Terrorist attack on Idlib failed, over 1200 terrorists dead

[Bleipriester]

Monsters are monsters, no matter if ISIS or "Rebels".

Syrian Rebels Execute Unarmed Prisoners from the Syrian Army in East Idlib

"On Friday morning, the Islamist rebels from the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” – alongside their allies from Jund Al-Aqsa – executed over 40 prisoners from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and National Defense Forces (NDF) after they captured this isolated Abu Al-Dhuhour Military Airport inside the Idlib Governorate’s eastern countryside last week.

These executions were carried outside of the Abu Al-Dhuhour Military Airport and was followed by the militants from Jabhat Al-Nursa posing with the deceased soldiers.

Jabhat Al-Nusra was given a warning from the Syrian Government to not harm these captured soldiers; however, the terrorist group did not honor their previous statement in which they asserted that they would not execute these soldiers.

The SAA and NDF soldiers at the Abu Al-Dhuhour Military Airport were under siege for more than two years and completely cutoff from any government supply line.

According to a military source that was inside the base, the majority of the embattled soldiers were able to flee the Abu Al-Dhuhour Military Airport before it was overrun by Jabhat Al-Nusra and company.

A total of 63 soldiers have reportedly arrived to a Syrian Army checkpoint in northern Hama after their arduous journey through Jihadist controlled territory inside the Idlib Governorate – over 40 soldiers are still missing."

Syrian Rebels Execute Unarmed Prisoners from the Syrian Army in East Idlib

 

[Bleipriester]

Breaking: Syrian Army Launches Offensive in the Al-Ghaab Plains Under the Cover of Russian Airstrikes

"Moments ago, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and National Defense Forces (NDF) officially started their new offensive inside the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate in order to recapture this rugged territory that was captured by the conglomerate of Al-Qaeda factions “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest) during their summer offensive.

Leading the way with their powerful airstrikes was the Russian Air Force, who has already struck a number of Jaysh Al-Fateh positions inside both the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate and the Al-Zawiyah Mountains of the Idlib Governorate.

The Syrian Armed Forces are firing a barrage of mortar shells and rockets in conjunction with their Russian ally that is currently targeting Jaysh Al-Fateh’s positions in Hama and Idlib with ten fighter jets; this is the first time that the Russian Air Force has coordinated with the Syrian Armed Forces to attack the enemy units.


In the past, the Syrian Armed Forces have been unsuccessful inside the Al-Ghaab Plains, as almost all of their gains were reversed within one week of the launching date of their offensives.

The Syrian Armed Forces’ objective is still not clear; however, the Al-Ghaab Plains are located directly south of the imperative city of Jisr Al-Shughour, which borders the Syrian Government’s provincial stronghold of Latakia.

If the Syrian Armed Forces can recapture Jisr Al-Shughour and the Al-Ghaab Plains, they can effectively build a buffer-zone around the Al-Akrad Mountains of northeast Latakia."

Breaking: Syrian Army Launches Offensive in the Al-Ghaab Plains Under the Cover of Russian Airstrikes

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Captures 40km of Territory in Northern Hama

"On Wednesday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – launched a large-scale offensive in the Hama Governorate’s northern countryside that targeted the Islamist controlled towns of Kafr Zita, Qala’at Al-Madayq, Latmeen, and Al-Lataminah.

The offensive started off successfully for the Syrian Armed Forces, as they recaptured the of Al-Mughayr, Lahaya, and Markabah after intense clashes with Islamist rebels of the Free Syrian Army’s 101st Brigade, Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab (Al-Ghaab Hawks Brigade), Sham Legions, the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, and Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham.

Following their success in the wee hours of the morning, the Syrian Armed Forces advanced closer to the Idlib-Hama border, capturing the hilltops of Tal Sakhar, Tal-Sikeek, and Tal Uthman before imposing control over the town of Al-Haweez near the imperative city of Kafr Zita.

In addition to their success to the south of Kafr Zita, the Syrian Armed Forces were able to secure the Latmeen-Morek axis and the eastern perimeter of Latmeen after an afternoon of intense firefights.

However, following these advances, the Syrian Armed Forces pushed too deep into enemy territory; this became reality when they took over the town of Kafr Naboudah, which was then followed by a counter-attack from the Islamist rebels.


