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Report: Syrian General Assassinated in Damascus

Syrian General Assassinated in Damascus

(The Blaze/AP)Gunmen assassinated an army general in Damascus Saturday in the first killing of a high ranking military officer in the Syrian capital since the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime began in March, the country’s state-run news agency said.

The attack could be a sign that armed members of the opposition, who have carried out attacks on the military elsewhere in the country, are trying to step up action in the tightly controlled capital, which has been relatively quiet compared to other cities.

SANA news agency reported that three gunmen opened fire at Brig. Gen. Issa al-Khouli Saturday morning as he left his home in the Damascus neighborhood of Rukn-Eddine. Al-Khouli was a doctor and the chief of a military hospital in the capital.

Capt. Ammar al-Wawi of the Free Syrian Army, a rebel group that wants to bring down the regime by force, denied involvement in the assassination, which came a day after two suicide car bombers struck security compounds in Aleppo.

Such assassinations are not uncommon outside Damascus and army officers have been killed in the past, mostly in the restive provinces of Homs and Idlib.

Violence in other parts of the country left at least 17 people dead as regime troops pushed into rebel-held neighborhoods in the central city of Homs and seized parts of the mountain town of Zabadani, north of Damascus.

Syrian General Assassinated in Damascus

The U.N. estimates that 5,400 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began in March. But that figure is from January, when the world body stopped counting because the chaos in the country has made it all but impossible to check the figures. Hundreds are reported to have been killed since.

Syria‘s turmoil began with peaceful protests against Assad’s rule, sparking the fierce regime crackdown. But it has since grown more militarized as army defectors and armed protesters formed the Free Syrian Army.

After Russia and China last weekend vetoed a Western and Arab attempt at the U.N. to pressure Assad to step down, the FSA’s commander said armed force was the only way to oust the president. Western and Arab countries are considering forming a coalition to help Syria’s opposition, though so far there is no sign they intend to give direct aid to the FSA.

Arab foreign ministers were to meet in Cairo on Sunday to decide their next step. An Arab League official said the ministers were likely to consider calling for a joint Arab-U.N. team of observers to be sent to Syria to investigate Assad’s adherence to past promises to halt the violence.

Damascus allowed in Arab League observers in December, but the mission was halted amid the accelerating bloodshed. The Syrians would be unlikely to accept a new observer team.

The ministers in Cairo also may discuss formally recognizing the main opposition Syrian National Council in a show of support, but such a step does not yet have full agreement among the ministers, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad warned that “he who bets on the collapse of Syria is betting on failure,“ and said the government will ”overcome difficulties” through its program of reforms and dialogue with opponents. The opposition has rejected the regime’s reform promises and offers of dialogue, saying they will settle for nothing less than Assad’s ouster.

Speaking to reporters in Damascus, he gave a vehement defense of the regime, denying it was shelling residential areas in Homs or other cities and laying out the state’s stance that it faces armed terrorists who reject attempts at reconciliation.

He denounced the Free Syrian Army as “reminiscent of criminals, drugs addicts and people who have come out of prison.” He said attacks by the group had killed 1,500 members of the military and security forces since March, and accused Arab countries of “encouraging armed groups to launch terrorist attacks.”.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of Assad’s top allies, warned Arab countries on Saturday not to give aid to the opposition.

Speaking to tens of thousands of supporters in Tehran on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ahmadinejad said countries in the region that have never held free elections are trying to write a “prescription for freedom and elections for others” with the help of the United States.

“This is the most bitter and ridiculous joke of history,” Ahmadinejad said.

On Saturday, Damascus gave Tunisian and Libyan diplomats 72 hours to leave the country, Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi told reporters. The move was in retaliation to the north African Arab nations’ eviction of Syrian ambassadors earlier this month.

For the past week, Syrian forces have been bombarding rebel-held neighborhoods in Homs, aiming to regain control of one of the main cities involved in the uprising. Activists say more than 400 people have been killed in the campaign.

On Saturday, Syrian troops shelled the Baba Amr district in Homs, killing at least nine people, and another in the Bab Sbaa area, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another activist group, the Local Coordination Committees said 15 people were killed in Baba Amr on Saturday.

The Observatory also reported that regime troops moved into parts of Zabadani, north of Damascus, after intense shelling and after rebel soldiers pulled back to spare residents’ property from further damage. Three people were killed in the bombardment, the group said.

Troops and rebel soldiers battled in Douma, a suburb of Damascus, said Mohammed Doumany, an activist there. The Observatory said troops stormed the Grand Mosque in Douma and detained a number of people who were inside.

The Observatory also reported a rare clash between troops and defectors late Friday in the northern Damascus neighborhood of Qaboun but had no details. It said troops shot dead an activist in the area.

