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Jihadists Bomb Syrian Air Force Intelligence HQ

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By William Tucker

Opposition forces in Syria have complicated the ability of regime to resupply its forces operating in the north of the country. Considering the massive amount of resources the Assad regime has poured into the fight for Aleppo, this is certainly problematic for the regime. Complicating matters further is the continuing assault by the opposition against the regime’s intelligence infrastructure. Earlier today, the jihadist movement al-Nursa Front, struck the Syrian air force intelligence headquarters in Damascus using several vehicle borne explosive devices. According to eyewitnesses the blasts were followed by a firefight between the regime and forces linked to the opposition. Al-Nursa may have chosen this target for more symbolic reasons as air force intelligence has been the among the worst perpetrators of human rights abuses in the midst of the conflict. That being said, there is a strategic purpose behind the attack despite the lack of coordination with larger opposition entities such as the FSA.

By striking at the Syrian intelligence apparatus, the opposition can break up collection and collaboration activities that were likely going on inside the building. This coupled with the disruption of supply lines will greatly complicate the movement and functionality of the Syrian military. Furthermore, this disruption in logistics and communications will also begin to isolate the Alawite strongholds on the Syrian coast around the port city of Latakia. Assad has relied heavily on Alawite support; however with rumors of Alawite infighting, the possibility of isolation from Damascus may force the Alawite community to consider a political solution to remain politically viable. This solution, mind you, would most certainly exclude Assad. As the opposition makes strides in securing strategic objectives it will also lead to political negotiations between parties that may have been intractable just a few months prior. Indeed, such recalculating may lead credence to rumors that Assad is considering his exit.

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Syrian Rebels Strike Military HQ in Damascus

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By William Tucker

Regime officials have finally confirmed a bombing at the staff command compound that killed four Syrian soldiers. The staff command compound is part of the larger military headquarters area located in Damascus. Shortly after the bombing firefights erupted throughout the city between the regime and rebel forces. How these battles have played out thus far is unknown.

Free Syrian Army Command Moves to Syria

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By William Tucker

On the 22nd of this month the Commander-in-Chief of the Free Syrian Army stated that the leadership of the group will move from Turkey into opposition controlled areas of Syria. The move may represent confidence that the opposition has in its ability to fight the Syrian regime, but it may also represent an attempt by the leadership council to bring the disparate elements of the Syrian opposition under a single command.

Syrian Rebels Strike Damascus

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By William Tucker

To start, it is important to note that the claims by opposition forces and the al-Assad regime concerning the fighting in Damascus cannot be verified; however we cannot ignore that fighting is indeed taking place. That by itself is a significant development in the Syrian saga. In the past few days and weeks, several high level defections have taken place raising the prospect of a ‘palace coup.’

Syrian Ministers Killed in Damascus Bombing

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By William Tucker

A reported attack on the National Security building in Damascus has killed three top Syrian ministers and wounded several others. Unfortunately, none of the information surrounding the reported attack can be verified. Two groups did, however, claim responsibility for the attack – the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Lord of the Martyrs Brigade. State run media did confirm an attack took place.

An Assassination Attempt and Israel’s Shifting Strategic Picture

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By William Tucker

Analyzing the words spoken by political officials can be tricky business, and for the most part, they mean very little without some form of action taking place. That is, rhetoric is just rhetoric until it manifests into something actionable. A case in point is the recent claimed attempt by the Syrian Free Army to assassinate several members of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad’s cabinet.