The Islamist rebels took recaptured the territory in Kafr Naboudah and pushed the Syrian Armed Forces back towards the eastern entrance of Latmeen; this prompted many social media activists in support of the Islamist rebels to declare victory.

The firefights subsided by nightfall, but they are expected to start-up again in the morning.

According to a military source in the town of Al-Sqaylabiyah, the Russian Air Force carried out limited attacks on Wednesday in order to test their equipment against the Islamist rebel factions.

The battle for northern Hama was not only violent, but also destructive; this was confirmed by a Syrian Army source, who confirmed that 33 soldiers were killed-in-action, while another 65 were wounded.

Despite claims by pro-Opposition social media activists claiming the death of 1 Russian Marine, a military source confirmed that this information was untrue – no Russian soldiers were killed or wounded because none participated in the ground operation.

The Syrian Armed Forces did not only lose 33 soldiers, but also, 9 tanks/BMPs during this intense battle."

Syrian Army Captures 40km of Territory in Northern Hama

 

[Bleipriester]

Russian Air Force Takes Over the Northern Hama Offensive: Over 30 Islamist Rebels Killed

"On Wednesday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – launched a large-scale offensive that targeted the strategic cities of Al-Lataminah, Latmeen, Kafr Zita, and Qala’at Al-Madeeq in the Hama Governorate’s northern countryside.

The offensive got off to a great start for the Syrian Armed Forces, as they captured the villages of Al-Mughayr, Markabat, and Lahaya, while also capturing the three hilltops of Tal ‘Uthman, Tal Sakhar, and Tal Sikeek after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels of Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab (Al-Ghaab Hawks Brigade), the Free Syrian Army’s 101st Brigade, and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra.”

However, the offensive took a bad turn when the Syrian Arab Army and National Defense Forces pushed too deep into the towns of Kafr Naboudah and ‘Atshan; this resulted in the destruction of hardware and a high death toll for the Syrian Armed Forces.


All-in-all, the Syrian Armed Forces ended up losing 33 soldiers and 10 tanks/BMPs during their attempt to push deeper into the Kafr Zita and Latmeen countryside; this paved the way for a different approach on Thursday, which involved less ground forces and more airstrikes.

This contingency came to fruition on Thursday morning, as the Russian Air Force’s MI-24 Helicopter Gunships carried out numerous strikes on the Islamist rebels in the cities of Kafr Naboudah, Kafr Zita, Latmeen, Al-Lataminah, and ‘Atshan.

According to Islamist rebel social media activists, the Russian Air Force killed over 30 enemy combatants, while destroying 3 armored vehicles.

The Russian Air Force has continued to pound the Islamist rebels with airstrikes on Friday morning; this is likely to continue, as they attempt to weaken the Islamists frontline defenses."

Russian Air Force Takes Over the Northern Hama Offensive: Over 30 Islamist Rebels Killed

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Captures Al-Bahsa and Kafr Ajouz With Help From the Russian Air Force

"On Thursday morning, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and National Defense Forces (NDF) launched a surprise assault inside the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate in order to recapture the territory they lost to the conglomerate of Al-Qaeda factions “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest) during the latter’s large-scale offensive in the months of July and August.

However, unlike their previous failed offensives in the Al-Ghaab Plains, the Syrian Armed Forces were not reliant on the Syrian Arab Air Force (SAAF) for air cover; instead, the SAA and NDF were provided protection from the Russian MI-24 Helicopter Gunships that propelled the aforementioned units past the stiff defenses of Jaysh Al-Fateh inside Al-Bahsa.


Before long, the Syrian Armed Forces found themselves in full control of Al-Bahsa after they entered and secured the southern flank of this town in the western countryside of the Al-Ghaab Plains; this battle resulted in the death of 9 SAA and NDF fighters and the destruction of very little hardware, which was a significant difference than the 33 soldiers killed-in-action (KIA) and the 10 tanks/BMPs destroyed in northern Hama on Wednesday.

In addition to their surprise offensive in the Al-Ghaab Plains, the Syrian Armed Forces launched a powerful assault in northeastern Latakia, capturing 4 out of the 5 hills in Jubb Al-Ahmar and recapturing the town of Kafr Ajouz near the strategic city of Salma."

