A Russian Su-24 strike aircraft in the sky over the Khmeimim airbase in Syria. Photo: Dmitriy Vinogradov / RIA Novosti
On August 26, a new wave of Russian airstrikes hit militants’ positions in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) carried out five airstrikes on the hills surrounding the town of Kabani in the northern countryside of Lattakia and three airstrikes on the outskirts of the town of al-Fatterah in the southern Idlib countryside.
Both towns are known to be tightly controlled by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the de-facto ruler of Greater Idlib.
#ادلب#اللاذقية
طائرات الاحتلال الروسي تستهدف قريتي الفطيرة في ريف ادلب الجنوبي و كبينة في ريف اللاذقية الشمالية بعدة غارات جوية pic.twitter.com/DTlMKz1anH— Adam Abdullah (@tommycats4) August 26, 2021
Recently, the VKS stepped up its combat operations against HTS and its allies in Greater Idlib. According to a newly-released report by the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a total of 60 Russian airstrikes have targeted the region since the beginning of August. The airstrikes didn’t result in any civilian losses.
Despite these efforts, HTS and its allies continue to violate the ceasefire in Greater Idlib, which was brokered by Russia and Turkey last year, on a daily basis.
The VKS may escalate its combat operation against HTS and its allies in Greater Idlib even further in the upcoming few days. Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Army does not appear to be ready to resume ground operations in the region anytime soon.
Condolences to the fallen wahabimossad and CIAisis operators. May they rest in pieces…
What will happen to the communities within Idhlib? I dont think there is any opposition left they should end the war, clear any proxies and continue building the economy. Moreover how will the community within Idhlib the children, families be evacuated.