Syrian Rebel Gains and Regime Actions

0: Presidential Palace

The seat of Assad's government. Rebels in Mezzeh have attempt to attack the palace with mortars, landing short. 

1: Ma'arat al-Numan

Captured by FSA on October 10. Crucial town linking Damascus and Aleppo on M5 highway. Blocks direct supply by regime to besieged troops in Aleppo.Reports that rebels may abandon town which is under devastating regime airstrikes. 

2: al-Atarib, Aleppo Governorate

Major victory. Capture of Base 46. 300 regime soldiers killed. 15 tanks captured, artillery, 120mm mortars and most importantly anti-air SA-7 missiles. One of last major bases in north, crucial supply route. Look for domino effect as rebels gain better equipment from these victories.

3: Ras al-Ain

Starting on November 22, clashes have between FSA (including al-Qaeda linked Jabhat al-Nusra) and Kurdish forces in this mixed Arab-Kurdish town on the border with Turkey. Town taken in the beginning of November and has come under repeated regime airstrikes. November 26 saw a ceasefire come into effected between rebels and the Kurdish PYD. 

4: Al Hajar al Aswad

Operation area of the Jundallah Brigade of the FSA. Following video shows the kidnapping of pro-regime Palestinian commander. Highlights maneuverability of rebels in this suburb of Damascus.

5: At Tadamon

Damascus neighborhood which has seen heavy clashes for a week between rebels and government forces. Bombarded by regime airplanes on November 23. Following shows the At Tadamon skyline.

6: Al Ghouta Area

France 24 reports that government forces, backed by helicopters and airplanes initiated assault on November 21, to retake suburbs of Damascus including in the al Ghouta Area. Following video shows creation of a FSA faction, "United Military Command" in the area, late September.

7: Shaar District

8: al Mayadin

Rebels captured a regime base in the oil rich province of Deir al Zour on November 22. It was considered the last major stronghold of Assad's forces in the province. The victory helps to secure smuggling routes from Iraq.

9: Darayya District, Damascus

This suburb has been witness to heavy fighting, seems regime is trying to cut the area off from neighboring districts for an assault. FSA is fighting back against Assad's forces. November 23, a regime tank destroyed by rebel forces. Regime air craft dropping cluster bombs:

10: Kafar Sousah

District of Damascus, regime has made advancements in the area in an attempt to isolate neighboring Darayya neighborhood to the south-west. Reports that FSA is also knocking out tanks here.

11: Yarmouk, Refugee Camp

Members of the FSA Liwa al-Asifah Brigades accused of attempted car bomb assassination ofKhalid Atteiq, a leader of the pro-Assad Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. The Palestinian leader was targeted at a refugee camp on November 21. Attack killed four people.

12: Bdama, Idlib Governorate

Rebels took the strategic town of Bdama, a crucial area which links Latakia (largely Alawite) and Idlib Governorates. Sits along the M4 highway which connects Aleppo to the coast, blocking supply routes to Syria's second biggest city on October 6. 

13: Saraqeb, Idlib Governorate

Early November rebels overran remaining government checkpoints in this area, in addition to the Taftanaz air base near by. Both were are critical links for the regime between Idlib and Aleppo, along both the M4 and M5 highways. Following video shows the destruction. 

14: Aleppo International Airport

The rebels, using anti-aircraft weapons, have stopped regime air forces from using the airport to resupply troops in city and surrounding bases. Tawhid Brigade has said that it will take control of it "soon". Currently surrounded on three sides. Video from late October, shows rebel pressure on the international airport which now acts as a military air base.

15: Kindi University Hospital

Just outside the center of Aleppo, atop a strategic overlook of the city. Regime forces previously used it to close of major roads north to Turkey. Now under rebel control. Largest hospital in city, great medical advantage. Had come under attack by jets after initial capture. 

16: Tell Abaid, Ar-Raqqah Governorate

Free Syrian Army stronghold, smuggling route from Turkey. In addition the presence of rebel fighters in this town gives them the ability to launch attacks on the provincial capital of Ar Raqqah.

