Northwestern Syria offensive (October–November 2015) | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Syrian Civil War | |||||||||
The military situation in Hama Governorate Wider strategic view, including the Aleppo offensive. Syrian Army control
Syrian Opposition control
SDF control
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant control
Ongoing confrontation or unclear situation | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Belligerents | |||||||||
Syrian Arab Republic Iran Russia Allied groups: SSNP[19] Syrian Resistance[20] Hezbollah[21] |
Jund al-Aqsa Supported by: Turkey Saudi Arabia Qatar | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Maj. Gen. Qassem Suleimani[35] (chief of staff Russian Air Force) |
As'ad Al-Aryan † (Ahrar al-Sham Emir)[44] Bassam al-Qabalan †[45](Ahrar al-Sham Mufti) Hassan al-Mrei † (Ahrar al-Sham field commander)[46] Assad al Eriyan †[47](Ahrar al-Sham field commander) Abu Bakr Hazano †(Al-nursa field commander)[48] Emir Abu Al-Qa'qa †(Jund al-Aqsa commander)[44] Adnan al-Khaled †(Jund al-Aqsa commander)[49] Ahmad Khaled Abd al-Jalil † (Jund al-Aqsa commander)[50] Abu al-Bara'a al-Demaqi † (Jund al-Aqsa commander)[51] Brig. General Rashid Bakdash[52][53] † (FSA officer) Maj. Mohamed Mansour[54] (Jaysh al-Nasr leader) Col. Fares al-Bayous[55] (Fursan al-Haq leader) Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Seoud[56] (13th Division leader) Al Shiekh Muhammed Shabeeb †(FSA Field Commander)[48] | ||||||||
Units involved | |||||||||
Russian Air Force[63] |
Ahrar ash-Sham[58] | ||||||||
Strength | |||||||||
7,000+[65] | Unknown | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
119+ killed[66] 11 tanks destroyed 2 tanks damaged 2 tanks captured 1 APC destroyed 1 APC captured 2 vehicles captured 1 helicopter destroyed[67] 1 MiG-21 destroyed[68] 57 armoured vehicles destroyed (Rebel claim) | 81+ killed[69] | ||||||||
12+ civilians killed[70][71] |
On the 7 October 2015, shortly after the start of the Russian air campaign in Syria, the Syrian government forces and its allies launched a ground offensive against anti-government positions in northwestern Syria, initially in northern Hama Governorate. The primary objective is to seal off the northern Hama border with Idlib and "build a buffer-zone around the city of Khan Sheikhoun".[59] It has been described as the first major Syrian-Russian coordinated attack since the start of the Syrian Civil War.[21] The offensive was extended in the subsequent days to the al-Ghab plains, between northwest Hama and southwest Idlib, as well as to the edge of the Latakia governorate.
