The tension that is felt on the tables of diplomacy in these days has a clear connection with what happens on the battlefield. The Syrian Armed Forces, led by the 102a Republican Guard Brigade (actually a regiment of infantry considered to be of high reliability and operational capacity) advanced further in the eastern districts of Aleppo controlled by jihadist militias. The strategic heights of Tal Sifan would now be in full control of the forces of Damascus, after the withdrawal of the Islamist gangs. The pressure would continue around the junction of Janodoul and in the southernmost area of Bustan al Basha.
The rapid progress made since the end of September follows the increase in Russian and Syrian air raids throughout the Aleppo area. The pounding of the Moscow jets would be continuous, putting the communication lines of the rebels barricaded in east Aleppo in obvious difficulty.
The air raids are at the base of the break between the US and Russia at the negotiating table and the escalation of diplomatic tones that end up having repercussions on the global scale.
The US decision to suspend all collaboration with Moscow was followed by the threat to intervene militarily with air and missile forces to stem the offensive of loyalist troops. The head of the Russian Defense media services, General Konashenkov, responded by declaring a legitimate target for every aircraft that targets Syrian land forces.
The words of the general, reported Friday, refer to the bombing (declared as an error) in Deir-Ezzor of Syrian forces accomplished from anti-ISIS coalition aircraft. The attack occurred on September 18, causing a hundred deaths among the soldiers of Damascus.
The diplomatic escalation continued at the Security Council where Moscow vetoed the French text presented for the achievement of a new "ceasefire" (Italy expressed itself favorably). A further consequence in these hours would be the cold diplomatic fall between France and Russia, in anticipation of Putin's visit to Paris the next 19 October.
Hollande said that "The aerial bombardments on Aleppo are real war crimes" and that those responsible must answer before the Court of The Hague.
For now, weapons are being sharpened and threatening tones are raised: while Clinton claims that Moscow wants to destroy Aleppo to eliminate opposition to Assad, the deployment of S-300 and 400 batteries in Syria by Russian forces continues.
(photo: SAA)
