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44-654: The origins of the Qalamoun Shield Forces lie in a small militia of the same name that was set up in al-Nabek after its capture from rebels during the Battle of Qalamoun (2013) . Formed by "notables, retired officers and other locals" on 9 January 2014, this unit was designated as auxiliaries to the Republican Guard and was supposed to secure areas retaken from rebel groups. A Damascus native named Adel Ibrahim Dellah eventually became commander of

88-427: A deal with the government under Russian mediation, with SOHR reporting the following contents: (1) Exemption of locals from army service for six months; (2) delivery of most arms to the government; (3) wanted locals are allowed to settle their conditions with government security agencies; (4) no armed presence around the towns is allowed; (5) non-native rebels are sent to Idlib; (6) all rebels who want to voluntarily leave

132-883: A location in Rif Dimashq Governorate , Syria is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Wadi Barada offensive (2016%E2%80%9317) Decisive Syrian Army and allies victory [REDACTED] Syrian Arab Republic [REDACTED]   Russia (from 2017) [REDACTED] Hezbollah [REDACTED] Ahrar al-Sham [REDACTED] Jaysh al-Islam [REDACTED] Free Syrian Army [REDACTED] Abu al-Baraa (Hassan Soufan) ( Ahrar al-Sham commander ) [REDACTED] Syrian Armed Forces [REDACTED] Russian Armed Forces [REDACTED] Free Syrian Army [REDACTED] Ahrar al-Sham Foreign intervention in behalf of Syrian rebels U.S.-led intervention against ISIL The Wadi Barada offensive (2016–2017)

176-630: A population of 32,548 in the 2004 census. The Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian (Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi) is located along the Anti-Lebanon Mountains near Nabek and dates back to at least the 6th century. In the mid-19th century, the population was recorded as consisting mostly of Sunni Muslims , Syriac Catholic and Melkite Catholic Christians . In the mid-1940s, its 6,000 inhabitants were noted to be Sunni Muslims. An-Nabek has been mentioned by Arab geographers from

220-427: A reconciliation agreement with the government, allowing technicians to fix the water springs and to raise the government flag over the towns. Despite this, the new deal applied only to the aforementioned towns, not the whole valley, so that several rebel units continued fighting. As result, some opposition fighters reportedly attacked the technical crews with rockets. On late 14 January, maintenance vehicles arrived at

264-518: A retaliation, rebels in Wadi Barada cut the water supply to Damascus . On 23 December 2016, in response to alleged pollution of water spring in Ain al-Fijah with diesel fuel by the rebels, government forces conducted airstrikes and shelling on Wadi Barada. Pro-opposition sources instead claimed that it was Syrian Air Force airstrike that was the cause of Ain al-Fijah spring pollution; this claim

308-477: A temporary crisis for the government troops. As result of this event, QSF commander Firas Jaz'ah was dismissed by the 3rd Division. From 2018, the Syrian government increasingly attempted to demobilize loyalist militias, fully integrate them into the regular armed forces, or reduce their quasi-autonomous powers in other ways. The Qalamoun Shield Forces were among the units affected by this development. In August 2018,

352-700: The Free Syrian Army captured the village of Souq Wadi Barada in February 2012. Engineers and technicians who worked at the water spring remained in place. After the rebel capture of Wadi Barada, government forces imposed a blockade on the villages. In July 2016, Syrian government forces advanced into the village of Harira in the Barada Valley. In response, the al-Nusra Front executed 14 prisoners of war on 20 July. By 3 August, Syrian government and Hezbollah forces captured Harira. As

396-577: The ISIL and various FSA groups: The Eastern Homs offensive (2017) , East Hama offensive (2017) , the Syrian Desert campaign (May–July 2017) and the Central Syria campaign (2017) . The Qalamoun Shield Forces also helped to stall and/or defeat major rebel offensives in northern Hama Governorate in 2016 and mid-2017 , and took part in government operations against rebel and ISIL forces in

440-481: The Idlib Governorate in exchange of the rebel surrender of Wadi Barada west of Damascus. If so, al-Zabadani and Madaya would be isolated and could be used by the Syrian government to press for another ceasefire and evacuation. On 6 January, Hezbollah reportedly proposed a ceasefire but was rejected by Ahrar al-Sham , which claimed that the government had earlier rejected a ceasefire which would allow