Background
Before the start of the government offensive, Russia moved substantial numbers of advisors and artillery pieces into Hama Governorate. Troops belonging to the 74th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade and 291st Artillery Brigade were deployed to support the Syrian ground forces. In preparation of the offensive, Russian TOS-1 multiple rocket launchers bombarded rebel positions.[60]
The campaign
Syrian Government offensive
On the 7 October, the Syrian Army backed by the National Defence Forces and Russian airstrikes launched the offensive against the rebel-held villages of Kafr Nabouda, Qala'at Al-Madayq, Lahaya, Al-Mughayr, Latmin, Al-Lataminah, Kafr Zita and Markabah.[59] According to the SOHR, eight vehicles and tanks of the Army were destroyed by the rebels in the initial phase of the offensive,[72] while it also stated that rebel bases and vehicles were bombed at the same time.[21]
Later that day, the Army advanced in Latmin, while the rebels reportedly destroyed three more tanks on the shifting frontline. Meanwhile, rebels launched a counter-attack on Murak[73] and reportedly captured a hill.[74]
The Russian Air Force conducted at least 40 airstrikes that day.[72] Conversely, pro-government sources listed the destruction of 10 tanks and BMPs.[75] The Army captured Al-Mughayr, Markabah, Tal Sakhar and Tal Uthman that day, while it was also claimed that the village of Al-Haweez and the town of Kafr Nabouda were temporally held before a strong rebel counter-attack allegedly pushed them back to Latmin.[76][77]
The next day, rebels downed a Syrian or Russian helicopter near Kafr Nabouda,[67] with a possible second one nearby.[78] The SOHR reported that the rebels regained some ground in the area of Kafr Nabouda and destroyed an APC in the progress.[79]
On the 9 October, the military captured most of the hilly Jubb al-Ahmar region.[3] The SOHR also reported that the Army was still trying to capture Atshan (previously reported as captured), while the rebels destroyed and damaged six tanks that day.[80][81]
On the 10 October, the Syrian Army captured the strategically important villages of Atshan and Om Hartein and the Sukayk hill, while also making attempts to push onwards to capture Khan Shaykhun in southern Idlib province. A number of government tanks and APC's were targeted during the clashes.[82][83][84][85] Hezbollah senior leader Hassan Hussein al-Haj and a rebel commander were killed that day during the takeover of Tal Sukayk.[42][84]
On the 11 October, Hezbollah backed by the Army captured al-Bahsa in the al-Ghab plains, while rebels destroyed a tank.[1] In addition, the Army also advanced from Morek and Atshan.[86]
On the morning of the 12 October, the Army captured the southern part of Kafr Nabuda, which coincided with 30 Russian airstrikes and hundreds of shells and rockets fired by government forces.[87] Soon after, the military secured the town and also seized the village of Mansoura, in the al-Ghab plain,[13] and Sukayk, just inside Idlib province. However, a subsequent rebel counter-attack later in the day recaptured Kafr Nabuda.[12] This came after jihadist rebel reinforcements arrived.[88] At least 25 pro-government fighters, including 7 Hezbollah militiamen, had been killed since the assault on Kafr Nabuda started. Another 20 Hezbollah fighters had also been wounded.[89][90]
On the 13 October, government forces captured Lahaya, while clashes continued in the outskirts of Kafr Nabuda.[91] That day, two Iranian colonels were killed on the Hama frontline. Beside the reinforcements, the rebels were deploying an "extensive amount" of BGM-71 TOW's along the frontline and announced a counter-offensive to "retake Hama". It was also reported that Hezbollah had concentrated all its fighters in the northwest of Syria for the offensive.[56]
On the 14 October, government forces captured the villages of Fawru and Sirmaniyah in the al-Ghab plain.[92] By this point, in the opinion of the ISW, the Syrian government achieved limited success in the offensive's first week, capturing 6 villages while suffering heavy casualties.[35]
On the 15 October, government forces captured the village of al-Safsafah in the Ghab plains.[2][93] In response to the Russian-backed offensive by the Syrian Army, the jihadist Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria sent fighters to the Ghab Plain to support rebels in fighting against the Syrian Army, Iranian, and Hezbollah forces.[94] Photos of Uyghur fighters from Turkistan Islamic Party were released with captions in Arabic that said "standing up strongly to the Nusayri army and the Russians."[95] Jab al-Ahmar and Ghamaam in Latakia's countryside where Turkistan Islamic Party fighters were transferred from Idlib in response to the Russian intervention.[96][97]