Syrian Army Captures Al-Bahsa and Kafr Ajouz With Help From the Russian Air Force

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Seizes Strategic Hilltop With the Help of Russian Air Support

"The Syrian Arab Army’s 45th Regiment of the 1st Armored Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF), Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), and Muqawama Souri (Syrian Resistance) – continued their offensive inside the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate and the Prophet Jonah Mountains (Jabal Nabi Younis) of the Latakia Governorate, as they strive to recapture the imperative town of Al-Sirmaniyah.

Earlier this week, the Syrian Armed Forces recaptured 4 of the 5 hills surrounding the strategic hilltop of Jubb Al-Ahmar, while also seizing the town of Al-Bahsa after intense firefights with the Islamist rebels of Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab (Al-Ghaab Hawks Brigade), Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”.


On Friday morning, the Syrian Armed Forces decided to capitalize on their recent gains by storming the last and most important hilltop at Jubb Al-Ahmar, killing over 20 enemy combatants from the Islamist rebel factions and destroying four of their armored vehicles that were mounted with either a 23mm or 14.5mm anti-aircraft machine gun.

Unable to maintain their positions due to the intense airstrikes from the Russian Air Force, the Islamist rebels were forced to withdraw north of Jubb Al-Ahmar in order to evade anymore attacks on their positions in the Prophet Jonah Mountains.

With Jubb Al-Ahmar and Al-Bahsa under their control, the Syrian Armed Forces are poised to make their way back to Al-Sirmaniyah; this is a vital town located just south of Jisr Al-Shughour inside the Idlib Governorate."

Syrian Army Seizes Strategic Hilltop With the Help of Russian Air Support


Russian Airstrikes Make the Difference as the Syrian Army Advances North Towards Idlib

"On Saturday morning, the Russian Air Force woke-up the sleeping Islamist militants from the conglomerate of Al-Qaeda factions “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest) with a series of powerful airstrikes inside the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate’s western countryside, destroying much of the aforementioned Islamist group’s hardware in the town of Fawru, while also weakening their defenses.

Capitalizing on the Russian Airstrikes impact, the Syrian Arab Army’s 45th Regiment of the 1st Armored Division – in coordination with the Imam Al-Baqeer Brigades of the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) – stormed the defenses of Jaysh Al-Fateh’s largest factions – Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” – at the imperative city of Fawru on the border of the Idlib Governorate.


Following a series of intense firefights with Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and Jabhat Al-Nusra, the Syrian Armed Forces were able to take full-control of Fawru, killing over 20 enemy combatants and destroying four of their armored vehicles that were mounted with 23mm anti-aircraft machine guns.

With the towns of Fawru and Al-Bahsa under their control, the Syrian Armed Forces are now at the southern perimeter of Al-Sirmaniyah; this town is located directly south of the strategic city of Jisr Al-Shughour, which was captured during Jaysh Al-Fateh’s summer offensive inside the Idlib Governorate.

In addition to their advance in the Al-Ghaab Plains’ northern countryside, the Syrian Armed Forces advanced into Al-Mansoura from their positions Khirbat Al-Naqoous; if Al-Mansoura is captured, they will likely push east towards the town of Ziyarah."

Russian Airstrikes Make the Difference as the Syrian Army Advances North Towards Idlib


Syrian Army Shocks the Islamist Rebels in Northern Hama: ‘Atshan Captured

"The Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) from Mhardeh – shocked the Islamist rebels of “Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab” (Al-Ghaab Hawks Brigade), the Free Syrian Army’s 101st Brigade, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” with a powerful assault on the imperative town of ‘Atshan in northern Hama, killing over 20 enemy combatants while advancing their positions on Saturday morning.

According to a military source inside the city of Mhardeh, the Syrian Armed Forces broke-through the Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham’s frontline defenses at ‘Atshan after intense firefights with the aforementioned Islamist group inside the town’s southern sector that was almost impregnable during Wednesday’s clashes.


Unfortunately for the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, the FSA’s 101st Brigade, and Jabhat Al-Nusra, the Russian Air Force’s MI-24 Helicopter Gunships (alligators) reemerged to give the Syrian Armed Forces the boost they needed, propelling them to overrun the enemy’s defenses to capture the entire town after a four hour battle.

