Syria (and Beyond) LiveBlog: A New Phase in the Conflict

See also Bahrain Interview: Alaa Shehabi on Her Husband's Detention and the Fight for Rights
Monday's Bahrain, Syria (and Beyond) LiveBlog: Playing the Iran Card

---

2115 GMT: Several of EA's sources are reporting that rolling electricity blackouts and oil shortages are getting worse across Syria, but some are saying that Aleppo, because of its high electricity and oil usage, may be hit the hardest. Now Josh Landis shares this story on Syrian Comment, where the full impact of sanctions is rapidly becoming clearer:

A friend writes that his parents cannot find cooking gas in Aleppo. The replacement bottles for the stove are unavailable in the market. Mazoot, or fuel-oil, which is used to heat homes, power taxis and farm equipment is also absent. Aleppo authorities also warn that extended electric cuts are coming due to lack of power. Syria is facing a cold winter. Older people are standing in lines to get small containers of mazoot filled. The Syrian pound has fallen to 54.25 to a dollar.

2112 GMT: Our favorite fight of the day now has subtitles (see update at 1943 GMT).

2105 GMT: This young Bahraini girl was reportedly arrested with her family at a recent march. She speaks to a large crowd (with English subtitles):

2056 GMT: Almost constant gunfire can be heard in this video, reportedly taken today in Ma`arr Shamshah, right outside Ma'arrat an Nouman, a central city in Idlib province that has been the scene of two days of nearly constant fighting between defectors and the Syrian military (MAP):

2044 GMT: The "military industrial complex" alert - UPI posts a particularly interesting piece which starts out by saying that the US is set to deliver 5,000 bunker-busting bombs to the UAE as part of a series of moves designed to "sure up the region." This move is a response to the increased tension, specifically surrounding Iran. However, this certainly isn't the only such move over the last ten yesr:

"Ten years ago, in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. government began a huge injection of cash into the Pentagon budget.

"Over the course of the decade, the U.S. annual defense budget has doubled in cash terms to reach nearly $700 billion in 2010.

"The profits of the U.S. defense industry have quadrupled over that period," the FT reported.

"The country has come to dwarf all other nations in the amount it spends on military equipment.

The insinuation is that as budgets are being cut, the defense department has not been spared, so the middle east (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all received large amounts of weapons shipments in recent months) is bailing out defense contractors. On top of that, increased tensions with Iran are the primary reason for the new deals.

So as tensions mount, it's worth keeping in mind who benefits from them. It's also worth noting that while Russia and China have been criticized for selling weapons to Iran, Syria, and Libya, many governments receiving US arms are also implicated in recent rights abuses, though granted not to the scale of the three we just listed.

2025 GMT: The LCCS is reporting that 11 people were killed today in Syria:

Syria: 11 martyrs today, of whom there is 2 children and 4 prisoners released as dead bodies after they were tortured to death. 5 of the martyrs were in Idlib and 3 martyrs in each of Hama and Homs

Yesterday, Reuters reported that 69 were killed, all of them across the southern end of the country. That's 80 in 2 days, and the weather was cold and rainy today, keeping many at home. These numbers don't seem to include the 19 bodies that the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says were recovered today in Homs, all of whom activists suspect were prisoners who were killed in detention.

As Scott Lucas described when he started the blog, this "new phase" may be the bloodiest one yet.

2011 GMT: Among the prisoners released today from Syrian prison was a major opposition leader, dissident Kamal Labwani. According to his daughter, Labwanai, who was imprisoned in 2005 for talking about human rights with the American White House, had no idea what was happening in his country:

Labwani, 54, was released less than half way through a 15-year jail term on charges that he insulted President Bashar al-Assad and incited a foreign country to invade Syria.

Labwani's daughter Hind told Reuters he was "okay" but not aware of the scale of the uprising against Assad's rule that had swept the country since March while he was in prison.

"He was not allowed to read, watch or listen to any media," she told Reuters by phone from the family's home in the resort town of Zabadani on mountainous border with Lebanon.

1943 GMT: UPDATED! Click "CC" for ENGLISH SUBTITLES!

Back from a meeting to find the best update we've made all day. We'll let Al Jazeera prep this video for us, but we'll note that the Assad supporter fired first:

A debate over the situation in Syria has led to an altercation between two Lebanese politicians live on television.

Lebanese MPs were having a heated discussion about Syria's President Bashar al Assad.

When Mustafa Alloush, who is aligned with the anti-Syrian movement, called Assad a liar, it was too much for Fayez Shukor, a Syria loyalist. The two men insulted each other and threw glasses of water.

The presenter had to step in to stop a chair from being thrown across the set.

