian government alleged that "Al-Qaeda terrorist groups" were responsible for the killings, while opposition groups alleged that the Syrian military and government-linked militias known as Shabiha were the perpetrators.[90][91] The Syrian National Council (SNC), Syria's main opposition bloc, put the death toll at more than 110 people, half of them children.[91] State media claimed 17 had been killed.[90] A further 43 people were killed according to the LCC.[92]

On the same day, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon blamed the Syrian government for the "unacceptable levels of violence and abuses" occurring every day in Syria. Ban cited the government's continued use of heavy weapons, reports of shelling and "a stepped-up security crackdown by the authorities that has led to massive violations of human rights by government forces and pro-government militias". He said there was only "small progress" in implementing the UN peace plan.[93]

26 May edit The UK Foreign Secretary William Hague called for an urgent session of the UNSC following Friday's "appalling crime" at Houla. He urged the regime to grant full and immediate access to Houla for UN monitors and stop all military options, as demanded by special envoy Kofi Annan.[94][95][96] However General Mustafa Ahmed al-Sheikh, head of the Turkey-based Free Syria Army (FSA) military council, said regime opponents had lost all faith in the UN Security Council, on which Damascus has Russia as a powerful backer (see also Russia–Syria relations).[96]

65 people were killed across the country, including 25 in Homs.[97]

27 May edit The Syrian army engaged in heavy artillery shelling in Hama and the Damascus suburbs.[98] The clashes in Hama started after the rebels attacked government military checkpoints. According to opposition claims, after the military reportedly suffered four dead, the government troops started to shell residential areas, killing 30-37 civilians.[99][100]

51 people were reported killed by the end of the day, according to the LCC.[101]

28 May edit The Syrian army killed 28 people by the late afternoon, including 9 in Hama.[102] At the same time, the conflict has started moving into the two largest cities (Damascus and Aleppo) that the government claimed was being dominated by the silent majority, which wanted stability, not government change. In both places there has been a revival of the protest movement in its peaceful dimension. Shopkeepers across the capital staged a general strike and in several Aleppo commercial districts mounted a similar but smaller protest. This has been interpreted by some as indicating that the historical alliance between the government and the business establishment in the large cities has become weak.[103]

29 May edit Another mass execution was discovered near the eastern city of Deir ez-Zor. The unidentified corpses of 13 men had been discovered shot to death execution-style.[104] This incident raised awareness that the violence in Syria was heading towards an inexorable vicious cycle of tit-for-tat attacks between the different parties involved.[105] According to the opposition, the 13 people who were shot at point blank range and later found in a field were employees at the electricity company in Deir Ezzor, who went on strike in protest of the massacres committed by the Syrian regime. They all had their hands tied behind their backs and were shot in the head according to a UN report. The head of a UN observer mission in Syria was “deeply disturbed” by the killings in Deir Ezzor, calling it an “appalling and inexcusable act.”[106] Several days later, the dead were identified to be military and the opposition than claimed they were army defectors killed by government forces. However, on 5 June, the jihadist group the Al-Nusra Front to Protect the Levant claimed responsibility for the killings, stating that they had captured and interrogated the soldiers in Deir al-Zor and "justly" punished them with death, after they confessed to crimes.[107]

30 May edit Early in the day 46 people were killed, including 10 in Douma, Damascus.[108]

The Free Syrian Army announced that they were giving president Bashar al-Assad a 48-hour deadline to abide by an international peace plan to end violence. "It ends on Friday at 1200 (0900 GMT) then we are free from any commitment and we will defend and protect the militants, their villages and their cities.", the FSA spokesperson is quoted saying.[109]

Syria's Consul General Hazem Chehabi of the Syrian American Council defected in California. He said that the Houla Massacre had been a tipping point and he could no longer support the "barbaric Syrian regime".[110]

Meanwhile, Syrian Army forces attacked Tadlu, Houla, the site of the Houla massacre days before.

Machinegun fire was followed by shelling, forcing villagers to flee heavy shelling in fear of more carnage.[111]

31 May edit 61 people were killed, including 29 in Homs.[112]

An army sniper killed a boy in Taldou, Houla, where the Houla massacre took place. "Frightened residents of the area fled" for nearby towns, according to SOHR.[113]

June 2012

edit The first weekend of June witnessed the death of 80 security personnel throughout Syria.[114]

1 June edit Protesters took to the streets for weekly Friday protests with the largest protests occurring in Aleppo, Damascus, Hama, Homs, idlib, Daraa, and the Deir Ezzor province.[115] 43 were killed, including 13 in the Damascus suburbs.[116]

13 people were killed in another mass execution by the Syrian army in Qusayr. The opposition reported 13 men were on their way to work at a state-owned fertilizer factory in Qusayr near the city of Homs when they came under fire.[117]

SOHR reports that 17 law enforcers were killed across the country in an explosion in Idlib, and clashes elsewhere.[full citation needed][118]

Additionally, SANA reports that 22 security forces were 'laid to rest' (including: Retired Captain Taghreed Shahi Hamdan, First Lieutenant Alaa Fayssal Jamous and Second Lieutenant Issam Nabih Abu Aqel.)[119]

2 June edit A total of 96 people were killed on Saturday according to SOHR. SOHR reported that the total number of civilian casualties for the day was 33.[full citation needed][120] 2 army defectors were killed in Rastan and Homs.[120] A total of 61 soldiers killed throughout the day in, predominantly, explosions; ambushes and clashes. Al Jazeera reported that Saturday was the worst day for Syrian security forces since the start of the uprising[121]

29 people were killed, including 12 in Homs.[122]

3 June edit By evening at least 42 people were killed, primarily in Idlib and Homs.[123]

At least 80 Syrian soldiers were killed by the FSA over the weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, citing local doctors, who confirmed this and their names.[124] This was while the opposition Free Syrian army said that they had killed more than 100 soldiers and destroyed some tanks over the weekend.[125]

4 June edit 42 people were killed, including 16 in the Idlib province.[126]

5 June edit 51 people were killed by evening, including 12 in Haffeh, Latakia.[127]

6 June edit Main article: Al-Qubair massacre 78 civilians were executed in a massacre by the Syrian army and Shabiha in the small village of Qubair, part of Maarzaf, Hama province, with 47 bodies identified so far. Over 140 people were killed across Syria, including in the Qubair and Maarzaf massacres.[128][129] The village of Qubair is located directly east of Asilah and Abu Rubays.

One Lebanese man was killed and two-three were wounded in a gunfight with Syrian security forces while they were trying to infiltrate Syria across the border from Lebanon at the town of Arsal. The soldiers were apparently waiting for the infiltrators to ambush them. The wounded were reportedly missing after the incident.[130]

7 June edit Observers attempting to reach the site of the massacre in Qubair were shot at by government soldiers, and forced to turn back.[131]

31 people were killed, as reported by SOHR. 24 Syrian soldiers were killed by the FSA including an assassination on a Major General (which also killed a military judge) in Dera'a.[118][132]

8 June edit Fierce fighting between the FSA and Assad loyalists erupted in central Damascus, as protesters took to the streets for weekly Friday protests. The largest protests occurred in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, the Idlib, Homs, Daraa, and Deir Ezzor provinces. At least 20 people were killed by the evening. The Syrian army continued heavy shelling on central Homs.[133][134]

By the end of the day 65 people were killed, including 17 in the Idlib province.[135]

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the UN security council that heavy weapons, armor-piercing bullets and surveillance drones have been used against UN observers in Syria to hamper their efforts to monitor the conflict, and that these tactics had been used to try to force the unarmed monitors to withdraw from areas where government forces have been accused of staging attacks. monitors also saw Syrian military convoys and tried to stop tank assaults against populated areas, but had been "ignored".[136]

British journalist Alex Thompson claims to have been set up in a death trap by members of the FSA who tried to have him killed by members of the Syrian Army for propaganda purposes.[137]

A video was leaked online, which purported to show soldiers mocking the dead in a town in Idlib. They were shown to be piling corpses in a building, and blowing it up afterwards.[138]

9 June edit Activists said Syrian troops killed at least 17 people in the southern city of Daraa, including women and children.[139] The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Coordination Committees told that dozens of people were also wounded in the shelling early on 9 June.[140][141]

According to SANA, 57 soldiers, police officer and other law enforcement members killed by rebels were buried during the week.[142]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 96 people killed, primarily in Daraa and Homs.[143] The SOHR reports that 84 were killed; 70 people were killed across the country including 29 in Homs. Bombardment took place in Homs, Dera'a, Latakia and Idlib provinces. 13 rebel fighters died across the country, including 10 in clashes in Homs province. A total of 28 Syrian soldiers were killed following clashes across the country.[144]

10 June edit By the end of the day LCC reports that 53 people were killed, including 26 from shelling in Homs.[145] SOHR reported that a total of 41 people were killed across the country.[146] At least 16 soldiers were killed across the country.[146]

Dozens of Kuwaitis were reported to have joined the FSA according to the Al-Qabas newspaper[147]

The FSA reported that they briefly took the al-Ghanto air-defense base north of Homs that held advanced surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft vehicles. FSA commanders described in a series of online videos the organized defection of soldiers and officers from the base and the subsequent government attack that followed. The FSA claimed that they seized a number of weapons and ammunition, and that a large part of the base and its arsenal of weapons were destroyed in bombing by government helicopters that were used to retake the air-defense base.[148]

11 June edit United Nations monitors confirmed that Syrian army helicopters fired on towns near Homs, including Rastan. For the first time, the UN also verified repeated allegations by activists that government forces fired from helicopters in the military crackdown on dissent. Kofi Annan said he was "gravely concerned" at this news and a UN spokeswoman said that "artillery and mortar shelling, machine guns and smaller arms" were being used against the towns of Rastan and Talbiseh.[149]

The US said that it feared the Syrian government was planning a "new massacre" in al-Heffa, where a battle had been taking place that had killed 68 soldiers, 29 civilians and 23 rebel fighters. The city endured heavy shelling from the army. The FSA said that they moved civilians away from the city centre to protect them, but even the outskirts were shelled eventually.[150]

109 people were killed by the evening, including 36 in Idlib, of which a dozen were summarily executed.[151]

SOHR reports the total death toll of civilians as 80 (excluding 2 rebels included in the count by SOHR), including 25 in Idlib province and 9 civilians slain in a car bomb in Dera'a province. At least 7 rebel fighters with killed, including 2 during clashes in Homs. In addition, 23 soldiers and a Ba'ath Party official were slain across the country.[152]

12 June edit Herve Ladsous, the head of the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations, stated that the uprising has amounted for a full-scale civil war.[153]

LCC reports that 60 people were killed by evening, including 23 in Homs and 16 in Deir Ezzor from heavy artillery shelling.[154]

17 soldiers were killed in clashes throughout the country and when a military bus was targeted in Rif Dimashq.[155]

Dr. Marwan Arafat, the previous president of the Syrian Football Federation, was assassinated.[156]

13 June edit Riad al-As'ad from the Free Syrian Army announced that the FSA had made a tactical withdrawal from Al Heffeh Latakia.[157]

LCC reports that 77 people were killed, including 23 in Homs, 12 in Hama and 10 in Deir Ezzor from heavy artillery shelling.[158]

SOHR said at least 51 people were slain by evening, including 20 in Homs, largely due to military bombardment. 6 people were killed in each of: Idlib, Dera'a and Hama provinces. In addition, at least 9 rebel fighters were killed, including a rebel leader in Deir Ezzor.[159][page needed]

At least 21 soldiers were killed across the country.[159][page needed]

14 June edit LCC reported that 60 people were killed by the evening, including 19 in Homs and 19 in a massacre perpetrated by Shabiha in the Damascus suburb of Hamourieh.[160]

SOHR reported that 51 people were slain including 21 in Rif Dimashq and 15 in Homs. In addition, at least 11 rebels were killed, including 6 in the town of Heit, Dera'a. An officer was killed in Homs province. 24 soldiers were killed, including at least 11 killed in clashes in eastern Ghouta.[161]

UN monitors were met with the 'stench of death' as they entered the deserted town of al-Heffa after having been shelled for 8 consecutive days.[162]

A bomb blew up a vehicle near the shrine of Zaynab bint Ali, the granddaughter of Muhammed; damaging the shrine and wounding 10 people.[163]

15 June edit LCC reports that at least 48 people were killed by evening as protesters took to the streets, with protesting occurring primarily in Damascus and its suburbs, Aleppo, and the Idlib, Daara, Hama, Homs, and Deir Ezzor provinces.[164][165]

SOHR reports the deaths of 30 people; including a civilian journalist in Homs province. 2 defected soldiers were killed in Homs. 8 soldiers were also killed.[166]

