war in Syria

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Islamic State gains territory north of Aleppo

IS took a number of villages north of the city of Aleppo from the Syrian rebels on 9 October 2015. This brought the territory under IS control closer to the city, which is roughly equally divided between the Assad forces and rebels. The villages in question include Tall Qarah and Fafeen. Another village – Tall Susin – was also taken by IS, but retaken by the rebels later during the day.

The IS advance comes in the wake of Russian air strikes, which mostly hit Syrian rebels despite the Russian information campaign claiming that its target is Islamic State.

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Regularly updated interactive map of war in Syria & Iraq. Press View Larger Map for better view:

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The permanent page of this interactive map is here: 

Syria & Iraq War Interactive Map

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Syria: Assad forces launch offensive in Hama area

On 7 October 2015 Syrian government forces launched attack against the rebels in Hama area. This offensive is supported by Russian air power and aims at consolidating territory under Assad regime control in western-central Syria.

Meanwhile, Russia has launched missile strikes into Syria from its naval ships in the Caspain Sea. While the Russian officials say that Islamic State has been hit, they also add that Al Nusra was attacked as well, which means that at least some of the missiles targeted western part of the country (where Al Nusra is based), the same day Assad forces launched their attack there.

Besides, Russian military planes have began shadowing American drones over Syria. With effective Russian air strikes against American-aligned and trained rebel groups, this adds up to a public humiliation of United States by Russia. If this trends continues, it can seriously damage American prestige in the Middle East and elsewhere.

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Regularly updated interactive map of war in Syria & Iraq. Press View Larger Map for better view:

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The permanent page of this interactive map is here: 

Syria & Iraq War Interactive Map

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France launches air strikes against IS in Syria

On 27 September 2015 France launched its first strikes against Islamic State in Syria.

France already used to conduct air strikes against IS in Iraq, as well as support Iraqi Kurds in their fight against IS. Now the French have expanded their efforts by joining the air campaign in Syria.

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Regularly updated interactive map of war in Syria & Iraq. Press View Larger Map for better view:

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The permanent page of this interactive map is here: 

Syria & Iraq War Interactive Map

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Syria: Islamic State captures Jazal oil field from the government forces

Islamic State forces captured Jazal oil field, east of Homs, on 8 September 2015.

This is another blow for the Assad forces in the area, after IS captured Al Quaryatayn town 85 km south-west from Jazal oil field on 7 August 2015. Also, this was the last Syrian government-controlled oil field.

Meanwhile, the war in Syria is attracting additional involvement by foreign powers, as Britain and France are considering expansion of their air campaign against IS to include Syria besides Iraq, while Russia has stepped up its military support of the Assad forces.

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Regularly updated interactive map of war in Syria & Iraq. Press View Larger Map for better view:

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The permanent page of this interactive map is here: 

Syria & Iraq War Interactive Map