Riyadh- Asaad al-Zoubi, head of the Syrian opposition delegation of High Negotiations Committee (HNC) in Geneva, revealed that Russian air campaigns joined by Iranian forces and regime forces have a recent attack plan underway. The offensive, called “Postharvest soil turnover”, comprises instigating six battle fronts simultaneously to take over Aleppo.
Al-Zoubi urged the international community to unconditionally supply the Syrian Opposition to be capable of defending themselves.
The HNC leader told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the pro-regime forces planned offensive is founded on launching attacks across six different fronts overlooking Aleppo.
“Battles will be waged on fronts including Syrian Democratic Forces, ISIS, Afghani forces present inside Aleppo, Iranian forces in South and Southeastern Aleppo, regime forces located near east Aleppo near Sheikh Najjar and the so-called Hezbollah forces near Al-Zahraa town, located northwest of Aleppo,” he briefed.
Al- Zoubi highlighted that the Russian air campaign- in collaboration with Iranian and regime forces- have altered previous plans restricted to “scorched earth” military tactics.
The new attack plan embarks on disbanding Syrian Opposition factions across six different fronts. It also works on paving the way for intensified pounding and further destruction, in a supportive tactical approach, as to facilitate the advancement of ground troops.
The new offensive chiefly is aimed at restoring full control over Aleppo as to later engulf and zero in on the rebel-held Idlib Governorate and its rural areas.
Al-Zoubi further explained that the new pro-regime Russian-Iranian plan had changed its tactics, however, not its overall strategy.
He further confirmed that the Opposition factions have also accustomed their tactics to confront the imminent change in the opponent’s offensive.
However, Al-Zoubi expressed his deep regret regarding the unwarranted opposition’s deficiency in arms, which would inhibit their chances of outweighing the opponent despite their efforts.
Al-Zoubi reassured that despite the substantial lack of arms, the affectionate connection rebels share with land will be a key player in defending their territory and supporting their mission.
As for support delivered to Syrian Opposition factions, Al-Zoubi said “ongoing word on the international community potentially supplying the opposition with arms is being circulated with no backing substance. The international community, evidently, will not allow the opposition to be armed. Then should they approve of providing support artillery, it would be under the condition of only using it against ISIS,” in reference to the fact that several fronts and groups drain the Syrian Opposition forces, other than ISIS.
Syria-based Qasion News Agency reported Russian warplanes launching strikes on Monday evening over Handarat camp. Syrian Opposition had recently taken control over the camp. The strikes also breached the premise of the Canadian-Run Aleppo Hospital. However, no deaths or injuries were reported.
On the other hand, many other media outlets confirmed the arrival to Aleppo of over 500 Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members, who are missioned to aid regime forces in launching a military operation across the rural areas of Aleppo.
Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces took control over three towns located in the northern rural areas of Aleppo after fierce clashes with ISIS.
The clashes reportedly killed over 15 terrorists, while left several others with severe injuries. Syrian opposition members registered mild injuries.