On the 19 October, the military restarted operations, after the offensive was paused for the weekend.[98] Government fighters temporally captured parts of the Mansoura grain silos before a rebel counter-attack reversed their gains. A rebel brigade commander was killed at the silos.[99] By the next day, 16 government fighters were killed.[100]
Rebel counter-offensive
On the 23 October, rebels captured al-Dil and also launched attacks on Sukayk hill and village.[7] That day, rebels continued to advance,[101] while Russian airplanes bombed a rebel headquarters.[102] Also a rebel spokesman claimed that the losses of the SAA reached 57 armored vehicles during the course of the Hama (northwestern) offensive.[103] At the end of the day, rebels recaptured the villages of Maarkaba and Lahaya.[15] The clashes led to the death of at least 12 rebels and 14 government fighters[104] and the capture of two army vehicles.[105]
On the 24 October, Russian airplanes bombed a field hospital near al-Latamneh, killing a number of rebels and wounding medical personnel. Meanwhile, rebels were preparing to attack the Mork area.[105]
On the 25 October, three Hama-based Free Syrian Army linked groups merged into the Jaysh al-Nasr.[54] Meanwhile, a Syrian colonel and three soldiers were killed in the Dorin-Isterbah area,[106] while the experienced BGM-71 TOW operator Abu Omar "TOW" was killed in Hama.[107] A sandstorm forcibly halted all military operations at the end of day.[108]
On the 26 October government forces, supported by heavy Russian airstrikes, reportedly recaptured Mansura in the Al-Ghab plain.[109] A Jaysh al-Islam field commander was killed that day.[64]
On the 27 October, rebels destroyed at least two tanks and one APC in the northern countryside of Hama,[110] while at least 10 rebels were killed.[111]
On the 28 October, fighting around Morek damaged two Army tanks,[112] while another vehicle was also targeted.[113] That day, rebels recaptured the village of Sukayk[16] while government forces retreated from an area north of Morek. Two officers and a rebel leader were killed in the clashes.[114] According to analysis by al-Masdar News, if the rebels can capture Morek, they will be in a good position to attack the two towns of Souran and Taybat Al-Imam which would allow them to begin their large-scale attack on the city of Hama.[115] At the end of the day, government forces regained positions against ISIL at the Salamiya–Ithiriya highway.[116]
On the 31 October, 20 rebel factions attacked Morek.[117] 7 Hezbollah fighters were killed in a case of friendly fire by the Russian air force amidst a series of bombing operations against the rebels, according to a Lebanese news source.[118]
On the 3 November, rebels captured Tall-Uthman hill, al-Janabra hill, Hamidid gas station and a position west of Morek. Rebels damaged two tanks with BGM-71 TOW, destroyed other vehicles and also seized two tanks and an APC. Five rebels, including a commander and a leader, were killed that day.[8][17][119] At the end of the day, government forces bombed and shelled Khan Sheikhoun, killing four civilians.[71]
On the 4 November, rebels downed a Syrian MiG-21 above Tall-Uthman hill. The pilot was killed due to a failing parachute.[68] In the evening, around 10pm, the Syrian army was forced to abandon the strategic town of Morek after a massive rebel assault. Government forces recaptured al-Bani and reportedly also Tall-Uthman hill.[4][9]
On the 5 November, rebels fully secured the town of Morek after repelling a number of Army counter-attacks. A rebel leader and a number of other rebels, as well as dozens of soldiers were killed and wounded around Morek.[4][120] Analysis by a source close to the government (Al-Masdar) has attributed the quick collapse of SAA in Murak to the ISIL attack on the government's only supply route to the Aleppo Governorate. This loss caused an imminent emergency in Aleppo that subsequently forced the Military High Command to initiate a massive redeployment, which resulted in the thinning of the northeastern Hama line of defense. After this, the SAA line of defense stabilized north of Ma'an and Souran.[121] At the end of the day, rebels advanced inside the village of Atshan and killed a number of soldiers and officers (including a brigadier general),[38] and recaptured Tell Sukayk hill.[18] 16 Hezbollah fighters were killed in a second friendly-fire incident after Russian Air Force bombed their position in Idlib province,[122] while 5 rebels (mostly field commanders) were killed in Hama.[123]
On the 6 November, rebels recaptured Atshan, Umm Hartein, al-Hilal poultry farms, al-Naddaf poultry farms, al-Easawi checkpoints and al-Tawil hill. At least 16 soldiers and officers, as well as several rebels were killed in the clashes.[10] The rebels continued their advance and further captured the villages of Qubaybat Abu al Huda, Tell Swan hill and Mantana in the Hama countryside while the Alawite village of Maan was besieged from the north and east.[11] Later, Syrian troops in coordination with their allies reportedly captured the villages of Al-Kareem, Ramleh, Qabr Fidah and Al-Ashrafiyah after they reportedly secured Safsafa in the Al-Ghaab Plains.[124]
