Early on November 13, terrorists attempted to attack Syrian Arab Army (SAA) positions in southern Idlib with a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED).
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), SAA soldiers destroyed the explosives-laden vehicle before it reached their positions near the strategic town of Khan Shaykhun. The state-run agency released several photos showing the destroyed SVBIED and the remains of the suicide bomber.
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
There was no immediate claim for the failed attack. However, pro-government activists said that it was orchestrated by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls most of Idlib.
The SAA liberated Khan Shaykhun from HTS and its allies last August in a limited military operation. The operation was a response to ceasefire violations by terrorist groups in the region.
The SVBIED attack attempt is a major provocation by Idlib terrorists. This could force the SAA to launch a new operation in Idlib or in its surroundings.
