Islam Times - Syrian Army Strengthens Defenses, Advances in Northern Hama

Islam Times - The Syrian military bolstered its defenses in the northern Hama countryside, reclaiming key areas from terrorist groups, including Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, while preparing for a counteroffensive, the army said Sunday.

Units of the Syrian armed forces operating in northern Hama reinforced their defensive lines overnight with additional personnel, firepower, and equipment, effectively repelling attacks by armed groups, a military source stated.

The source added that the army successfully secured several strategic areas, including Qala’at Al-Madiq and Ma’ardis, eliminating dozens of militants while others fled.

The Syrian Army’s General Command confirmed that the ongoing confrontation with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which began last Wednesday. It announced plans to transition into a counterattack to reclaim all areas under militant control.

Syrian media earlier reported reinforcements arriving at advanced positions in the Hama countryside, showcasing preparations for further military actions.

Meanwhile, the General Command reiterated that the army’s recent redeployment along the Aleppo and Idlib fronts aimed to fortify defensive lines, protect civilians and soldiers, and prepare for large-scale operations.

A separate report revealed that Syrian-Russian air raids targeted a central command post of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, possibly injuring or killing its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani. Airstrikes also disrupted Al-Nusra’s supply routes near Al-Ghab Plain in central Syria.

In another operation, Syrian warplanes destroyed a column of armored vehicles on the M-5 highway, thwarting a planned militant assault, according to military sources. Footage obtained by RIA Novosti showed the convoy’s destruction.

Naval Colonel Oleg Ignasyuk, Deputy Head of the Russian Reconciliation Center in Hmeimim, reported that Syrian forces had neutralized over 300 militants in Aleppo and Idlib within the past 24 hours.

This escalation follows last week’s militant operation, which led to the capture of areas in Aleppo and Idlib.

Despite these developments, the Syrian army remains focused on regaining lost territory and eliminating terrorist threats.