On the 9 November, rebels captured Al-Mughayr village and the Al-'Abboud Checkpoint south of Morek.[125] Eight rebels (including a military leader) were killed that day.[126]
On the 10 November, NDF in coordination with the SSNP counter-attacked against the rebels and allegedly recaptured the village of Al-Mughayr, the hill Tal Al-Sakhr and Grain Silos directly south of rebel-held town of Kafr Naboudeh.[5]
Aftermath – Subsequent offensives
In mid-October 2015, concurrently with the offensive in Hama and Idlib, government forces launched a large-scale offensive in the northern Latakia countryside.[127] By late November, they had seized 200 square kilometers of territory.[128] The objective of the operation was to take control of rebel-held territory in the Latakia Governorate bordering Turkey.[129]
Meanwhile, the rebels themselves launched an offensive in the northern part of Hama at the end of November, with the aim of capturing a string of villages along the highway to Damascus.[130] After initially taking control of several villages and checkpoints,[131] an Army counterattack[132] recaptured all areas lost.[133] In addition, government forces also captured Tell Huwayr hill, overlooking the town of Morek.[134][135]
By mid-March 2016, the military captured over 750 square kilometers of territory in northeastern Latakia, which represented 64% of rebel territory in the province.[136]
In mid-April, the rebels, led by Jund al-Aqsa and the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria, started a new offensive to retake areas they had previously lost in the al-Ghab Plain, exploding a car bomb at a grain silos near the village of Mansura.[137] Concurrently, an assault was launched in Latakia province where the rebels captured half of the Qalat Mountains and the village of al-Bayda.[138][139] A subsequent Army counter-attack reversed all rebel gains in Latakia.[140][141] One week later, the rebels once again launched an offensive in both the al-Ghab Plain and the Latakia mountains. In Latakia, they advanced in the area of three villages before being pushed back. In the al-Ghab Plain, they captured the village of Khirbat Al-Naqous and contested the village of Haqoura, before being repelled from Haqoura.[142][143][144]
On the 29 August 2016, Jund al-Aqsa suicide bombers and the FSA, led by the Army of Glory, stormed and captured the town of Halfaya in northern Hama. The rebels also took 3 more villages in the vicinity. The Syrian Air Force responded by bombing rebel outposts in the area, which killed more than 20 rebels, according to SOHR.[145]
See also
References
- 1 2 jack (11 October 2015). "Aerial bombardment on Hama countryside and advances for Hezbollah". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- 1 2 Master (15 October 2015). "The regime forces advance against in the northern countryside of Hama and seize new village". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- 1 2 "Syria army in 'vast offensive' backed by Russian strikes". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- 1 2 3 Master (5 November 2015). "Jund al- Aqsa and the other factions seize the whole town of Morek, while the regime warplanes intensively strike several toens and villages Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- 1 2 3 Leith Fadel (11 November 2015). "Islamist Rebel Offensive in Northern Hama Stalls as the Syrian Armed Forces Recover Several Points". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 14 December 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ↑ Raids target Deir Ezzor city and the northern countryside of Hama and the death of an Islamic brigade commander in a raid on Kafr Zita
- 1 2 Master (23 October 2015). "The clashes continue in the countryside of Idlib and Hama, and the Russian warplanes attack the eastern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- 1 2 Master (4 November 2015). "The rebel and Islamist factions take control over hills and areas in the northern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- 1 2 Leith Fadel (4 November 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures the Strategic Town of Morek While the Syrian Army Captures Tal Uthman and Al-Bani". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- 1 2 3 Master (6 November 2015). "At least 16 victims on the regime forces' ranks killed in the clashes of retaking the village of Atshan, other villages and farms". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- 1 2 "The rebel and Islamist factions continue to attack the countryside of Hama, while the regime forces and warplanes target it". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 6 November 2015.
