(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Jeffrey White - The Syrian rebels have significantly improved their combat capabilities, allowing them to reduce the regime's presence throughout the country and capture checkpoints, barriers, and police stations. They have acquired more arms, ammunition, and combat experience while eroding Assad's ability to control the population. Currently, rebel forces control lines of communication in Idlib, Aleppo, and Raqqa and frequently isolate and harass regime airfields. The rebels are now self-sustaining and appear to replace lost personnel with relative ease. They do not need much if any outside armament. Attrition of regime forces is rapid, with an estimated 1,000 men killed and 4,000 wounded per month for the past five to six months. By contrast, the rebels have lost about 850 men per month.
2012-12-26 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive