Free Syria Army (Syrian Rebels) leaders report receiving a letter, seemingly from the US government, stating that the US won’t violate the “de-escalation” zone, and they should not expect any support from the US in their battle against Assad’s forces who are trying to retake the region. Among the rebels it is believed that the letter is genuine.
New message from U.S. Embassy Amman to southern rebels: Make your own decision, but “you should not base your decision on the assumption or expectation of military intervention by us.” pic.twitter.com/rE99KoQEZA
— Sam Heller (@AbuJamajem)
The text of the letter states:
U.S. Embassy Amman to southern rebels:
“We in the U.S. government understand the difficult conditions you are now facing, and we are still advising the Russians and the Syrian regime not to take any military action that violates the de-escalation zone in Syria’s southwest. Be we need to clarify our position: We understand you need to make your decisions based on your interests and the interests of your families and faction, as you see them. You should not base your decision on the assumption or expectation of military intervention by us.You need to make your decision based on your estimation or your interests and the interests of your families. This estimation and this decision is in your hands alone.”
The Syrian Rebels report that Russian jets launched attacks on sites in southern Syria on Saturday night, providing coverage for the Syrian offensive against them.
If the US no longer plans to offer any assistance or cover to the Rebels, while the Russians provide air support to Assad’s forces – many of them made up of Hezbollah and Iranian troops, it is very likely that the rebel-held southern regions along the border with Jordan will fall.
Happening Now :
A Russian air fleet targets both Busta Al-Harir and Al-Museika in Al-Lujat with air strikes in Daraa's countryside— Ivan Sidorenko (@IvanSidorenko1)
On Friday, US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said the Syrian military escalation “unambiguously violates” the de-escalation arrangement, and that “Russia will ultimately bear responsibility for any further escalations in Syria.”
According to a report in the UK Guardian, Assad’s forces dropped barrel bombs from helicopters as part of their offensive against southern Syria.