In Idlib, where rebels control some areas, army defectors detonated roadside bombs and hand grenades against military vehicles near the village of Kfar Oweida Friday night, killing at least 10 soldiers, the Observatory said.

CNN reports on the continued violence in the region:

Comments (57)

  • Seede
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:14am

    Arab Spring has just started. Out of the six major players in the Middle East Only Iran and Syria stands in the way of uniformity of power. Egypt has over 90% Sunni Muslims. Libya has over 97% Sunni Muslims. Jordan has over 90% Sunni Muslims. Iraq has well over 65% Sunni Muslims. Syria has over 90% Sunni Muslims but here is the problem. President Assad is not Sunni but is Alawite. Why is this a problem? Because Alawites are an offshoot which carry some Christianity beliefs and are not truly Sunni or Shiite. In order to unify the Sunni power Assad must go. Now the other problem is Iran. Iran is over 89% Shiite and only about 9% Sunni. That means Iran must be annihilated. Iran must be defeated and then re educated into one caliphate. But Iran is not the prime target now. Syria must be brought into the fold so the entire Middle East can then re educate Iran. Then you have the Caliphate of the Muslim World. Once that is established then the minority religions of the Middle East can be easily annihilated or re educated.

    Russia backs Assad and Iran both. Obama, Clinton wants both Iran and Assad defeated. In other words when Obama helped the Sunni’s in Libya and cheered for the death of Gaddafi, he was for the Caliphate. As he is also against Assad, he is also helping the Caliphate. As Obama is also for destroying Iran he is once again for the Caliphate. Obama is dangerous to this world.

    Report Post »  
  • OperationNorthwoods
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:13am

    Funny how Al-Qeda shows up in all the countries we wish to overthrow. It’s almost like they are doing our dirty work for us. Weird huh.

    Report Post » OperationNorthwoods  
  • zoro51
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:42am

    told you MURDERING MUSLUMS.. they care LESS whom they kill SAVE that they KILL…

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • CLG 4
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:40am

    To get to the reasons follow the money. Does not matter if your a politician or a cleric, follow the money. Who stands to gain. People at the top will always incite the masses to get to the outcome they desire.

    Report Post »  
  • lefthook37
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:32am

    Outstanding shooting Big duke…get you a case of beer for that one

    Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:32am

    Just heard the an al Qaeda leader spoke out for all Muslims to work to defeat the Assad regime . Think that tells you a lot about that entire, wonderful Arab Spring movement. Get ready for the caliphate…Sharia Law.. battle with the West..

    Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:23am

      “Western and Arab countries are considering forming a coalition… .”

      This is why 9/11′s occur. Why is the West always sticking their Pinocchio-like noses into other nations affairs?

      Report Post »  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:38am

      @The_Jerk

      This is why 9/11′s happen? If you seriously think that’s true, then you need to go back and educate yourself on world affairs.

      Someone’s been drinking the Paul-Aide

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
  • tomloy
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:34am

    It could be Seals or Mossad. Just like the Israelis to use the confusion in syria to thin the ranks.

    Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:29am

      Why a doctor who runs a hospital? He’s not a line officer.

      Report Post »  
  • TRILO
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:10pm

    So they think this was due to “armed members of the opposition”. Really? I do believe that I have read several stories that the US has been “aiding” the rebels. Just like we did in Libya. Yet they want us to believe some rebel got lucky.

    Report Post » TRILO  
    • lukerw
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:59am

      I wish… we knew more about the Players!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:51pm

    A prophecy concerning Syria….
    Isaiah 17:9 – “In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough And an uppermost branch, Which they left because of the children of Israel; And there will be desolation”.

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • lukerw
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:58am

      Syria… has been a knife of the throat of Israel thoughout the ages!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • Mutiny
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:21pm

    Good! Lets let other people fight and kill themselves. Its not our problem.

    Report Post » Mutiny  
  • Americamydream
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:59pm

    Let them kill each other, they deserve all that, what goes around come around. This is what they did in Lebanon, they killed thousands of Lebanese innocent Christians for 30 years, it is about time they get a taste from the cup they made the Lebanese drink from.

    Report Post »  
  • JDF10487
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:47pm

    Why Doesn‘t Anybody Seem To Care That Obama Can’t Pass An E-Verify Check?

    http://www.newswithviews.com/Wooldridge/frosty738.htm

    Report Post »  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:28am

      I care. Not that my opinion counts for much, living on the other side of the planet as I do.

      Report Post »  
  • TSUNAMI-22
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:39pm

    Somewhere, George Bush is laughing his ass off over all of this “democracy” in the middle east.

    He got them to our job for us.