With the capture of ‘Atshan and the reestablishment of control at the hilltop of Tal Sikeek, the Syrian Armed Forces are in prime position to begin a full-scale assault on the northern Hama salient that has been on the radar for the Syrian Arab Army’s Central Command since 2014."

Syrian Army Shocks the Islamist Rebels in Northern Hama: 'Atshan Captured

 

[Bleipriester]

Breaking: Syrian Army Begins Large-Scale Operation in the Jisr Al-Shughour Countryside

"Moments ago, the Syrian Arab Army’s 45th Regiment of the 1st Armored Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) – began a new operation inside the strategic town of Al-Sirmaniyah after a successful weekend that included the capture of Fawru and Al-Bahsa in the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate.

According to a military source inside the city of Slunfeh (northeast Latakia), the Russian Air Force’s MI-24 Helicopter Gunships (alligators) started the operation with a powerful assault on the defensive positions of Ansar Al-Sham, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, destroying many of their military installations to pave the way for the Syrian Armed Forces to attack.


Following the aerial assault from the Russian Air Force’s choppers, the Syrian Armed Forces fired a flurry of mortar shells into Al-Sirmaniyah from two different sites (Jubb Al-Ahmar and Fawru); this was followed by a ground assault on the Islamist rebels frontline positions at the southern sector of this town in the Idlib Governorate.

Al-Sirmaniyah is strategically located in the Jisr Al-Shughour countryside; it was one of the first towns to fall after the Syrian Army pulled out of Jisr Al-Shughour and the village of Ishtabraq."

Breaking: Syrian Army Begins Large-Scale Operation in the Jisr Al-Shughour Countryside

 

[Bleipriester]

Russian Choppers Raid Jaysh Al-Fateh Positions in Idlib as the Syrian Army Reaches Provincial Border

"In April of 2015, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) withdrew from the provincial capital of the Idlib Governorate, leaving the city to the conglomerate of Al-Qaeda factions “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest); this was only the beginning of the SAA’s woes, as they would withdraw some 60km south towards the Hama Governorate’s western countryside before they finally forestalled their advance.

With the recent participation of the Russian Air Force and their relentless air raids on Jaysh Al-Fateh’s positions inside the Idlib Governorate, the Syrian Arab Army and National Defense Forces (NDF) have experienced a resurgence inside the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate, leading them north towards the Jisr Al-Shughour countryside (Idlib Governorate).


On Sunday morning, the Russian Air Force carried out a number of airstrikes on the defensive positions of Jabhat Al-Nusra (Syrian Al-Qaeda group) inside the cities of Jisr Al-Shughour, Al-Mastoumah, and Ariha; these airstrikes were followed by a Syrian Army ground assault on the imperative town of Al-Sirmaniyah inside the Jisr Al-Shughour District’s southern sector.

Above the advancing SAA soldiers was the Russian Air Force’s Hind Helicopter Gunships that could be seen attacking the Islamist rebels of Jabhat Al-Nusra at the Fawru-Sirmaniyah axis; this paved the way for the Syrian Armed Forces to officially reach the Idlib Governorate’s border via the town of Al-Sirmaniyah.

According to a military source in the city of Slunfeh (northeastern Latakia), the Syrian Armed Forces and Jaysh Al-Fateh are currently engaged in a violent firefight for control of the Fawru-Sirmaniyah axis; if the aforementioned Islamist group loses this battle, the Syrian Armed Forces will have successfully entered the Idlib Governorate."

Russian Choppers Raid Jaysh Al-Fateh Positions in Idlib as the Syrian Army Reaches Provincial Border

 

[Bleipriester]

Russian Air Force Destroys Al-Nusra Installations While the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Hama

"On Sunday morning, the Russian Air Force’s fighter jets and MI-24 Hind Helicopter Gunships conducted a number of airstrikes over the Idlib and Hama Governorates, targeting a number of military installations belonging to the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” and their allies from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) inside the cities of Kafr Zita, Kafr Naboudeh, Al-Lataminah, Latmeen, Al-Tamana’ah, and Khan Sheikhoun.

According to a military source in the city of Mhardeh, the Russian Air Force struck Jabhat Al-Nusra’s main weapons depot inside the north Hama city of Kafr Zita, destroying this military site and a number of others before the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the National Defense Forces (NDF) carried out their ground assault on the Islamist rebel positions.