17: Ar Raqqah, Ar Raqqah Governorate

Rebels infiltrating into Ar Raqqah Governorate are threatening the highway between provincial capital and Aleppo, crucial supply route for regime troops. Video evidence and casualty counts confirm that the city is becoming an active battlefield, could cut off an additional route to Aleppo. City hosts a helicopter base.

18: Khan Shaykhun, Hama Governorate

Some of the heaviest fighting in Syria. Regime armored columns are attempting to retake routes from Damascus and Latakia to Aleppo. First major contact in this push has been Khan Shaykhun, captured by rebels in October. Captured regime tank on November 23 in video. 

19: Deir al Zawr,Deir al Zawr Governorate

November 28, Heavy shelling emanating out of the military airport towards eastern part of city, could mark al-Qaeda linked Jabhat al-Nusra's entry into the provincial capital.

20: Harasta Suburb, Damascus

Reports of heavy shelling of this suburb by Assad's forces on November 24. The Air Force Intelligence, which leads the crackdown against rebels and peaceful protesters, had their building here destroyed a year ago. Below rebels fire at regime positions.

21: Al Zabadani, Rif-Dimashq Governorate

Members of the Free Syrian Army, mostly local fighters, and regime have split the town, after Assad's forces regained control of much of it in February. Constant shelling of rebel areas.

22: Majr al Sultan Helicopter Base

Reports on November 24 had Liwa al-Islam capturing a major helicopter base east of Damascus before withdrawing to avoid regime airstrikes. Major victory 15 kilometers outside of capital. Shows weakening of Assad's ability to defend his seat of power. Assaulted base with tanks and captured two.

23: Air Force Intelligence HQ

24: Atimah, Aleppo Governorate

The base of Mustafa al-Sheikh, the most senior army official to defect and join the rebels was attacked on November 26 by regime aircraft. Although the bombs missed their targets, this attack is significant given its proximity to the border with Turkey, which will deploy NATO provided Patriot missiles on the border in coming days. 

25: Tishrin Dam

Rebels overran the heavily defended dam on November 26 and looted its weapon caches. Latest area of battle in the rebels push to take the Euphrates river an now on Ar Raqqah from the North-West and South-East. With many border crossings to Turkey and Iraq now in opposition hands this rebel advance is likely to continue leading to the capture of Ar Raqqah.

26: Ar Rastan

A bastion for rebel fighters, given its mountainous geography and proximity to the Lebanese border. The FSA has controlled the town since May and has successfully repelled many government attacks,utilizing impressive guerrilla tactics. This has not stopped the Assad regime from shelling the town though. November 26 artillery attack on Rastan.

27: Palestinian Training Camp, Rihan district

Rebel fighters have captured a Palestinian group's training camp. The PFLP-GC is aligned with the Assad regime and has provided fighters to quash demonstrations within the capital. As a result, rebel forces in the surrounding Damascus area have target the group and their leaders. 

28: Irbin Suburb

The Al Farouk Brigade moved into Irbin on November 19 and has engaged regime troops there. 

29: Airbase

The Jundallah Brigade captured a regime air base, including anti-air weaponry on November 19. Information courtesy EA Worldview.

30: Mezzeh District

This district has seen intense daily fighting, first reported on November 16. Part of regime operation to corner rebels in Darayya. Rebels have attempted to shell the Presidential Palace from this location on November 7. 

31: Ministry of Information

32: Presidential Palace

Mortar attack missed the Presidential Palace on November 23. 

33: Al Bukamal, Deir ez-Zor Governorate

The Town of Al Bukamal fell to rebel forces on November 15 who have proceeded up the Euphrates river. 

34: Hamdan Military Airport

Fell to rebel forces on November 16, after the town of Al Bukamal.

35: Sheikh Suleiman Base

Taken over by rebel fighters on November 23. 

