South Front
In a major blow to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has liberated the key town of Khan Shaykhun in southern Idlib.
Pro-government sources confirmed that army units entered Khan Shaykhun in the afternoon of August 21. All militants reportedly fled the town few hours earlier.
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Khan Shaykhun, one of the biggest urban centers in southern Idlib, was a key stronghold of HTS. The town is located on a highway linking the Syrian capital, Damascus, with Aleppo, the country’s industrial center.
The SAA is now advancing northeast of Khan Shaykhun towards its positions near the newly-captured village of Tar’i. Army units are also storming the town of Murak, south of Khan Shaykhun.
Meanwhile, the fate of the Turkish observation post in northern Hama remains unclear. Initial reports indicate that it may have been besieged by the SAA.
Syrian Army completes encirclement of militants, Turkish Army in southern Idlib
2019-08-21
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:45 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has completely cutoff the militants from all supply lines in southern Idlib and northern Hama, a source from the military told Al-Masdar this evening.
According to the military source, the Syrian Arab Army forces at the Khan Sheikhoun front has met up with the troops near the town of Al-Ta’manah; thus, completing the encirclement of this region in northwestern Syria.
In addition to besieging the militants, the Syrian Arab Army has also cutoff the Turkish military at the Morek observation post from all of its supply roads.
The Turkish military will have to coordinate with their Russian allies because they are allowed access to the Hama-Idlib Highway, per the September 17th, 2018 Sochi Agreement.
At this time, the Syrian Arab Army is still clearing Khan Sheikhoun after entering the city from all axes.
Furthermore, the Syrian military’s 5th Corps and Republican Guard are advancing through the Al-Ta’manah area in a bid to secure the town and the remaining points under militant control.
As a result of this week’s gains, the Syrian Arab Army has scored a major victory against the jihadist rebels, who previously vowed to defend this region until the last man.
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- Syrian Army Captures New Positions In Southern Idlib, Closes In On Khan Shaykhun
- Breaking: Syrian Army entering Khan Sheikhoun from all axes to take control of city
- Russian choppers hunt down jihadists in northeastern Latakia: video
- Syrian Army still not in control of Khan Sheikhoun despite media claims
- Syrian Army scores big advance east of Khan Sheikhoun, pocket nearly besieged
- Iraq has proof Israel struck paramilitary base in rare attack
- Syrian Army uncovers caves used by militants in southern Idlib: video
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