Following the Russian Air Force’s aerial bombardment, the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Division – in coordination with National Defense Forces of Mhardeh – cleared out the remaining Islamist rebels holed-up inside of ‘Umm Harateen in northern Hama, imposing full control over this town after an intense firefight with Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army’s 101st Brigade.

In addition to their success at ‘Umm Harateen, the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade and the National Defense Forces – under the cover of Russian choppers – attacked the southwestern axis of Kafr Naboudeh, where they were confronted by a large contingent of Islamist rebel combatants.

Firefights are still ongoing between the two opposing parties; however, it has become clear that the Syrian Armed Forces’ offensive in northern is still ongoing, despite claims by the Islamist rebel social media activists about its failure."

Russian Air Force Destroys Al-Nusra Installations While the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Hama

 

[Bleipriester]

Islamist Rebels Reclaim Kafr Naboudeh in Northern Hama

"The Islamist rebels of Faylaq Al-Sham have reclaimed the imperative town of Kafr Naboudeh in the Hama Governorate’s northern countryside after fierce clashes with the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Brigade and the National Defense Forces (NDF).

Earlier in the day, the Syrian Arab Army and National Defense Forces broke-through the Islamist rebel defenses and took control of Kafr Naboudeh; however, a counter-attack was launched by Faylaq Al-Sham and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” to recapture their lost territory and force the Syrian Armed Forces to withdraw.


The Islamist rebel fighters were successful in this endeavor, but following their recapture of Kafr Naboudeh, the Russian Air Force’s MI-24 Hind Helicopter Gunships reentered the battle to strike the Faylaq Al-Sham and Jabhat Al-Nusra combatants inside this northern Hama town.

According to a military source in the city of Mhardeh, the Syrian Armed Forces and Islamist rebels are still battling for control of Kafr Naboudeh’s southern entrance; furthermore, the Russian Air Force is still present at this battle, despite the coming nightfall.

Kafr Naboudeh is an imperative town in northern Hama that sits on the border of the Idlib Governorate; if captured, the Syrian Armed Forces will be one step closer to encircling the Islamist militants inside Kafr Zita."

Islamist Rebels Reclaim Kafr Naboudeh in Northern Hama

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Attempts to Widen Their Control Over the Al-Ghaab Plains

"The Syrian Arab Army’s 45th Regiment of the 1st Armored Division – in coordination with the Imam Al-Baqeer Brigades of the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) – launched a powerful assault on the Islamist rebel defenses inside the Al-Ghaab Plains on Monday morning, striking the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” and their allies from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) at a number of points at the towns of Al-Mansoura and Al-Sirmaniyah.

Following a morning of intense firefights at the Khirbat Al-Naqous-Al-Mansoura axis, the Syrian Armed Forces finally broke-through Jabhat Al-Nusra’s defenses and entered the town of al-Mansoura, killing over 20 enemy combatants, while destroying three armored vehicles that were mounted with a 23mm anti-aircraft machine gun.


Despite claims of its capture on Monday afternoon, the town of Al-Mansoura was not captured by the Syrian Armed Forces; however, the latter has positioned themselves at the town’s western entrance in preparation for another assault the following day, which will surely increase the bloodshed encompassing this rural area of the Hama Governorate’s northwestern countryside.

If the Syrian Armed Forces are able to recapture Al-Mansoura, they will be in position to attack the imperative town of Al-Ziyarah, which is located in the heart of the Al-Ghaab Plains.

Meanwhile, the Russian Air Force’s Hind Helicopters have punished the Islamist rebels with repeated airstrikes, propelling the Syrian Armed Forces to push further north towards the Idlib Governorate’s border with Hama."

Syrian Army Attempts to Widen Their Control Over the Al-Ghaab Plains

 

[Bleipriester]

Islamist Rebels Announce the 2nd Phase of Their Wide-Scale Offensive in Hama

"The conglomerate of Islamist factions inside the Idlib Governorate – “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest- has announced the second phase of their wide-scale offensive in the Hama Governorate after they successfully secured the northern part of the Al-Ghaab Plains in the month of August.

Led by the two largest factions in Jaysh Al-Fateh – Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” – this joint Islamist group will focus their attention on the Hama Governorate’s northern countryside that is mostly under the control of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the National Defense Forces (NDF).


