On April 2, units of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) entered the villages of Jamaqiliya, Taqsis, Imarah in the so-called Rastan pocket in northern Homs, and according to pro-government media activists.
These villages had been controlled by local militants influenced by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda). However, it looks that the SAA reached an understanding with locals and established control over the area.
In March, reports repeatedly appeared highlighting the growing tensions between the SAA and local militants in the Rastan pocket. Armed groups influenced by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rejeceted a suggestion to reach a full reconsiliation agreement and to allow government bodies to operate in the area. Some pro-government activists even claimed that local militants had been threatened with a direct action. However, the situation remained unclear.
Photos released by the pro-government Hama news network in order to confirm the claims on the SAA’s gains (source):
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
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Wise choice rebels! Hope that more and more will leave ZioWahhabi ranks!