The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) repelled on January 2 an attack by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies on its newly-established positions in southeast Idlib, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The terrorist groups launched the large-scale attack on the town of al-Tah in the early morning, taking advantage of bad weather conditions which grounded Syrian and Russian warplanes. Despite these circumstances, the army repelled the attack within four hours only.
“Two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), dozens of vehicles, rocket launchers and a variety of artillery pieces, which were used by the terrorist groups during the attack, were destroyed,” the SANA’s field reporter said.
Pro-government activists revealed that the army’s artillery force played a key role in repelling the attack, making up for the absence of air support.
Last week, HTS and its allies lost more than 30 militants and several vehicles in a similar attack attempt. The failed attack also targeted al-Tah and the nearby town of Jarjanaz.
According to sources close to the army’s 25th Special Forces Division, previously known as the Tiger Forces, ground operations in southeast Idlib will be resumed very soon with the target being the city of Ma`arat al-Nu`man.