1641 GMT: Another report of protests, and arrests, in Damascus:

Damascus: Hundreds started a protest from AbdulKarim Al-Rifai mosque after Isha/evening prayer with women participating in it. Protesters chanted for Homs and freedom and threw leaflets in which they demanded to topple the regime. Authorities cut out electricity and security forces attacked the protests with 10 cars full of thugs

1638 GMT: With cool, damp, overcast conditions today in Syria, protesters still took to the streets. This video was taken in Kafr Houm, Idlib Province (MAP). An activist describes:

"even the elderly brave the cold in Kafromeh Syria to protest today"

1635 GMT: Activists share this video, reportedly showing "Shabiha" burning the homes of activists in Al Habit, Idlib province (MAP):

1631 GMT: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights posts this video, which once again shows the faces of prisoners:

A leaked video shows the torturing of detainees in the neighbourhood of Al-Ramel Al-Janobi, in the city of Latakia, during last month raids.

1623 GMT: Syrian State TV, SANA, reports:

1,180 detainees who are involved in the recent events in Syria and didn't commit murder were released on Tuesday.

553 detainees involved in the events were released on November 5th on occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Several interesting points - the insinuation is that the rest of the prisoners committed murder. The other thing to note --- the report doesn't say how many prisoners are left.

1614 GMT: We've seen several videos like the one below, detainees on a bus being beaten by security officials, police, military, or "shabiha." This one is unique for 2 reasons. First of all, the video was reportedly taken in Al Hajar Al Aswad, on the outskirts of Damascus (MAP). The second unique thing? You can clearly make out the faces of some of the prisoners, and as so many prisoners seem to be showing up dead (according to activists) this video may provide them with a degree of protection, or will perhaps be used in the future if these men are mistreated:

1603 GMT: The LCCS reaches out to The Guardian and clarifies a report we posted earlier:

It has sent through an account it says is by a student of a raid on the International University of Science and Technology in Deraa. The student said there was a huge demonstration, which lasted for two hours but it coincided with a pro-regime rally by Shabiha (armed men loyal to Assad) "who beat us with knives and sticks".

The student said:

"Security forces stormed the campus and opened fire inside to terrorise us. They also destroyed its furniture and dispersed the demonstration after they started beating students and used teargas grenades, they also forced us to lie down and beat us with their feet, stepped on our bodies, and forces us to chant for Bashar. Some fainted from the severe beating, then security units and Shabiha stopped the buses leaving the campus, and Shabiha students pointed at the students who participated in the demonstration to [then] beat, insult, and arrest them. Tens of students were arrested, even the faculty and staff members weren't spared from insults and humiliation. Finally the Arab University neighbouring us supported us when they heard shooting and news about the storming of our campus, so security forces stormed it too.."

1558 GMT: There have once again been massive protests in Yemen. In Sana'a, these protesters chant for the trial of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his aids:

1554 GMT: Seven people have been killed so far today, according to the Local Coordinating Committees of Syria:

Syria: until now seven martyrs (among them two children) falled under the bullets of the regime security forces and army. Three martyrs are from Hama, two from Idlib and two from Homs

1546 GMT: French oil giant Total is reporting that the Syrian government has stopped paying them for their oil. Last week there was a report that Shell is also not being paid. This, in combination with the EU sanctions and the news from Turkey (see below) is yet another major development for the Syrian economy.

1532 GMT: The LCCS describes this video:

Damascus Suburb: Daraya: security forces attacking the funeral of the martyr Osama Alshiekh Yusef

1526 GMT: With the Syrian economy reeling, Turkey has announced two more moves that will have both immediate and long-term impact. Turkey has announced that it may cut the exportation of electricity to Syria, which will likely result in immediate shortages. The energy minister has also announced that Turkey will cancel plans for oil exploration in Syria, a move that will have longer implications.

1519 GMT: This video was reportedly taken today in Taibet al Imam, in Hama province. It shows a military force collecting on the outskirts of town. Yesterday, there were clashes reported here, and to a town just east, Souran (MAP):

1510 GMT: The LCCS has an ominous report, that the Syrian military is installing machine guns in some key suburbs of Damascus:

Damascus Suburbs: Security forces and Shabiha stormed Saqaba, Zamalka, Hammouryeh, and Arbeen while machine guns are being installed in the main square

Looking at the larger implications, we've had more violence in the capital city in recent weeks, and a very large spike in violence in Daraa and Idlib provinces, beyond the usual clashes in Hama and Homs. The machine guns in these suburbs will likely have a chilling effect on peaceful protests, but also indicate that he Syrian government may be scared of defectors gaining strength this close to the capital city.

1506 GMT: According to the description on the video, this shows tear gas at a protest at the International University of Science and Technology in Damascus Daraa. The activist filming this scene clear does not want anyone to know that he is filming.