16 June edit LCC reports that 77 people were killed evening, primarily in Damascus and Homs.[167]

SOHR reports that 59 people were slain across the country; 34 in Damascus province, 15 in Homs province. 2 rebels died in Dera'a, including a defected lieutenant.[168]

16 soldiers of the Syrian government were killed throughout the day.[169]

Meanwhile, the Free Syrian Army announced that it regained control over al-Bayada.[170]

The UN announced that they are suspending activities in Syria due to the increase in violence.[171]

17 June edit LCC reported that 60 people were killed by evening, including 17 in the Damascus suburbs and 15 in Homs. Rastan, Talbiseh and central Homs came under renewed massive artillery shelling.[172]

SOHR reported the deaths of 43 people; including 13 in Reef Damashq and 13 in Homs due to regime bombardment. At least 2 fighters were slain in clashes in Homs province.[173]

26 law-enforcers were killed; including a lieutenant assassinated in Damascus.[173]

18 June edit LCC reported that by night at least 90 people were killed, primarily in Homs and Damascus.[174]

SOHR reported the deaths of 56 people; including 19 in Reef Damascus and 7 in Dera'a Province. At least 13 rebels were slain across the country; 2 rebel commanders in Deir Ezzor and 2 defected first sergeants in Homs and Reef Damascus.[175]

28 soldiers were killed; primarily in overnight clashes.[175]

It was reported that two Russian warships are headed to Syria, according to a Russian officer, each capable of carrying 300 marines and a dozen tanks, making it the largest deployment from Russia to Syria to date. Russia also has an unspecified number of military advisers teaching Syrians how to use Russian weapons.[176]

The United Kingdom said it had withdrawn insurance for a Russian ship that was reportedly carrying attack helicopters destined for the Syrian Government. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said the ship was returning to Russia and said that "We discourage anyone else from supplying arms to Syria."[177]

19 June edit LCC reported 52 people were killed, including 10 in Homs.[178]

SOHR reported the deaths of 46 opposition members; at least 6 were rebel fighters, the rest were civilians. 14 were killed in Homes and 16 in Damascus Province.[179]

At least 27 soldiers were killed across the country.[179]

The FSA called on their "Kurdish brothers" to join rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad's regime, while promising an end to injustices against Kurds in a future democratic Syria. The spokesperson for the joint command of the FSA said; "“The Joint Command of the Free Syrian Army ... appeals to our Kurdish brothers, soldiers and civilians, and invites them to join the ranks of the FSA inside the country, let us work together to transform the FSA into an alternative national military institution to the army of the ruling gang.” The statement also emphasized that kurds are and have always been "partners" working “hand-in-hand to build the country’s future and end discrimination for all Syrians, whatever their ethnic or religious background.” The head of the Syrian National council is a Kurdish activist.[180]

Clashes erupted at the Kurdish Mountain area in Latakia Governorate. A series of confrontations between the Syrian Army and the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) resulted in multiple casualties. A rebel leader claimed that clashes resulted in 5 rebels killed, while 28 Syrian soldiers were killed, dozens wounded and several captured by the next day.[181]

20 June edit LCC reported that 66 people were killed throughout Syria by the Syrian army, including 17 in the Damascus suburbs.[182]

SOHR reported the deaths of 46 people; including 16 in Hama and 10 in Damascus Province. In addition, Sayyed Abdul Quddous Jebara (a Shia cleric) was assassinated in Damascus Province. 8 rebels were slain; including 5 killed in Latakia and a defected lieutenant in Madaya.[183][184]

35 law-enforcers were killed across the country, in addition to an officer assassinated in Damascus.[185]

21 June edit A Syrian MiG-21 pilot defected to Jordan with his plane, the country later granted colonel Hassan Hamada political asylum.[186]

SOHR reported the deaths of at least 121 people were killed, including 107 people, with 32 killed in Homs and 30 in Damascus Province, one of the highest death tolls in the entire uprising. In addition, at least 10 rebels were slain; including 5 in Dera'a and a defected officer in Idlib.[187]

54 law-enforcers were killed, primarily in clashes.[187]

The LCC reported that over 128 people were killed by the end of the day, primarily in the Damascus suburbs, Hama, and Daara.[188]

22 June edit Protests were widespread after Friday prayers, occurring primarily in Central Aleppo and Damascus and its suburbs, as well as the Homs, Hama, Idlib, Daara, and Deir Ezzor governorates. 87 people were killed by security forces and the Syrian army by the evening, primarily in the Damascus suburbs and including at least 15 in Aleppo city.[189]

Syrian army shot down a Turkish F-4 Phantom fighter jet near the Turkish/Syrian border.[190]

SOHR reported the deaths of 59 people; including 11 in a demonstration in Aleppo. Between 6-10 rebels were slain; including 2 in Homs and a defected captain.[191]

A total of 41 soldiers were killed; including 26 Shabiha killed in West Aleppo Province.[191]

The largest single officer defection took place; 5 officers, from Idlib province, announced their defection; 2 brigadier generals, 2 colonels and a fighter pilot defected.[192]

23 June edit LCC reported the deaths of 131 people were killed by the end of the day, including 31 in Deir Ezzor, 26 in the Damascus suburbs, and 24 in Idlib.[193]

SOHR reported the deaths of 76 people; 22 in Deir Ezzor and 15 in Homs. At least 9 rebels were killed, including a defected corporal was also killed in Latakia.[194]

28 soldiers were killed by the end of the day, according to SOHR.[194]

10 soldiers were executed for attempting to defect from the army.[195]

Three more fighter pilots from the Syrian Army defected, crossing the border to Jordan.[196]

24 June edit LCC reported that at least 82 people were killed, including 23 in Deir Ezzor and 14 in Hama.[197]

55 people were killed, according to SOHR; including 19 in Deir Izzor; primarily due to bombardment on the city. At least 13 rebels were slain; including a defected sergeant and a defected first lieutenant in Deir Izzor.[198]

28 law-enforcers were slain; 27 during clashes and 1 in an IED attack.[199]

25 June edit 7 doctors in Aleppo were arrested, tortured, and burned alive by Syrian intelligence officers.[200]

40 soldiers, including a general and two colonels, defected from the Syrian army and crossed the border to Turkey with their families.[201] This was while a General of the FSA said that government forces are preparing to carry out a new massacre in Homs.[202]

Turkey accused Syria of firing at a second Turkish military jet aircraft, days after Syria shot down a Turkish F-4 jet.[203]

SOHR reported the deaths of 61 people; 15 in Deir Ezzor, 17 in Dera'a. Regime forces bombarded a refugee camp and massacred a family of 4 in Dera'a. At least 5 rebels were slain.[204]

31 soldiers were killed; including in IED attacks in Idlib and Dera'a.[204]

LCC reported that by the end of the day 80 people were killed, including 20 in a massacre in Daara, and 17 from artillery shelling in Deir Ezzor.[205] Also, 7 doctors in Aleppo were arrested, tortured, and burned alive by Syrian intelligence officers.[200]

26 June edit LCC reported that 113 people were killed by evening, including 33 in Quddasaya and al Hami Damascus, and 16 in Daara.[206]

SOHR reported that 83 people were killed; including 28 in Damascus Suburbs and 19 in Idlib Province.[207] At least 7 rebels died in fighting around the country; including a defected captain killed in Hama Province.[208]

46 soldiers were killed across the country; mostly in clashes with rebels.[207]

280 soldiers and officers defected in Idlib near the main highway leading to Aleppo whilst clashes between the defectors and the Syrian army resulted in one helicopter shot down and six tanks destroyed.[209]

Burhan Ghalioun was reported to have been smuggled into Syria to meet with rebel forces in order to raise morale.[210]

27 June edit A group of Syrian rebels attacked a pro-government TV station in the town of Drousha, just south of the capital Damascus. The station's studios were destroyed with explosives. Seven people were killed in the attack on Al-Ikhbariya TV, including four guards and three journalists.[211][212] The Free Syrian Army rebels claimed that defectors from Syria's elite Republican Guard were behind the attack.[213] However, this was later found to be untrue after the radical Islamist group, the Al-Nusra Front to Protect the Levant, confirmed it carried out the attack and published photos of 11 station employees they kidnapped following the raid.[214]

LCC reported that 104 people were killed by the end of the day, including 42 in Idlib and 15 in the Damascus suburbs.[215]

SOHR reported a death toll of 73 people by evening; 29 in Idlib and 14 in Deir Ezzor. At least 15 rebels were slain; 5 in Dera'a and 9 in Idlib (including a commander). A citizen from Dera'a was excessively tortured, by regime forces, until death.[216]

At least 57 soldiers were killed; including many in an attack on heavy military vehicles in Idlib.[216]

28 June edit Two car bombs were detonated in Damascus, one in the car park of the Palace of Justice and the other targeting a police station. 3 people were injured and several vehicles damaged.[217][218]

LCC reported that by the end of the day over 139 people were killed, suspected perpetrator was the Syrian army, including over 40 from the artillery shelling and summarily executions in Douma.[219][220]

SOHR reported the deaths of 103 people; including 41 in Damascus Suburbs (35 in Douma due to bombardment) and 17 in Homs. Ahlam Khalid Imad, a lecturer at the Baath university, was killed (along with her family) in Al-Husun, Homs. A sheikh, Mohammed Nour Zanzoul, was killed by security forces in Hama. At least 14 rebels were slain; 8 in Homs. A defected captain was killed in Idlib.[221]

58 law-enforcers were killed; including a lieutenant colonel, a lieutenant and two officers.[221]

29 June edit "Massive" protests erupted across the central neighborhoods and suburban neighborhoods of Damascus, Aleppo city, Hama, and the Homs, Daara, and Idlib provinces.[222]

The Free Syrian army captured a major general, Farag Shehada, head of central command in the Syrian Armed Forces. This is thought to be the highest-ranking official to be captured. Cooper 2015 said that Shehada was the commander of the 1st Corps (Syria).[223] Another brigadier general in the intelligence department was captured.[224]

By the end of the day LCC reported 104 people killed by security forces and the Syrian army. 9 of which in Souran, Hama were knifed to death in a massacre suspected to be perpetrated by shabiha.[225]

SOHR reported the deaths of around 47 people; including 10 in Deir Izzor and Damascus Suburbs. At least 9 rebels were slain; including 5 bodies found dead in Kafar Shams, Dera'a.[226]

23 law-enforcers were killed; 5 in an attack on a military truck in Latakia.[226]

30 June edit By the end of the day, LCC reported 174 people killed by security forces and the Syrian army including 85 people in a massacre in Zamalka, Damascus suburbs.[227]

SOHR reported the deaths of 90 people; 41 in Damascus Suburbs and 13 in Deir Ezzor. 30 civilians were killed during an explosion that targeted a funeral procession in Zamalka, Damascus Suburbs. 2 doctors were killed in Damascus and Deir Ezzor. An activist was also killed in Hama. A total of 11 rebels were killed; including 4 in Dera'a and a defected first sergeant in Deir Ezzor.[228]

27 soldiers were killed during clashes and during an assault on a military truck in Rankous.[229]

July 2012

edit 1 July edit 69 people were killed, including 14 in the Damascus suburbs.[230]

2 July edit By evening the Syrian army killed at least 114 people, including 30 in the Damascus suburbs, 27 in Hama and 23 in Homs.[231][232] 85 Syrian Army soldiers, including a General, a Colonel, and other ranking officers, defected to Turkey along with their families. Other accounts said that there was no general amongst the defectors.[233]

3 July edit LCC reported the deaths of 71 people were killed, including 14 in Deir Ezzor and 13 in Homs.[234]

SOHR reported the deaths of 52 people; 15 in Damascus Countryside, 10 in Homs and 10 in Dera'a. 7 rebels were killed; 4 in Homs and 2 in Douma.[235]

25 Syrian soldiers were killed throughout the country.[235]

4 July edit A Free Syrian Army spokesman claimed that opposition forces were in control of around 40% of Syria, although others claimed that up to 60% was out of government hands.[236]

The bodies of two Turkish air force pilots shot down by Syrian forces were discovered by an American deep sea exploration vessel.[237]

LCC reported the deaths of 70 people were killed, including 17 in Idlib.[238]

SOHR reported the deaths of 55 people by evening; 15 in Idlib and 11 in Damascus Countryside. 8 were killed during regime bombardment on Al Misraba in Damascus Countryside. 10 rebels were killed; 4 in Homs. A leader of a rebel battalion was slain in Hama Province and another commander killed during bombardment in Idlib.[239]

34 soldiers were killed; including 3 high-ranking officers.[239]

5 July edit 63 civilians were killed; 28 in Idlib and 11 in Damascus Countryside. 2 civilians were killed by an IED in As-Suwayda Governorate. 3 rebels were slain; a rebel leader was shot by a sniper in Ariha. A leader of a rebel battalion was slain in Dera'a.[240]

