HTS controls new areas in Syria’s Hama
HAMA, Syria (North Press) – A senior commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, once known as al-Nusra Front) announced on Tuesday significant advances in the northern Hama countryside in west-central Syria.
The commander told North Press that HTS captured the town of Khattab, and a Russian military position near the town of Maardes. According to him, the factions are now just five kilometers from the city of Hama.
This comes amidst the arrival of Iraqi forces and Lebanese Hezbollah members to bolster the government forces engaged in battles across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama.
Earlier, the HTS declared control over Tayyibat al-Imam and Halfaya in the northern Hama countryside. The source reported that 50 soldiers of the government forces were killed in ongoing military operations since Monday night.
In contrast, state media reported that the government forces are fortifying positions in Khattab. It was also noted that joint Russian-Syrian air forces have targeted the supply routes of “terrorist organizations” in the northern Hama countryside.
On Nov. 26, Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), along with the HTS launched a ground offensive, seizing control of Idlib, large parts of Aleppo, and some areas of the Hama countryside.