ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiatives (CHI): Safeguarding the Heritage of the Near East Initiative1 S-IZ-100-17-CA021 July 2017 Monthly Report — Appendices Michael D. Danti, Marina Gabriel, Susan Penacho, William Raynolds, Allison Cuneo, Kyra Kaercher, Darren Ashby, Gwendolyn Kristy, Jamie O’Connell, Katherine Burge Table of Contents: Other Key Points 2 Military and Political Context 5 Incident Reports: Syria 13 Incident Reports: Iraq 59 Incident Reports: Libya 143 Satellite Imagery and Geospatial Analysis 169 SNHR Vital Facilities Report 173 Heritage Timeline 174 1 This report is based on research conducted by the “Cultural Preservation Initiative: Planning for Safeguarding Heritage Sites in Syria and Iraq.” Weekly reports reflect reporting from a variety of sources and may contain unverified material. As such, they should be treated as preliminary and subject to change. 1 Other Key Points Syria ● Raqqa Governorate: ○ US-led Coalition airstrikes damaged the city wall of Raqqa, Raqqa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0122 ○ Artillery fire damaged the dome of the Othman bin Affan Mosque in Raqqa, Raqqa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0126 ○ A car bomb damaged the Bab Baghdad in Raqqa, Raqqa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0127 ○ A reported US-led Coalition airstrike damaged ar-Rahman Mosque in Ghanim Ali, Raqqa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0130 ○ A suspected Russian airstrike destroyed al-Rahman Mosque in al-Khamisiyah Foqani, Raqqa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0138 ○ DigitalGlobe satellite imagery showed the destruction of Safa Mosque in Raqqa, Raqqa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0139 ● Hama Governorate: ○ Reported SARG-Russian airstrike damaged the Abu Dali Village Mosque in Hama Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0123 ○ Reported SARG-Russian airstrike damaged the al-Mushayrifa Village Mosque in Hama Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0124 ● Deir ez Zor Governorate: ○ Reported SARG airstrike damaged the Khalid bin al-Walid Mosque in Deir ez-Zor Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0125 ○ A SARG airstrike damaged al-Eman Mosque in al-Sabha, Deir ez-Zor Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0129 ○ A SARG airstrike damaged the Sa’ed Bin Mo’ath Mosque in al-Shamitiyah, Deir ez- Zor Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0133 ○ A SARG airstrike damaged the Othman bin Affan Mosque in al-Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0137 ● Rif Dimashq Governorate: ○ SARG artillery damaged the minaret of al-Aqoula Mosque in Duma, Rif Dimashq. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0131 ○ SARG-Russian airstrikes damaged an unnamed mosque in Arbin, Rif Dimashq. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0134 ● Idlib Governorate: ○ Hayat Tahrir al-Sham reportedly fired heavy weapons at Qal’at Harim, Idlib Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0132 ● Damascus Governorate: ○ A fire broke out in al-Sinaniyah Suq in Damascus, Damascus Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0135 ● Homs Governorate: ○ New photographs show damage to the Ain Afqa Springs at Palmyra, Homs Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 17-0128 2 Iraq ● Ninawa Governorate: ○ New video footage shows condition of Omar al-Aswed Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0020 UPDATE ○ New video footage shows interior of al-Ziwani Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0048 UPDATE ○ New photographs show condition of al-Hamidin Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0051 ○ New video footage shows the condition of the Kanisat al-Sa’a in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0052 ○ New video footage shows condition of al-Safar Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0053 ○ New photographs show damage to Dar Thun Hadid in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0054 ○ New video footage shows condition of al-Aghwat Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0055 ○ New video footage shows damage to al-Juwayjati Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0056 ○ New photographs show the condition of the Umayyad Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0057 ○ New video footage shows the Mosque and Shrine of Nebi Jarjis in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate has been turned into parking lot. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17- 0058 ○ New video footage shows damage to al-Qataneen Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0059 ○ New video footage and photographs show damage to Chaldean Catholic Church of al-Tahira in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0060 ○ New video footage shows damage to al-’Abdal Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0061 ○ New photos show graffiti on the al-Hadba Minaret and al-Nouri Mosque in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0062 ○ New photographs show condition of the Syriac Orthodox Church of al-Tahira in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0063 ○ DigitalGlobe satellite imagery shows the demolition of the Sheikh al-Shut Mosque and surrounding portion of Hayy Nebi Jarjis in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0064 ○ The battle for Mosul damages the Old City of Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0065 ○ DigitalGlobe imagery shows damage to Archbishopric of Chaldean Catholic Church in Mosul, Ninawa governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0066 ○ New photographs show the condition of the Mosque of the Pasha in Mosul, Ninawa Governorate. ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 17-0067 Libya ● Cyrenaica ○ One dome of al-Atiq Mosque in Awjila, Cyrenaica, collapsed. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0007 ○ A looted Roman bust was recovered in wreckage of the Souq al-Hout in Benghazi, Cyrenaica. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0008 3 ○ A new site, Cave of Omar al-Mukhtar, near Near Zawiyat Janzur, Cyrenaica, was uncovered and recorded. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0009 ○ An ancient statue with modern modifications was found by the police in al Marj, Cyrenaica. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0011 ○ The interior of the Former Headquarters of DoA Benghazi, in Souq al Rabea, Benghazi, Cyrenaica, was heavily damaged and some walls collapsed. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0012 ○ One wing of the Ottoman Municipal Building in Benghazi, Cyrenaica collapsed during recent fighting in Benghazi. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0013 ○ The Benghazi storeroom in Souq al Hout, Benghazi, Cyrenaica, was damaged but the collection of antiquities was recovered entirely intact. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0014 ● Tripolitania ○ A Torah scroll, purchased in Zintan, Tripolitania, was recovered from two smugglers in Tunisia. ASOR CHI Incident Report LHI 17-0010 4 Military and Political Context The main theaters of military operations during the reporting period in Syria were: 1. Rif Dimashq Governorate: ○ On July 16, Russia reportedly brokered a ceasefire between SARG and opposition forces in the besieged opposition-held area in the Eastern Qalamoun Mountains.2 ○ On July 19, the Syrian opposition group known as the “Army of Islam” staged an ambush near the town of al-Riah, Eastern Ghouta, killing at least 28 SARG and pro- regime forces.3 ○ On July 21, SARG and Hezbollah forces launched an offensive against Syrian opposition forces, including members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and ISIL militants.4 5 ○ On July 22, the Syrian army announced a pause of fighting in opposition-held areas of Eastern Ghouta. According to Russia, a de-escalation agreement had been reached between the regime and “moderate” opposition forces.6 ○ On July 24, Hezbollah-run media reported that the battle with “Nusra Front” was almost over, with Hezbollah and pro-regime forces having “almost beaten” Islamist opposition forces located in the mountainous area near the Lebanese town of Arsal. Aerial bombardment by SARG or Russian forces killed at least eight civilians in the town of Arbin, Eastern Ghouta despite the area being included in the so-called “de- escalation zone.”7 ○ On July 24, Russia announced the deployment of military police to monitor two safe zones in opposition-held areas of Syria including Eastern Ghouta and an area southwest of Damascus.8 ○ On July 26, Syrian opposition forces clashed with SARG forces in the district of Ain Tarma. SARG airstrikes also targeted the district.9 2 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 3 http://www.france24.com/en/20170720-rebel-ambush-kills-28-regime-fighters-near-damascus-monitor 4 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40679619 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast- crisis-syria-lebanon-idUSKBN1A608S ; https://www.voanews.com/a/hezbollah-syrian-army-insurgents- lebanese-border/3953365.html ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-lebanon-syria- idUSKBN1A30XK 5 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-lebanon-syria-idUSKBN1A30XK 6 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40691000 7 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-lebanon- idUSKBN1A90JQ ; http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/deadly-strike-kills-eight-syria-rebel-town-despite- truce-says-monitor-293829551 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta- idUSKBN1AA0JV ; https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/36493767/deadly-strike-hits-syria-rebel-town- despite-truce/ 8 https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-says-deployed-forces-police-syria-safe-zones- 135401735.html ; http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/85672/First_Russian_Checkpoint_Around_Easte rn_Ghouta ; http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40703105 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us- mideast-crisis-syria-talks-idUSKBN19P21J ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia- retaliation-dacha-idUSKBN1AG23M ; http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-military- police-battalions-deployed-syria-48859633 9 https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2017/07/26/Clashes-rock-Syria-truce-zone-Monitor.html 5 ○ On July 27-31, Hezbollah and Syrian Islamist opposition group Nusra Front agreed to a ceasefire near the Lebanese town of Arsal, located on the Syria-Lebanon border. Nusra Front fighters reportedly agreed to relocate to Idlib Governorate, where other Syrian opposition groups have also relocated however evacuations had been delayed as of the end of this reporting period.10 2. Raqqa Governorate: ○ On July 4, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) breached Raqqa’s Old Wall in their advancement against ISIL.11 ○ On July 11, SDF captured the town of al-Ukeirshi, ten miles south from Raqqa on the Euphrates River. ISIL had previously established a “major military base and training camp” in the town where, in 2015, they executed dozens of their own forces on charges of