24 soldiers were killed; a brigadier-general was assassinated in Homs Province.[240]

6 July edit Protests were widespread after Friday prayers, occurring primarily in Central Aleppo and Damascus and its suburbs, as well as the Homs, Hama, Idlib, Daara, and Deir Ezzor governorates. At least 89 people were killed in clashes by noon.[241][242]

The Syrian Army captured the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province after opposition forces retreated the previous night.[243]

A high-ranking military official and brigade commander in the Republican Guard, Manaf Tlass, son of the former defense minister Mustafa Tlass, defected to Turkey. This was because anger over civilian deaths during the uprising.[244]

SOHR reported the deaths of 67 civilians; 13 in Damascus Countryside and 11 in Homs. 5 civilians were killed during regime bombardment of Nawa. 6 rebels were slain; 3 in Idlib.[245]

27 soldiers were killed, including a first lieutenant in Aleppo.[245]

7 July edit LCC reported the deaths of 71 people were killed by the end of the day, including 21 in Deir Ezzor.[246]

SOHR reported the deaths of 37 civilians; 15 in Deir Ezzor and 6 in Hama. Also, 5 bodies were found in Hamourieh. 13 rebels were slain; 5 in Aleppo. A defected lieutenant was killed in Aleppo, a defected lieutenant colonel was blown up in Idlib and a defected first sergeant was killed in Damascus Countryside.[247]

21 soldiers were killed.[247]

Rebels downed a surveillance aircraft, marking an increase in rebel military capabilities.[247]

8 July edit LCC reported the deaths of 57 civilians and 3 rebels were killed by evening, primarily in the Damascus suburbs and Homs.[248]

SOHR reported the deaths of 53 civilians; 11 in Hama and 9 in Deir Ezzor. A doctor was assassinated in Damascus. 17 rebels were slain; 5 in Homs. A rebel leader was killed during an opposition operation in Dera'a Province.[249]

36 soldiers were killed across the country.[249]

9 July edit 51 civilians were killed by the evening; 10 in Idlib and 7 in Aleppo. 5 rebels were killed along with a defected soldier.[250]

36 soldiers killed; including an officer killed in an attack in Idlib. 10 soldiers were killed, in Deir Izzor, when a procession of military vehicles was targeted.[250]

NBC reports that the rebels have gained significant territory over the past few weeks, and now control much of the rural countryside.[251]

10 July edit 68 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 19 in Deir Ezzor and 11 in the Damascus suburbs.[252]

18 soldiers and 9 rebels were killed by the end of the day.[253]

11 July edit The Syrian ambassador to Iraq, Nawaf al-Fares defected to the opposition.[254] He is the most senior diplomat to defect so far in the entire conflict.[255] He gave a statement to Al Jazeera, saying "I urge all honest members of this party to follow my path because the regime has turned it to an instrument to kill people and their aspiration to freedom." Fares also called upon the military to join the ranks of the Syrian revolution. His defection dealt a "moral and political blow" to the Syrian Government and another diplomat, the Syrian ambassador to Sweden, Mohammad Bassam Imadi defected in December 2011.[256]

78 people were killed by the end of the day, including 22 in Homs and 13 members of the Palestinian liberation army.[257]

28 soldiers were killed; including three officers. 9 rebels and 44 civilians were killed; according to SOHR.[258]

12 July edit Following a rebel ambush against a military convoy near Hama, the military made a counter-attack that led to the Battle of Tremseh with the Free Syrian Army in Tremseh, leading to a reported death of dozens of rebels, and an unknown number of civilians.[259] Two days later, the UN observer mission issued a statement, based on the investigation by its team that went to the town, that the Syrian military mainly targeted the homes of rebels and activists, in what the BBC said was a contradiction of the initial opposition claims of a civilian massacre. They said that the number of casualties was unclear and added that they intend to return to the town to continue their investigation.[260][261]

Four days after the battle, the Free Syrian Army backtracked on their initial death toll of 200, saying it had been overblown because many of the wounded were counted as dead, and reduced the list of those confirmed killed to 68-103 names. But still, activist Abu Adnan, continued to claim 150 died, with the rest of the bodies allegedly being unidentifiable or stolen by the military during their assault.[262]

In all the LCC reported 287 people killed across Syria.[263]

13 July edit US officials say that Syria is moving chemical weapons out of storage.[264][265]

71 people were killed by Syrian army gunfire and shelling, primarily in Idlib and Homs.[266]

"Massive" demonstration came out against the Syrian government in Aleppo, with other big protests occurring in Damascus, its suburbs, Hama, Daara, and the Idlib and Deir Ezzor province.[267]

SOHR reported the deaths of 59 civilians; 13 in Damascus and 12 in Idlib. 32 rebels were slain; including a first lieutenant in Aleppo. 18 fighters were killed in Idlib Province during regime assaults on villages in the area.[268]

37 soldiers were killed across the country.[268]

14 July edit SOHR reported the deaths of 49 civilians by evening; 13 in the Damascus Countryside and 11 in Deir Ezzor. An IED explosion hit the Fatima al-Saqqa school, in the al-Karama neighbourhood of Hama, killing 4 civilians including 2 children. 24 rebels were slain throughout the country; 8 in Aleppo. 10 rebels were killed in Homs; including a defected lieutenant colonel. A defected first sergeant was also killed in Deir Ezzor.[269]

39 Syrian soldiers were killed; 13 were killed in Aleppo, including an officer. 12 soldiers were killed during an attack on a ZiL truck in Idlib Province.[269]

75 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 20 in Homs.[270]

15 July edit See also: Battle of Damascus (2012) The International Committee of the Red Cross announced today that fighting is now so widespread in Syria that the situation is to be regarded as a civil war.[271] The rebels have started today the operation to liberate Damascus, an operation called "Damascus volcano and Syrian earthquake".[272]

SOHR reported the deaths of 59 civilians by evening; 16 in Homs, 8 in Dera'a and 8 in Deir Ezzor. A nurse was tortured to death, by security services, in al-Qouriya, Deir Ezzor. A refugee camp was bombarded in Dera'a, killing one. 16 rebels were slain; 2 rebel fighters, including the leader of a battalion, were killed during clashes by the al-Omar oil field, Deir Ezzor.[273]

41 soldiers were killed across the country.[273] By the end of the day the LCC reported 72 people dead, primarily in Homs, Hama, and Idlib.[274]

16 July edit For a second day, heavy clashes in the southern Midan and Tadhamon districts of Damascus raged[275] with the military managing to surround the rebel forces in the area and sending tanks and other armored vehicles into the neighborhoods. The rebels called the clashes a raid by them against the capital,[276] while the government called it a 48-hour military operation to clear the area of any opposition forces. There were also indications that the government knew about the planned rebel raid and acted on the information. According to state TV, the military killed over 80 rebel fighters during the fighting. On their part, the rebels would claim, by the following day, to have killed 70 soldiers and pro-government militiamen[277] and that they had shot down a military helicopter.[278]

Morocco expelled the Syrian ambassador from their country, Syria retaliated by declaring the Moroccan ambassador there persona non grata.[279]

By the end of the day, the LCC reported 97 killed, including 30 in Hama, 21 in Homs, 13 in Aleppo, 11 in Damascus, 8 in Daraa, 7 in Deir Ezzor, 4 in the suburbs of Damascus, and 3 in Idlib.[280]

SOHR reported the deaths of 84 civilians, including 43 in Hama. 34 of these were slain in al-Hamidiyeh neighbourhood due to regime advancements. 14 civilians were killed in Homs. 28 rebels were slain; 5 defectors were executed in a medical complex in Hama.[281]

41 soldiers were killed, including 2 officers, throughout the country.[281]

The former head of Syria's chemical weapons, Major General Adnan Silu, defected to the opposition. Silu said that the rebels controlled 60 per cent of the country and that all they needed was limited military intervention from NATO to help them topple President Bashar al-Assad. "All we need from NATO are two air attacks on the presidential palace to topple the regime and we will be able to control all the Syrian cities," Silu told Asharq al-Awsat.[282]

Two Iraqi journalists were shot and stabbed in Damascus and then handed over to an Iraqi border post by Syrian intelligence and police.[283] A total of 525 Syrians, including several military officers who defected from the Syrian army, fled to Turkey on Monday.[284] This included a brigadier general, bring the number of defected generals staying in Turkey to 18.[285]

17 July edit The Israeli army intelligence chief said on Tuesday that Syrian army forces has moved from the Golan Heights area next to Israel toward Damascus and other internal conflict zones.[286]

SOHR reported the deaths of 54 civilians; 9 in Homs and 8 in the Damascus countryside. 16 civilians were slain in the city of Damascus, 12 in the Qaboun neighborhood which is witnessing heavy fighting. An Egyptian national was among the dead. 20 rebels were slain; a defected captain was killed along with 2 defected soldiers in Aleppo province. A defected sergeant major was tortured to death in Dera'a. 3 defected officers were killed during an explosion in Yabrud. A defected first sergeant was slain in Homs. 29 soldiers were killed.[287]

18 July edit See also: 18 July 2012 Damascus bombing According to Turkish officials, two Syrian brigadier-generals were among some 600 Syrians who fled from Syria to Turkey overnight,[288] bringing the total number of defected generals to twenty.[289] Orient TV reported that Syrian vice president Farouk al-Sharaa, along with 13 other officers, had defected to neighboring Jordan.[290]

A suicide blast at a National Security Building in Rawda Square in Damascus seriously wounded several Syrian government officials and killed Syrian defense minister General Daoud Rajha, Syrian president Bashar Al Assad's security advisor Hasan Turkmani, and President Assad's brother-in-law, who was also deputy defense minister, Assef Shawkat. The interior minister, Mohammad Ibrahim al-Shaar, was also killed in the blast.[291] It was alleged the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber who had worked as a bodyguard for President Assad's inner circle.[292] The Syrian opposition claimed responsibility for the attack; the FSA claiming that the explosion was remote-controlled and not a suicide attack.[293]

According to Syrian state television, General Fahad Jassim al-Freij, previously the Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces, was appointed as the new Defense Minister.[294]

The U.S Department of Treasury announced new sanctions, specifically targeting individuals within the Assad regime.[295]

By the end of the day, 188 civilians were killed, including 60 civilians in Set Zaynab, Damascus when helicopters shelled a funeral.[296] SOHR said that 62 government soldiers and 28 rebels were killed throughout the day.[297]

19 July edit Assets worth £100 million belonging to Syrian leaders were reported located and frozen in Britain.[298]

The Kurdish city of Ayn al-Arab was taken over, peacefully, by the Kurdish Popular Defense Committees, after the Syrian military pulled out of the town.[299] Rebels claimed full control over the town of Azaz in the Aleppo Province. Reportedly, rebels had taken control of the majority of the city back in March.[300]

Three border crossings with neighboring Turkey fell under rebel control.[301] Al Jazeera confirmed that the Bab al Hawa crossing was amongst others to be within rebels hands the next day.[302]

According to Iraq's deputy interior minister, Adnan al-Assadi, Syrian rebels took control of all border crossings (though not all border outposts) between Iraq and Syria.[303] 22 border guards, including their commander, were reportedly captured at one post and executed while Iraqi border troops watched from the other side of the border.[303]

Both Russia and China were alone in vetoing the third UN Security Council resolution which would have enacted Chapter 7 consequences against the Assad regime for non-compliance. All other UNSC votes were in favor, except for two abstentions.[304] The UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, condemned the Russian and Chinese veto as "inexcusable and indefensible".[305]

By the end of the day, LCC reported the deaths of 217 civilians were killed, including 70 from Deir Ezzor and 40 from greater Damascus area.[306]

SOHR reported a huge death toll of over 280 deaths. 124 civilians were killed; 33 in Damascus Countryside and a further 10 in Damascus City. 20 civilians were slain due to mortar fire on the town of Irbeen, in Damascus Countryside, alone. A car bomb exploded in Jdeida al-Khas, Damascus Countryside, killing a child. 22 civilians were killed in Deir Ezzor and 14 in Hama. An additional 14 were slain in Homs Province; including a citizen journalist.[307]

63 rebels were slain; 15 in Hama and 15 in Idlib. 14 were slain in the Damascus Countryside. 6 rebels were killed in Homs Province, including a rebel commander.[307]

98 soldiers were killed.[307]

20 July edit More than 30,000 Syrians crossed into Lebanon between Thursday and Friday.[220][308]

"Massive" demonstrations against the Syrian government occurred after Friday prayers, most notably in the center districts of Aleppo and Damascus cities, their suburbs, and the Idlib, Hama, Daara and Homs provinces.[236][309]