    Report Post »  
  • VindexAdams
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:57pm

    Ahhh… The sound of revolution. It seems to be spreading across the globe as if something is in the air. Not long ago even fish farmers in Vietnam struck out against local police in a flash back to 68 style raid instantly becoming national hero’s. I hope more people take time to understand what is taking place.. it is the struggle of freedom versus freedom.. http://whatisaplanner.com/Freedom%20versus%20Freedom.htm read it and decide for yourself who you would support. It may become critical in the future.

    Report Post »  
    • Blazesurfer
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:31pm

      Good read.. Thnx

      Report Post » Blazesurfer  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:39pm

      not a bad take on things, Vin

      But also understand reactionaries and how they think and what they cause.

      The world is surely on fire, revolution is in the air

      Be good and just.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • mharry860
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:40pm

      Thanks for the link, that is incredibly informative and insightful.

      Report Post » mharry860  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:43pm

      Good Link…Our future freedom is going to cost all of us something ..we have to be willing to live without the government.taking care of us..to be free…

      Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:56pm

      interesting point–your article.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:00pm

      Good read.

      Report Post »  
    • MetalPatriot
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:36pm

      @VindexAdams

      I particularly needed to read that article. Out of frustration I keep blurting out the need to kill all these people in government and the bureaucracy…all the while claiming I want to “go back to the Constitution.” That’s as backwards as anything.

      I guess i’m one of the useful idiots who ran on emotions instead of thinking things through.

      This is no joke, thanks to your link my weak mind can aspire to a better place.

      Thank you.

      Report Post » MetalPatriot  
  • TheObamanation
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:22pm

    Was-sappening Homs ?

    Report Post » TheObamanation  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:16pm

    Most people will auto-blame the US/Israel and while I personally think that this could be a rebel group that carried it out; there is another possibility no one is taking into account…Iran.

    Think of this scenario – Iran arranges for the death of the General, Iranian troops are sent in to ‘aid in stabilization of the nation’ on the behalf of Assad; while in reality this strengthens their hand in the area. Assad is basically a puppet of them anyhow at this time.

    Now the why – long term goal – elimination of Israel and domination of the Middle East.

    Think on it – Control Iran – puppet control of Iraq (may happen), Egypt/Libya/Tunisia via the M Brotherhood; Push to gain puppet control of Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia/Bahrain.

    Israel at that time will have only one of two choices – extermination or victory.

    And while Obama rules in the US he will sacrifice our naval forces to score political points via an massive series of useless and pointless naval strikes before surrendering all the gulf to Iran. He then declares martial law in the US.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • TRILO
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:12pm

      And the Republicans stand by to watch the show.

      Report Post » TRILO  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:16am

      SNOW
      And your scenario (sadly) would lead to Immediate civil war here in the USA.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • blackstone22
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:11pm

    My heart goes out to the residents of Syria during this brutal crackdown by the government.
    solid, informative article.

    Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:23pm

      The residents of Syria were dancing in the streets as the World Trade Center crashed down. Screw Them

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:05pm

      coming soon to a street near you , if this farce of a government has it’s way.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:06pm

      @ 13TH IMAM

      That’s so true & not only the syrian also the rest of muslim world too cheered .
      I only feel bad for the innocent children being butchered by the regime .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:42pm

      @ 13th Imam

      The residents of Syria were dancing in the streets as the World Trade Center crashed down. Screw Them

      @ Robert-CA

      That’s so true & not only the syrian also the rest of muslim world too cheered .
      I only feel bad for the innocent children being butchered by the regime .
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      I agree with both of you. Like STOIC ONE says, it’ll be here someday, too.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:25am

      I see the similarity between the Democrats/Obama’s “anti ” speech making ( banks/CEOs/ Wall Street/ the rich/ capitalism) and the hate being spewed by these radicals. They both use hate to solidify their bases. All use of hate is founded on evil and all use of hate is destructive. America needs a different message based upon a different foundation. These Democrats must go. And so do the Islamic radicals. Let’s start here first….

      Report Post »  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:09pm

    Syrian General Assassinated by AL-Qaeda affiliated Hamas affiliated Muslim Brotherhood member.

    Just who are the opposition in Syria? They are not people who just want freedom. They are trying to recreated the caliphate and Syria dictator is in the way.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:18pm

      Also in the way of the Caliphates eventual rise is the nation of Iran. Long term the Brotherhood and Iran are of two radically different radical ideology paths. Right now they are setting the board for the combined goal of eliminating Israel and then for dominance of Mecca/Medina and the Caliphate.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • dwh320
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:08pm

    One bullet can save many lives….

    Report Post » dwh320  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:04pm

    As Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh said.” It‘s an ’Islamic Awakening’.” It’s a kinder, gentler Khilafah. Not the “Arab Spring” the World’s MSM been telling you all about. Obama, Clinton, and the State Department are the Keystone Cops of Diplomacy.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:58pm

      I don’t believe its incompetence ,I think its by design..Barry said he would support the brotherhood even against the best interests of the USA..

