Syria’s De-Escalation Zones Explained

Brandon Turbeville
Activist Post
May 9, 2017

At midnight, May 5, a series of four “De-Escalation Zones” were implemented across Syria. According to the agreement, no warplanes will be allowed to fly missions in territories included in the designated safe zones, including Syrian, Russian, and American warplanes.

The largest safe zone is comprised of Idlib province as well as adjoining districts of Latakia, Aleppo, and Hama, an area that contains around 1 million people. Other “safe zones” are located in the northern part of Homs, East Ghouta, Daraa, and Quneitra. The “safe zones” are slated to exist for six months, with the options of extending them after that time.

Journalist and analyst with The Rabbit Hole, Sarah Abed, wrote,

The memorandum, which comes into effect on May 5, envisages the cessation of hostilities between the sides, conditions for returning refugees, the restoration of destroyed urban infrastructure and the access of humanitarian organizations. Moreover, the checkpoints to control the movement of civilians and the ceasefire regime will be created along the de-escalation zone borders.

Safe Zones To Be Implemented In Syria At Midnight

Brandon Turbeville
Activist Post
May 5, 2017

It has finally happened. Safe zones are now being implemented in Syria. In keeping with the twilight zone that is 2017, however, this time the proposal was initiated by Russia and allegedly supported by the Syrian government, excluding the United States from both the process and from further aerial bombing in the skies of Syria.

According to both mainstream and independent reports, the “safe zones,” which are essentially “no-fly zones,” go into effect at midnight May 5, 2017 (Damascus time). The plan involves the creation of four “safe zones” that will be continuously monitored by the countries who signed the memorandum agreeing to the creation of the zones. Those countries include Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

According to the agreement, no warplanes will be allowed to fly missions in territories included in the designated safe zones, including Syrian, Russian, and American warplanes.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has estimated that approximately 42,000 terrorists (described as “militants” are present within the confines of the safe zones. They will be protected against airstrikes.

Russia will, however, continue airstrikes against terrorists elsewhere in the country.

The largest safe zone will be comprised of Idlib province as well as adjoining districts of Latakia, Aleppo, and Hama, an area that will contain around 1 million people. Other “safe zones” will be created in the northern part of Homs, East Ghouta, Daraa, and Quneitra. The “safe zones” are slated to exist for six months, with the options of extending them after that time.

Russia Willing To Cooperate With U.S. On Syria 'Safe Zone' As Long As Syrian Gov't Is Consulted

Brandon Turbeville
Activist Post
January 30, 2017

The Trump administration caused major consternation amid the pro-Syria community when it announced, in the context of Trump’s executive order on refugees, that it was directing the Pentagon and Department of Defense to begin drawing up a plan to create “safe zones” in Syria under the guise of repatriating refugees that have settled in the United States and other countries. Trump’s plan sounds eerily similar to the many names given to the concept of a “No Fly Zone” in Syria, a plan which will amount to nothing short of war with Syria and most likely Russia if ever implemented.

The terminology of the previous administration has changed several times; from No Fly Zone, to ISIL-Free Zone, to Safe Zone but it always meant the same thing – Libya 2.0.

This is why even more puzzlement appeared with headlines suggesting Russia was willing to go along with the Trump administration plan so long as it provided that the Syrian government is a part of its implementation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautiously stated that “If this is about the people who were forced to leave their homes by the conflict, […] getting their basic needs covered, […] then I think that the idea to create areas within Syria for those internally displaced could be discussed with the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees and other organizations.”

Turkey Calls For "Buffer Zone" In Syria As Military Seizes Territory Called For By Brookings, MSM

Brandon Turbeville
Activist Post
September 6, 2016

As Turkey marches forward in its invasion of Syrian territory, the true purpose for the initial invasion is becoming more and more clear. While some commentators maintain that Turkey’s recent military adventure is actually coordinated with the Russians and the Syrians, the fruit of Turkey’s labor tells a different story.

For instance, on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan announced his intention and desire for the creation of a “buffer zone” in Northern Syria that spans over the territory recently seized by Turkish forces and, interestingly enough, also spans the same dimensions of a “buffer zone” called for by numerous military industrial complex firms, “strategy” organizations, and “think tanks” angling for the destruction of the Syrian government.

Speaking from the G20 meeting in China, Erdogan stated “We are working for this region to be declared no-fly zone. This is my proposal to Mr Putin and Mr Obama. This can be done with coalition forces.”

He added that “Now in this summit, to all of our friends, we have brought up this issue and told them this." Erdogan called for a “no-fly zone” last year at the Antalya summit and has been a cheerleader for the plan for quite some time.

The United States has been assisting the Turks in their military operations in Northern Syria by contributing airstrikes. Recently, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition tweeted “Welcome progress in sealing final 98-kilometer strip of Turkish border from #ISIL terrorists, who increasingly have no way out #ISIS #Daesh.”