LCC reported the deaths of 215 civilians killed's artillery shelling. 55 were killed in the Damascus suburbs, and 26 in Damascus city itself, including at least 10 protesters when security forces fired on a large crowd in the Baramkeh district of central Damascus.[310]

SOHR reported the deaths of more than 130 civilians. 46 fell in the environs of Damascus and a further 12 in the city itself. Rockets were fired into Yarmouk Camp, killing a civilian. 17 civilians were slain in Homs and 15 in Idlib.[311]

38 soldiers and 19 rebels were slain.[311]

In Deiz ez Zor city it was claimed that Government forces used toxic gas to attack civilians. Nawaf Fares, who defected from his post as Syrian ambassador to Iraq, said in an interview with the BBC that he was "convinced" that Assad would draw on his stocks if cornered, and he and the FSA stated that gas attacks had been used already. A few days earlier, the Wall Street Journal said that intelligence reports suggested some chemical weapons were on the move,[264][312] while a senior Syrian defector said that Assad's forces were moving chemical weapons across the country for possible use in a military retaliation for the killing of four top security officials.[313]

21 July edit LCC reported 140 people were killed in Syria by the Syrian army including 18 defectors. 34 civilians were killed in Homs, and 28 in Damascus and the suburbs.[314][315] Assad's forces were reported to have retaken control of Damascus.[316]

The FSA began widescale fighting in Aleppo for the first time, capturing several neighborhoods.[317]

SOHR reported the deaths of 164 people across Syria, including 86 civilians, 49 soldiers and 29 rebels.[318]

22 July edit LCC reported the deaths of 111 civilians were killed by evening by the Syrian army, including 65 in Damascus and its suburbs.[319] Alex Thomson, reporting from Midan suburb describes a 'familiar pattern of heavy shelling followed by militia going house to house looting and massacring'—an organised ground and air assault by Assad soldiers and Shabiha, followed by 'an orgy of looting'. Residents speak off-camera of a massacre. Anti-Assad graffiti is painted over in the suburb, but the Assad forces leave their own; 'The Soldiers of God were here.'[320]

SOHR reported the deaths of 76 civilians; 18 in Damascus and a further 16 in the Damascus Countryside. 22 rebels were killed.[321]

34 soldiers were slain.[321]

The weekly death toll, according to SOHR, resulted in a body count of 209 rebels and 351 soldiers.[322]

23 July edit 175 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 90 in Damascus and its suburbs alone.[323] At least 35 soldiers and 17 rebels died.[324]

24 July edit The Syrian ambassador to Cyprus, Lamia al-Hariri, defected to the opposition bringing the total number of ambassadors to defect publicly to 3. She is the niece of Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa. The former ambassador to Sweden, Bassam Imadi said that the envoys to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Belarus, had defected already, but have not announced it publicly due to fears over government reprisals.[325]

About 150 civilians were killed, including 46 in Hama, of which over 30 died in a massacre in Latamna.[326] 26 soldiers and 4 opposition fighters were killed.[327]

Government MiG-23s[328] bomb eastern areas of the commercial capital of Syria, Aleppo, the first solid claims of war planes being used by Assad. Sarah Leah Whitson, the director of the Middle East division of Human Rights Watch, said the use of fighter jets in populated areas was of great concern.[329]

25 July edit Turkey closed all border gates with Syria due to worsening security conditions, though it would still let refugees cross.[330]

Syria's ambassador to the UAE, Abdelatif al-Dabbagh defected to Qatar, where his wife, Lamia al-Hariri who defected earlier was also staying.[331] A military attache to the Syrian embassy to Oman defected.[332] Also two more Brigadier Generals defected, going to Turkey, bring the total number of defected generals to 27.[333]

129 people were killed by evening. 27 were killed Damascus and its Suburbs, where most killed in a massacre in the Qaboun neighborhood, their bodies were discovered today.[334] At least 41 soldiers and 32 opposition fighters died throughout the country.[335]

Fighting continued much of the day in the southern suburb of Kadam, and young men report the Syrian Army setting people's houses on fire.[336]

A long column of dozens of Assad's tanks, brought in from Idlib and Hama,[337] approached Aleppo in an attempt to crush the opposition forces there.[338]

26 July edit Ikhlas al-Badawi, Syrian legislator for the Aleppo Governorate, defected from the city of Aleppo and into Turkey,[339] blaming the 'savage torture' of the Assad regime and becoming the first member of the rubber-stamp assembly dominated by the Ba'ath party to defect.[340]

As the Free Syrian Army holds western and eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, Assad's army bombards the western neighborhoods with mortars, and bombards the eastern neighborhood with Russian Mi-25 helicopter gunships.[341]

Over 200 civilians were killed by the end of the day. 47 were killed in Aleppo, while 46 were killed Damascus and its Suburbs, where most killed in a massacre in the Yalda and Saynab neighborhoods.[342]

27 July edit Over 100 civilians were killed, including 30 in Daraa.[343]

The Syrian ambassador to Belarus and the Baltic states announced his defection to the opposition.[344]

Protests occurred throughout Syria, as the Syrian army prepared to converge onto Aleppo, in a bid to try to retake the city from the Free Syrian Army.[345]

28 July edit A Syrian TV presenter on state TV defected, citing crimes against civilians committed by the state.[346]

Over 180 civilians were killed by the end of the day, primarily in Aleppo, Daara, and the Damascus suburbs.[347]

Assad's forces bombarded FSA-held areas of Aleppo, and then sent in tanks supported by helicopter gunships. However, the FSA attacked the invading tanks with rocket-propelled grenades, causing the tanks to withdraw, so Assad's forces went back to bombarding FSA-held neighborhoods from afar.[348][349]

29 July edit 114 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 41 in Damascus and its suburbs, of which 36 were killed in a massacre in Moadamiyeh.[350]

The Syrian opposition ask allies for heavy arms to stop tanks and aeroplanes.[351]

30 July edit Syrian rebels seize strategic checkpoint between Aleppo and Turkey after a 10-hour battle.[352]

Deputy police chief in Syria's Latakia, a brigadier general, flees and defected to Turkey with 11 other Syrian officers.[353]

Syria closes Australian embassy.[354]

Syrian Chargé d'Affaires, Khaled al-Ayoubi, has informed the Britain's Foreign Office today that he has left his post in the Syrian embassy in London because he is "no longer willing to represent a regime that has committed such violent and oppressive acts against its own people."[355]

At least 100 people were killed, including 30 in the Damascus suburbs and 25 in Aleppo.[356]

31 July edit Syrian rebels overran two police stations in Aleppo city, killing at least 40 policemen.[357] The defenders of the police stations and posts were Mukhabarat and Shabiha, both of whom have been accused of abuses including torture and rape and summary justice appears to have been meted out in some instances. Continued rebel resistance against armour and artillery in districts of Salheddine and Hamdaniyeh. A militia loyal to Assad carried out an assault near the city's airport which made the road viable for regime soldiers and supplies to be brought from Damascus.[358]

Syrian rebels capture military base in Al-Bab, near to Aleppo, effectively freeing the city, after withdrawal of government forces.[359]

97 civilians were killed, including 22 in Aleppo and 15 in Homs.[360] while the Syrian consul in Armenia, Mohammad Hussam Hafez, defected to the opposition.[361]

August 2012

edit A Syrian Army offensive in the Rif Dimashq Governorate begins during August 2012.

1 August edit A video surfaced on the Internet showing rebels leading four supposed Assad loyalists, including the alleged head of a local militia, into a schoolyard. They are put against a wall and subsequently summarily executed by the rebels. According to Human Rights Watch, this act potentially constitutes a war crime by the rebels.[362] In Damascus Assad's troops faced allegations of the execution of at least 35 men.[363]

Reuters reported that intensive battles were still going on in Salheddine and that neither the rebels or the government were in control. According to an NBC News report, the rebels acquired nearly two dozen surface-to-air missiles, which were delivered to them via neighbouring Turkey. However, a rebel FSA spokesman denied the report.[364] CNN reported that rebels were using a school as a prison, housing captured pro-government militia members. United Nations observers in the area saw Syrian Air Force jets bombing rebel held districts on 1 August.

As the government pulled in regular Syrian troops from peripheral areas for the military assault on Aleppo, there was clear evidence that others are almost seamlessly moving into the vacuum left behind. And in some Kurdish parts of northern Syria the opposition forces of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and other smaller factions have all but taken over. The leader of the PYD, Salih Muslim, spoke to the BBC in recent days about his movement's strategy and aspirations. "We are able to govern ourselves - we have the power for it," he said. Mr Muslim was careful to insist, at this stage at least, that he wasn't calling for an independent Kurdistan but an autonomous region within a new, democratic Syria. It is thought that Kurdish militias now control at least four main towns and cities in northern Syria. They reportedly include at least parts of Qamishlo, Efrin, Amude, Terbaspi and Ayn El Arab. More remarkable is that although there were sporadic clashes and some loss of life many of them appear to have been secured without much of a fight.[365]

By the end of the day, LCC reported the deaths of over 170 civilians, primarily in Damascus' suburbs, where two massacres perpetrated by Shabiha and the fourth division occurred in Artouz and Yalda.[366]

SOHR reported the deaths of 115 civilians; 52 in the Damascus Suburbs and 15 in Idlib. Fighting in Aleppo witnessed the deaths of 12 civilians. Three rebels were killed in Aleppo; including a defected major and a rebel leader. 18 other rebels were killed throughout Syria.[367]

45 Syrian soldiers were killed.[367]

2 August edit Kofi Annan says he is quitting as special envoy to Syria.[368]

Al Jazeera reports armed clashes between the Jordanian and Syrian armies early Thursday morning in the Deraa province of Syria, near the Jordanian city of Ramtha.[369]

SOHR reported the deaths of more than 113 civilians. In addition, around 50 civilians were killed in the al-Arba'een neighbourhood of Hama; but difficulties in contacting the area proved too difficult for SOHR to register the exact number of deaths.[370] 29 were killed in Damascus and a further 12 killed in the Damascus Countryside. 21 civilians were killed and 65 wounded in the mortar shelling of Yarmouk Camp. Residents blamed the government. Witnesses in the camp told Reuters by telephone that the mortars hit a busy street as people were preparing a Ramadan meal to end their fast.[371] 26 were killed in Dera'a; of which 13 were killed in the bombardment of Busra al-Harir.[372]

By the end of the day, LCC reported the deaths of over 130 civilians.[373]

28 rebels were killed, in addition to some rebels killed in the al-Arba'een neighbourhood of Hama. 8 were killed in Idlib.[372]

43 soldiers were killed.[372]

3 August Edit Shelling of Syria refugee camp kills 15 civilians.[374]

A massacre occurred in Hama where 62 people were killed.[375] Fighting continues in Aleppo and Damascus. Assad troops storm southern Damascus district of Tadamon backed by dozens of tanks and artillery according to a witness and activists.[376] The UN General Assembly meets to vote on a resolution that denounces Assad for the use of tanks, artillery, helicopters and warplanes on the people of Aleppo and Damascus and demands the Syrian authorities fulfil immediately their commitment to cease the use of heavy weapons and complete the withdrawal of their troops and heavy weapons to their barracks. UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous reports the UN observers in Aleppo are witnessing a considerable build-up of military means.[377]

Syrian brigadier-general Ahmed Talas, who is the head of the arms contracts department in interior ministry, has defected along with the major-general Mohamed Alhaj, the director of defense college in the Military Academy.[279]

19 rebels were slain; 6 in Idlib. A defected captain was killed during clashes in Hama; he was the Military commander of the Abu Abdullah Usman bin Affan battalion in Hama.[378]

19 soldiers were killed.[378]

By evening 137 civilians were killed, including 73 in Hama, most of whom died in a massacre in the Arbaeen neighborhood.[379]

4 August edit By evening the LCC reported that 145 civilians were killed, including 53 in the Damascus suburbs.[380]

5 August edit By the end of the day the LCC reported that 125 civilians were killed, including 59 in the Damascus suburbs.[381] Colonel Yaraab Shara, head of the information division at the Political Security in Damascus defected and crossed the border to Jordan.[382] The first Syrian in space, General Muhammed Faris, defected to the opposition and talked to rebels in Aleppo before crossing the border to Turkey.[383]

6 August edit Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Farid Hijab defected to Jordan with his family.[384] The Saudi broadcaster, al-Arabiya, claimed that three other ministers also defected with the prime minister. Syria TV also stated that Omar Ibrahim Ghalawanji, who had been a deputy prime minister, was appointed to lead temporary caretaker government.[385] The two other ministry defectors are Hijab's brothers, who were working in the oil and environment department. The defections were apparently planned before his appointment as first minister.[386] The PM's spokesman confirmed he was safe in Jordan and had defected. Hijab said "I announce today my defection from the killing and terrorist regime and I announce that I have joined the ranks of the freedom and dignity revolution. I announce that I am from today a soldier in this blessed revolution," and urged more officials to defect.[387]

