Syria – Turkey-backed Syrian National Army prepares for new battle

Location: Northern Syria – Syria

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:04:03

Sound: natural

Source: A24 in northern Syria

Restrictions: A24 subscribers

Date: 06/07/2022

Storyline:

The Turkey-backed Syrian National Army is readying a strike battle against the majority Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the contested northeast of the country.

SNA General Abdul Salam Hamidi told A24 that his forces are advancing to extend gains from the previous battle for Afrin, along the west bank of the Euphrates, and at Tal Rifaat just 40 kilometers north of Aleppo.

Syrian National Army commanders claim they’ve learned from past mistakes, especially the 2019  Battle of Peace Spring, when Turkey launched a  cross-border military operation aimed at the Kurds and their allies.

The SNA officers are monitoring the Syrian regime and Iranian-backed militias now said to be reinforcing SDF-controlled areas, especially those adjacent to the Turkish border.

The SNA is downplaying the extent of these reinforcements- claiming their opponents’ troop movements for more publicity than a preparation for an extensive military engagement.

Shotlist:

– Soundbite (General Abdul Salam Hamidi – Commander of Syrian National Army Third Corps):

            “Syrian National Army Third Corps is ready for battle to liberate occupied villages from PKK and PYD terrorist groups, the regime and those backing them. We promise to help our displaced brethren return to their villages soon. The first stage of the battle will start in Olive Branch towards Manbij. The second stage will start after we complete preparations and determine new battle areas. The numbers of fighters is sufficient to liberate these villages from occupation.”

– Soundbite (General Abdul Salam Hamidi – Commander of Syrian National Army Third Corps):

            “Forces are fully prepared and ready for battle, we are waiting for our commands to start battle, which we expect to be very soon. There no set date until now. We have been preparing since the end of the battle of Peace Spring, we reviewed previous battle, made assessments, and set up courses and camps for fighters, in order to learn from past mistakes. We are preparing this generation of fighters to liberate all of Syria. We noticed Syrian regime has mobilized columns from its army along with Iranian-backed militias. However, we pledge to drive away these forces, as in previous battles including Olive Branch. If they resist, we will fight them as well as the rest of the separatist parties.”

– Soundbite (General Abdul Salam Hamidi – Commander of Syrian National Army Third Corps):

            “Syrian regime mobilizes these columns for propaganda and publicity, not for battle. We saw the Syrian regime forces headed towards Ras al-Ain, and Manbij region. Now they are headed towards Tal Rifaat area. Most of these columns leave later, the rest remain in waiting to be exchanged.”

– Shots of fighters in Syrian National Army commuting in vehicles.

– Soundbite (Mohammed Al Ahmad – Fighter):

            “I am a fighter in Syrian National Army Third Corps. I am stationed in occupied villages and areas, in preparation for their liberation from SDF militias. We are ready for any military action. We have a daily military alert. We are waiting for commands to start battle.”