LATEST: Obama Requests $500 Million to Arm “Vetted” Opposition

UPDATE 1625 GMT The Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham claim that they have captured the town of Al Bukamal on the Iraqi border, following the defection of Jabhat al-Nusra’s local commander and the withdrawal of other insurgents:

The Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham, bolstered by its advances across the border in Iraq, pressed insurgents in eastern Syria on Wednesday and won the allegiance of a local commander.

Abu Yusuf al-Masri, who led Jabhat al-Nusra’s forces in Al Bukamal on the Syrian-Iraqi border, switched to ISIS. The Iraqi-led group spread the news on social media, showing al-Masri embracing ISIS commanders such as the Chechen fighter Abu Umar al-Shishani (pictured above).

Despite al-Masri’s defection, Jabhat al-Nusra continued to hold Al Bukamal, but ISIS forces are moving from Iraq towards the town.

Insurgents warned that Al Bukamal is a “red line” and that they will confront any ISIS attack.

Elsewhere in the east, ISIS continued to press insurgents in Deir Ez Zor city, although attacks on the airport were repelled.

Insurgents are caught in the city, Syria’s 7th-largest, between ISIS and regime forces.

Obama Requests $500 Million to Arm “Vetted” Opposition

President Obama asked Congress on Thursday for $500 million to train and arm approved members of the Syrian insurgency.

The program, part of a $65.8 billion overseas operations request, also includes $1 billion to help stabilize countries bordering Syria.

Activists: Regime Encouraging Civilians to Return to Contested Area of Adra

Activists say the Assad regime is encouraging civilians to return to the area of Adra, north of Damascus, even though it is still being contested between regime forces and insurgents:

Thousands of civilians fled Adra as insurgents took the town in late 2013. Many of the displaced were “sheltered” by Syrian authorities in open space at a cement factory.

Insurgents Seize Power Station in Hama Province

Insurgents have captured a power station in Hama Province (see map).

The Syrian air force then attacked the facility.

Mayor in Damascus Province Assassinated

The mayor of Jumraia, Ibrahim Kreiker, in Damascus Province has been killed by gunmen who stormed his office.

Syrian Regime: We Didn’t Carry Out Deadly Airstrike Inside Iraq — Maliki: Yes, You Did

State news agency SANA has rejected reports that Syrian warplanes attacked the border town of al-Qaim inside Iraq on Tuesday, killing at least 57 and injuring 132.

See Syria Daily, June 25: Did Regime Warplanes Strike Inside Iraq?

A “media source” dismissed “several news reports by media outlets who continue to cover up for terrorist groups”.

However, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki echoed the claims of senior US and Iraqi military officials that Damascus was responsible.

Insurgents seized Al Qaim and the nearby border crossing last week.

(Crossposted from Iraq Daily)

Insurgents Near Damascus Give 24-Hour Ultimatum to Islamic State of Iraq

Insurgents in East Ghouta, near Damascus, have given a 24-hour ultimatum to the Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham to disband in the area.

The demand was issued by the Judicial Council and declared by Zahran Alloush, the military commander of the Islamic Front, in a presss conference on Wednesday.