484-561: The Political Security Directorate reportedly removed the militia's armed presence from al-Tall, suspended its local commander Nasir Shamu, and sent its fighters to Deir ez-Zor, where they would fight ISIL . QSF garrisons in other villages of the Qalamoun Mountains were allegedly sent to al-Qutayfah , where they were integrated into the 3rd Division. By fall 2018, the Syrian government fully dissolved

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528-403: The "general supervisor" of the militia, though Adel Ibrahim Dellah continued to serve as military commander of QSF. In May 2016, QSF finally split due to the group's divided loyalties: One faction under the militia's old commander Adel Ibrahim Dellah cut all ties with the 3rd Division and formed a new group, the "' Homeland Protection Forces ". The other faction, led by Firas Jaz'ah, remained with

572-501: The 12th to 13th centuries CE. Ibn Jubayr recorded that it was a village north of Damascus "with much running water and broad arable fields." Yaqut al-Hamawi wrote in 1225 that "is a fine village with excellent provisions... There is here a curious spring which runs cold in the summer, and with clear, excellent water. They say its source is at Yabroud ." During the Syrian Civil War the town and surrounding area came under

616-422: The 3rd Division and continued to function under the name "Qalamoun Shield Forces". This group significantly expanded its recruitment efforts in the wider Qalamoun area, and also began to enlist hundreds of former Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels into its ranks as part of reconciliation agreements. Already by early 2017, some estimated that about 50% or more of QSF consisted of ex-insurgents; others however claimed that

660-855: The 3rd Division, it never completely separated from the Republican Guard and also maintains links with the Air Force Intelligence and the Military Intelligence Directorates , as well as the Lebanese Hezbollah. The Military Intelligence Directorate and businessman George Haswani provided funding to the group. The Russian International Affairs Council claimed in 2017 that QSF had joined the Syrian Army's Fifth Corps . Other sources did not mention this, and it remains unclear whether

704-477: The Ain Al-Fijah springs, along with some buses to transport rebels to Idlib Governorate. Later that day, however, a rebel sniper killed the Syrian Army general and chief negotiator Ahmad Ghadban as he was returning to the government lines after the latest round of peace talks in the valley. Though the rebels subsequently claimed to have nothing to do with Ghadban's death, all negotiations were suspended, with

748-662: The Hama-Idlib-Aleppo Governorates border region in late 2017. Meanwhile, QSF continued to be active in its core regions in southwestern Syria, where it aided the government conquest of the Barada river valley in early 2017, and closely cooperated with Hezbollah to destroy the last holdouts of Tahrir al-Sham , the Syrian opposition , and ISIL at the Lebanon–Syria border . In course of these operations in

792-553: The Qalamoun Mountains, QSF recruited more ex-rebels into its ranks, allegedly promising some of them that they would only have to serve in their own home areas. Despite this, pro-rebel media claimed that QSF later forced several of these ex-rebels (from al-Tall ) to fight against ISIL in the eastern desert. On 30 December 2017, QSF also sent one of its battalions to take part in the Battle of Harasta . In course of this battle, one Qalamoun Shield contingent which consisted of ex-rebels reportedly defected back to local insurgents, resulting in

836-636: The Republican Guard in the Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–17) . These forces were eventually fully incorporated into the Republican Guard's 104th Brigade. In the first half of 2016, the militia became especially active in the Syrian steppe and Syrian Desert , fighting in the Palmyra offensive (March 2016) , the Battle of al-Qaryatayn (March–April 2016) and the Al-Dumayr offensive (April 2016) . Around this time, Syrian Army lieutenant colonel Firas Jaz'ah became

880-515: The Syrian government's chief negotiator. Another attempt to enforce this agreement was made on 19 January, which also quickly broke down. The International Meeting on Syrian Settlement was then held in Astana, Kazakhstan as part of the peace process , where Bashar Jaafari , the U.N. envoy representing the Syrian government, announced that the ceasefire that began in December 2016 did not apply to

924-408: The area for the first time, while the Syrian Army also bombarded rebel targets near the villages of Basimah and Deir Maqran. Around 12 January, Ayn al-Fijah, Basimah, and other villages, whereupon these settlements agreed to recognize the government under the stipulations of the ceasefire, which included the granting of free passage for militants to their stronghold of Idlib Governorate . Regardless of

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968-416: The ceasefire and lift the siege. The government in return called for the rebels to surrender the water spring and restore the water supply for Damascus. Since the demands of the two sides were irreconcilable, government forces proceeded to launch another attack on the following day. They targeted the rebel-held village of Basimah , capturing several sites around the village, including Basimah Orphanage, which

