Illustrative image
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies continue to pound militants’ positions in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib.
On June 9, the army and its allies shelled the towns of al-Bara, al-Fatterah, Falafel and Safhoun in southern Idlib, al-Abrar camp near the town of Taoum in eastern Idlib and the al-Ghab Plains in the northwestern Hama.
Russian-made 2K25 Krasnopol guided shells were used in the artillery strikes. Photos showing the remains of at least one such munition were shared by opposition activists.
Russians targeted Abrar IDP camp, near Taum village. Again Krasnopol used pic.twitter.com/SwKLsNjUUv
— ZOKA (@200_zoka) June 9, 2021
The 152 mm Krasnopol is guided by semi-active laser. The advanced round has a range of 20 km and can hit its targets, which can be illuminated from the ground or the air, with pinpoint accuracy.
The strikes were likely a response to recent violations of the ceasefire agreement in Greater Idlib. In the last 24 hours, militants from the al-Fateh al-Mubeen Operations Room, led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, targeted the government-held towns of Kawkaba and Hizareen.
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The SAA and its allies have recently stepped up their artillery strikes on Greater Idlib. Four militants were killed in the last few days only.
