Exclusive: the Syrians in Guta say that the rebels, supplied by the Saudis, conducted a chemical attack

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Rebels and locals in Guta accuse Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan of providing chemical weapons rebel group linked to al-Qaeda.

Dale Hawlak and Yahiya Ababne



This photo, provided by the Shaam News Network on Thursday, 22 in August 2013, allegedly shows the legend of several bodies on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, during a funeral on Wednesday, 21 in August, 2013, after allegations of chemical weapons attacks. reportedly led to the death of the 355 man. (AP Photo / Shaam News Network)

This article was written by Dale Hawlak, working for Mint Press News (as well as for the Associated Press), in collaboration with Yahiya Ababna.

Guta, Syria. While the military intervention machine led by the United States is gaining momentum after a chemical attack last week, the United States and its allies may have been targeting the wrong culprit.

Conversations with people in Damascus and Guta, a suburb of the Syrian capital, where the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders said that at least 355 people died last week from what they consider to be a neurotoxic substance, apparently, point to the same thing.

The United States, Britain and France, as well as the League of Arab States, accused the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of attacking chemical weapons, which for the most part affected civilians. US warships in the Mediterranean must launch military strikes against Syria as a punishment for this large-scale chemical attack. The United States and others are not interested in examining any evidence to the contrary - US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday that Assad’s fault was "the conclusion ... already obvious to the whole world."

However, from numerous conversations with doctors, residents of Guta, rebel fighters and their families, a different picture emerges. Many believe that some of the rebels received chemical weapons through the head of Saudi intelligence, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, and are responsible for conducting a deadly gas attack.

"My son came to me two weeks ago and asked how I think these are the weapons that he was asked to transport," said Abu Abdel-Moneim, the rebel's father who fought to overthrow Assad, and who lives in Guta.

Abdel-Moneim said that his son and 12 of other rebels were killed near the tunnel that was used to store weapons provided by the Saudi fighter known as Abu Ayisha, who led the fighting battalion. The father described the weapon as having a "tube-like structure", while other types of weapons looked like a "huge gas cylinder".

Guta residents said that the rebels used mosques and private houses to sleep in them, while keeping their weapons in the tunnels.

Abdel-Moneim said his son and others died during a chemical attack. On the same day, the militant group Jabhat al-Nusra, associated with al-Qaeda, announced that it was similarly attacking the civilian population in the center of the Assad regime in Lattakia on the west coast of Syria as alleged retaliation.

“They did not tell us what kind of weapon it was or how to use it,” one female fighter named “K” complained. "We did not know that it was a chemical weapon. We could not imagine that it was a chemical weapon."

“When a Saudi prince Bandar gives such weapons to people, he should give it to those who know how to handle and use it,” she warned. She, like other Syrians, does not want to use her full name for fear of punishment.

A well-known rebel in Guta called "J" agrees with this. “The militants of Jabhat al-Nusra do not cooperate with other rebels, with the exception of local battles. They do not share secret information. They just used ordinary rebels to transport and use these substances,” he said.

“We were very interested in what kind of weapons they were. But, unfortunately, some fighters handled weapons incorrectly and explosions occurred,” said “J”.

Doctors treating the victims of chemical weapons attacks warned reporters to be cautious when asking who is responsible for the deadly attack.

The humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders added that doctors who helped 3600 patients also reported similar symptoms in themselves, including foam from the mouth, breathing problems, convulsions, and vision problems. The organization was unable to verify this information independently.

More than a dozen rebels surveyed reported that their salary comes from the Saudi government.

The role of the Saudis

In a recent article for Business Insider, journalist Jeffrey Ingersol emphasized the role of Saudi Prince Bandar in a two-and-a-half-year civil war in Syria. Many observers believe that Bandar, with his close ties with Washington, is at the center of energetic actions pushing the United States to war against Assad.

Ingersol referred to an article in the British Daily Telegraph about secret Russian-Saudi talks that claimed that Bandar had offered cheap oil to Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for refusing Al-Assad’s support.

"Prince Bandar promised to preserve the Russian naval base in Syria if the Assad regime is overthrown, but he also hinted at the Chechen terrorist attacks during the Winter Olympics in Russia in Sochi, if there is no agreement," wrote Ingersol.

“I can give you guarantees about protecting the Winter Olympics next year. Chechen groups that threaten the safety of games are controlled by us,” Bandar allegedly told Russians.