1502 GMT: The video reportedly shows a gunfight between soldiers and defected soldiers who are trying to protect the Bab Sbaa district of Homs. This may have been taken yesterday, but was uploaded today:

1456 GMT: There are many reports that Homs is under attack once again, and the narrator on this video clearly says today's date, and the location - Baba Amr (Map of Homs):

1450 GMT: Multiple activists are reporting that there are a clashes and heavy gunfire in Ma'arr Shurin and Ma'arrat an Nouman, in Idlib province. This is the second day that heavy fighting is reporting in the region (MAP).

1440 GMT: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights is focused on a different narrative today, the kidnapping and murder of activists. First, they had this report:

‎19 unidentified dead bodies have arrived this morning to ‘National Hospital’ in Homs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights is concerned that these bodies could be for people who were kidnapped by ‘Shabeeha’ (regime’s loyalist armed men) over the last two days.

Now they have this report, which would explain why such a large protest is reported in Kalali (see our last update):

The body of a dead person, from the village of Kelely in the suburbs of Idlib, was given to his parents. He was arrested 15 days ago by security forces.

1435 GMT: The LCCS is reporting that 15,000 protesters have gathered in Kalali, in Idlib province, Syria (MAP). We'll see if we can find video evidence.

1420 GMT: Russia alert - A leading Syrian dissident and head of the Syrian National Council, Burhan Ghalioun, has met with the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Europe.

“The talks were fruitful and beneficial,” Ghalioun said after the meeting, adding however that “the idea of recognizing the National Council was not discussed, but the Russian side has expressed its readiness to continue talks with the council.”

However, while the Russian Foreign Minister was speaking to the opposition, the government of Russia has announced that it will honor all arms contracts with Syria, and they will continue to sell arms to the Syrian regime.

1415 GMT: Reuters is reporting that 69 people were killed in Syria yesterday, all of them in the southern half of the country. Not all of them were civilians, however:

The Syrian Organization for Human Rights said 34 soldiers and members of Syrian security forces were killed in clashes with suspected army deserters who attacked military vehicles in the southern province on Monday.

1409 GMT: 100 Assad loyalists have stormed the Jordanian embassy in Damascus in anger over remarks made yesterday by Jordan's King Abdullah that Syria's President should step down. This is the fourth embassy this week to be attacked by regime supporters in Damascus.

1400 GMT: James Miller takes the wheel...

An ugly and graphic video has surfaced from al-Harrir, Daraa province: The Guardian describes:

Horrific video has emerged claiming to show the bodies of 28 victims of Monday's violence around al-Harrir in Deraa province in southern Syria.

Meanwhile, another high ranking officer, Colonel Aref Muhammad Nour Al-Hamoud, has defected from the Syrian military, encouraging others to do so as well and warning that any who don't defect will regret it, and "regret later will be useless."

1130 GMT: The BBC reports on the London-based TV station, Lualua, which was blocked by the Bahraini authorities within four hours of its launch in July.

0917 GMT: Activists in Bahrain have called for a new campaign, "Victory of Dignity", beginning on Saturday, with the blocking of roads and protests in key locations.

0915 GMT: Anwar Abdulrahman, the editor-in-chief of a Bahraini newspaper, puts the proper frame on the conflict in the kingdom, according to the Gulf Daily News:

No one in Bahrain was surprised at the way Iranian officials had started meddling in Bahrain's affairs, which resulted in the disturbances earlier this year.

"These policies have been with the Iranians since 600BC, even though the regimes and rulers have changed," said Mr Abdulrahman.

0815 GMT: A march in Ibb in Yemen condemns violence and demands the trial of President Saleh:

0555 GMT: It might as well be said --- the Syrian conflict is in a new phase.

Estimates from activists and rights groups of Monday's death toll vary, but it is safe to claim that at least 40 people were slain. Most of those killed were in Daraa Province in the south, but there were almost multiple deaths in Homs, Idlib, and Hama and one fatality in Qamishli in the northeast.

That in itself is not new. However, the toll is not just of civilians shot by security forces. Regime troops are now dying in firefights with defectors and opposition fighters. 

And that location of Daraa should be noted. The area has an argument to be the first location of the uprising in March against the Assad regime, but its resistance had been that of peaceful residents and sympathisers.

Now the battles that had been threatened in the northwest this spring when the military overran towns in pursuit of defectors, and which have arisen in Homs, are in the south. Note this passage from Al Jazeera English:

[Activists] they said that troops killed 20 people including army defectors and civilians in an assault on Khirbet Ghazaleh, a town near the Jordanian border and in the fighting that ensued near the town. They said a similar number of government troops were killed.

Troops attacked the town, located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the border on the main highway between Amman and Damascus, after army defectors attacked a police bus at a highway intersection near the town, activists said.

"Members of the (defectors') brigade fought back when the army attacked and Bedouin from nearby villages also rushed to help Khirbet Ghazaleh," said one of the activists, who gave his name as Abu Hussein.

An anti-regime protest in the Bab Dreib section of Homs last night: