Russian warplanes are flying increasingly close to American fighter jets in the skies over Syria “like they're trying to dogfight,” the top U.S. Air Force general in the region said. | Since March 1, Russian pilots have acted in hostile ways that have U.S. military leaders concerned about the possibilities for miscalculation and escalation. ● The Russians have been “increasingly bellicose in how they're approaching us,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who leads Air Forces Central Command, said in an interview. “They're maneuvering aggressively against us when our protocols would say we're supposed to stay… several miles apart and just monitor each other.”

Bashar Assad arrived in Moscow on an official visit on Tuesday, accompanied by a large delegation of ministers | Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad will touch on Damascus-Ankara relations at talks in Moscow, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday. "Undoubtedly, the topic of Syria-Turkey relations will be touched upon today in one way or another," the spokesman said, responding to a question on how the Russia-Syria talks would affect the probability of Assad’s meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. ● According to Peskov, the heads of state will discuss bilateral relations and the settlement of the Syrian crisis. "So, first of all, they will discuss bilateral Russia-Syria relations, then cooperation on the Syrian settlement as such, with an emphasis on the absolute sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he pointed out.

■ President al-Assad lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow (SANA)(VIDEO)
■ President Bashar Assad Arrives in Moscow on an Official Visit (Syria News)(VIDEO)
■ Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity represent a priority for Russia, says Peskov (Syria Times)
■ Al-Mikdad, Lavrov discuss bilateral relations, regional and international issues (Syria Times)

Public fury over the gross negligence of Britain’s leadership means little to its leaders. | Unvetted illegal migrants, mostly from Africa and the Middle East (Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Yemen), are being fast-tracked to receive full asylum, and thus to be allowed to settle permanently in Britain. After that, they’ll be permitted to “sponsor relatives to join them here.” The strength and future of any country depends on its inhabitants. The UK has flung open its doors to literally anyone without any due process. Among those entering the UK include hardcore criminals and jihadists. The miserable state of Sweden, which has also welcomed anyone and everyone, is the best example of where open-door immigration policies are leading the UK and other globalist countries.

■ These Numbers Are Incredible (Summit News VIDEO) (02/23/23)

The two countries are still reeling from a series of devastating earthquakes that occurred on February 6, killing tens of thousands of people, toppling buildings and trapping thousands under the rubble. | A 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked the border between Turkiye and Syria on Monday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). ● The quake was recorded nine kilometers from the Turkish city of Antakya in Hatay province and 75 kilometers from Syria's Latakia. Meanwhile, Turkish media reported more destruction following the earthquake in Hatay, which had already been turned into rubble by the devastating quake that jolted the country on February 6. Shortly thereafter, Turkish disaster management agency AFAD reported a second earthquake in Hatay, this time of 5.8 magnitude. ●  Meanwhile, the EMSC suggests that aside from Turkiye and Syria, the quake was felt in Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel. On February 6, parts of Turkiye and Syria were hit by a series of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks that killed over 40,000 people. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the earthquake became the deadliest in the nation's history.

According to Russian defense ministry, 152 people received medical help from Russian and Belarusian military medics during the day | A total of 100 tons of humanitarian cargoes were delivered to earthquake-ravaged Syria from Russia during the past day, Oleg Gurinov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria (a division of the Russian defense ministry), said on Sunday. ● "During the day, Russia delivered 100 tons of humanitarian cargoes to Syria. In all, 389.8 tons have been delivered. Humanitarian operation were conducted in the settlements of al-Khazzania, Salhab, Khandeq al-Gharbi, Skalbia, and Hurad Ammurin in the Hama governorate, al-Arkhum Sakhur and Khalidiya in the Aleppo governorate. A total of 26.6 tons of food were distributed among residents," he said. ● According to Gurinov, Russian and Belarusian military medics continue to offer medical services to Syrians hurt in the devastating earthquake in the field hospital. During the day, 152 people received medical help.

■ Israel Bombs Syria While Syrians Are Recovering From Earthquake Tragedy (02/19/23)
■ After the Earthquake and ISIS Massacring 58 Farmers; Israel Bombs Damascus (02/19/23)

IMAGES
Cardiologist Asef Mahmoud, murdered by apartheid Israel last night in Damascus
Damage to the Technical Institute of Applied Arts and Mediterranean Archaeology Institute and museums
Syrian cardiologist, Syrian pharmacist, Syrian engineer murdered by #Israel.
Syrian pharmacist Lilian Aoudi, murdered by apartheid Israel last night in Damascus

Israel bombed Damascus residential neighborhoods after midnight, the Syrian Arab Army’s air defense units managed to shoot down some incoming missiles, others caused damage to buildings, the story is developing. | Syrian Arab Army air defense units addressed an Israeli bombing targeting the upscale Kafr Soussah, Mazraah, and Baghdad Street neighborhoods in Damascus, with reports of several casualties among the civilians in the targeted neighborhoods. At least one of the missiles struck a residential building, eyewitnesses confirm, and columns of fire and fumes of smoke could be seen from kilometers away, I was still working on an update to yesterday’s horrific massacre committed by the US-sponsored ISIS terrorists in the central Syrian desert killing 53 farmers and at least 5 policemen who came to the rescue. Eyewitnesses from the site targeted by the Israeli bombing say there were casualties, dead and injured, from this aggression.

■ Five people martyred, 15 wounded in Israeli aggression on Damascus and its vicinity (SANA)
■ Breaking News: US’s ISIS Massacre 53 Syrians in Eastern Homs (Syria News)

■ Russia Slams IDF Airstrike Against Damascus as Violation of International Law by Israel (Sputnik News) | The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the deadly airstrike Israel launched at Damascus and its suburbs on Sunday as a gross violation of international law. 💬 "We strongly condemn the use of brute force by Israel, which is a gross violation of international laws. We urge Israel to stop armed provocations against Syria and refrain from action that may have dangerous implications for the entire region," the Ministry said in a statement.

On 6 February, parts of Turkiye and Syria were hit by a series of devastating earthquakes and aftershocks that have so far killed more than 31,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes. | The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said that more than 2,000 aftershocks were registered in the country’s south-eastern regions after the initial powerful earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria. ● Almost 8,000 buildings in 10 Turkish provinces affected by the devastating earthquakes urgently need to be demolished, the Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry said on Sunday. ● Russia and other countries sent help to both countries, including rescue teams and various medical supplies.

Search, Rescue Operations in Syria's Latakia Province Completed - Governor | Search and rescue operations in Syria's Latakia province after the recent earthquake have been completed, Governor Amer Hilal told reporters. 💬 "The search for those killed in all places of Latakia has been completed, now work is under way to clear the rubble," Hilal said. The governor said 805 people had been killed in the province by the earthquake, and more than 1,100 had been injured.
Over 41,000 Buildings Destroyed, Uninhabitable in Turkiye After Earthquakes - Authorities | Over 41,000 buildings in Turkiye's 10 provinces mostly affected by the earthquakes have been completely destroyed or uninhabitable, Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum said on Monday. 💬 "In 10 provinces affected by the disaster, we have identified 41,791 buildings that either have already collapsed or should be immediately demolished or are in a state of disrepair," Kurum told a briefing. The minister added that the full assessment of the state of buildings in the provinces is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
Death Toll From Earthquakes in Turkiye Rises to 31,643: Authorities | The death toll from the devastating earthquakes in Turkiye has risen to 31,643 people, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said on Monday. "The death toll from the earthquakes has increased to 31,643. Another 158,165 were evacuated from the region to other provinces," AFAD said. On February 6, parts of Turkiye and Syria were hit by a series of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks.
Turkish Police to Detain 31 People in Malatya Over Buildings Destroyed by Quakes, Reports Say | An order for the arrest of 31 people was issued in the central Turkish province of Malatya as part of the case over buildings destroyed by the deadly earthquakes, a Turkish media outlet reported on Monday. The prosecutor's office in Malatya launched an investigation into construction defects of the collapsed buildings, the Turkish broadcaster reported. The number of people arrested on the case is expected to grow, the news outlet added.
Japan to Send B777 Special Transport Jet to Turkiye to Facilitate Medical Cargo Delivery | Japan will send a transport jet of its Self-Defense Forces to Turkiye to help deal with the consequences of deadly earthquakes and keep providing necessary assistance, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Monday.
China’s Red Cross Sends Aid to Earthquake-Hit Syria for 10,000 People, Reports Say | The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) sent a second batch of humanitarian aid to Syria for 10,000 people affected by the devastating earthquakes, Chinese media reported on Monday. The assistance includes tents, warm jackets, and necessary medicines, the China Central Television broadcaster reported. Last week, the organization sent medical supplies and rescuers to Syria. In total, the Chinese government allocated about $4.4 million to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the country.

■ Western sanctions will mean that more Syrians die after the earthquakes (Eva Bartlett)

Eva Bartlett | The economic stranglehold and selective approach to aid will lead to more death and displacement | On February 6, southern Türkiye and northern Syria were hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, followed by dozens of aftershocks and then another earthquake. While the neighboring countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq and others were affected, the worst of the damage was in Türkiye and Syria. ● Following the devastating earthquakes that rocked Türkiye, Syria and their neighboring countries on February 6, leaving more than 20,000 dead, Damascus is struggling to deal with this unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe as it remains under brutal Western sanctions that have brought the country to its knees. ● The West’s war on Syria that began in early 2011 failed to topple its elected president, but the subsequent years of increasingly cruel sanctions – all in the name of ‘helping the Syrian people’ – have succeeded in rendering life miserable and near impossible, with most unable to afford to properly feed their families, much less heat their homes. Now, in a time of crisis, the Syrian people cannot even receive donations or emergency support from abroad. One supporter set up a GoFundMe campaign, only to have it taken down due to the sanctions. Type the word “Ukraine” into the search field on PayPal or GoFundMe and you’ll see countless appeals for sending money to Ukraine. But for Syrians, Western platforms like these are off-limits, and have been for years. [Excerpts from Eva's latest oped here (Telegram)]

US sanctions block Syria from receiving aid, purchasing emergency supplies: Syrian FM (The Cradle)

On 6 February, south-eastern Turkiye and northern Syria were hit by a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, several powerful aftershocks and then another earthquake causing unimaginable devastation. | The earthquake toppled thousands of buildings and has left more than 15,000 dead in both countries. The death toll is expected to climb as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. Many international organizations and world leaders have offered assistance to the Turkish and Syrian authorities to deal with the aftermath of the disaster. Turkiye says it was the most powerful earthquake recorded in the country since 1939. It was followed by more than 78 aftershocks and a second quake of 7.5 magnitude.

On 6 February, south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria were rocked by a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, several powerful aftershocks and then another earthquake causing unimaginable devastation. | The earthquake toppled thousands of buildings and has left more than 8,000 dead in both countries. The death toll is expected to climb as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. Many international organizations and world leaders have offered assistance to the Turkish and Syrian authorities to deal with the consequences of the disaster. Turkey says it was the most powerful earthquake recorded in the country since 1939. It was followed by more than 78 aftershocks and a second quake of 7.5 magnitude.

The West imposes brutal sanctions against Syria, debilitating & ruining every aspect of Syrians' lives, in addition to stealing their oil, backing terrorist groups & creating the unnecessary war on Syria in the first place...and after the tragic earthquakes in the region, who helps Syria? Those vilified by the hypocritical West: Iran, Russia, Iraq, Lebanon, & Syrians themselves (although, thanks to those damn sanctions, fundraising efforts by Syrians abroad are nearly impossible). * Russian Ministry Of Emergency Services Personnel Get To Work In Syria. 50 personnel and three search-and-rescue canine crews arrived in Syria on Tuesday to assist with emergency operations following the deadly earthquakes that struck the country. Earlier, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu ordered Russian military personnel deployed to the country to begin assisting search-and-rescue operations. (Eva Bartlett)

Early on Monday, an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria. Another 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred a few hours later. | The death toll from Monday's earthquake in Turkey has risen to 3,381, with 15,834 injured, a Turkish news agency reported on Tuesday, citing the Turkish disaster and emergency management authority (AFAD). ● The European Union sent rescuers to Turkey, responding to its request to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Russia also sent teams to assist Turkey and instructed its troops to help the Syrian authorities as well. A number of other countries have also voiced their eagerness to provide assistance if necessary. ● On Monday, Syria appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to mobilize all resources available to help the war-stricken country deal with the deadly catastrophe.

■ Число погибших при землетрясении в Турции выросло до 3419
■ Re: The Devastating Earthquake Struck Syria (02/06/23)

Antioch-Rehaniyya Road
Another Building Collapses in Aleppo City
More Than 100 Deaths and Hundreds of Injuries Were Reported
Combined death toll in Turkey and Syria rises to at least 640 dead (AP/The Guardian)
Death toll in Turkish quake surpasses 1,000 – authorities (RT.com)

This page will continue to expand as more so-called “Human Rights” groups are outed for propagating anti-Syria war rhetoric and false allegations against the Syrian government and Syrian Arab Army. As it is, the list of players is quite extensive. Below, I’ll list the known HR front people and groups (many, if not most, with links to the US State Department and criminals like George Soros). As Rick Sterling wrote in his “Humanitarians for War on Syria” (March 2015): 💬 A massive campaign in support of foreign intervention against Syria is underway. The goal is to prepare the public for a “No Fly Zone” enforced by US and other military powers. This is how the invasion of Iraq began. This is how the public was prepared for the US/NATO air attack on Libya. 💬 The results of western ‘regime change’ in Iraq and Libya have been disastrous. Both actions have dramatically reduced the security, health, education and living standards of the populations, created anarchy and mayhem, and resulted in the explosion of sectarianism and violence in the region. Now the Western/NATO/Israeli and Gulf powers, supported by major intervention-inclined humanitarian organizations, want to do the same in Syria.

American “occupation troops” stationed in Syria are “looting” the country’s resources, Beijing said | China has blasted the United States for its “banditry” in Syria, claiming that Washington’s years-long military occupation and the “plundering” of Syrian resources have placed the country on the brink of a “humanitarian disaster.” ● Addressing reporters during a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin was asked to comment on recent reports in Syrian media that US forces had transported a large quantity of “looted oil” from Syria to Iraq earlier this month. 💬 “We are struck by the blatancy and egregiousness of the US’s plundering of Syria… Such banditry is aggravating the energy crisis and humanitarian disaster in Syria,” he said, citing Syrian government statistics purporting that “over 80% of Syria’s daily oil output was smuggled out of the country by US occupation troops” in the first half of 2022. 💬 “Whether the US gives or takes, it plunges other countries into turmoil and disaster, and the US gets to reap the benefits for its hegemony and other interests,” he added. “This is the result of the US’s so-called “rules-based order.”” ● On January 14, Damascus’ state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that “a convoy consisting of 53 tanks loaded with stolen Syrian oil” were brought from the country’s Hasakah province to US “bases in Iraqi territory,” noting the operation was carried out alongside local Kurdish militants which have long received American backing. The outlet also stated that 60 additional trucks smuggled stolen oil and wheat into Iraq earlier this month. ● US forces were first sent to Syria in 2014, beginning with a contingent of special operators followed by more conventional ground troops the next year, most embedded with Kurdish fighters in the country’s oil-rich northeast. Though then-President Barack Obama maintained the deployment was focused only on combating Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) terrorists, Washington had long intervened in Syria’s war against jihadist groups, sending and overseeing countless arms shipments to rebels seeking to overthrow the government in Damascus beginning as early as 2013.

■ China urges U.S. to stop plundering Syrian oil resources (SANA)
■ US occupation continues to loot oil from Syria’s Al-Jazira region (SANA)
■ American forces transport 53 tanks loaded with stolen Syrian oil towards Iraq (Dearborn News)
■ US occupation steals 53 Syrian oil tankers, smuggles them to Iraq (almayadeen.net)

The Swedish government will not extradite four people sought by Turkey, which says they are connected to a U.S.-based cleric it accuses of being behind a coup attempt in 2016, news agency TT reported on Thursday, without citing sources. | The extradition requests were made in 2019 and 2020, before Sweden and Finland signed a three-way agreement with Turkey aimed at overcoming Ankara's objections to the two Nordic countries joining the NATO military alliance. Sweden's High Court decided last summer the four could not be extradited, TT said, leaving the government no choice but to follow its decision. Sweden's Foreign Ministry could not comment immediately on the report. ● Turkey called a separate decision by the High Court in December to block the extradition of Turkish journalist Bulent Kenes a "very negative" development.