Jump to content

Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015)

Coordinates: 35°48′00″N 36°19′00″E / 35.8000°N 36.3167°E / 35.8000; 36.3167
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015)
Part of the Syrian Civil War

Situation in Idlib Governorate as of 14 June 2015.
  Syrian Army control
  Syrian Opposition control
Date22 April – 14 June 2015
(1 month, 3 weeks and 2 days)
Location
Idlib and Hama Governorates, Syria
Result Army of Conquest-led rebel victory
Belligerents

Army of Conquest[1]

SRCC

Syria Syrian Arab Republic

Hezbollah[12]
Syrian Social Nationalist Party[13]
Syrian Resistance[14]
Reinforcements:

Liwa Fatemiyoun[15]
Commanders and leaders
Abu al-Miqdad[16]
(al-Nusra commander of Idlib)
Abu Ahmad †[17]
(al-Nusra military leader)
Col. Jemiel Radoon
(Falcons of al-Ghab commander)[18]
Abu al-Hassan[19]
(Ahrar ash-Sham senior commander)
Abu Humam[20]
(Ariha region military leader)
Muslim Abu Walid al Shishani[21]
(Junud al-Sham leader)
Abu Rida Al-Turkestani †[22][23][24][25]
(Katibat Turkistani leader)		 Syria Maj. Gen. Wahib Haidar[26]
(commander of Idlib province)
Syria Gen. Jamal Younis[27]
(commander of Hama province)
Syria Maj. Gen. Mehi al-Din Mansour †[28]
(Special Forces commander)
Syria Col. Suheil Al Hassan[29]
(Special Forces commander)
Syria Col. Mahamoud Subha[30]
(Hospital commander)
Syria Mohamed Khair al-Sayyed[31]
(Governor of Idlib)
Syria Dr. Ghassan Khalaf[32]
(Governor of Hama)
Syria Ali Shalli[33]
(NDF leader of N/W Hama)
Units involved
Ansar al-Sham[5]
1st Coastal Division[34]
13th Division[5]
101st Division[34]
Falcons of Mount Zawiya Brigade
Knights of Justice Brigade[5]
Falcons of al-Ghab[18]

Syria 87th Brigade[35]
Syria 155th Brigade[36]
Syria al-Qawat al-Nimr Brigade[29]
Syria 54th Special Forces Regiment[37]
Reinforcements:
Syria 106th Republican Guard Brigade[37]
Syria 40th Tank Brigade[37]
Syria Suqur al-Sahara[citation needed]

Hezbollah Units[37]
Strength
9,000–12,000 fighters[34][38] 5,000 (Ariha area)[18]
1,000 (Al-Ghaab Plain)[39]
120–150 (National Hospital)[40]
Casualties and losses
221+ killed (SOHR claim)[41]
700–850 killed (Syrian Army claim)[42][43][44][45]		 325+ killed[*] and 300 captured or missing[**] (SOHR claim)[46][47][48]
100+ killed (Syrian Army claim)[42][43]
500 killed (rebel claim)[49]
27 civilians killed[50][51][52]
23 prisoners & 3 friendly officers executed by the SAA and IRGC[50][53]
* 20+ executed (opposition claim)[54]
** 200 soldiers and civilians in total were taken captive[55]

The northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015), dubbed by the rebels as the Battle of Victory,[56][57][58] took place in the Idlib and Hama governorates during the Syrian Civil War.

The campaign consisted of a three-pronged attack, with the two main assaults spearheaded by Ahrar ash-Sham, al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra and other Islamist factions under the banner of the Army of Conquest, and the remaining attack force including collaboration with Free Syrian Army brigades.[34][59] The commander of the FSA 13th Division stated that coordinating with other groups such as al-Nusra Front did not mean they were aligned with them.[2] Within days, the rebels captured the city of Jisr al-Shughur and later on an Army base.[56] The success of the campaign was attributed to better coordination between the Syrian opposition's backers.[60][61] Still, the operation resulted in a high attrition rate for both sides.[56]

Background

[edit]
Main article: Second Battle of Idlib

On 24 March 2015, the newly established Army of Conquest assaulted Idlib city from three sides[62][63] and after four days of fighting the rebels captured the city and managed to besiege the towns of Kafarya and al-Fu'a.[64] The rebels then attacked the Mastouma military camp, south of the city, but their attack was repelled.[65] During the following days, the Syrian Army launched an offensive on the nearby town of Ariha,[66] and seized three villages.[67][68][69]

