FILE IMAGE: mod.gov.sy
Syrian government forces have continued developing momentum in southern Idlib and liberated Tal Afghar from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda).
Previously, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) established control over Ruwaydah, Tall Khinzir, Zafaria, Shutaib and other points in the area.
Pro-opposition sources speculate that the militants’ retreat is a “tactical move” to avoid artillery and airstrikes in the area and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is now regrouping its forces and preparing to attack government forces in southern Idlib and southern Aleppo.
Methinks if the Jihadists could launch a major counteroffensive to drive the SAA and NDF back, they would have done this weeks ago, as soon as the SAA started taking the first villages. They might be able to counter attack the odd gain, but I doubt to reverse the current trend.
If they could though it would be a major stroke of long term genius coupled with supreme self restrained.