A 31st brigadier general defected and fled to Turkey.[388]

An opposition sources said that 40 were killed in massacre in central Syria.[389]

By the end of the day the LCC said that over 164 civilians were killed by artillery shelling by the Syrian army, including 54 in Aleppo, and 33 in the Damascus suburbs.[390]

7 August edit More than 1300 Syrians, including a brigadier-general and 11 military officers, fled to Turkey overnight.[391]

United Nations pulls all monitors out of Aleppo because of security concerns.[392]

A survivor of a killing by pro-government militia said that 10 prisoners were executed in Aleppo. He was found injured and taken to be treated in a rebel-held town.[393][394]

170 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 35 in Homs and 33 in the Damascus suburbs.[395] Total number of people killed in the civil war during Tuesday was 257.[396]

Three of 48 Iranian hostages, reported to be members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, held by Syrian rebels, were reported to be killed by Syrian Army artillery fire. Iran said it would hold the United States responsible for the fate of the Iranian hostages.[397]

8 August edit Syrian rebel group claims it has killed a Russian general Vladimir Petrovich Kuzheyev along with his private translator, Ahmed Aiq, working as an adviser to Syria's ministry of defense near Damascus.[398][399] This was, however, denied by Vladimir Petrovich Kuzheyev himself when he appeared during a Russian news channel, saying he is a retired general currently living in Moscow and that the report of his death "was an exaggeration".[400]

Syrian rebels ring Aleppo enclave with roadside bombs.[401]

By the evening the lCC reported 167 civilians killed, including 30 in the Damascus suburbs, 30 in Aleppo, and 22 in Hama.[402]

9 August edit The LCC reported that 142 civilians were killed by evening, including 40 in the Damascus suburbs and 33 in Aleppo.[403] In Aleppo, after a pounding from air and ground by regime forces, and rising civilian casualties in the last few days, rebel fighters left Salaheddine. Medics and doctors remain though they can face severe punitive action;"three young doctors arrested were found dead, another was killed by a sniper on Salaheddine Square yesterday despite wearing a white coat."[404]

10 August edit The LCC reported that 180 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 75 in Aleppo city.[405]

Friday protests erupted across Syria, particularly in Aleppo and Damascus city and suburbs, as well as Homs, Hama, idlib, and the Daara province.[406]

11 August edit Syrian and Jordanian forces clashed in border area after Syrian soldiers fired on refugees leaving the country, with Jordan responding. Armoured vehicles were involved in the clash and fired on two Syrian border posts, with intense fighting for an hour. An official Jordanian source said "The Syrian side fired across the border and fighting ensued. Initial reports indicate that there has been no one killed from the Jordanian side."[407][408]

Rebels got their first Anti-aircraft Stingers.[409]

Two journalists were killed in Damascus.[410] SANA's Ali Abbas, was killed at home in Damascus and Al Arabiya's Bara’a Yusuf al-Bushi, a Syrian national and army defector was killed in bomb attack in Damascus.[411]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 101 civilians killed, including 29 in the Damascus suburbs.[412]

12 August edit The deputy police commander for the central Syria, Brigadier General Ibrahim al-Jabawi defects to Jordan.[413]

By evening 110 civilians were killed, including 45 in the Damascus suburbs, and 26 in Homs. Most of these "civilians" were rebels killed in Kesleh.[414]

13 August edit The head of the United Nations monitors, General Babacar Gaye said that violence was increasing across Syria.[415]

New massacre reported in suburban Damascus, where a dozen people were summarily executed by the Syrian army in Artouz, Damascus.[416]

A video of showing the crash of what has been tentatively identified as a MiG-23 aircraft flying over Muhasan was released to the Internet, in which rebels claimed to have shot it down.[417]

Syrian opposition officials claimed the CIA is controlling weapons flow to Syrian insurgents.[418]

By evening, 111 civilians were killed, including 64 in the Damascus suburbs.[419]

14 August edit Former Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab said Assad controls only 30% of Syria.[citation needed]

According to the Saudi Al Watan newspaper, the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Bogdanov said that Bashar al-Assad is ready to give up his powers.[420] Syria's state media informed opposite.[421][422] The Russian Foreign Ministry Bogdanov denied also Saudi Arabian newspaper report.[423]

By the end of the day, over 100 civilians were killed, including 23 in the Damascus suburbs and 20 in Daraa.[424]

15 August edit To defend its credibility, al-Watan on early Wednesday published alleged Bogdanov interview in a MP3format on its website But AFP reported that the voice did not match Bogdanov.[425]

Syrian air force air strike hits hospital in Aleppo wounding one person. Human Rights Watch called it was an attack in violation of international law.[426]

Bomb explodes behind Damascus hotel housing U.N. monitors left 3 wounded.[427] Head of FSA brigade that planned Damascus bombings said they targeted the central security command not UN.[428]

The UN concludes that the massacre in Houla was a war crime authorized by President Assad. A regime air raid killed 30 people in the rebel-held northern border town of Azaz.[429] The Assad regime still holds the town's military airport.[430]

U.S. officials confirm captured Iranians in Syria are active military.[431] Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Iran is building, training militia in Syria.[432]

A Shia[433] Lebanese tribe abducted a group of 20 people, mainly Free Syrian Army rebels, including a Saudi and a Turk, in retaliation for the kidnapping of one of its members by the FSA. The armed branch of the clan threatened more action if their member was not released.[434]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 205 civilians killed, primarily in the Syrian army's bombardment of Azaz, where over 80 people were killed.[435]

16 August edit Assad appoints three new ministers.[436]

At least were 60 killed in a massacre in Damascus.[437]

By evening the LCC reported 179 civilian killed, the number including over 60 bodies found summarily executed in the town of Qatana, Damascus suburbs.[438]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 238 killed, including 123 in the Damascus suburbs, including the 60 bodies found in Qatana.[439]

17 August edit Lakhdar Brahimi, a veteran Algerian diplomat, will take over from Kofi Annan as the international envoy the United Nations said Friday.[440]

The Syrian Army freed state television journalists who had been abducted in al Tal by the rebels, after rebels under intense military bombardment retreated from the mountain town.[441]

Large protests against the government came out after prayers, primarily focused in Aleppo, Damascus, and the Hama, Idlib, Daara and Homs provinces.[442]

France stated that several "spectacular" defections were in the process of occurring.[443]

By noon 72 people had been killed, the SOHR reported.[444]

According to the LCC, by the end of the day 168 civilians were killed.[445]

18 August edit Airstrike killed 8 and wounded at least 20 in Syria town near Turkey border.[446]

The LCC reported that by evening 148 civilians were killed. 57 were killed in the Damascus suburbs, including over 40 bodies found in Al Tal.[447]

Syrian rebels foil army attempt to take the Bab al-Hawa border gateway leading to Turkey.[448]

19 August edit According to the LCC, By the end of the day 170 civilians were killed by the Syria army, including 51 in Daraa.[449]

20 August edit United Nations observer mission in Syria ended.[450]

The LCC reported that 150 civilians were killed by the evening, including 54 in the Damascus suburbs.[451] Japanese free-lance journalist Mika Yamamoto was killed by gunfire while covering the civil war in Aleppo.[452]

21 August edit According to the LCC, over 230 civilians were killed by the end of the day including 104 in the Damascus suburbs, primarily in a massacre in Moadamiya.[453]

22 August edit The LCC reported that over 184 civilians were killed by evening, including over 100 in Damascus and its suburbs, primarily in field executions in Kafar Souseh and Qaboun.[454][455]

23 August edit The LCC reported over 200 civilians killed by the end of the day, including 96 in Damascus and its suburbs.[456]

Several residents reported that the Syrian Army took control of the Christian quarters of Aleppo. The Army also faced little resistance when they advanced into Darya, Damascus countryside, where the rebels fled. Rebels waged fierce battles with regime troops in the town of Abu Kamal along the Iraqi border (Coordinates: 34°27′55.17″N 40°54′29.46″E), capturing a string of security posts and the local police headquarters despite heavy government shelling and airstrikes by warplanes, activists said. Fierce clashes had been reported.[457]

24 August edit The LCC reported that by the end of the day 206 civilians were killed, including 55 in the Damascus suburbs and 45 in Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, when a building collapsed from artillery shelling.[458] Intensity of the regime assault rose. In Midan, Damascus suburb, a resident told the British Guardian newspaper: "Everyone is being arrested, or killed. There was a time when the regime made a distinction between residents and gunmen. Now they treat everyone as one and the same."[459]

25 August edit The LCC reported that 440 civilians were killed by the end of the day.[460] Assad troops who stormed the poor Sunni community of Darayya on the south-west outskirts of Damascus are accused of massacring over 200 people.[461] The claimed death toll could not be independently verified.

26 August edit Another massacre was perpetrated in the suburb of Darayya. Reports of the death toll ranged from more than 300 to as many as 600.[462] U.N. Chief Ban Ki-moon calls for immediate independent investigation.

The LCC reported 244 civilians killed by evening, including 85 in the Damascus suburbs, and 76 killed in a massacre in Bushra al Sham.[463]

Rebels claimed to have shot down a government attack helicopter, type unknown although possibly a Mil-24.[464]

27 August edit 231 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 148 in Damascus and its suburbs.[465]

28 August edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 140 civilians killed, including 54 in the Damascus suburbs.[466]

29 August edit Rebels claim to have attacked a "military air base in the northern town of Taftanaz" damaging several Government helicopters. Their claims could not be independently verified.[467]

Rebels also claimed, via a video posted on line, to have uncovered a stash of gas masks ready for immediate use if the Government uses chemical weapons.[468]

The LCC reported that 136 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 66 in the Damascus suburbs.[469]

30 August edit By the end of the day the lcc reported that 164 civilians were killed, including 72 from Idlib.[470]

In Aleppo Government airstrikes are alleged to have struck at least 10 bakeries as people lined up to collect bread, killing dozens.[471]

31 August edit A rebel unit of army defectors launched a major offensive against security facilities in Syria's largest city of Aleppo, and anti-regime forces targeted air bases to try to reduce the military threat from the skies, activists said. LCC said rebels shot down a helicopter in the town of Sarmin (Coordinates: 35°54′13.06″N 36°43′32.44″E), in the northeastern province of Idlib. An activist in the area also reported a helicopter was downed. Fighting continued elsewhere in Syria on that day, including Damascus, where intense battles have been raging for more than a month. The Observatory and the Local Coordination Committees also reported clashes and shelling between troops and rebels in the southern province of Daraa and the central region of Homs. By late of the day, the observatory said as many as 100 people were killed across Syria.[472]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 112 people killed, including 38 in the Damascus suburbs.[473]

September 2012

edit 3 September edit By the end of the day, the LCC reported over 250 people had been killed, over 60 in the Aleppo province and over 60 in the Daraa province due to bombardment by warplanes.[1] 4 September edit By the end of the day, the LCC reported 155 people were killed, including 80 in the Damascus suburbs.[2] 5 September edit Syrian activists reported heavy fighting between Rebel forces and the Syrian Army in Aleppo multiple suburbs of Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 6 bodies had been found in Tadamon showing signs of having been tortured.[3] The LCC reported that 260 people were killed by the end of the day, including 115 in Aleppo and 67 in the Damascus suburbs.[4] 6 September edit 159 people were killed by the end of the day, according to the LCC, including 88 in the Damascus suburbs.[5] The Syrian Army recaptured the town of Tell Shihab from rebels.[6] 7 September edit By evening the LCC reported that 140 people were killed, including 44 in the Damascus suburbs and 28 in Aleppo.[7] Iraqi security and medical officials said a 4-year-old girl was killed, and 4 others injured, in the Iraqi town of al-Qaim, by mortar fire from Abu Kamal, just across the Syrian border. The anti-government Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Albu Kamal had been being shelled that day.[8][full citation needed]