1012-509: The first buses carrying rebels left for Idlib, while al-Masdar News reported that some Jabhat Fatah al-Sham fighters attacked other opposition groups in Kafr az Zayt due to disagreements over the ceasefire. On 29 December, Syrian government and opposition delegations agreed on talks to achieve a ceasefire at Wadi Barada. Rebels from both the FSA and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham would be given free passage to

1056-535: The government agreed to another ceasefire and to attempt to enforce the peace deal that the involved parties had agreed upon before Ahmad Ghadban's death, though this agreement, too, quickly collapsed, with both sides resuming hostilities. The rebels consequently blamed Hezbollah for the failure of the peace process, saying that the government could not restrain the Lebanese fighters. On 26 January, al-Masdar News reported that another agreement had been reached between

1100-475: The government and the opposition fighters, with 2,600 rebels reportedly surrendering. Accordingly, only about 500 militants were still violently opposing the pro-government takeover of Wadi Barada. Despite this, SOHR reported on the next day that fighting for Ain Al-Fijah continued unabated. On 28 January, however, the rebels finally retreated from Ain Al-Fijah as "goodwill gesture" for the implementation of

1144-457: The government forces declaring they would resume the offensive. The army consequently launched another assault on Ain al-Khadra in the following night, and captured the village. On the next day, Hezbollah-led forces advanced into the outskirts of Ain Al-Fijah and captured the hill of Ra’s al-Sirah to the town's north, resulting in fierce fighting with rebel fighters. On the other side, the Syrian Army took control of most of Al-Husseiniyah after

1188-470: The government offensive. Soon after, the army reportedly captured all hills overlooking Basimah . Later that day, pro-government media claimed that a ceasefire deal had been reached. By 8 January, the ceasefire deal had failed, and the government forces resumed their offensive. They reportedly managed to capture the hills northwest of Deir Maqran , most importantly Tal Dahr Al-Masabi. On 10 January, Russian Air Force conducted airstrikes against rebels in

1232-486: The group maintains numerous bases in the region, most notably at al-Nabek and Yabroud . Though most of the militia's fighters were from the wider Qalamoun region, they were known to also have members from Damascus and the Golan Heights . In their core areas, QSF sometimes acts as police force, and also maintains posts along the border with Lebanon, most notably at Flitah . Though QSF was most closely connected to

1276-595: The group, along with the Ba'ath Brigades and other pro-government paramilitary formations. The majority of its members entered into service with the regular 3rd Armoured Division. Despite this, the QSF maintained at least some cohesion as separate unit within the 3rd Division. The Qalamoun Shield Forces were led by Firas Jaz'ah, a lieutenant colonel who is closely affiliated with the 3rd Division, and were organized into several sub-units according to their places of origin. Accordingly,

1320-454: The group. In course of 2015, the nascent QSF had significantly grown in numbers (claiming hundreds of members) and expanded its operations: Fighting at the side of the Republican Guard, the militia not only took part in further offensive operations in the western Qalamoun mountains, but also fought in the wider Rif Dimashq Governorate such as at Harasta , where they played a prominent role in retaking territory from insurgent groups. Later into

1364-552: The influence of rebel fighters in an area that spilled over into Lebanon. This pocket was later liquidated by Syrian and Hezbollah troops in the Qalamoun offensive (July–August 2017) , with many rebel fighters surrendering to government troops. Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi, the monastery of Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian , sits above the town to the east. 34°01′N 36°43′E  /  34.017°N 36.717°E  / 34.017; 36.717 This article about

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1408-415: The local elders agreed to a ceasefire deal with the government. Nevertheless, some parts of the town remained outside government control as some rebels reportedly refused to surrender or leave. Over the next days Hezbollah and army units slowly but steadily advanced into Ain Al-Fijah. On 19 January, government forces captured the village of Afrah . Later that day, representatives of the local rebels and

1452-563: The militia was actually part of the Fifth Corps at any point. The Qalamoun Shield Forces were relatively well equipped, using technicals , 9M113 Konkurs anti-tank missile , and Syrian "Bourkan" (Vulcano) rockets. In early 2017, all fighters of QSF were trained and equipped by the Russian Armed Forces . In regard to its combat capabilities, the QSF has been characterized by pro-government media both as auxiliary force for

