Russia Violates International Agreements in Syria
President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russian and Iranian forces, is aiming to restore control over strategic areas of Syria, building on his regime in the more than seven-year conflict. Current attacks aim to recapture the Nassib Crossing, one of the main crossings for Syrian exports with the bordering country of Jordan, as well as the area of Tel al-Harra, overlooking the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The most recent press statement released by the United States’ Department of State on June 14, reports a ceasefire agreement and southwest de-escalation zone that stretches across the Syrian provinces of Daraa and Quneitra. The statement describes the initiatives by Presidents Trump and Putin as a success, saving lives and enabling displaced persons to safely return to their homes.
However, Assad dropped barrel bombs, notoriously difficult to aim, from helicopters in the zone on June 22, accompanied by Russian airstrikes, according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, and rebel officials reports. Syrian troops expanded a major offensive against rebels in the southwest on Tuesday, June 26.
With Russian support, the Syrian government is advancing the offensive, disregarding warnings from the US about enforcing an agreement between Moscow and Washington that established a cease-fire in the area. In response, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley stated that the Syrian military escalation "unambiguously violates" the agreement.
Despite at least 45,000 people fleeing the upsurge in violence, heading to the Jordanian border, and the agreement between the White House, the Kremlin, and Jordan, no one wants to take responsibility; the US has said they will no longer offer military support to the Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels, and Jordan’s Foreign Minister has said that the border is closed to refugees.
"Russia will ultimately bear responsibility for any further escalations in Syria," Haley said.
Assad’s control was reduced to a fraction of Syria in 2015 but this year the regime regained a large portion of the country, commanding the last enclaves of insurgent territory. Backed by Turkey, rebels hold nearly all of the northern border with Turkey outside his control.
“This is once again an example of Russia flouting arrangements it has entered into with no regard for civilian lives,” a State Department official said.
A summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin is planned for July 16.
By Emily Sullivan
Photo Source: Wall Street Journal