8 September edit The LCC reported 178 people killed across Syria, including 89 in Aleppo.[9] On 9 September, The LCC reported 160 killed across Syria, including 40 in the Damascus suburbs.[10] 9 September edit A car bomb exploded at the Saad al-Ansari district of Aleppo, targeting al-Hayat hospital near the 7 April Stadium. 32 were killed and at least 64 people were injured as a result of the blast.[11][12] 11 September edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 130 people killed, including 43 in Aleppo and 34 in the Damascus suburbs.[13] 12 September edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 173 people killed, including 67 in Aleppo.[14] 13 September edit At least 11 people were killed in an airstrike in Aleppo.[15] New UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi arrives in Damascus.[16] By the end of the day the LCC reported 165 people were killed, including 57 in the Damascus suburbs.[17] Al Qaeda urged all Islamists to support the rebellion against the Syrian government.[18] 14 September edit Eight Syrians were arrested by the Lebanese Army while travelling in a truck containing a large quantity of weapons.[19] Yousef Assad, a high ranking Syrian Air Force officer and relative of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced his defection to the opposition with an online video.[20] By the end of the day the LCC reported 165 people killed across Syria, including 66 in the Damascus suburbs.[21] 15 September edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 164 civilians killed across Syria, including 67 in the Damascus suburbs.[22] 16 September edit A German Der Spiegel reported that Syria has tested ordnance capable of carrying chemical weapons in desert near Aleppo at the end of August.[23] Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Ali Jafari admits that Iran's elite forces are operating in Syria.[24] The LCC reported 167 civilians killed, including 60 in the Damascus suburbs and 50 in Aleppo.[25] 17 September edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 147 civilians killed, including 50 in the Damascus suburbs.[26] 18 September edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 160 civilians killed, including 67 in the Damascus suburbs.[27] 19 September edit Opposition forces seized a border crossing between Syria and Turkey in Tal Abyad District, Raqqa Governorate.[28] By the end of the day the LCC reported 150 civilians killed, including 72 in the Damascus suburbs.[29] 20 September edit By the end of the day, over 250 civilians were killed, including over 71 in Raqqa when a warplane bombed a petrol station, according to the LCC.[30] A Syrian Airbus A320 collides with a Syrian Mil Mi-17 helicopter which results in the helicopter crashes and the tail of the passengerplane being damaged.[31] 21 September edit 98 civilians were reported dead; including 34 in the Damascus Countryside. 17 rebels were slain; with 5 dead in Aleppo including a battalion leader. 32 Syrian soldiers were killed; including a colonel; according to SOHR.[32] By evening 117 civilians were killed, including 48 in the Damascus suburbs, according to LCC.[33] A Syrian Air Force jet was reported shot down over the northern Syrian town of Atarib in the Idlib province.[34] 22 September edit Activists reported that over 180 people were killed in Syria, mostly in the Damascus suburbs and Aleppo.[35] Col. Riad al-Asaad announced on video that the FSA had moved its command centre into an undisclosed location inside Syrian territory from Turkey in light of rebel gains. Andrew Simmons, reporting for Al Jazeera in Akcakale, stated that the FSA is still dependent on Turkish supply lines and that rebels have only taken territory 5 km deep into Syria.[36] By the end of the day the LCC reported that 220 civilians were killed, including 66 in the Damascus suburbs.[37] 23 September edit Nearly 80 percent of towns and villages along the Turkish border are outside the control of Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.[38] By evening 85 civilians were killed, including 22 in the Damascus suburbs, according to the LCC.[39] 24 September edit By the end of the day the LCC reported that 123 civilians were killed, including 42 in Aleppo and 37 in the Damascus suburbs.[40] 25 September edit By evening the end of the day the LCC reported that 148 civilians were killed, including 44 in the Damascus suburbs.[41] 26 September edit 26 September was the single bloodiest day since the beginning of the uprising, up to this point. SOHR reported over 300 deaths; similarly LCC reported over 300 civilian deaths, including 162 in the Damascus suburbs, among which were 107 in a massacre in Thiabieh.[42][43] The Press TV correspondent Maya Nasser was killed by sniper fire while covering from the scene of twin bomb blasts in Damascus.[44] 27 September edit Virtual warfare took part in Syria when Syria military send text messages to rebels: "Game over."[45]

By the end of the day the LCC reported 133 civilians killed, including 35 in the Damascus suburbs.[46] SOHR reported the deaths of 108 civilians (including at least 11 children), 14 rebels & 35 soldiers.[47] A Kurdish fighter was killed in clashes between the Kurdish Popular Defence Committees & rebels of the Salah al-Din battalion in Hama.[47] 28 September edit The United Nations Human Rights Council condemns Syria and extends war crimes inquiry.[48] Russia, China and Cuba vote against Arab resolution. According to FSA they launch "decisive battle" in Aleppo.[49] The LCC reported 167 civilians killed, including 57 in Aleppo.[50] 29 September edit The LCC reported 126 civilians killed by evening, including 64 in the Damascus suburbs.[51] 30 September edit An militant group fighting President Bashar al-Assad's forces in Syria said in a video posted online on Sunday it had captured five Yemeni army officers sent by their government to help quell the Syrian uprising.[52] By the end of the day 154 civilians were killed, including 76 in the Damascus suburbs.[53]

October 2012

edit 1 October edit At least 164 people were killed by the end of the day, including 12 children, according to the opposition Local Coordination Committees. More than 30 of these deaths occurred due to aerial shelling by government forces. 42 people were killed in Idlib, including 30 who were killed in a reported massacre in the town of Salqin, the LCC said. 51 were also killed in and around the capital city of Damascus.[54] 2 October edit The LCC reported that 160 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 54 in the Damascus suburbs.[55] A Hezbollah commander, Ali Hussein Nasif, and several other fighters were killed in Syria when opposition forces ambushed their convoy near al-Qusayr. This was confirmed by the group.[56] 3 October edit In Aleppo, three suicide car bombs exploded killing 40 and injuring at least 122 people.[57] A Syrian mortar bomb killed 5 Turkish civilians in the Akçakale district; Turkey responded with counter-battery fire.[58] The LCC reported over 200 civilians killed by the end of the day, including 67 in the Damascus suburbs.[59] 4 October edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 120 civilians killed, including 52 in the Damascus suburbs.[60] Turkey's parliament approved further military action against Syria after a second artillery exchange across the border.[61] 5 October edit Syrian rebels say they captured an air defense base with a cache of missiles outside Damascus. Included what appeared to be part of a surface-air-missile. It is unlikely that rebels have the ability to fire the missile but they might be able to use the explosives to make improvised bombs.[62] Turkey moved tanks and anti-aircraft artillery into Akçakale after a third Syrian mortar attack across the border.[63] The LCC reported 127 civilians killed, including 36 in Aleppo and 28 in the Damascus suburbs.[64] 6 October edit Turkey and Syria exchanged artillery fire across the border for the fourth time.[63] Syrian rebels captured the village of Khirbet al-Joz, Jisr al-Shughur District, close to the border with Turkey. The government death toll was significantly higher than that of the rebels'.[65] 40 Army soldiers and 9 rebels were killed.[66] The LCC reported 95 civilians and 10 FSA soldiers killed, including 31 people in the Damascus suburbs.[67] 7 October edit Syria and Turkey exchanged artillery fire for the fifth consecutive day after Syrian mortar bombs hit a grain plant in Akçakale and an uninhabited area of Altınözü.[68] A cousin to Bashar al-Assad, Housam al-Assad has reported been taken hostage by FSA.[69] Syrian scholar and political writer Mohammad Nemr al-Madani was killed under torture while in detention at the state security's Branch 215 in Damascus.[70] A former media aide to President Assad said that the president was planning to flee to Russia "after the regime collapses."[71] LCC reported 121 civilians killed, including 62 in the Damascus suburbs.[72] SOHR reported the deaths of over 93 civilians, at least 41 of which were slain in the Damascus Suburbs. 31 rebels were killed, more than 10 in Homs. 39 soldiers were killed.[73] 8 October edit Turkey and Syria exchanged artillery fire for the sixth consecutive day after a Syrian shell landed in Altınözü district.[74] LCC reported that 170 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 40 in Aleppo and 37 in a mass execution in Maarat al Numaan, Idlib.[75] 9 October edit Rebels seized the strategic town of Maarrat al-Nu'man, situated on a highway linking Aleppo to Damascus.[76] LCC reported that 197 civilians were killed by the end of the day, including 65 in the Damascus suburbs and 53 in Aleppo.[77] 10 October edit Rebel forces halted a Syrian Army attempt to recapture the strategic town of Maarrat al-Nu'man. At least 30 rebels and scores of Syrian government forces died in the fighting.[78] Rebels advanced in other areas, taking over 10 towns and villages in the North. Rebels claimed to fully control territory from the Turkish border to 10–20 km inside Syria.[79] Turkish Air Force F-16s intercepted a Syrian Air Airbus A320, flight RB442 from Moscow to Damascus, in Turkish airspace and forced it to land at Esenboğa International Airport, suspecting it was carrying Russian-made weapons.[80][81] Inspectors confiscated military communications equipment and items "thought to be missile parts".[82] The LCC reported that by the end of the day 197 civilians were killed.[83] 11 October edit 260 people were killed throughout Syria.[84] The Syrian military suffered the most casualties since the start of the uprising, with a death toll of 92 soldiers.[84] Syrian Revolution General Commission claims that they have destroyed 61 government helicopters and aircraft. The heaviest losses were in August and the majority were destroyed while on the ground during rebel raids.[85] 12 October edit By the end of the day over 100 civilians were killed, including 40 in Aleppo.[86] 13 October edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 143 civilians killed, including 48 from the Damascus suburbs.[87] 14 October edit Government forces have been accused by Human Rights Watch of using Russian-made cluster bombs. They have used such weapons in the past but they are now using them over populated areas and near key battlefields.[88] Turkey closes its air space to Syrian civilian flights in response to similar move by Syrian government.[89] FSA captured historical town of Azmarin (Coordinates: 36°03′23″N 36°24′02″E) in 3-day battle.[90] By the end of the day the LCC reported 220 civilians killed, of which 140 were in the Damascus suburbs, including over 100 bodies found in the local hospital between Moadimya and Darraya.[91] 15 October edit The LCC reported 100 civilians killed, including 34 in the Damascus suburbs.[92] 16 October edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 134 civilians killed, including 33 in the Damascus suburbs.[93] 17 October edit By the end of the day the LCC reported 155 civilians killed, including 48 in the Damascus suburbs.[94] 18 October edit Syrian Army jets destroyed two residential buildings and a mosque in the rebel-held town of Maarrat al-Nu'man, According to local Rescue workers the airstrikes had killed at least 44 people.[95] The LCC reported 230 civilians killed by the end of the day, including over 53 from Idlib when the Syrian army shelled a mosque in Maarat al Numaan, and 69 in the Damascus suburbs.[96] 19 October edit The LCC reported 245 civilians killed, including 86 in Deir ez-Zor, where over 75 bodies were found lying in a cemetery.[97] 20 October edit The LCC reported 123 civilians killed, including 67 in the Damascus suburbs.[98] The SEO expressed grave concern over the situation in Deiz ez-Zor city, where unrelenting airstrikes and military blockades for 130 days have destroyed 75% of the city and killed over 3,000 people. According to the organization, " on 20 October it was reported that a gruesome massacre of over 80 civilians in Deir ez-Zor was perpetrated by the Assad government in which men, women, and children were tortured, slaughtered, and burned. The massacre took place at the southern edge of the city, where government forces have been staging attacks for months."[99] 21 October edit A car bomb has exploded in front of a police station in Damascus killing at least 10 people according to State TV.[100] Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has also reported that 140 people were killed across Syria.[101] The LCC reported 135 civilians killed by the end of the day, including 70 in the Damascus suburbs.[102] 22 October edit The first Jordanian soldier to die in the conflict was killed by gunfire. The Jordanian government has blamed people trying to illegally cross into Syria from Jordan to join the rebels. Large-scale fighting occurred in Aleppo and the Damascus suburbs.[103] The LCC reported 204 civilians killed by the end of the day, including 134 in the Damascus suburbs, among which over 60 bodies were found in Moadamiyah.[104] 23 October edit A female Alawite general, Zubaida al-Meeki, who defected to the FSA and set up a training centre for rebels south of Damascus, said that sectarianism is used to distract people from the reality of a popular uprising. Her experience while training opposition fighters was documented in Syrian filmmaker Abo Andans upcoming film, "the southern heartlines".[105] The LCC reported 202 civilians killed, including 100 from the Damascus suburbs, among which 50 of them were from Moadamiya.[106] 24 October edit The LCC reported 150 civilians killed, including 84 in the Damascus suburbs, among which 30 were field executed in Douma.[107] 25 October edit The LCC reported 106 civilians killed, including 36 in the Damascus suburbs.[108] 26 October edit The LCC reported 103 civilians killed, including 39 in the Damascus suburbs, they also reported that government forces had violated the first day of the ceasefire some 292 times.[109] 27 October edit Syrian rebels clashed with Kurdish militia in Aleppo, leaving 30 dead and some 200 captured.[110] SOHR said the Eid ceasefire had collapsed after a government fighter jet killed 8 people in Damascus.[111] Al-Nusra Front are believed to have launched an attack on a military police compound in Deir ez-Zor. A car bomb was detonated followed by gunfire aimed at those rushing to the scene, 8 were killed.[112] The LCC reported 93 civilians killed, including 47 in the Damascus suburbs.[113] Alternatively, the SOHR reported the deaths of over 120 people; 62 civilians (5 children), 25 rebels & at least 36 soldiers.[114] 28 October edit The LCC reported 128 civilians killed, including 56 in the Damascus suburbs.[115] 29 October edit The LCC reported 115 civilians killed, including 53 in the Damascus suburbs.[116] 30 October edit The LCC reported 163 civilians killed, including 72 in the Damascus suburbs.[117] Air strikes leveled areas of Douma, leaving 18 people dead.[118] 31 October edit A motorcycle bomb exploded near the Shiite shrine of Sayyida Zeinab, killing 8 and wounding dozens. The site is where the granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed is buried.[119] The LCC reported 121 civilians killed, including 53 in Aleppo and 44 in the Damascus suburbs.[120]

