Ping!
This has been back and forth between Assad and the SDF in Efrin. First solid rumors, then outright statement there was no deal. Terms of the “deal” are the problem.
I’ve sent freepmails to the Syrian Ping list over the weekend and not posted the reports of the negotiation. All the sources I have are saying negotiations are going on, but it is still unclear a firm agreement is done. This is a backroom game with Assad, Iran, and Turkey; with the forces in Efrin.
It is also related to the strike the US made about 10 days ago on invading forces across the deconflict lines (Euphrates) in Deir Ezzor. That is still fuzzy as to who was directing that attack. 250 people died when the US repelled that strike, destroyed the tanks and the pontoon bridge across the Euphrates. (B-52’s, Blackhawk helicopters, missiles, and an AC-130-U)
Russia has been almost totally silent about it. It’s unclear whether they lied to the US when they tried to deconflict the attack. The Russian deconflict contacts said they had no forces in the area. My guess is the Iranians are behind it, probably with Assad’s approval and there was a private deal with the Russian Contractors (not just bridge builders) and the attack elements were not communicating with the Russian Military.
Wladimir @vvanwilgenburg
https://twitter.com/vvanwilgenburg/status/965263964182589440
“alongside the possibility of the agreement including the undertaking of a joint military campaign on al-Bab area and Jarabulus, located under the control of Turkey” (9)
(From this Arabic Source: https://twitter.com/ajaltamimi/status/965263988375392256)
Afarin Mamosta @Afarin_Mamosta_
https://twitter.com/Afarin_Mamosta_/status/965303908385153024
The Co-Chair of Defense and Self-Defense Body in Cizîre Rêzan Gilo: “No agreement has been made with the regime in Afrin”.
Related>
Americans4YPG @Amercans4YPG
https://twitter.com/Amercans4YPG/status/965110155649191937
U.S. still unsure who directed Syria attack, despite Russian dead
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U.S. still unsure who directed Syria attack, despite Russian dead
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Turkey attacks places not source of violence - Defence Secretary Mattis (Kemalist Source)