36: Bab al Hawa

37: Aleppo

With the taking of Tishrin Dam, the only supply route available for regime forces in Aleppo is the Damascus-Aleppo highway. If that is cut off the city may fall in mere weeks. 

38: Ruken al Din

November 26 reports that rebels have destroyed a checkpoint in this neighborhood of Damascus with explosives after heavy clashes. 

39: Tafas Village

November 27 Al-Arabiya reports that Assad's tanks enter Tafas village, routing rebel fighters there. Update: November 28, rebels still maintain presence, as per video 

40: Set Zaynab

November 27 violent clashes between various rebel factions and regime. 

41: Al Qusayr

November 27, regime helicopters and artillery attack the town of Al Qusayr. Assad's forces have tried to retake it for days. Strategically placed near the border with Lebanon. 

42: Sheikh Suleiman Airbase

November 27 regime forces bombarded the airbase, which was captured on November 23 by a contingent of Jabhat al-Nusra. In this video you can see that the base's stockpile of SA 7 anti-air missiles are quite useful in taking town Assad's helicopters, one of which crashed here. 

43: Muzayrib, Deraa Governorate

November 27 FSA captures three officers from Assad's forces.

44: Jabhat al Nusrah and Kataib al Mujahedeen on the move towards Dawyr al-Zawr

November 23, the al-Qaeda linked group and its ally on the move up the Euphrates towards the provincial capital with tanks and weapons captured from base in al Mayadin. 

45: Jaramana

46: Old City, Homs

The Old City, in the center of Homs was bombed by regime airplanes on November 28 for the first time by the regime. Points to possible rebel gains in the middle of the city.

47: Base of 666 Regiment

November 27, rebels capture the headquarters of the 666 Regiment, the Saideh Zainab air defense base. 

48: Damascus International Airport

November 29, heavy clashes on Damascus Airport Motorway. The road was closed and flights stopped to and from Damascus. 7:10 pm local time: Reported that major regime assault on the road is beginning. In addition, two Austrian peacekeepers from UNDOF injured on their way to airport when convoy came under attack.

49: Dar Ta'izzah

November 28, rebels shot down Sukoi SU-24, purportedly with the more advanced SA-16 MANPAD, a much better version than the SA-7 used to down a helicopter just kilometers South-East near the Sheikh Suleiman Airbase. Downed Jet: Rebel claiming he downed it with SA-16:

50: Air Force Attack on Tishrin Dam

November 27, Assad's air force attacks rebel-held Tishrin Dam. 

51: Jobar District

November 27, reports of heavy shelling and air sorties over Jobar by regime forces. 

52: Idlib, Olive Oil Factory

November 27, regime planes bombed an olive oil factory in the city of Idlib, killing at least 20 people. Aftermath:

53: Moadamyeh

November 28, Regime shelling and air craft sorties on al Moadamyeh neighborhood.

54: Air Defense Base, Asan

November 28, rebels capture air defense base near Asan. Interesting trend, rebels taking control of facilities which can be used against Assad's air force. Strategy used around Aleppo and Damascus. Assault: Turning AA Guns on Regime:

55: Qabon

November 27, heavy clashes resulted in huge explosions after a regime weapons cache was hit. 

56: Air Base Captured by Rebel

November 27, Rebels capture Mantar airbase.

57: Airplane shot down near Binnsh

November 29, sources confirm that rebels have shot down a regime airplane over Binnish, Idlib Province. Given proximity to sacked Sheikh Suleiman airbase, it may have been caused by a SAM MANPAD.

58: Shebaa

November 29 at 7:10 pm local time, fierce clashes have caused the airport road to be closed and for Damascus International to cancel all flights. Reported that regime is mounting large assault to re-open the road.

59: Shebaa

Novemer 29, 7:49 pm local time, state media SANA declares that airport road has been secured after military intervention.

60: Airbase near Shamer

November 28, Ahrar al-Sham capture air base, S-75 Divna AA missile fired in unknown circumstance, takes down L-39 Jet. May be regime soldiers mistake. Video shows operation from planning stage to capture of the base.