November 2012

edit 1 November edit Syrian rebels killed 28 soldiers in attacks on military checkpoints in northern Idlib province on Thursday, just hours after a wave of bombings hit Damascus and its outskirts, activists said.[121] The LCC reported that 149 civilians killed, including 53 in the Damascus suburbs.[122] 2 November edit On 2 November, Syrian government forces are said to have left the town of Saraqib. This town is 50 kilometres (31 mi) south-west of Aleppo and is at the junction of the road from the Mediterranean of Latakia and the M5 highway that runs from Damascus to Aleppo. If confirmed, the Syrian government will be forced to resupply its forces in Aleppo using smaller rural roads or by air since it lost Maarrat al-Nu'man on 10 October.[123][124] The LCC reported 182 civilians killed, including 51 in Aleppo and 47 in the Damascus suburbs.[125] The LCC also reported that Government air strikes on the town of Harem in the Idlib area killed 70.[126] Alternatively, the SOHR reported the deaths of over 200; 74 civilians (10 children), 55 rebels (including a defected lieutenant) & 61 soldiers. In addition, 2 were killed due to bombardment in Aleppo, 43 unidentified corpses were found, and dozens were slain due to mutual bombardment in Harem.[127] 3 November edit Five rebel units have launched a coordinated attack on the Taftanaz airbase supported by mortars and rocket fire. The attack appears aimed at not raiding the airbase (as they have done previously with others) but to occupy the airbase permanently as to prevent its further use. The base is just 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the town of Saraqib, which fell to the rebels less than two days ago.[128] Three Syrian tanks also entered the demilitarised zone on the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel, the Syrian forces were in pursuit of rebels while Israel has lodged a protest with the UN.[129] The LCC reported 162 civilians killed, including 52 in the Damascus suburbs.[97] 4 November edit A car bomb went off underneath the government Labour Union building, wounding 12, two critically. The building is near a major hotel, Dama Rose hotel, and is only 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the army chief of staff's building.[52] Rebels have assassinated actor Mohammad Rafe they cited his collaboration with the government as justification for the killing.[130][131] The LCC reported 234 civilians killed, including over 100 in the Damascus suburbs.[132] 5 November edit The LCC reported 159 civilians killed, including 72 in Idlib.[133] According to opposition activists, 50 government soldiers were killed by a suicide bombing in the village of al-Ziyarah in the Hama Governorate while 20 rebel fighters were killed in an airstrike by the air force in Idlib.[134] 6 November edit The LCC reported 156 civilians killed, including 60 in the Damascus suburbs.[135] Alternatively, SOHR reported the deaths of around 205, 10 being unidentified. 119 civilians, 28 rebels & 48 rebels were killed.[136] Rebels fired mortars at the presidential palace although missing, the brother of the Syrian speaker of parliament has been assassinated and a judge was killed by a car bomb.[137][138][139] 7 November edit The LCC reported 168 civilians killed, including 73 in the Damascus suburbs.[140] 8 November edit The LCC reported 123 civilians killed, including 47 in the Damascus suburbs.[141] 9 November edit The LCC reported 136 civilians killed, including 33 in the Damascus suburbs and 33 in Deir ez-Zor.[97] The FSA captured Ras al-Ain in Hasakah province,[142] with army helicopters and artillery bombarding it afterwards[143] President Bashar al-Assad told RT:[144] I think that the cost of foreign invasion of Syria, if it happened, would be greater than one that the whole world can afford. Because if there were problems in Syria, particularly as we are the last bastion of secularism, stability and coexistence in the region, it will have a domino impact that will affect the world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. And you know its implications on the rest of the world. I do not think that the West is moving in this direction, but if they do, no one can predict what will happen after. I'm not a puppet, and I was not made by the West to go to the West or to any other country. I am Syrian, I was made in Syria and to live and die in Syria." 10 November edit On 10 November twin suicide car bomb attacks struck the Syrian Army Officers' Club in Daraa, killing at least 20 soldiers. SANA also reported the attack but did not mention casualties.[145][146] The LCC reported 147 civilians killed, including 47 in the Damascus suburbs.[97] 11 November edit Israel has fired warning shots at Syria, after a mortar round hit an Israel Defense Forces outpost, for the first time since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.[147] The LCC reported 90 civilians killed, including 35 in the Damascus suburbs.[148] 12 November edit Stray mortar shells again hit an IDF post on the Golan Heights, in response Israeli tanks returned fire scoring a 'direct hit' on the source of the fire. Israeli minister of strategic affairs, Moshe Yaalon, stated that he did not believe that these incidents were deliberate but an accidental overspill of fighting from the Syrian civil war. Israeli media reported at least two Syrian casualties.[149] The LCC reported 155 people killed, including 50 in the Damascus suburbs. A government helicopter was shot down by rebels at Hamdan Military Airport.[150] 13 November edit The LCC reported 172 people killed, including 109 in the Damascus suburbs.[151] The SOHR reported the deaths of around 205 Syrians slain. 99 (including 17 children) civilians were slain, 47 in the Damascus Suburbs. 55 rebels were killed, including a commander in Quneitra & 22 in the Damascus Suburbs. 49 soldiers were killed.[152] 14 November edit The LCC reported 100 people killed, including 37 in the Damascus suburbs.[153] 15 November edit The LCC reported 130 people killed, including 59 in the Damascus suburbs.[154] SOHR reported the deaths of around 141 Syrians. 72 civilians (12 children) were killed, including 27 in the Damascus Suburbs. 40 rebels were killed, including a commander in Aleppo. 32 soldiers were also killed.[155] 16 November edit The LCC reported 122 people killed, including 35 in the Damascus suburbs.[156] 17 November edit The LCC reported 136 people killed, including 63 in the Damascus suburbs.[157] One General and 12 other officers defected from the Syrian army and crossed the border into Turkey, they were among 53 people who also included defecting soldiers and their families.[158] A Turkish journalist held for three months by the Syrian Government was freed and sent back to Turkey, his Jordanian colleague is still missing.[159] Rebels captured a military airport near rebel-held Abu Kamal, meaning that the only air base the Syrian Government holds in the Deiz ez zor region is the main one near Deiz ez zor city.[160] 18 November edit The LCC reported 78 people killed, including 26 in the Damascus suburbs.[161] 19 November edit The LCC reported 161 people killed, including 54 in the Damascus suburbs.[162] 20 November edit The LCC reported 122 people killed, including 52 in the Damascus suburbs.[163] 21 November edit The LCC reported 95 people killed, including 35 in Aleppo and 29 in the Damascus suburbs.[164] 22 November edit Rebels captured an army base in Mayadin east of Deir ez-Zor. It means that the whole region, from the Iraqi border along the Euphrates to Deir ez-Zor is now under rebel control.[165] The LCC reported 151 civilians killed, including 66 in the Damascus suburbs.[166] 23 November edit The LCC reported 76 civilians killed, including 30 in the Damascus suburbs.[167] 24 November edit The LCC reported 82 civilians killed, including 35 in the Damascus suburbs.[168] 25 November edit Rebels and protestors launched an attack on an airbase, 15 kilometers outside Damascus, of which they say to control a "large part" of. In the attack they also said to have destroyed two helicopters on the ground.[169] The LCC reported 117 civilians killed, including 55 in the Damascus suburbs.[170] 26 November edit Rebel fighters overran government defenses and captured the Tishrin Dam, near the town of Manbij. The dam supplies several areas of Syria with electricity.[171] The LCC reported 168 civilians killed, including 90 in the Damascus suburbs.[172] 27 November edit The LCC reported 131 civilians killed, including 48 in the Damascus suburbs.[173] A Syrian Air Force Mi-8 helicopter was downed after being hit by an apparent missile launched by Syrian rebels. According to experts, it appeared to be MANPADS.[174][175][176] 28 November edit Twin car bombs ripped through Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, killing at least 34 people and leaving dozens critically wounded, according to state media and hospital officials. The area is populated mostly by Christians and Druze.[177][178] The LCC reported 160 civilians killed, including 96 in the Damascus suburbs.[179] The Syrian government was the only government to use anti-personal mines in 2012 and the only government to lay any new minefields.[180] 29 November edit There were reports that there was fighting near the airport in Damascus, closing the road to the airport.[181] The Dubai-based Emirates airline suspended flights to the Syrian capital due to the fighting. A plane from Egypt had landed in Damascus as scheduled, and passengers were safe but the pilot was ordered to take off back to Cairo without passengers if he felt the situation was too bad to stay longer.[182] The internet was effectively shut down in the entire country for unknown reasons, according to internet monitoring firms.[183][184] Rebels are said to have obtained up to 40 shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles MANPADS according to US and Middle Eastern intelligent officials. Some of these missiles were supplied by Qatar.[185] Some other missiles have been looted from the Syrian Army including, possibly, the more advanced SA-16 other than generic SA-7.[186] State media is reporting that the rebels have been pushed back from the road to the Damascus International Airport and that they have started burning nearby orchards in order to drive the rebels out.[187] In relation to the cut off of the internet across Syria, the non-lethal aid supplied by the US to the rebels included 2,000 communication kits. These kits are designed to operate outside of Syrian internet infrastructure likewise the Syrian government forces are unlikely to be affected as they have their own radios, meaning that the biggest people affected are civilian users. Those with satellite phones are also unaffected. It is common practice for government forces to cut off communications, such as the internet, prior to an offensive such as occurred in Egypt during 2011.[188] The LCC reported 96 civilians killed, including 51 in Aleppo.[189] 30 November edit At least 12 Lebanese militants were killed in a Syrian army ambush near the town of Talkalakh. SOHR said 30 Lebanese militants had gone missing and a security source told Reuters that they were accompanied by nine Syrians as well as Libyans, Egyptians and Yemenis.[190] Rebels have claimed to have destroyed three Syrian army tanks in fighting near the Damascus International Airport.[191] Given the ongoing cut to the internet in Syria, Google and Twitter have reactivated their voice to tweet program. This allows a person with a phone connection to send tweets by speaking into their phone. The system was developed for use during protests in Egypt when the Egyptian government cut off the internet for several days last year.[192] The Internet blackout that was blamed on a government effort to restrict the flow of communications, a claim the government vigorously denied.[193] Journalists used improvised systems to broadcast live reports from Aleppo.[194] The LCC reported 138 civilians killed, including 70 in the Damascus suburbs.[195]

