In the midst of the Syrian Civil War, intelligence officials around the world are concerned that Syria’s chemical weapons facility could fall into the hands of al-Qaeda.
The factory outside al-Safira is in the midst of intense fighting between rebels and government forces. The plant is located inside one of the government’s most fortified military bases. Continue reading
On the heels of Secretary of State John Kerry saying that Israel had not provided evidence that Syria used chemical weapons against rebels, U.S. intelligence officials admitted they believe with “varying degrees of confidence” that Syria has used chemical weapons.
The White House said that the sarin nerve agent had been used on what they termed a “small scale”. The announcement was in a letter to members of Congress. Continue reading
The head of anti-terrorism in the European Union is sounding concern regarding the number of Europeans fighting with extremists in Syria.
Gilles de Kerchove estimated the number of Europeans involved directly in the fighting at 500. He showed concern that these people would become radicalized during their time with Islamic rebels and then would pose a threat to Europe upon their return. Continue reading
Israeli military officials have stated that Syrian troops have used chemical weapons multiple times against the rebels seeking to overthrow the government of President al-Bashir.
Brigadier General Itai Brun said that military intelligence believes that the chemical weapon used was the deadly nerve gas sarin. Continue reading
The Syrian Army was able to take control of a town in Damascus by killing at least 80 people including women and children.
The army captured Jdaidet al-Fadl after five days of intensive shelling and fighting. The state news agency said the troops inflicted “heavy losses upon terrorists” in the town but observer groups said that most of the dead were women and children, not rebel fighters. Continue reading
The al-Nusra Front, a jihadist group fighting to overthrow the Syrian government, has pledged their support and vowed allegiance to al-Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq announced a merger with al-Nusra. Continue reading
A Phoenix, Arizona man who served in the Army has been arrested charged with fighting as part of Al Qaeda in Syria.
Eric Harroun, who left the Army on diability after a truck accident in 2003, faces charges of conspiring to use a rocked-propelled grenade while fighting with Al-Qaeda. Harroun had admitted to being a “Muslim freedom fighter” during a Skype interview with Fox News on March 11th. Continue reading
A day after President Obama announced the US would recognize Syrian opposition as the official government of the country, the current government began firing ballistic missiles at citizens and rebel forces. Continue reading
Syrian rebels overran opposition at a base 15 miles west of Aleppo. The assault reportedly had been lead by Islamic militants.
The rebels reportedly gained access to anti-aircraft guns and other military weaponry, giving them a significant advantage in the battle for the largest city in the country. Videos posted online showed rebels taking control of a tank. Continue reading
Syrian rebels reported that a government mortar attack hit a school outside of Damascus today killing 28 students and their teacher.
Government forces have been intensifying attacks as rebels have gained ground in the eastern parts of the capital. A BBC correspondent reported that the city is essentially “under siege.” Continue reading