Recently, the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Brigade – in coordination with the National Defense Forces from the predominately Christian city of Mhardeh and Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) – launched a wide-scale offensive to capture the Islamist rebels salient that is has been largely contested for the last 13 months

The Syrian Armed Forces were able to capture a number of sites from the Islamist rebels in northern Hama, including the towns of Sukeek, Al-Mughayr, Mukarabah, and Al-Lahaya; these victories were coalesced with the capture of 2 hilltops at Tal Sukeek and Tal ‘Uthman near the rebel strongholds of Kafr Naboudeh, Kafr Zita, Al-Lataminah, and Latmeen.

If the Islamist rebels are successful in recapturing their lost territory, they will have rough road ahead, as the cities of Mhardeh and Al-Sqaylabiyah are government strongholds that are well-armed and well-protected by the National Defense Forces."

Islamist Rebels Announce the 2nd Phase of Their Wide-Scale Offensive in Hama

 

[Bleipriester]

Islamist Rebels Lose More Ground in the Al-Ghaab Plains: Syrian Army Captures Safsafa

"One day after entering the imperative town of Al-Sirmaniyah inside the western countryside of the Al-Ghaab Plains, the Syrian Arab Army’s 45th Regiment of the 1st Armored Division – in coordination with the Imam Al-Baqeer Brigades of the National Defense Forces (NDF) – have captured the town of Safsafa following a morning of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, and Ansar Al-Sham.

The town of Safsafa is located on the border of the Latakia and Hama Governorate; it is situated just south of the recently captured town of Al-Fawru in the Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate.


With Safsafa, Al-Fawru, and Jubb Al-Ahmar under their control, the Syrian Arab Army and the National Defense Forces are in a prime position to begin an offensive to retake the Jisr Al-Shughour District of western Idlib; however, this will not be a cake walk for the Syrian Armed Forces, as the conglomerate of Al-Qaeda factions “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest) has a powerful grip over this region inside the province.

To counter the Islamist rebels being deeply entrenched inside of the Jisr Al-Shughour District, the Russian Air Force has stepped up to the plate, hitting numerous targets in the aforementioned districts with repeated airstrikes and powerful artillery."

Islamist Rebels Lose More Ground in the Al-Ghaab Plains: Syrian Army Captures Safsafa

 

[Bleipriester]

U.S. Backed Rebel Alliance Reportedly Loses a Member: Jund Al-Aqsa Protests Fight Against ISIS

"The U.S. backed “moderate” rebel groups have reportedly lost a key ally from their anti-government alliance that includes many Al-Qaeda linked factions; this abrupt news comes just two days after the coalition of Islamist rebel militias “Jaysh Al-Fateh” (Army of Conquest) announced its second phase of the large-scale Hama Governorate offensive.

According to the Twitter account of the Al-Aan TV journalist – Jenan Moussa – Jund Al-Aqsa (offshoot of Jabhat Al-Nusra) has pulled out of Jaysh Al-Fateh in protest of the coalition’s recent statements that included their willingness to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS).


While this Islamist group has not released an official statement regarding this rumor; if true, this will be a blow to the Jaysh Al-Fateh alliance in northern Syria, as Jund Al-Aqsa has participated in many battles, including the capture of Idlib City, Jisr Al-Shughour, Ariha, Al-Mastouma, and the Abu Dhuhour Military Airport.

In addition to their participation in the battle for the Idlib Governorate, Jund Al-Aqsa also plays an integral role in the battle for the provincial capital of the Aleppo Governorate; this Jihadist group has been known to carry out many operations with the Free Syrian Army and Jabhat Al-Shamiyah (Levantine Front) inside of Aleppo City.

The Free Syrian Army’s U.S. manufactured anti-tank TOW missiles have been given by the latter to Al-Qaeda linked groups inside the Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo Governorates of northern Syria – among those groups seen with these weapons are Jund Al-Aqsa."

U.S. Backed Rebel Alliance Reportedly Loses a Member: Jund Al-Aqsa Protests Fight Against ISIS

 

[Bleipriester]

Russian Air Force Propels the Syrian Army Deeper into Idlib: Important Hill Captured

"On Thursday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 10th Tank Brigade – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – launched an assault on the imperative hilltop of Tal Tur’i from their positions at the recently captured town of Sukeek inside the Idlib Governorate’s southern countryside, killing scores of enemy combatants, while also destroying a machine gun nest.