December 2012

edit 1 December edit Syria was without internet and mobile phone coverage for a third straight day. Rebels without satellite phones had to use landlines, which are monitored by the government forcing them to speak in code. The hardest hit were civilians, in government controlled areas, who were unable to ring emergency services in the case of any casualties caused by fighting.[196] Later that day, internet and telephone service had returned to much of Syria.[197] Rebels are claiming that they have captured a number of SA-16 missiles and a defected soldier, specifically trained to use such weapons, was credited with downing two helicopters over two consecutive days.[198] The LCC reported 165 civilians/rebels killed, including 60 in the Damascus suburbs.[156] 2 December edit 15 people died when a car bomb exploded in the central Syrian city of Homs. The Syrian Human Rights Observatory said in a communique that the vehicle blew up in the Al-Malaa al-Baladi neighborhood. Opposition activists with the General Committee of the Syrian Revolution said that among those killed, at least three children and a woman. No one has claimed responsibility.[199][200] Lebanese troops fought with Syrian rebels on the border between the two countries, in what a security source said was the first such clash between Lebanon's army and the rebels. The clash occurred when a Lebanese border patrol spotted the rebel fighters along the border and the rebels opened fire to prevent the patrol from approaching, a Lebanese military source said. There were no casualties.[201] Meanwhile, Syrian army forces pounded rebel-held suburbs around Damascus with fighter jets and rockets on Sunday, killing and wounding dozens in an offensive to push rebels away from the airport and stop them closing in on the capital. Shells fired from Syria hit a Turkish border town of Reyhanlı in the first cross-border shelling incident since Turkey requested that NATO deploy Patriot air defence missiles near its border.[202] Syrian state television broadcast images of more than five dead bodies with Lebanese identification, reporting that the men were among 21 Lebanese Salafist fighters who fell into a Syrian Army ambush Friday. The station said that the men were killed in Tal Kalakh after sneaking into the country from Wadi Khaled, and that others in the group had been wounded.[203] Haaretz reports on 2 December that the Syrian government may be preparing to use chemical weapons.[204] The LCC reported 202 killed, including 82 in the Damascus suburbs.[205] 3–4 December edit On 3 December, U.S. President Barack Obama said that there would be consequences if the Syrian government decides to use chemical weapons.[206][207] The LCC also reported 239 civilians/rebels killed, including 116 in the Damascus suburbs.[208] The next day, NATO agreed to a request from Turkey to deploy Patriot missiles along its southern border with Syria.[209] Several hours after the agreement Russia delivered its first shipment of Iskandar missiles to Syria when naval logistic vessels docked at Tartus.[citation needed] The LCC reported 184 killed, including 110 in the Damascus suburbs.[210] 5 December edit U.S. officials[who?] claimed to NBC News that the military of Syria has loaded the deadly nerve gas, Sarin into aerial bombs.[211] The LCC reported 107 killed, including 45 in the Damascus suburbs.[212] 6–10 December edit On 6 December, the LCC reported 89 civilians/rebels killed, including 45 in the Damascus suburbs.[213] On 7 December, the LCC reported 130 civilians/rebels killed, including 51 in a massacre in Deir Ezzor and 45 in the Damascus suburbs.[214] On 8 December, the LCC reported 129 civilians/rebels killed, including 58 in the Damascus suburbs.[215] The same day, Syria wrote to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the chairman of the UN Security Council[who?] in saying it would not use chemical weapons during the battles. The Foreign Ministry's letters read:[216] The U.S. administration has consistently worked over the past year to launch a campaign of allegations on the possibility that Syria could use chemical weapons during the current crisis. What raises concerns about this news circulated by the media is our serious fear that some of the countries backing terrorism and terrorists might provide the armed terrorist groups with chemical weapons and claim that it was the Syrian government that used the weapons."

American officials said on 8 December that American satellites and other tools have detected increased activity at several chemical weapons depots in Syria. They believe that at least one military base has been ordered to begin combining components of Sarin nerve gas to make it ready to use. William Hague, the British Secretary, confirmed their awareness of the evidence.[217] We have seen some evidence of that," he said. "We and the US, as I said in parliament this week, have seen some evidence of that and that is why we have issued strong warnings about it. We have done so directly to the Syrian regime." "Very concerned that as the opposition advances, in particular on Damascus, that the regime might very well consider the use of chemical weapons. The intelligence that we have causes serious concerns that this is being considered.

On 9 December, the LCC reported 116 killed, including 41 in the Damascus suburbs.[218] On 10 December, the LCC reported 142 killed, including 59 in Aleppo and 50 in the Damascus suburbs.[219] A video recording is published on YouTube, where unarmed and immobilized prisoner is being beheaded by a child using a machete. The rebels gathered around shout "Allah akbar", then they display two bodies with severed heads. The perpetrators are believed to be members of Khalid ibn al-Waleed brigade, a part of FSA.[220] 11 December edit U.S. declare the Al-Nusra Front to be a terrorist organisation.[221][222] The UNHCR reported: "According to UNHCR's latest figures for Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and North Africa, 509,559 Syrians are either already registered or in the process of being registered."[222] When asked about news on chemical weapons movement, U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said "At this point the intelligence has really kind of levelled off. We haven't seen anything new indicating any aggressive steps to move forward in that way."[223] Allegedly, 125 were hurt or killed in a series of explosions that destroyed several houses in the Alawite village of Aqrab, Hama. An Alawite resident from a nearby town blamed the attack on rebels from Houla, about 8 km. from Aqrab, which suffered a massacre of more than 100 Sunnis last May, in which more than half of the victims were children.[224][225] However, Alex Thomson of Channel 4 has given a different account of the events.[226] The LCC reported 165 killed (not including Aqrab). 61 of the deaths were reported in the Damascus suburbs.[227] In an interview with ABC News, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that his government will recognize the Syrian rebels as the legitimate government of Syria.[228][229] 12 December edit American officials in the Obama Administration reported that the Assad government has begun using Scud missiles, calling it a "significant escalation." As many as 6 Scuds have been launched from the Damascus area at rebel targets in northern Syria.[230] Three bombs exploded outside the Interior Ministry building in Damascus, killing five and injuring at least 23. Earlier in the day, more than 100 countries recognized a new Syrian opposition coalition formed in November, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.[231] The LCC reported 113 killed, including 41 in Aleppo and 31 in the Damascus suburbs.[232] 13 December edit Mikhail Bogdanov, the deputy foreign minister of Russia – admitted for the first time that Bashar Al-Assad is losing the Syrian Civil War.[233][234] Six members of an NBC News team in Syria, including chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel, were abducted in Syria after the rebel group escorting them was ambushed. The news of their disappearance was largely withheld until they became free due to a media blackout. Engel had initially blamed pro-regime Shabiha for the abduction, but in 2015 had to correct his account of the event, acknowledging that the NBC team "was almost certainly taken by a Sunni criminal element affiliated with the Free Syrian Army," as New York Times investigations found out.[235] The LCC reported 138 killed, including 69 in the Damascus suburbs.[236] 14 December edit The LCC reported 106 killed, including 49 in the Damascus suburbs.[237] 15 December edit The LCC reported 131 people killed, including 36 in the Damascus suburbs.[238] It was reported that 60 members of the PFLP-GC defected to the rebels and anti-Assad Palestinian brigades in Yarmouk camp, Damascus. The PFLP-GC leader, Ahmed Jibril fled to Tartous after rebels gained ground in the district.[239] The PFLP-GC denied reports that the storm brigade had taken the entire Yarmouk district,[240] although Government jets later bombed the southern district, killing 8 civilians/rebels. This air attack was condemned by Ban Ki-moon, who called it a matter of "grave concern".[241] 16 December edit The LCC reported 183 people killed, including 60 in the Damascus suburbs.[242] Rebels assaulted Syrian Army checkpoints in the vicinity of Halfaya, and were shelled by government forces. The fighting and shelling resulted in the deaths of 23 civilians in the town according to the pro-opposition SOHR,[243] and a later report by New Lines Institute.[244] 17 December edit The LCC reported 158 people killed, including 50 in the Damascus suburbs.[245] 18 December edit The LCC reported 128 people killed, including 42 in the Damascus suburbs.[246] On the road between Tartus and Homs two Russians and an Italian were kidnapped, with the kidnappers demanding an unspecified ransom. The Russian navy is also deploying five ships, a destroyer, tugboat, tanker and two large amphibious landing vessels to the port of Tartus. The port at Tartus is the only Russian naval base outside of the former Soviet Union. The deployment of the two amphibious landing vessels is a possible indication that the Russian government is considering a large scale evacuation of Russian citizens in Syria.[247] American journalist Richard Engel, who was ambushed along with the rest of his team was freed. They later went on The Today Show to discuss their ordeal. They were captured by pro-Assad militia, who executed one of the journalists rebel escorts. The Shabiha group loyal to al-Assad wanted to exchange Engel and his crew for four Iranian soldiers and two Lebanese militants captured by the rebels. The news crew were moved to various locations throughout the time they were missing. The Shabibha group drove into a checkpoint manned by rebels belonging to Ahrar ash-Sham, who freed the hostages five days later.[248][249][250][251] At least two of Engel's captors were killed in the shootout to free the journalist.[252] NBC News had requested a news blackout out of concern for Engel and his crew's safety, and on 18 December it was reported by the US media that they had been kidnapped but were released unharmed.[248][253] Rebels reportedly overran army positions around Halfaya and gained control over the town.[254] Rebels had advanced 40 kilometres (25 mi) south from Maarrat al-Nu'man and Jisr ash-Shugour, encountering little resistance.[255] 19 December edit The LCC reported 161 people killed, including 67 in the Damascus suburbs.[256] After rebels took control of Yarmouk in Damascus[257] and thousands of Palestinian refugees left the area due to heavy fighting[258] the FSA declared the district a "liberated area" and handed it over to Palestinian control.[259] 20 December edit The LCC reported 117 people killed, including 42 in the Damascus suburbs.[260] Syrian plane released cluster bombs onto neighborhoods and homes, over the town of Marea in Syria. In what was described by the victims of the attacks as collective punishment. Local Freedom Hospital counted 4 dead and 23 wounded.[261] 21 December edit The LCC reported 169 people killed, including 58 in the Damascus suburbs.[262] The Syrian government has fired at least 6 Scud-B at rebel targets in Syria according to NATO. One missile landed 20 miles from the Turkish border with at least 4 landing near Aleppo. NATO would not comment on what targets were hit or the damage done.[263] The use of Scud missiles may be due to rebel efforts to limit the Syrian Air Force's capacities.[264] 22 December edit The LCC reported 143 people killed, including 75 in the Damascus suburbs.[265] Russian military advisors have told the Syrian government to move its stockpile of chemical weapons from "many locations" into "one or two" so as to safeguard them.[266] 23 December edit Up to 200 people were killed in Halfaya when the Syrian Air Force bombed a bakery killing those who were standing in line for bread.[267][268][269] The LCC reported 208 people killed, including those from the Helfaya massacre and 51 in the Damascus suburbs.[270] Seven people died and dozens were injured in a rebel held area of Homs with rebels blaming the use of a chemical gas by government forces. Doctors have reported that the symptoms of the gas are similar to those of sarin gas.[271][272] However, it has also been reported that U.S. officials feel skeptical about the claim because sarin is odorless and deadly in small amounts, while the reports speak of a foul stench and significant inhalation. Other suggested causes are the chemicals chlorine, phosgene, cyanogen chloride, or even a severe asthma attack.[273] Israeli officials also expressed doubts that chemical weapons were used.[274][275] 24 December edit The LCC reported 156 people killed, including 60 in the Damascus suburbs.[276] 25 December edit Syria's military police chief Major General Abdulaziz al-Sallal defected, becoming the highest-ranking military defector to defect since the Chemical Weapons department's head, Major General Adnan Sillue, defected. However a government source, while confirming the defection, claims that he was near retirement and had announced his defection only as to play hero.[277] The LCC reported 171 people killed, including 61 in the Damascus suburbs.[278] 26 December edit The LCC reported 164 people killed, including 32 in the Damascus suburbs.[279] The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 45,048 people have been killed in the fighting in Syria since March 2011. The Observatory however believes that this is not the true figure as both sides hide their total casualties. The Attorney-General for Aleppo province also announced his defection to the rebels and protestors.[280] 27 December edit The LCC reported 197 people killed, including 103 in the Damascus suburbs, among which 50 were found field executed in a town alongside the Damascus-Daraa highway.[281] 28 December edit A Turkish official said that 2 airforce generals and 3 state TV journalists defected to Turkey on 28 December.[282] The government forced the rebels out of the Deir Baalbah neighborhood leaving the rebels in control of the Khalidiyah district and parts of the old city.[283] Dozens of civilians have been reported as being killed in the fighting in Homs.[284] The LCC reported 137 people killed, including 138 in the Damascus suburbs.[285] 29 December edit Opposition groups reported that as many as 400 people were killed in Syria, about half of them were civilians slain in a mass killing carried out by government troops in the Deir Baalba, a suburb of the central city of Homs. The massacre followed government troops retaking control of the rebel-held town, after surrounded it about a month ago.[286] An unknown source says 201 people by a captured Syrian army soldier said had been executed in the Deir Baalba neighborhood of Homs. Another anonymous source says: At least 392 people were killed on 29 December, the LCC said. The death toll includes 201 people who a captured Syrian army soldier said had been executed in the Deir Baalba neighborhood of Homs.[287] 30 December edit The LCC reported 130 civilians killed, including 82 in the Damascus suburbs.[288] Syrian Observatory for Human Rights however, estimated Sunday's death toll at over 150, most of them in Aleppo province.[289] 31 December edit Thirty to fifty bodies were found in the Barzeh district, Damascus. They showed signs of torture.[290] Republican Guard forces started the biggest attack on Daraya, Damascus in two months.[291] Turkey denied any infiltration attempt.[292] Demonstrators blew up a natural gas pipeline near Deir ez-Zor in the oil-rich east, disrupting distribution.[293] The LCC reported 119 civilians killed, including 49 in the Damascus suburbs.[294]