“Along with Saudi officials, the United States allegedly approved the holding of these talks by the head of Saudi intelligence with Russia, which is not surprising,” wrote Ingersol.

"Bandar was educated in America, both military and university, he was an extremely influential Saudi ambassador to the United States, and the CIA absolutely loves this guy," he added.

According to the British newspaper Independent, it was Prince Bandar’s intelligence service that first brought to the attention of the Western allies the allegations of the use of the sarin poisonous substance by the regime in February.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the CIA realized that Saudi Arabia was “serious” about overthrowing Assad when the Saudi king put Prince Bandar at the head of these efforts.

"They thought that Prince Bandar, a veteran of the diplomatic intrigues of Washington and the Arab world, could do what the CIA failed: planes full of money and weapons and, as one American diplomat put it, wasta is an Arabic word meaning covert strong influence" - wrote the newspaper.

Bandar has been promoting Saudi Arabia’s main foreign policy goal, the Wall Street Journal said, to defeat Assad and his allies Iran and Hezbollah.

To this end, Bandar was processing Washington to support the rebel armament and training program at the proposed military base in Jordan.

The newspaper reports that he met with "alarmed Jordanians on the issue of such a base":

His meetings in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah sometimes lasted eight hours. "The king was joking:" Oh, does Bandar come again? Let's free up two days to meet, "said a person who was aware of these meetings.

Jordan’s financial dependence on Saudi Arabia may have become a great lever of pressure for the Saudis. The operations center in Jordan began operations in the summer of 2012, including the airfield and weapons depots. Saudi AK-47 and ammunition arrived there, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Arab officials.

Although Saudi Arabia officially claims that it supports more moderate rebels, the newspaper said that "funds and weapons are sent to outside radicals just to counteract the influence of competing Islamists supported by Qatar."

Interrogated rebels said that al-Qaida militants fighting in Syria called Prince Bandar al-Habib or "well-wisher."

Peter Oborn in the Daily Telegraph on Thursday warned against Washington’s desire to punish the Assad regime with so-called “limited” attacks, which are not intended to overthrow the Syrian leader, but to reduce his ability to use chemical weapons:

Think about the following: the only beneficiaries of the atrocity were the rebels, who had previously lost the war, and who now persuaded Britain and America to intervene on their side. Although there is no particular doubt that chemical weapons were used, there are doubts as to who applied them.
It is important to remember that Assad was accused earlier of using poison gas against civilians. But in that case, Carla del Ponte, the UN Commissioner for Syria, came to the conclusion that the rebels were probably responsible for this, and not Assad.

Some information in this article could not be verified independently. Mint Press News will continue to provide further information and updates.


Dale Gawlak is a Middle East correspondent for Mint Press News and The Associated Press. Gawlak worked in Amman, Jordan for The Associated Press for two decades. An expert on Middle East affairs, Gawlak currently covers the Levant region of the Middle East for AP, National Public Radio and Mint Press News, reporting on topics such as politics, social issues and economic trends. Dale holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Yahiya Ababne is a Jordanian freelance journalist and is currently working on a master’s degree in journalism. He covers events in Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Libya. His articles have been published in Amman Net, Saraya News, Gerasa News and other publications.
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  1. Turik
    +4
    6 September 2013 06: 59
    Everything is clear to everyone here. Another jackal war is inevitable.

    The only plus from this is that our sailors will have the opportunity to conduct exercises to repel missile attacks with free targets as close as possible to reality. The Americans will not attack our ships - they are not crazy to start the 3rd World War.


    It would be nice to connect the Chinese with the Iranians, but so far they will be uploaded.
    1. +4
      6 September 2013 07: 58
      Maybe it’s worth Putin today at the summit to poke Obama with his nose in front of all journalists and put everything else in front of journalists. Conversations behind closed doors have no force, only open.
      1. avt
        +3
        6 September 2013 08: 06
        Quote: Alexander Romanov
        Maybe it’s worth Putin today at the summit to poke Obama with his nose into it, in front of all journalists and put everything else in front of journalists.

        request And what about Obama? You might think he makes a decision. laughing Barak Huseynovich is only a talking chimpanzee with the right to press a button on the orders of a trainer, he is not even an alcoholic Bush junior, he is at least the hereditary owner of the United States of America, like the Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Mac Kane clans.
        1. +1
          6 September 2013 08: 11
          Quote: avt
          Barack Huseynovich is just a talking chimpanzee

          So shut up the jaws of this monkey, when it begins to speak in the world, it starts to stink.
      2. +4
        6 September 2013 08: 12
        Useless. Obama does not decide anything here, the "shadow cabinet" with enormous financial potential decides for him. Therefore, Obama will not back down.
    2. +1
      6 September 2013 08: 00
      Quote: Turik
      It would be nice to connect the Chinese with the Iranians, but so far they will be uploaded.

