SNA, HTS kill government senior officer in Syria’s Hama
HAMA, Syria (North Press) – Head of the Military Security Branch of the Syrian government forces in Hama, west-central Syria, was killed on Sunday during an attack by Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, once known as al-Nusra Front).
Brigadier General Odai Ghassah was killed in the attack that took place in the city of Suran in the northern countryside of Hama.
A government forces officer told North Press that despite the intensifying assault, they had regained control of “strategic villages” in the Hama countryside.
This followed HTS’ announcement of entering the city of Hama and seizing control of various villages and towns in the area.
Reports from opposition media and local outlets confirmed Ghassah’s death, attributing it to a drone strike during the clashes near Suran.
A military source clarified that Ghassah was not directly targeted but was present at the site when the strike occurred.
The attack comes as Turkish-backed SNA factions and HTS continue a large-scale ground offensive launched on Nov. 26. The offensive has led to the capture of Idlib, significant portions of Aleppo, and parts of the Hama countryside, forcing the government forces to withdraw from most areas.