The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has liberated the city of Saraqib in southeast Idlib, achieving one of the main targets of its ongoing military operation.
The army launched a large ground assault on the city late on February 5 and besieged the remaining militants inside within a few hours. On February 6 morning, army units advanced further, securing the city’s vicinity before clearing its center.
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Saraqib is one of the biggest urban centers in southeast Idlib. The city is located on the strategic M5 highway which links the capital, Damascus, with the northern city of Aleppo.
Last week, the Turkish Armed Forces established four “observation posts” around Saraqib in an expected move to contain the SAA advance on the town.
Now, these posts are liberated from al-Qaeda-affiliated militants. So, if Turkish troops remain there, they can be sure that there is no more threat from al-Qaeda-linked terrorists.
The SAA will likely continue its advance along the M5 highway. The army’s next major target is the town of al-Eis and its hilltop in southwestern Aleppo.