      Report Post »  
  • dinamicduo23
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:00pm

    After reading about all of the recent assassinations from around the world, I only await the official beginning of World War 3 if it has not already begun. Countries will take sides and I only hope the United States has enough allies willing to take on China‘s enormous army they’ve built up and have invested in throughout the past few decades.

    Report Post » dinamicduo23  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:19pm

      I think the war has already begun (my opinion); this one will probably be many regional wars that also ebb and flow as major powers get involved. Of course for Obama that will only consist of “WE SURRENDER” and he will hand us over to utter annhilation.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • momrules
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:55pm

      There are three Chinese ports in Mexico. Another was reportedly being built in Baja, I don’t know if it is completed yet but it is two hours from the U.S. border.

      A Chinese billionaire, Liko Shing, owns the company Hutchinson-Whampoa that is building them and he is also reported to have strong ties to the Chinese military.

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:57pm

      enormous army……….makes for a enormous_ cant_ miss_ target.
      That is why Ron Kook Paul’s logic to have all the US military within the borders of the America is very stupid.

      George S. Patton . Nobody ever defended anything successfully

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:44pm

      IF www3 begins we are in serious trouble without leadership..Barry’s a boy

      Report Post »  
  • waspanglosaxon
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:50pm

    Whenever any V.I.P. is assassinated in the Middle East – be it Iranian nuclear scientists or Syrian generals – my first suspect is Israel.

    Report Post » waspanglosaxon  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:57pm

      Could be,Mossad has been killing Israel‘s enemies for many years and they will continue doing so because it’s in their interest.The more killing Israel does the less we have to get involved and that’s good for us.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • gothope
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:06pm

      are you from 1940‘s germany or 1960’s south

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:14pm

      Ron Paul wouldn’t like you saying that SLAYER. Ron Paul: Killing of Iranian nuke scientist “an act of terrorism.”

      I would think he would say as much about “assasinating” a Syrian General. Ask him for me will ya’?

      I’m sure the giggly geezer is on the phone right now in a pre-emptive “empathizing” with Bashar al- Assad, like he said we should do with Iran…. “empathize with them.”

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:24pm

      I doubt the mossad would waste their time killing a doctor. If the General were of more political or strategic importance, I might suspect the Israeli.
      Time-
      killing civilian scientists is terrorism and a violation of LOAC. What would you say about a Jihad joe taking out one of our scientists? I am sure you would say that it’s terrorism. How about Maj. Hassan? was it an act of terrorism or was it just a legitimate act of war?

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:20pm

      HIDDEN_LION. I am not worried about our (the United States) adhering to LOAC in this instance as all evidence points to the fact that a Mujahideen-e-Khalq group on behalf of Mossad was probably responsible for the killing. Our weak human intel inside Iran IMO would make our involvement pretty slim to none. Besides… Hillary denied our involvement! Ha!

      I have absolutely NO PROBLEM with Israel, or Israel by proxy, taking out this (or those) scientist(s) previously. Israel has a green light IMO. You need to talk with SLAYER. He’s the Ron Paul guy, and he seems to have no problem with the killing of scientists in Iran by Israel, or illegal Mexicans by our military at our border. Just pointing out his war-mongering/ desire for bloodshed. Did I spell war-mongering right? Is it hyphenated? I know that’s for Dems and Ron Paul supporter usage only, so not sure.

      Anyways, I have absolutely no problem with Israel degrading an enemy’s scientific and technical capabilities like they did/do with HAMAS, HEZBOLLAH and Iraq back in the day. You and Paul call it terrorism. I call it survival.

      In 1943 / 1944 the RAF and USAAF carried out repeat strikes on the German V-2 rocket launch site at Peenemunde, where the hydrogen peroxide fuel was also produced. They were not unduly concerned whether scientists and engineers were killed too, nor foreign slave labourers, provided the V-2s ceased raining down on London, and neither would I.

      Major Hassan? A pre-meditated murderer.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:42am

      Time-
      As you know, the statistics given for WWII are not applicable because the current Laws of War were not in effect, that is why we carpet bombed the civilian populations in Germany and Japan, ultimately using the first nuclear weapons to kill a majority of civilians. If you call it survival, you need to allow that the enemy has the same right and can use any means necessary to bring us (their enemy) down. If that is the way we are going to fight, they need to drop all pretext of rules in war and our military can be free to decimate the populations of “enemy” nations. Wow, we can be just like Hitler and Stalin, what a good idea.
      So, you are OK with just convicting Maj. hassan of murder with no terrorism charges? I believe he should be charged with treason, for committing an act of war against America, on behalf of the enemy.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  

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