This morning, Syrian government forces, led by the Tiger Forces, have launched a major assault on the militant stronghold of Taibat al-Imam in the province of Hama.
Following a heavy artillery shelling and a number of airstrikes, the Tiger Forces-led assault team entered Taibat al-Imam from the southeastern direction and engaged members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda) in an intense urban fighting.
Contradictory reports appear from Taibat al-Imam. However, it’s clear that government forces gained some ground inside it amid the continuied fighting. Some pro-government sources even argue that the Tiger Forces had captured over a half of the town, but this cannot be confirmed independently.
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A T-72 battle tank belonging to the Syrian Arab Army was reportedly hit by an IED planted by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
In turn, pro-HTS media outlets and activists are relatively silent. This partly confirms that militants are in a very complicated situation inside the town.
If Taibat al-Imam falls into hands of the SAA, militants inside Halfaya, Zilaqiyat and Hissa will be put in a very complicated situation and these sites will likely be also captured by government forces.
Pics of Tiger Forces members preparing (yesterday) for the storm of Taibat al-Imam were released by a media activist Ivan Sidorenko:
More (earlier pics):
While tempting to cry ‘Hell yeah!’, its probably best to wait and see. It wouldn’t be the first time early success turns to failure still. Give those headchoppers what they want though, a one way ticket to the afterlife.
While I normally agree with you, The Tiger forces are actually undefeated. I am not making this up. SouthFront even did an article like two months back about every time they attack, they have always taken what they attack successfully. I think they will take it. The question is… when Tiger forces leave, and regular SAA stay, will the terrorist be able to take it back?…
God bless the Tigers and its leader Suheil. When they arrive the enemy will go to hell.
Clearly there’s a tactical dilemma; the firepower of the Syrians works best in the open but they need to capture towns and cities yet avoid the vast casualties such fighting can entail. Defeating the US head-chopping, heart-eating rapers in Aleppo was an immense success but to be avoided if the US head-chopping, heart-eating rapers can be lured into the open.
On the other hand, the defenders of villages, towns and cities have to take up obvious defensive positions that are easily targeted for air and artillery strikes.
fatty soldiers. pfuy!
That big boy must be a AFV driver since he’s not wearing any kit.