Nubl and al-Zahra

Syria (Syrian Civil War)

2016

Sorhane

Aqibah

Kafr Naya

Mayer

Nubl
(town 10[-10])

Burj al Qalas

al-Zahra
(town 15[-15])

Tell Jabin

Ratyan

Zuq al Kabir

Bayanoun

Bachmra

Anadan

Hraytan

Nubl and al-Zahra - 2016 (Syrian Civil War).

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I have put this together quickly. The location is North of Aleppo which is worth looking at to understand the complexity of it all (note Bayanoun as a reference location between both maps). What I mean by that is that there is probably much more going on in that area, ie more troops and more places under rebel control. However, I dont know exactly what the situation is. But, if I put all the other units on then the situation would be more than it was, ie you would bring the other units into play from Aleppo where they are otherwise committed.

The news stories report tht this was a lightning attack on Nubl and al-Zahra, two towns that have been put under siege for 40 months. So, for example, what about Mayer? Was that not occupied? Was it under rebel or Syrian control? I dont know and while I guess more research might help out, im just working on the bare information as it appears almost in the headlines to give a rough visulaisation of the situation. I encourage you, the reader/player to use it to put the pieces of the puzzle together for the bigger picture.

Regarding the units in play. I have left it simple and just guessed that the syrians used the 9th Brigade. again the NDF forces are a guess. The Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bombers are referenced in the Global Research link which states that the Russians had carried out 169 sorties over the previous 3 days, which is quite a lot.

Of course, a significant feature of this assault is that it is again, the Russians carrying out attacks against US/Allied supported Syrian rebel units. This attack has also bought about the suspension of peace talks. The Russian Insider article states: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura suspended the negotiations tacitly acknowledging that the mission had failed. the article went on to say: Developments on the battlefield had convinced the Italian-Swedish diplomat that it was pointless to continue while government forces were effecting a solution through military means.

As guidance, I would recommend that the player aims soley to capture Nubl and al-Zahra and not to follow any retreating units South through Bayanoun etc as tht area is otherwise heavily defended. It would be great to have the larger picture in place or to have hidden units etc. I imagine the Russians are providing satelite and drone imagry of the area and so know where all the other units are. As such, the Syrian player should only capture Nubl and al-Zahra and the Rebel player should be allowed to retreat, unless you get DE results, South towards Aleppo which they still control.