      Connect to what? What do we need to die for Syria? Remind me when the Arabs died for us? Why go as far as dibilism? We provide assistance and support but we are not ready to sacrifice Russians for the sake of the Arab showdown - they are exactly 85%, Russia's participation and support is absolutely proportional to the potential benefits of cooperation, first let Iran and Iraq drop their troops, China needs the Middle East more than we need Eventually.
      Russia has been given the role of a mouthpiece in the Syrian issue, and Iran and China are all deliveries to Assad, we are simply distracting because in the west we are simply used to poking fingers and ascribing to us all kinds of viciousness and dirty tricks.
      Russia provides diplomatic support and nothing more, money contracts are not prohibited.
      1. Turik
        +1
        6 September 2013 08: 56
        What does it have to do with it?
        I do not propose to sink ships and shoot down NATO squadrons with missiles with special charge - this would really be considered a declaration of war.

        But we, by all international laws, have the right to shoot down any missiles flying to the side or near our ships, as a clear threat to the life of sailors.
        The Americans cannot answer - an attack on a ship is interpreted as an attack on a piece of territory of a sovereign country.
        A couple of bombers, too, would not hurt to shoot down, of course, with subsequent apologies from our side. And it’s better to bring down the most modern ones.

        Our sailors are obviously in a winning position.
      2. +1
        6 September 2013 09: 36
        Remind me when the Arabs died for us?


        Well, actually now. Is it not clear to anyone that the road to Moscow lies through Damascus? So, maybe, to fight on foreign territory and lose there 15 thousand 200 and 50 thousand heavy three hundredths, like in Afghanistan, than 27 million according to the most optimistic estimates, like on its territory in the Second World War?
  2. Crocodile
    +2
    6 September 2013 07: 01
    Apparently the Saudis and Qataris really need this war - even the states are ready to pay! It is time for the "bulwark of democracy" to publish a price list - firing missiles, bombing, ground operation ... Or maybe Syria will still have time to pay off - for good? am Forward from a mercenary army to a mercenary state! belay The "strongholds of democracy" - ready to participate: Kosovo, Latvia, others like them ... feel
    1. mogus
      +1
      6 September 2013 07: 19
      It would not be bad to include the "suicide" position in the price list of the SGA army. Why, let's throw off the whole world ...
      1. Crocodile
        0
        6 September 2013 08: 30
        The whole world has long thrown themselves off to suicide for a long time - this is the sum of their state debt! Only amers can not decide on the final figure - they raise the bar regularly! crying
    2. eplewke
      0
      6 September 2013 10: 10
      It is high time for the Saudis themselves to carry out a yellow revolution. They have all the prerequisites for this! And then start the bombing, bring democracy! Really can not remove this prince! Slap somewhere from SVD and business.
  3. +3
    6 September 2013 07: 04
    Saudi Arabia will play out for sure, its neighbors will sweep away at the first opportunity, even the USA will not help. In the Arab world this is not forgiven.
    1. +1
      6 September 2013 08: 01
      Quote: Predator-74
      In the Arab world this is not forgiven.

      What are you talking about, the head of Hamas is in a hickey with the Qatari dictator (he is the American six) and this is despite the fact that Israel is an ally of the United States, like Qatar. Money and venality are the creed of modern politics.
    2. Crocodile
      0
      6 September 2013 08: 35
      And then poor Arabs do not know that they are shipping tankers to Israel! feel lol Money has ruled this world for a long time! am The only state that helped for the intention to live under socialism was the USSR. And the West, for any help, has always tried to remove the last pants from those blessed by it! Yes
  4. +7
    6 September 2013 07: 05
    "Prince Bandar has pledged to keep the Russian naval base in Syria if the Assad regime is toppled, but he also hinted at Chechen terrorist attacks during Russia's Sochi Winter Olympics if there is no agreement."