- 1 2 Leith Fadel (13 October 2015). "Syrian Army Enters the Idlib Governorate After Capturing Sukayk". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 13 October 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- 1 2 "Syrian troops advance with Russian backing; US drops ammunition to anti-Islamic State rebels". ABC News. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Edward (25 October 2015). "More deaths in the clashes in the northern countryside of Homs and clashes continue in Sahl al-Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- 1 2 3 Leith Fadel (23 October 2015). "Breaking: Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Markabah in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- 1 2 Leith Fadel (28 October 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fateh Recovers Sukayk on the Idlib-Hama Border". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 January 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- 1 2 Leith Fadel (3 November 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Tal Uthman in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 7 December 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
- 1 2 Westall, Naline Malla (5 November 2015). "Syrian rebels seize town in west in blow to government". Reuters.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (14 October 2015). "Islamist Rebels Announce the 2nd Phase of Their Wide-Scale Offensive in Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 December 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ "The Military Situation in Idlib Province - Syria - April 29, 2015". archicivilians. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Syrian army, Russian jets target rebels in western Syria". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ↑ "Al Qaeda and allies form coalition to battle Syrian regime in Idlib". Long War Journal. 24 March 2015.
- ↑ "Syrian rebels fight Syrian army near Assad heartland". Newsweek. Reuters. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
As the biggest group in Army of Fatah, Ahrar al-Sham appears to hold the key to preventing infighting.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ↑ "Second Idlib Stronghold Falls to Jabhat al-Nusra and Rebel Forces". Institute for the Study of War. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
- ↑ Weiss, Caleb (August 9, 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria takes part in battle for the Al Ghab plain". Long War Journal.
- ↑ Weiss, Caleb (23 April 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria involved in new Idlib offensive". Long War Journal.
- ↑ "karakur-fethisi". Internet Archive. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ↑ Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. YouTube. 31 July 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
- ↑ Tel Vosit qishlog'idagi amaliyot - Тел Восит қишлоғидаги амалиёт. YouTube. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ↑ Sahl al G'ob mintaqasidagi fathlari - Саҳл ал Ғоб минтақасидаги фатҳлар. YouTube. Aug 12, 2015. Retrieved Aug 12, 2015.
- ↑ Weiss, Caleb (November 6, 2015). "Chechen group says it took 'spoils' from Russian forces in Syria". Long War Journal.
- ↑ Joscelyn, Thomas (25 April 2011). "Al Qaeda, jihadist allies declare victory over Syrian regime in key city". The Long War Journal. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
In addition to Al Nusrah and al Qaeda-linked jihadist groups, fighters associated with the Free Syrian Army also took part in the battle.
- ↑ "Despite Russian strikes, Syrian rebels hold ground".
