Led by the 25th Special Mission Forces (formerly Tiger Forces), the Syrian Arab Army began the attack by the storming the jihadist defenses at the Umm al-Jalil axis in southeastern Idlib.
Thus far, no gains have been reported by the Syrian Arab Army; however, heavy festivities are ongoing between the Syrian Army and jihadist rebels.
Earlier this week, the Syrian Arab Army sent a large number of reinforcements from the 7th Division and 25th Special Mission Forces to southeastern Idlib.
These reinforcements, coupled with the increased
...KABOOM!...
s from the Syrian and Russian air forces, further confirmed the reports that the military was preparing to kickoff this long-awaited operation.
According to a military source near the front-lines, the primary objective of this operation is to capture the remaining towns and villages south of Ma’arat al-Nu’man.
By doing so, the Syrian Army will control a large part of the strategic Hama-Idlib Highway and an important part of the Jabal al-Zawiya region.
It should be noted that the jihadist rebels themselves have been aware of this operation, as they have sent reinforcements from Latakia and other parts of northwestern Syria to this front.
Related:
Tiger Forces: 2019-12-14 Large transfer of jihadists to southern Aleppo raises fears of new offensive
Tiger Forces: 2019-12-02 Syrian Army retakes all lost areas after launching big counter-offensive in SE Idlib on Sunday, 69 dead
Tiger Forces: 2019-11-26 Syrian Army scores new advance in southeast Idlib after launching overnight attack
Tiger Forces: 2019-12-14 Large transfer of jihadists to southern Aleppo raises fears of new offensive
Tiger Forces: 2019-12-02 Syrian Army retakes all lost areas after launching big counter-offensive in SE Idlib on Sunday, 69 dead
Tiger Forces: 2019-11-26 Syrian Army scores new advance in southeast Idlib after launching overnight attack
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Idlib: 2019-12-18 Regime bombardment kills 14 civilians in northwest Syria
Idlib: 2019-12-17 Syrian Army, jihadist rebels trade attacks in Aleppo
Idlib: 2019-12-17 South African photojournalist is freed after being kidnapped in northern Syria
Idlib: 2019-12-18 Regime bombardment kills 14 civilians in northwest Syria
Idlib: 2019-12-17 Syrian Army, jihadist rebels trade attacks in Aleppo
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Related:
Hama-Idlib Highway: 2019-08-24 North Hama under Syrian army control
Hama-Idlib Highway: 2019-08-22 Syrian Army completes encirclement of militants, Turkish Army in southern Idlib
Hama-Idlib Highway: 2018-08-24 Idlib: 1,000 civilians let loose, Al Nusra big turban joins choir eternal, Syrian Army spies make videos
Hama-Idlib Highway: 2019-08-24 North Hama under Syrian army control
Hama-Idlib Highway: 2019-08-22 Syrian Army completes encirclement of militants, Turkish Army in southern Idlib
Hama-Idlib Highway: 2018-08-24 Idlib: 1,000 civilians let loose, Al Nusra big turban joins choir eternal, Syrian Army spies make videos