Maj. Gen. Jamil Hassan, head of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence Directorate (AFID), visited frontlines in northern Hama and southern Idlib and inspected Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops deployed there on June 21.
Pro-government sources said that Maj. Gen. Hassan met several senior commanders during his unusual visit, including Brig. Gen. Saleh Al Abdullah, who is leading military operations around Idlib.
“I came to be among you where heroism is built and the epics of glory and honor are laid. Here victory is made and history is written here,” Maj. Gen. Hassan told Brig. Gen Abdullah during the meeting, according to the sources.
The AFID is responsible for much of the intelligence work in Greater Idlib. The directorate is also participating in the ongoing military operation through many special forces units, most knowingly the Tiger Forces led by Brig. Gen Suheil al-Hassan.
Maj. Gen. Hassan’s visit indicates that the SAA is indeed planning to resume its ground operations in northern Hama. Earlier, the army reinforced its troops in the strategic region with the elite 4th Division.