desertion or treachery.12 ○ On July 15-23, SARG forces, backed by Russian air strikes, captured dozens of villages and oil wells in Raqqa Governorate as they advance towards the border between Raqqa and Deir ez Zor Governorates.13 ○ On July 26, US-led Coalition airstrikes and shelling by US-backed forces killed at least 36 civilians and wounded 50 more in Raqqa.14 ○ On July 27, the US-backed SDF reported that they now controlled almost half of the city of Raqqa, but were being slowed by ISIL resistance and “large amounts of explosives” planted by the group.15 3. Aleppo Governorate: ○ On June 30-July 2, ISIL withdrew from its remaining positions in Aleppo Governorate, moving towards Raqqa Governorate. SARG forces recaptured at least ten villages following the militants withdrawal and secured the Ithriya-Resafa Highway that connects Hama and Raqqa Governorates.16 ○ On July 5, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported tens of thousands of local residents protested in the countryside of Afrin after Turkish forces killed an Arab family in an SDF controlled village.17 ○ On July 10, Syrian-Kurdish YPG forces clashed with Turkish forces in Kurdish-held towns north of the city of Aleppo. Shelling struck several towns including Tal Rifaat and Sheikh Issa, located in the Afrin region.18 10 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-syria- idUSKBN1AC1R9 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-lebanon- idUSKBN1AG0KK ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-lebanon-idUSKBN1AF06N 11 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east- 40490058 ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 12 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-sdf-idUSKBN19W0QZ 13 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-army- idUSKBN1A00PC ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-oil- idUSKBN1A223D ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa- idUSKBN1A80DE ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 14 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/07/air-strikes-shelling-kill-civilians-syria-raqqa- 170726061215232.html ; http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-backed-coalition-liberates-half-syrias- raqqa-59260270 ; https://apnews.com/177997cb672f4c5faed5925c66905c29/US-backed-Syrian-fighters- control-almost-half-of-Raqqa 15 https://apnews.com/177997cb672f4c5faed5925c66905c29/US-backed-Syrian-fighters-control-almost- half-of-Raqqa 16 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 17 http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69468 18 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-idUSKBN19V20A 6 ○ On July 13, a Syrian opposition group affiliated with Ahrar al-Sham and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham detonated three IEDS in the Baath Party Headquarters of Aleppo City.19 ○ On July 17, Turkish-backed opposition forces clashed with Kurdish YPG and SDF forces near the village of Ain Daqna and the nearby Menagh Airbase.20 4. Deir ez Zor Governorate: ○ On July 11, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that it had “confirmed information” that ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in Deir ez Zor Governorate, where he has been in hiding for the last three months. Kurdish, Iraqi, and American officials were unable to confirm al-Baghdadi’s death. On July 17, Kurdish and Iraqi officials stated their belief that al-Baghdadi is still alive, and likely hiding out south of the city of Raqqa.21 ○ On July 20, SARG forces and ISIL militants clashed near the Deir ez Zor Military Airport in an area now known as the “Jafra Frontline.” SARG airstrikes targeted ISIL positions in the neighborhood of Kanamat, Deir ez Zor city.22 5. Idlib Governorate: ○ On July 4, a car bombing attack targeted a religious institute run by Syrian opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Quneitra, near Idlib City, killing up to 25 people. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.23 ○ On July 5, members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested a suspected nine-member ISIL cell that reportedly was preparing suicide bombing equipment for future attacks in Idlib Governorate.24 ○ On July 9–11, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carried out an arrest campaign that detained more than 120 ISIL fighters located in Idlib Governorate.25 ○ On July 13, unidentified militants detonated a suicide bombing in Idlib City killing at least 12 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters. Local activists blamed ISIL for the attack.26 ○ On July 19-20, Syrian opposition groups Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Ahrar al-Sham clashed in Idlib Governorate including in the towns of Saraqib, Dana, Sarmada, and Bab al-Hawa.27 ○ On July 20, Syrian opposition forces have reported that 150 Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces arrived in Idlib Governorate to reinforce Ahrar al-Sham’s “escalating conflict” with rival Islamist opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.28 ○ On July 23, Syrian opposition forces and local residents reported that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham had consolidated their hold of large areas of Idlib Governorate following the departure of military equipment and hundreds of fighters exited the area near the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey.29 19 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 20 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey- idUSKBN1A2122 ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 21 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-baghdadi- idUSKBN19W1AW ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-baghdadi-idUSKBN1A20JD 22 http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/84694 23 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 24 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 25 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 26 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 27 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idlib- idUSKBN1A40VN ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idlib- idUSKBN1A52BX ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 28 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN1A52ID 29 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idlib-idUSKBN1A80T1 7 ○ On July 26, Syrian opposition forces reopened the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey following a week-long closure caused by Syrian opposition infighting. The opening of the border crossing has allowed for goods, including humanitarian aid, to enter Idlib Governorate.30 6. Homs Governorate: ○ On July 11, the US-led Coalition and the Free Syrian Army (FSA)-affiliated Mughawir al-Thawra are reportedly negotiating the relocation of the group from the al-Tanf border crossing area to Shaddadi in Hasakah Governorate.31 ○ On July 14–18, pro-regime forces captured the Hayl Gas Field from ISIL, within ten miles from the town of al-Sukhna.32 ○ On July 19, an IED detonated at the Syrian IDP Rukban Camp located on the Syrian- Jordanian Border, killing at least three people. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, however ISIL has carried out similar attacks on the camp.33 ○ On July 27–29, SARG forces advanced against ISIL in Homs Governorate, reaching al- Sukhna, the “last major town” held by the militants in the governorate.34 7. Damascus Governorate: ○ On July 2, coordinated suicide attacks killed 21 people and wounded dozens more in heavily trafficked areas of Damascus, including in the Old City.35 8. Hama Governorate: ○ On July 5, Russian “strategic bombers” based in Russia launched long-range cruise missiles against ISIL positions in the town of Uqayribat, reportedly destroying “three ammunition depots and a command-and-control facility.”36 ○ On July 6, a suicide bomber targeted a bus station in the southwest of the city of Hama, killing two people and injuring nine others. No group claimed immediate responsibility for the attack.37 9. Al-Suwayda Governorate: ○ On July 10, SARG and pro-regime Iranian-backed militias, supported by Russian airstrikes, launched an assault on opposition-held Bedouin villages in southeastern Syria. Eight villages were targeted in the attack, and the Syrian army later stated that they had captured at least seven villages and towns, as well as strategic hilltops.38 30 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-crossing-idUSKBN1AC2PD 31 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 32 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 33 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 34 http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/eyeing-deir-ezzor-syrian-army-advances-islamic-state-town- 1298479596 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN1AE0IK 35 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/damascus-bombing-kills-least-21- people/ ; https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-blast- idUSKBN19N04U ; http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/02/three-car-bombs-hit-damascus-seven-people- killed.html ; http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east- 40472202 ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 36 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 37 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-blast- idUSKBN19R13A ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 38 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-south-idUSKBN19V1SQ 8 10. Latakia Governorate: ○ During the reporting period, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new law ratifying a deal with the Syrian regime that allows Russia to maintain Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia Governorate for the next 49 years with optional 25-year extension periods.39 ○ On July 16, Syrian opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham detonated a car bomb in the Mina al-Bayda Naval Base, causing an unknown number of casualties. Pro- regime media attributed the blast to a technical error at the base.40 11. Hasakah Governorate: ○ On July 18, ISIL detonated two suicide car bombs targeting Kurdish forces at a checkpoint near the village of Manajir and a Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in the town of Mabrouka.41 12. Daraa Governorate: ○ On July 11–12, Russia reportedly opened a new joint operations Syria with Iran and Syria to monitor de-escalation zones between the US, Russia, and Jordan. Syrian activists reported pro-regime soldier rotations at SARG headquarters in Daraa City and the towns of Izraa and Atman.42 Other Key Points: ● During the reporting period, the US-led coalition conducted airstrikes in the areas of Abu Kamal, Deir ez Zor, Raqqa, and Shadaddi. The US-led Coalition also announced the death of several ISIL leaders.43 ● During the reporting period, Russian airstrikes targeted Homs, Hama, and Deir ez Zor Governorates.44 ● On July 2–5, the Syrian Arab Army announced a “unilateral ceasefire” from 9:00am on July 2 to midnight on July 5 in Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda Governorates.45 ● On July 7, the United States, Russia, and Jordan reached a ceasefire agreement in southwestern Syria along a Syrian opposition and SARG-agreed upon line, covering the regions of Daraa, Quneitra, and Sweida. The ceasefire came into effect on July 9.46 ● On July 8–11, pro-regime forces launched “the second phase of ‘Operations Great Dawn’ against Syrian opposition forces in Eastern Suwayda and Rif Dimashq Governorate.47 39 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-syria-idUSKBN1AC1R9 40 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 41 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 42 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 43 See: “US DOD News Release Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq”. Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. News Release No: 1263377, 1262022, 1261968, 1259978, 1259414, 1255346, 1258118, 1256677, 1252831, 1253904, 1255160, 1255217, 1251828, 1246136, 1247411, 1248774, 1248661, 1248964, 1244191, 1239015, 1236456, 1236358, 1236942, 1237131, 1242749, 1240670, 1241509, 1241276, 1241359 44 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/07/russian-airstrikes-in-syria-pre-and.html 45 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 46 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40539535 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast- crisis-syria-un-idUSKBN19T0IE ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ceasefire- idUSKBN19S2DG ; http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east- 40547138 ; https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/world/middleeast/syria-truce-jordan-golan-trump- russia-united-nations.html ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-iran- idUSKBN19V0QU ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ceasefire- idUSKBN19R2U9 ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 47 http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 9 ● On July 14, another round of Syrian peace talks in Geneva closed. UN Syria envoy Staffan di Mistura used this round of peace talks to focus on combating international terrorism48 ● On July 17, the European Union (EU) imposed new sanctions on 16 Syrian scientists and military officials for their “suspected involvement in a chemical attack” that occurred in northern Syria in April 2017.49 ● On July 19, US President Donald Trump ended the CIA clandestine program that provided weapons and supplies to US-backed Syrian opposition groups. US-backed Syrian opposition forces voiced their displeasure at the announcement, with many stating that they felt abandoned by the US.50 ● On July 29, Kurdish administrators in northern Syria set dates for local council and regional assembly elections planned for late-summer and November 2017. Kurdish YPG forces hold an estimated 30–40% of Syria.51 The main theaters of military operations during the reporting period in Iraq were: 1. Ninawa Governorate: ○ On July 5, ISIL militants attacked the village of Imam Gharbi, south of Mosul, killing several people including two Iraqi journalists.52 ○ On July 10, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIL in Mosul from the Old City. Clashes continued to be reported in some areas in Mosul, where clearing operations took place.53 ○ On July 11, Reuters reported that ISIL had captured more than 75% of the village of Imam Gharbi, south of Mosul, and ISIL reinforcements are expected to arrive.54 ○ On July 12, ISF and ISIL militants clashed in the Old City of Mosul. Residents reported hearing gunfire and seeing clouds of smoke rise from areas inside the old city. ISF reinforcements arrived outside the village of Imam Gharbi in response to ISIL’s recapturing of the village last week.55 ○ On July 20, Iraqi forces recaptured the village of Imam Gharbi from ISIL.56 48 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-talks-idUSKBN19Z2IU 49 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-eu-idUSKBN1A20ZI 50 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40667229 ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast- crisis-syria-usa-idUSKBN1A52AE ; https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/world/middleeast/cia-arming- syrian-rebels.html ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-minister- idUSKBN1AA1NX ; http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2017/08/syria-situation-report-june-29-july-27.html 51 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-kurds- idUSKBN1AE0LQ ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-aleppo-kurds- idUSKBN1AC1SY ; http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/06/turkey-russia-offer-moscow-idlib- in-return-for-afrin.html 52 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-mosul-idUSKBN19S1GR 53 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east- 40558836 ; https://twitter.com/HaiderAlAbadi/status/884464192023138304 ; https://www.defense.gov/N ews/Article/Article/1242101/iraqi-forces-liberate-mosul-from- isis/source/GovDelivery/ ; https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/09/world/middleeast/mosul-isis- liberated.html ; http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-mosul-idUSKBN19V105 54 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-mosul-idUSKBN19W0NN 55 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-mosul- idUSKBN19X14G ; https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/12/world/middleeast/mosul-civilians-isis-drone- video.html ; http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40569090 56 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-fighting-idUSKBN1A50LO ; http://www.al- monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/07/imam-gharbi-mosul-saladin-iraq-isis-swat-qayyarah-shirqa.html 10