1496-650: The numbers were closer to around 10%. Thus strengthened despite the Homeland Protection Forces' break-off, the Qalamoun Shield Forces further expanded their operations throughout Syria. In the Syrian Desert, QSF helped to defend the Tiyas Military Airbase from ISIL during the Palmyra offensive (December 2016) , and then took part in numerous government (counter-)offensives which aimed at reclaiming all of central Syria from

1540-605: The peace agreement of 26 January. The army subsequently took control of the town, and said the remaining opposition forces in the valley would be allowed to leave for Idlib Governorate . A day later, the Army took full control of Wadi Barada. Maintenance workers were sent by the government to fix the Al-Fijeh Springs thus restoring the water supply to 5 million people who reside in Greater Damascus. Later on,

1584-504: The regular army and as rapid reaction force . Al-Nabek An-Nabek or Al-Nabek ( Arabic : ٱلنَّبْك , romanized :  an-Nabk ) is a Syrian city administratively belonging to Rif Dimashq and the capital of the Qalamoun . Located 81 kilometers (50 mi) north of Damascus and south of Homs . It has an altitude of 1255 meters. According to the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), An-Nabek had

1628-708: The repair of a water pumping station according to them damaged by airstrikes. Around 5.5 million people around Damascus had little to no access to running water for two weeks as a result of the conflict. Despite this, an agreement for a truce was reportedly still reached on the same day; according to the new deal maintenance workshops would be granted access to fix the damaged water spring, and local militants would handle over their medium and heavy weaponry and would be enrolled in local committees. Those who refused to have their status settled, would be transported to Idlib . On 13 January, Ain al-Fijah, Kafr al-Awamid, Souq Wadi Barada, Dayr Qanoo, Dayr Miqrin and Kafr az Zayt signed

1672-482: The spring. On 1 January 2017, the Syrian Army entered Ayn al-Fijah after civilians were evacuated by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent . Heavy clashes in the town continued on the next day, as local Jabhat Fateh al-Sham defenders attempted to halt the army and Hezbollah 's advance. On 3 January, rebels stated that they would let teams enter and fix the spring as long as the government would honor

1716-481: The valley for Idlib are allowed to do so; (7) the military is not allowed to enter the homes of locals; (8) the military can set up checkpoints within the towns, at their entrances, and along the main roads; (9) locals and former rebels are allowed to join the National Defence Forces ; (10) expelled employees in the valley can return to their jobs. These negotiations broke down following the death of

1760-535: The village's agreement, several rebels continued to resist and attempted to keep control of the settlements. By then, about 50,000 residents of the valley had been displaced due to the fighting. On 13 January, Basimah was captured by pro-government forces, whereupon they reportedly also advanced into Ain al-Khadra. According to opposition sources, rebel forces managed to retake Ain al-Khadra soon after. Later that day, Ain al-Fijah, Kafr al-Awamid , Souq Wadi Barada , Dayr Qanoo , Dayr Miqrin and Kafr az Zayt signed

1804-470: The year, the Qalamoun Shield Forces even sent fighters to take part in the Battle of Aleppo and the Homs offensive (November–December 2015) against ISIL . During these operations, the group began to closely cooperate with the 3rd Armoured Division , leading to the Qalamoun Shield Forces' loyalties shifting away from the Republican Guard. The Qalamoun Shield Forces also dispatched some troops to fight alongside

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1848-544: Was a military operation against rebel-held villages in the Barada River valley by the Syrian Army and allied forces, including pro-government militias and Lebanese Hezbollah between December 2016 and January 2017. The Barada River valley includes the village of Ain al-Fijah which holds a water spring that provides drinking water to towns throughout the Rif Dimashq Governorate . Syrian rebels affiliated with

1892-580: Was later repeated by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic . On 26 December, following airstrikes, the Army advanced into the valley from its outskirts and cliffs. 10 villages in the area were still held by the rebels. The opposition accused the government forces of targeting Ain al-Fijah and nearby villages with barrel bombs which ostensibly led to severe damage to

1936-502: Was used as rebel base, while the SAA and Hezbollah ambushed what government sources described as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters crossing from Lebanon into Syria, resulting in some casualties with the rest retreating to Arsal Municipality of the Beqa'a Governorate. On 6 January, elite forces belonging to the 4th Armoured Division under Maher al-Assad 's command arrived in Wadi Barada to aid

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