SYRIAN ARMY STARTS OFFENSIVE ACTIONS IN NORTHWESTERN HAMA. AT LEAST 2 VILLAGES REPORTEDLY LIBERATED
[ Editor’s Note: We saw clues to this move with the high number of bombing sorties flown by the SAA and Russia against troop and supply concentrations in Idlib.
Syria does not deploy its troops against defenses that have not been softened up a bit. The video shows artillery and rocket launchers moving up to the front to begin engaging jihadi positions.
Putin had been saying that there was not general engagement planned to take Idlib, as it is filled with civilians that would be caught in the middle, so I think this southern flank move is being done to show that the SAA has not taken on the role of just watching the jihadis sit on Syrian land.
Assad has said over and over that all of Syria will be returned to Damascus’ control. In the northeastern area, it has not only been the jihadis but Erdogan supporting them which has caused the stalemate.
Both Russia and Iran have been quiet about Turkey’s actions, despite the fact that this stand-off has the Constitutional Committee progress blocked for now. Why would Turkey do this, and Russia and Iran be so quiet about it? … Jim W. Dean ]
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– First published … May 06, 2019 –
In the morning of May 6, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies started offensive actions against militants deployed in the northwestern part of Hama province.
According to appearing reports, government forces have already liberated the villages of al-Bana and al-Janabira. Pro-militant sources report that the SAA is attacking Tell Ottman amid heavy bombardment of “opposition” positions in the nearby areas.
On May 3, it was revealed that the SAA had deployed at least 2 TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launchers around the militant-held governorate of Idlib.
On May 4, the Russian military released a statement saying that militant groups led by Hayat Tahir al-Sham are working to create a strike force in southern Idlib. According to the statement, there was a real threat that militants may use this strike force to attack government positions in the nearby area.
The May 6 operation may be a response to this threat.
Jim W. Dean is VT Editor Emeritus. He was an active editor on VT from 2010-2022. He was involved in operations, development, and writing, plus an active schedule of TV and radio interviews. He now writes and posts periodically for VT.
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