Conflict In Syria

Israeli jets originally targeted a military vehicle carrying weaponry for the Hezbollah Shiite militia in Lebanon. They actually hit a research center instead located in the Damascus countryside. Two workers were killed and five were injured. Sources: SANA and The New York Times

The opposition group attacked multiple checkpoints in the Syrian capitol. 12 members of the Syrian military were killed and 20 were wounded. The resumption of fighting can be described as part of a renewed effort by rebels to seize control of the Syrian capitol. Source: The New York Times

The rocket was aimed at the building of the rebel-held neighborhood of Aleppo. The rocket leveled the building and killed 19 people, of which 6 were children and 3 were women. The attack also left dozens buried under rubble. A video of the aftermath proved it was caused by a missile launched by the Syrian military. In response to this attack, Syrian rebels fired 7 mortar rounds toward President al-Assad's palace. Source: The New York Times

There were 3 car bombs in total, one was near the downtown headquarters of al-Assad's governing party and also the Russian embassy. All of the bombings took place at military checkpoints. A total of 72 people were killed, 26 of those were security forces. There is speculation that the bombings were caused by the more militant extremists among the rebels. Though, the opposition forces hold Assad's regime responsible for these attacks. This marks one of the worst bombings that have occurred since the start of conflict. Source: The New York Times

In regards to solving the crisis in Syria, the Iranian Foreign Minister calls upon the UN for finding a peaceful solution. The Iranian official stresses the necessity for countries to condemn terrorist bombings. He also criticizes the U.S. Administration’s policy in combatting terrorism by calling it a “double standard policy”. Source: SANA

France urges the rest of their European Union partners to end the arms embargo on Syria so they can aid the opposition group with weapons. The French president stated that France is now ready to fully support the rebellion by aiding the rebels with weapons. He justified his decision with France’s inability to sit by and allow the Syrians to suffer any longer than they already have. Source: The New York Times

Syrian rebels used chemical weapons in their fighting against the Syrian military around Aleppo. At least 25 were killed and over 100 wounded. Sources: SANA and NBC World News

Two Syrian jets fired three rockets at empty buildings around the Lebanese town of Arsal, near the Syrian border. This event was stated to be a “significant escalation” for the ongoing conflict. Source: CNN

The group Dawn of Islam Brigade led the battle and seized Dael and in the process of this, 3 military checkpoints were destroyed. The group is in association with the Free Syria Army. 24 combatants and 9 civilians were killed. Dael sits on an important highway that connects Damascus and Dara’a. Now the entire town is out of control of the Syrian government. This is a significant gain for the opposition forces. Source: The New York Times

Syrian rebels attempted to seize the Mannagh airbase. In the fight over the Mannagh airbase in Syria, 51 people were killed. The rebels were unable to seize control over the airbase. Source: CNN