- 1 2 "Joint Syrian-Iranian-Russian Offensive Achieves Only Limited Initial Gains". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Adam Chandler (9 October 2015). "Iranian General Hossein Hamedani Killed by ISIS in Syria - The Atlantic". The Atlantic. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- 1 2 "Syria extends offensive to retake territory in west". Al Arabiya. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- 1 2 Edward (6 November 2015). "Russian warplanes target the northern countryside of Hama and violent clashes in the vicinity of Atshan". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- 1 2 "The leader of the Tank Brigade 47 killed in clashes in the countryside of Hama, while a body of a colonel pilot found murdered in Homs". SOHR. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
- ↑ "Армия Сирии проводит крупнейшую артподготовку к операции в Хаме". РИА Новости. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ↑ "فردا؛ تشییع پیکر "رضا خاوری" فرمانده شهید فاطمیون". 3 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- 1 2 "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ "Hezbollah loses another field commander in Syria". 13 October 2015. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- 1 2 "Two More Top Militant Commanders Killed in Syria's Hama". Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ↑ "Ahrar Al-Sham Military Camp Stormed by Army in Syria's Hama Province". Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
- ↑ "Syrian Army Kills Senior Militant Commander, Gains More Ground in Hama Province". Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ↑ "Senior Militant Commander Killed in Army Attack in Syria's Hama". Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- 1 2 "Casualty Conunter". Twitter. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ↑ "Senior Jund Al-Aqsa Commander Killed in Hama". Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
- ↑ "Syria: Senior Jund Al-Aqsa Commander Killed in Morek". Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
- ↑ "Jeish Al-Fateh Terrorists Killed near Hama's Morek". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
- ↑ "سوريا في قلبي". Twitter. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
- ↑ "احرار★المغير★حماة". Twitter. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
- 1 2 3 "InfoGraphic – Jaysh al-Nasr - Syira". archicivilians. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Perry, Laila Bassam (13 October 2015). "Syria's army, allies plan offensive against insurgents in Aleppo". Reuters. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Rebels fortify front line with anti-tank missiles". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Ripley 2018, p. 39.
- 1 2 3 4 Leith Fadel (12 October 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Southern Entrance to Kafr Naboudeh". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- 1 2 3 Leith Fadel (7 October 2015). "Syrian Army Begins Large-Scale Offensive in Northern Hama: Ahaya, Al-Mughayr and Markabat Captured". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- 1 2 Ripley 2018, pp. 36–37.
- ↑ Ripley 2018, p. 40.
- 1 2 Ripley 2018, p. 37.
- ↑ Ripley 2018, p. 38.
- 1 2 Master (26 October 2015). "Assassination attempt carried out against a leader of a rebel gathering, and a field commander in an Islamic army killed in Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ "Seven thousand of Al-haydareyeen, the Fatimids, the IRGC and Hezbollah ready for the battle of Idlib". Elijah J M - ايليا ج مغناير. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ 13 killed (8 October), Archived 2019-02-22 at the Wayback Machine 25 killed (13 October), 16 killed (20 October), 4 killed (23 October), 14 killed (24 October), 4 killed (25 October), 20 killed (26 October), 7 killed (30 October), 16 killed (6 November), total of 119+ reported killed
- 1 2 "Insurgents shoot down helicopter in Syria's Hama province: monitor". Reuters. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- 1 2 "Rebels down government air force plane in western Syria: monitor". Reuters. 4 November 2015.
- ↑ 11 killed (8 October), 8 killed (11 October), 14 killed (13 October), 12 killed (24 October), 16 killed (26 October), 10 killed (28 October), 5 killed (3 November), 5 killed (5 November), total of 8+ reported killed
- ↑ Master (25 October 2015). "Intensive shelling on Sahl al- Ghab and the northern countryside of Hama leaves casualties". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- 1 2 jack (4 November 2015). "Rebels target regime warplane in Hama countryside and Aerial bombardment targets areas of Idlib and Dar'a". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- 1 2 Master (7 October 2015). "The Russian warplanes carry out more than 40 air raids on areas in Hama and Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ↑ Master (7 October 2015). "Ongoing clashes and mutual attacks take place between the regime forces and the factions' fighters, while intense Russian airstrikes on the countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ↑ Edward (8 October 2015). "The fighters and the American TAW make the first joint operation for the regime forces and Russian warplanes fail". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (9 October 2015). "Russian Air Force Takes Over the Northern Hama Offensive: Over 30 Islamist Rebels Killed". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (8 October 2015). "Syrian Army Captures 40km of Territory in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 February 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ↑ "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ↑ "סדקים ראשונים במופע העוצמה של פוטין בסוריה". הארץ. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Edward (9 October 2015). "Violent attack by the regime forces in the northeastern countryside of Hama and shelling on Sahl al-Ghab and missiles target Khan Shekhoun". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Master (9 October 2015). "The clashes continue in the northeastern countryside of Hama, and warplanes strike the eastern countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Edward (10 October 2015). "Continuous clashes in the northern and ne northeastern countryside of Hama and damaging and destroying tanks and armored vehicles for the regime forces". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Master (10 October 2015). "The regime forces seize the village of Atshan and advance towards the area, and violent clashes take place in Sahl al- Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (12 October 2015). "Russian Air Force Destroys Al-Nusra Installations While the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- 1 2 Edward (11 October 2015). "The regime forces advance and take control over a hill again at the administrative border between Idlib and Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ "Syria regime advances with Russian air support". Yahoo. AFP. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- ↑ "Syrian army advances with help of Russian strikes; Putin reaches out to Saudis". Reuters. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ "Syrian army, Russian jets drive back rebels in fiercest clashes for days: monitor". Yahoo News. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Perry, Laila Bassam (13 October 2015). "Syria's army, allies plan offensive against insurgents in Aleppo". Reuters UK. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Master (13 October 2015). "At least 25 members in the regime forces killed in the most violent clashes since the beginning of the Russian airstrikes". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Master (13 October 2015). "Hmaymim airport closed for the sake of the Russians and Iranians, and about 30 militiamen in Hezbollah killed in the countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Edward (13 October 2015). "Tens of raids target Sahl al-Ghab amid violent clashes in the area". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Edward (15 October 2015). "The regime forces advance and take control of new village in Sahl al-Ghab and warplanes shell Jabal al-Zawiyah". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (15 October 2015). "Islamist Rebels Lose More Ground in the Al-Ghaab Plains: Syrian Army Captures Safsafa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ "Syrian rebels pour men and missiles into frontlines". The Fiscal Times. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ "Turkistan Islamic Party shows fighters on frontlines in northwestern Syria". The Long War Journal. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ↑ "بالتفاصيل: الخريطة العسكرية لأعداد و اسماء الميليشيات المسلحة في ريف اللاذقية - وكالة أوقات الشام الإخبارية". shaamtimes. Archived from the original on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ http://www.tayyar.org/News/Print/42931
- ↑ Leith Fadel (19 October 2015). "Syrian Army and Popular Committees Resume the Al-Ghaab Plains and Salma Offensives". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Master (19 October 2015). "The clashes continue around al- Mansoura in Sahl al- Ghab leaving more casualties, including a commander". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Edward (20 October 2015). "About 16 member of the regime forces and NDF were killed in the clashes at Sahl al-Ghab, and airstrikes on the northern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Edward (23 October 2015). "The Factions continue attacking and advancing in the northern countryside of Hama and deaths and wound in the airstrikes on the countryside of Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ jack (23 October 2015). "Landmine kills 3 militants in Jabhat al-Nusra in Idlib countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ "American TOW Missiles Are A Game Changer Against Assad". Archived from the original on 28 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Master (24 October 2015). "More than 90 IS militants, rebels and personnel in the regime forces killed in the violent clashes in the countryside of both Aleppo and Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- 1 2 Edward (24 October 2015). "The Factions and Jund al-Aqsa advance and take control of 2 villages in the countryside of Hama and Russian airstrikes target hospital in al-Latamneh town". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Master (25 October 2015). "A colonel and soldiers in the regime forces killed in Lattakia's mountains". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ "Conflict News". Twitter. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (26 October 2015). "Syrian Army Recovers Several Points from ISIS Amid the Sandstorm Engulfing East Hama". Al-Masdar news. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (26 October 2015). "Syrian Army Captures Al-Mansoura Inside the Al-Ghaab Plains". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Edward (27 October 2015). "Clashes in the countryside of Hama and targeting a vehicle for the regime forces at north". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Edward (28 October 2015). "10 fighters die in clashes in northern countryside of Hama and airstrikes and shelling by the regime forces on the countryside of Hama and Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Master (28 October 2015). "The clashes renew in the countryside of Hama, while 3 people killed in Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Master (28 October 2015). "The regime forces shell several areas in Hama and Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Edward (29 October 2015). "Casualties for the regime forces and the Factions in the clashes at the countryside of Hama and Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (31 October 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fateh Prepares Another Large Assault in Northern Hama: Morek, Atshan and Tal Sukeek Targeted". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ Edward (28 October 2015). "Continuous clashes in al-Salamiyyeh and wound in aerial bombardment on the countryside of Daraa". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ jack (31 October 2015). "20 rebel and Islamic battalions attack regime forces in Hama countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ↑ "7 Hezbollah members killed by mistake in Syria by Russian airstrike", Ya Libnan News, Oct. 30 2015.
