Syrian army initiates counter-offensive in central province of Hama
Date
12/5/2024 7:35:53 AM
(MENAFN) The Syrian army has initiated a counter-offensive in the central province of Hama, successfully pushing back armed factions that had made significant advances in northern Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the army's forces, with air support, launched their counterattack on Sunday, forcing groups like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and their allies to retreat from Mount Zain al-Abidin, which is located near the city of Hama. Despite fierce battles, the army managed to push these factions about 10 kilometers away from the city.
At the same time, the Syrian army continues to target armed factions in the northern countryside of Hama, with airstrikes neutralizing several militants and destroying military equipment, as reported by state-run news agency SANA. The Syrian Radio and Television Corporation further stated that, with the assistance of Russian air support, Syrian forces have killed over 1,600 militants this week.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that recent escalation has led to over 600 fatalities, including 107 civilians. The toll also includes 299 fighters from various armed factions and 199 government forces and their loyalists. On the ground, the regime's forces have received reinforcements, and local gunmen have joined the fight near the city of Hama. The opposition factions had captured several areas, including Sumaqiyat, Kafraa, Maarhour, and Maardis, along with the headquarters of the 25th Division and the 87th Brigade before the counteroffensive began.
Since November 27, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions launched a surprise attack across northwestern Syria, taking control of towns and much of Aleppo. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the offensive, labeling it as a terrorist attack, and reaffirmed its strong support for the Syrian government in Damascus.
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