    And this is not even bargaining; more blackmail resembles. For such words alone it is already necessary to punish stinky Saudis.
    1. Turik
      +1
      6 September 2013 07: 09
      One way or another, soon it’s all that the Saudis have scooped up, soon it will flow to them.

      The earth is known to be round ...
    2. 0
      6 September 2013 08: 04
      Quote: Garrin
      And this is not even bargaining; more blackmail resembles. For such words alone it is already necessary to punish stinky Saudis

      What is the difference that he promises, he does not control the process and bluffs corny, this is all the Arabs - lamborghini and show-off and behind his back creditors with a noose, Russia that will deal with every mongrel that provokes chatter on stupidity? Half the world will have to be destroyed.
      Tryndet do not turn the bags, believe, maybe in response to what we’ll do, or maybe we will surrender and you will be happy
  5. 0
    6 September 2013 07: 36
    g% apparently that the Saudis have raked out, will soon flow to them.
    Musin writes that the losses of the Syrian army to the "rebels" are 1: 8, but you can gain a lot of this meat. There would be money.
    1. 0
      6 September 2013 16: 21
      with losses of 1 to eight such meat is not easy to gain. most likely the figure is slightly exaggerated. you can write anything. but the reality is quite another matter. , shows that the war has been going on for 2,5 years.
      experienced gangsters confront the assad, behind which there are dozens of similar conflicts.
  6. serge-68-68
    +2
    6 September 2013 07: 52
    Gruzdev’s wife, in order to help her husband out, will show under any oath that it was you who planted the gun. Or he will tell what Father Barlaam was talking about with Grishka the impostor in a tavern on the Lithuanian border. The landlord can also be interested. Or intimidate. These are not witnesses ... Fox. Here is the one and only witness. For all, as they say, times and peoples. (from)
    1. 0
      6 September 2013 16: 23
      correctly noticed. the only witness is the prince bandar)) but it is impossible to arrest and interrogate. diplomatic immunity
  7. Hel
    +4
    6 September 2013 08: 11
    “I can give you guarantees about protecting the Winter Olympics next year. Chechen groups that threaten the safety of games are controlled by us,” Bandar allegedly told Russians.

    Well, for one already such words you can "preemptively" plant on the most tomatoes.
    1. Crocodile
      +1
      6 September 2013 08: 45
      Send to Chechnya to visit Kadyrov! Let them figure out someone who controls!
  8. 0
    6 September 2013 08: 12
    ... There is nothing secret that would not become apparent ... This is not my wisdom ... this is the wisdom of the whole history of the development of mankind ...
    I decided to turn to PAPA OF ROMAN for him to send OBAMA HOLY SCRIPTURE with his autograph and instruction ... maybe he will see at least a little ... the Nobel Peace Laureate ...
    1. Crocodile
      +2
      6 September 2013 08: 50
      And dad has already turned to Putin! tongue Only in my opinion, let sins be dealt with in Catholicism, otherwise lesbians and anal men will become priests! At such a pace, they will soon turn to God for compensation for the Garden and Gamorra and bring all the inhabitants of these glorious cities to the rank of holy martyrs! am
  9. +2
    6 September 2013 08: 20
    There is a lot of blood on the Saud (under the roof of the United States they do whatever they want) This is who you need to teach "democracy" with cruise missiles ..
  10. Kovrovsky
    0
    6 September 2013 08: 45
    "Bandar was educated in America, both military and university, he was an extremely influential Saudi ambassador to the United States, and the CIA absolutely loves this guy," he added.

    Americans love such geeks!
  11. 0
    6 September 2013 08: 46
    Soon their oil will run out, and nothing will help them. America will not need them. Nobody will even mourn the Saudis ... laughing
  12. 0
    6 September 2013 08: 52
    sheer abomination ..
  13. +2
    6 September 2013 09: 20
    Something Saudis are bastard ... No way, we are sure that their loot will save them from anything. Looks like it's time to restrain.
  14. Gur
    0
    14 September 2013 13: 13
    "Prince Bandar promised to preserve the Russian naval base in Syria if the Assad regime is overthrown, but he also hinted at the Chechen terrorist attacks during the Winter Olympics in Russia in Sochi, if there is no agreement," wrote Ingersol.


    After that, you will need to talk with this handsome am

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