- ↑ Edward (3 November 2015). "The rebel and Islamic factions advance in the northern countryside of Hama and violent clashes in the vicinity of Morek". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ↑ Master (5 November 2015). "Jund al- Aqsa and the other factions advances in the town of Morek leaving dozens of victims and injuries on the regime forces; ranks". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ↑ CHRIS TOMSON (11 November 2015). "Understanding the Syrian Army's strategic loss at Morek: Where do they go from here?". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
- ↑ "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter.
- ↑ Edward (5 November 2015). "Military and field commanders die in the clashes at the northern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (7 November 2015). "Syrian Army Captures 4 Villages in Northwestern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (9 November 2015). "Islamist Rebels Capture Al-Mughayr in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 12 December 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ↑ jack (10 November 2015). "Clashes in Lattakia and Hama countrysides". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ↑ "Warfare Worldwide". Twitter. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (23 November 2015). "Syrian Army Seizes Jabal Zuwayk in Northern Latakia: Almost 200km Captured in 10 Days". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (2 December 2015). "Syrian Army Advances North Towards the Turkish Border in Latakia: 3 Villages Captuted". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 December 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (30 November 2015). "Jund Al-Aqsa Launches a Large-Scale Offensive in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (14 December 2015). "Massive Islamist Offensive in Northern Hama Stalls as the Syrian Army Counters". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 23 September 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ أكثر من 30 استشهدوا وقضوا وقتلوا خلال معارك الكر والفر بريف حماة الشمالي وجرحي في انفجار قرب سراقب
- ↑ Leith Fadel (15 December 2015). "Syrian Armed Forces Recapture Several Points in Northern Hama as the Jund Al-Aqsa Offensive Ends in Disaster". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
- ↑ "Jens Hittrien". Twitter. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (16 December 2015). "Syrian Army Seizes Strategic Hilltop Overlooking Morek in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 April 2017. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army captures over 750 square km of territory in Latakia since October". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- ↑ "Syria: Jund Al-Aqsa launches new offensive in Al-Ghaab Plains northwestern Hama". ABNA. 11 April 2016.
- ↑ "Syrian Army retreats from huge strategic importance mountain in Latakia as rebels push back". ABNA. 11 April 2016.
- ↑ "Syrian cease-fire strained by new clashes ahead of talks". Associated Press. 10 April 2016.
- ↑ Leith Fadel (12 April 2016). "Syrian Army officially reverses all rebel gains in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ قوات النظام تستعيد السيطرة على مناطق خسرتها في هجوم الفصائل الأخير وقصف يستهدف مدينة درعا
- ↑ Leith Fadel (18 April 2016). "Massive Jihadist offensive in NE Latakia ends in failure". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ↑ "Syrian Army officially repels Jund Al-Aqsa at Hakoura in Al-Ghaab". Archived from the original on 2016-04-27. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
- ↑ قوات النظام تنفذ قصفاً مكثفاً على جبلي الأكراد والتركمان بريف اللاذقية
- ↑ "Syrian rebels make gains in northern Hama province, capture strategic town". Reuters. 29 August 2016.
Works cited
- Ripley, Tim (2018). Operation Aleppo: Russia's War in Syria. Lancaster: Telic-Herrick Publications. ISBN 978-0-9929458-2-4.