Syrian Army makes huge strides in northern Latakia after failed rebel offensive
The Islamist rebels of Jabhat Al-Nusra (Syrian Al-Qaeda group) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) launched two different counter-offensives this week in order to recapture the territory they conceded to the Syrian Armed Forces over the weekend; however, not only were these counter-offensives repelled, but the pro-government forces seized even more territory from the Turkish-backed Islamist.
Earlier today, the Syrian Arab Army’s 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard – in close coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF), the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), Liwaa Suqour Al-Sahra (Desert Hawks Brigade), and Muqawama Souri (Syrian Resistance) – imposed full control over 7 villages in Jabal Al-Turkmen (Turkmen Mountains) after a violent battle with the Islamist rebels of Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army.
ccording to the battlefield correspondent Eyad Al-Hussein, the Syrian Arab Army’s 103rd Brigade and their allies seized Khan Al-Jouz, Baghtos, Ras Al-Ghazal, Katf Kamoa, Khanda Morek, Ghanaymiyah, and ‘Ara; this successful campaign marks the largest advance by the Syrian Armed Forces since the inception of the northern Latakia offensive.
The Syrian Armed Forces have now turned their attention to the strategic villages of Al-Rabi’yah, Kabani, and Kinsibba – these are all considered rebel strongholds near the Turkish border-crossing with the Latakia Governorate.