The cease-fire talks that began last week in Amman, Jordan continued over the weekend and some progress has been made.
The recent stepped-up attacks by NATO air forces on Syrian ground units and strategic targets have dealt punishing blows. Additionally, numerous Syrian aircraft have been lost on the ground the past two weeks due to relentless airstrikes on Syrian airfields.
While president Assad has not given up his claim to Hatay Province, he may be slowly coming to the realization that sustained offensive operations against overwhelming NATO forces may not be in his best interests. While not committing to full withdrawal of their troops from the Turkish border, Syrian representatives have agreed to the establishment of a temporary cease-fire zone over northern Syria as talks continue.
The cease fire zone stretches from the Turkish border on the West and North, 35*45' N latitude on the South, and the Euphrates Valley/Assad Reservoir on the East. Both parties have agreed to refrain from un-provoked offensive military actions within that area and Syrian aircraft are prohibited from flying within that airspace.
Still, it is unknown what exactly Assad wants to extract from any peace deal. While talks are ongoing, NATO will actively patrol the area with CAP and on-call CAS aircraft to enforce the no-fly zone.
MISSION
VFA-41 will be patrolling the newly-established no-fly/ceasefire zone over northern Syria. The zone is defined by WP2 (SW), WP3 (SE), WP4 (NE), WP5 (NW). Squadron aircraft are free to patrol anywhere within the boundaries of that zone.
Squadron aircraft will launch at 11:00 and be on patrol from 11:30 – 12:30 (local time). At MC discretion, aircraft should either carry a mixed loadout, or identify separate flights capable of prosecuting air, air defense, or ground threats. Specifically:
• Any Syrian aircraft that crosses into the no-fly zone is in violation of the cease-fire agreement and may be engaged.
• Any ground radar/SAM site that locks or attempts to engage NATO forces while in/over the no-fly zone is in violation of the cease-fire and may be engaged
• Any Syrian vehicles within the cease-fire zone that take offensive action against NATO troops or installations may be engaged.
Magic will maintain overwatch and be in communication with friendly air and ground forces. If on-call CAS is required, Magic will either pass target search information via MGRS coordinates or steer an airborne JTAC asset to the target area that can provide target designation for VFA-41 aircraft.
A KC-135 (Texaco) is available if needed near the Ingress/Egress points [WP1,WP6].
THREATS
Syrian aircraft will be conducting their own CAP patrols east and south of the no-fly zone. Expect a mix of Mig-29s, Mig-25s and possibly Mig-23s. Again, only Syrian aircraft that encroach upon the No-fly zone may be engaged, otherwise NATO risks being in violation of the terms of the cease-fire.
The City of Aleppo as well as the Industrial complex of Jirah lie within the zone. Both still have several known operable SAM and AAA sites. The terms of the cease-fire dictate that these must be inactive and not emitting. Should Syrian air-defense installations commence radiating and attempt to lock or engage NATO aircraft, they may be engaged if able and/or squadron aircraft should retreat to a safe distance.
ROE
Weapons restricted- Only Syrian targets in violation of the no-fly zone or cease-fire agreement should be engaged.
MISSION OVERVIEW
DATE: 27 March, 2022
TIME: 11:00
SUNRISE: 06:33
SUNSET: 18:49
TASK: No-fly/ceasefire zone patrol and enforcement
WX: 350@05kt / Scattered 10,000 Few 35,000 / T26 / Q30.02
FLIGHT DURATION: 300 nm (plus loiter)
AVAILABLE SQUADRON ASSETS:
Dealer 1: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 2: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 3: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 4: 4 x F-14b
CARRIER:
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) / BRC 360° / Freq 127.5 [6] / TCN 73X "GWH" / ICLS: 13
SUPPORTING UNITS:
AWACS / E-3D / MAGIC / Freq 266.000 [4]
Mission Tanker / KC-135 / TEXACO / Freq: 251.00 [8]/ TCN 55Y
Mission Tanker / KC-130 / ARCO / Freq: 253.00 [9] / TCN 56Y
Recovery Tanker / S-3B / SHELL / Freq 353.00 [10] / TCN:66Y
DIVERT
Hatay AP [WP8]
Rwy: 4/22
VOR: 112.5
ATC: 250.25
BULLSEYE: Hatay Airport [WP8]
No-Fly and cease fire zone agreed to at Amman peace talks
- No Fly.png (5.68 MiB) Viewed 1562 times
DD-13 Route Overview
- DD-13 Overview.png (1.02 MiB) Viewed 1562 times
DD-13 Patrol Area Detail
- DD-13 Detail.png (5.59 MiB) Viewed 1562 times
DD-13 MDC
- DD-13 MDC.png (66.31 KiB) Viewed 1537 times