Prior to the Syrian Arab Army’s advance to Tal Tur’i, the Russian Air Force’s SU-34 fighter jets and MI-24 Hind Helicopter Gunships paved the way for the pro-government forces to attack this strategic hilltop near the town of Al-Taman’eh after they struck the defensive positions of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” and Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham with repeated airstrikes.


With the help of the Russian airstrikes, the Syrian Armed Forces were able to bypass the Islamist rebel defenses and take full control of this hilltop; this was the last hill to the south of Al-Taman’eh that was under the control of the Islamist rebels.

Following the capture of Tal Tur’i, the Russian Air Force reappeared to strike the Islamist rebels inside the integral town of Al-Taman’eh, where they destroyed a number of armored vehicles belonging to Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army.

The Syrian Armed Forces are steadily advancing in southern Idlib, as they continue to push towards the Islamist rebel strongholds of Khan Sheikhoun and Al-Taman’eh – these two cities were captured during the Islamist rebel offensive in the Spring of 2014."

Russian Air Force Propels the Syrian Army Deeper into Idlib: Important Hill Captured

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Kills 45 ISIS Militants in East Hama While the Russian Air Forces Strikes Again

"On Sunday morning, the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) received a wake-up call via the Russian Air Force inside the town of ‘Aqayrbat in the Hama Governorate’s eastern country, as the latter carried out four powerful airstrikes over the terrorist group’s frontline positions, while the Syrian Armed Forces prepared their morning assault.

Following the Russian Air Force’s aerial bombardment in eastern Hama, the Syrian Arab Army’s 11th Tank Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) from the large metropolitan city of Al-Salimiyah – launched an assault on the terrorist group’s positions at the Al-Hayl Farms, killing an estimated 45 enemy combatants from ISIS, while destroying a dozen armored vehicles.


Among the identified dead ISIS fighters at the Al-Hayl Farms were the following: Hussein Bassam ‘Abdel-Hadi, Issam Fouad Al-Khateeb, Radwan Nasser Saqr, Mohsen Mohammad Al-Ibrahim, Mohammad ‘Abdullah Iskenderun, Khalil Bashir Hashami, Ghassan ‘Umar Al-Zhaghout, Yousef Mohammad Wazhir, and Mohammad Hassan Shiraz.

The Syrian Arab Army and their allies have been relatively successful in the Hama Governorate’s eastern countryside as of late; this has been due to the Russian Air Force’s powerful aerial campaign over the province.

ISIS has relied on the eastern Hama countryside to carry out a number of attacks on the Syrian Armed Forces around central Syria; this includes a number of attacks in northern Homs and the Aleppo Governorate’s southeastern countryside."

Syrian Army Kills 45 ISIS Militants in East Hama While the Russian Air Forces Strikes Again

 

[Bleipriester]

Humanitarian Aid Convoys Arrive in the Damascus and Idleb Countryside

"Military sources in Kafraya and Al-Fou’a in Idleb countryside and Al-Zabadani and Madaya in Damascus Countryside said convoys of U.N. vehicles arrived to these areas carrying humanitarian aid on Sunday.

The sources said 10 lorries carrying aid entered Kafraya and Al-Fou’a, the two towns which were blockaded by the Islamist groups before the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in early September.


According to a SANA reporter in Damascus Countryside, 21 lorries carrying humanitarian aid entered Madaya and two other villages near Al-Zabadani, adding that the operation was supervised by the U.N., the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
SANA"

Humanitarian Aid Convoys Arrive in the Damascus and Idleb Countryside

 

[Bleipriester]

Important Battle Brewing in Northern Hama: Jabhat Al-Nusra Attacks Al-Si’in

"The Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” has set its sights on the Hama Governorate after a short hiatus from the Al-Ghaab Plains front in order to concentrate on the volatile battle against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) for control of Jabal Al-Akrad (Kurdish Mountains) inside the Latakia Governorate’s northeastern countryside.

On Wednesday morning, Jabhat Al-Nusra and their allies from Jund Al-Aqsa launched a powerful assault on the strategic town of Al-Si’in inside the Hama Governorate’s northeastern countryside, resulting in a series of intense firefights between the aforementioned Islamist group and the civilian-led “National Defense Forces” (NDF) throughout the day.

Unable to break-through the frontline defenses of the Syrian Armed Forces, Jabhat Al-Nusra and Jund Al-Aqsa were forced to retreat north in order to evade both the Syrian and Russian Air Forces that were lurking around the Hama-Idlib border.


This is likely the first of many attacks on the town of Al-Si’in for Jabhat Al-Nusra and their allies, as this town has become the focal point of their Hama Governorate offensive, despite assertions from their social media activists that claim the assault has not started.

The town of Al-Si’in is strategically located 30km to the west of the Syrian Government’s only supply route to the Aleppo Governorate: Khanasser Highway.

More importantly, if Al-Si’in is lost to Jabhat Al-Nusra, the aforementioned Islamsit group will have access to the two main roads that lead into both the Hama and Al-Salamiyah Districts."

Important Battle Brewing in Northern Hama: Jabhat Al-Nusra Attacks Al-Si'in

 

[Bleipriester]

Jaysh Al-Fateh’s Long Awaited Northern Hama Offensive Fails to Yield Any Gains: Fighting has Ceased

"The first hours of Jaysh Al-Fateh’s (Army of Conquest) northern Hama offensive has already passed and the battle has already become a blood bath between the two opposing sides, as the aforementioned Islamist group takes a brief break before launching another assault on the Syrian Armed Forces’ defensive positions.

Led by Ajnad Al-Sham, the Jaysh Al-Fateh forces launched several attacks on the Syrian Arab Army’s positions along the Hama-Idlib border, targeting the Syrian Government controlled towns of Sukayk, ‘Abdel-‘Aziz, Al-Hamra, and Qal’at Rahiya on Friday morning.

Despite rumors of their advance at Al-Hamra and their capture of Sukayk, Jaysh Al-Fateh was unable to penetrate the Syrian Arab Army’s positions at the aforementioned towns; instead, they reportedly suffered heavy casualties and the destruction of three armored vehicles mounted with 14.5mm anti-aircraft machine guns.


According to the preliminary numbers from the National Defense Forces (NDF), Jaysh Al-Fateh allegedly lost 30 plus combatants during their offensive’s first wave; these numbers are aggregated from every town the Islamist rebels attacked.

The Syrian Government forces are made up of the Syrian Arab Army’s 66th and 87 Brigades of the 10th Tank Division; along with the National Defense Forces from the cities of Al-Salamiyah, Al-Sqaylabiyah, and Mhardeh.

Jaysh Al-Fateh is led by Ajnad Al-Sham, but also has contingents from the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, and several smaller militias from the Idlib Governorate."

Jaysh Al-Fateh's Long Awaited Northern Hama Offensive Fails to Yield Any Gains: Fighting has Ceased

 

[Bleipriester]

Breaking: Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Markabah in Northern Hama

"Moments ago, the National Defense Forces (NDF) withdrew from the village of Markabah in the northern Hama countryside after intense firefights with Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Conquest) this evening.

The village of Markabah was originally under bombardment by the Islamist rebel fighters from the Free Syrian Army and Ajnad Al-Sham; however, the National Defense Forces (NDF) were able to beat back the assault and maintain full control over the area.

Despite their failures earlier in the day, the Islamist rebel factions that make-up Jaysh Al-Fateh in northern Hama launched another assault on the villages of Lahaya and Markabah in order to weaken the National Defense Forces’ frontline positions; this proved successful, as the pro-government forces were unable to maintain their ground.


Preliminary reports from the village of Lahaya seem to indicate that the National Defense Forces are preparing to withdraw from there as well; however, there has been no official confirmation from the Syrian Armed Forces.

These two villages in northern Hama are strategically located to the west of Souran and Taybat Al-Imam – two cities that were originally contested by the Islamist rebel forces before the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) northern Hama offensive last week.

According to a military source inside the provincial capital of the Hama Governorate, the National Defense Forces and Islamist rebels are exchanging mortar shells in the northern countryside, but there is no fighter jets or helicopter gunships anywhere in the vicinity of these clashes.

*Update (11:47 P.M. Damascus Time): Jaysh Al-Fateh has captured Lahaya*"