Islam Times - Terrorist Advances in Aleppo Repelled by Syrian, Russian Counterattacks

Islam Times - Syrian and Russian forces launched retaliatory strikes against terrorist positions in northern Syria, inflicting heavy casualties and regaining control of key areas after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants briefly entered parts of Aleppo.

Terrorists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) advanced into sections of Aleppo on Friday, seizing areas including Al-Hamdaniyah, Al-Furqan, and Al-Zahraa Association, according to local sources. However, Syrian forces quickly launched counter-operations to repel the assault.

The Syrian Army's General Command announced that its forces killed or injured hundreds of militants, destroyed armored vehicles, and downed 17 drones used by the terrorists. “Our forces inflicted heavy losses on the attackers and successfully regained control over previously violated points,” the statement read.

The General Command added that foreign-backed Takfiri groups had deployed foreign fighters and used various types of heavy weaponry in their renewed attacks. It assured citizens that operations would continue until the complete elimination of terrorist threats.

Meanwhile, Syrian and Russian warplanes bombed terrorist positions in northern Aleppo and Idlib provinces, focusing on the town of Maarat al-Numan and the Mount al-Zawiya region in southern Idlib.

Russian strikes reportedly killed at least 200 militants within a day, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Lebanon's Al-Mayadeen television reported that the Syrian army preemptively thwarted four large-scale terrorist operations originating from the town of Anadan, northwest of Aleppo. Missile strikes targeted terrorist strongholds across western Aleppo and Mount Zawiya, disrupting their planned assaults.

In southeastern Idlib, Syrian forces countered further advances by HTS, regaining strategic ground. The military is bolstering its positions across all fronts to prevent future incursions.

Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabaq, in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, emphasized Syria’s commitment to confronting terrorist aggression. "The Syrian state and people remain steadfast against these attacks and will not allow the terrorists or their backers to achieve their goals," Sabaq asserted.

The General Command warned citizens to rely on official sources for accurate information, citing attempts by terrorist groups to spread misleading propaganda aimed at creating panic.