The offensive

[edit]

Rebel capture of Jisr al-Shughur

[edit]
Ahrar ash-Sham fighters in Jisr al-Shughur

On 22 April,[70] rebels (organised by the newly created Battle of Victory operations room) launched an offensive against the de facto provincial capital of Idlib governorate, Jisr al-Shughur, threatening to cut off government access to a major highway linking Idlib to Latakia.[71] Other objectives in this offensive were the Brick Factory base (Al-Qarmeed), near Mastouma, and the Al-Ghaab Plain in Hama governorate,[72] where FSA units were tasked with spearheading the cutting of Syrian Arab Army supply lines from the west.[34] An al-Nusra Front suicide bomber detonated a VBIED near the Brick Factory,[73] marking the beginning of the operation.[74] A BMP packed with explosives was also detonated at a checkpoint in the north of Jisr al-Shughur.[75] At the end of 23 April, despite contradictory statements, Jisr al-Shughur was still under control by government troops.[citation needed] Al-Nusra claimed to had sent 15 suicide bombers into the city as part of the assault.[76] Meanwhile, in the Al-Ghaab Plain, a rebel attack on the village of Sirmaniyah was repelled.[77] A car-bomb was detonated in the Sirmaniyah area as well.[75]

By the next day, rebels had captured one checkpoint near the Mastouma base[78] and four checkpoints around Jisr al-Shughur,[71] but clashes still continued at a distance of 2–4 km near of the city.[79][80] The rebels reportedly also advanced near the city's sugar plant[81] and captured a hill near the Brick Factory base.[72] However, the Syrian Army claimed that it "secured the city" at the cost of 13 soldiers and denied that rebels advanced near the sugar plant.[82] Later that day, rebels captured the strategic Tal Hekmah checkpoint near the road between Jisr al-Shughur and Ariha. Meanwhile, the Syrian Air Force conducted at least 40 airstrikes in Idlib.[83] Later, an opposition source reported that the rebels controlled the three highest points near the town of Furayqah (Tal Muntar, Tal Hamkah and Tal Mantaf), but the road between Jisr al-Shughur and Ariha was still not cut.[84][85] However, government reinforcements arrived and recaptured the Tal Hekmah checkpoint.[86][87]

According to the SOHR, since the start of the offensive, 43 rebels, including 13 Chechens, had been killed, government casualties numbered 30[76] Meanwhile, pro-government sources placed the rebel death toll at 100,[77] with 47 soldiers dying as well.[88] Throughout the first few days of the offensive, FSA brigades such as Fursan al-Haq and the 1st Coastal Division (including notable gunner Osama Abo Hamza) used anti-tank TOW missiles against a number of SAA armored vehicles in the al-Ghaab Plain.[34][59]

The National Hospital where the government loyalists were besieged by rebels

Early on 25 April, rebels captured the sugar plant[89] and later, a VBIED was detonated at the Ayn Sibeel checkpoint[90] before an al-Nusra Front-led rebel force captured most of the city, with fighting continuing and air-strikes hitting rebel positions.[91][92] The national hospital and one checkpoint specifically remained under government control at this point,[93] as clashes continued in the southwestern part of the city.[94] Meanwhile, the Syrian Army claimed that it had captured the village of Kurin.[95] Soon after, rebels fully secured Jisr al-Shughur,[96] except for the hospital where soldiers were still holed up.[35][97] Clashes also still continued in the vicinity of the city from the south and east. 60 bodies of government fighters were reportedly seen on the streets.[96] During the SAA's retreat, Syrian Army intelligence executed 23 prisoners at the hospital before withdrawing.[50][98] The Syrian Air Force launched 30 airstrikes around the city after its fall.[99]

After the seizure of Jisr al-Shughur, rebels captured five villages in the Al-Ghaab Plain[100] and seized the village of Eshtabraq near Jisr al-Shughur,[101] while 27 people, including 20 rebels were killed by airstrikes on the captured city.[50][102]

The next day, Syrian troops reportedly recaptured the sugar plant[35] and were fighting at the entrance to the city,[citation needed] with one report putting the clashes at around 5 kilometers south of Jisr al-Shughur.[103] Military sources also reported the SAA recapturing a village in the Al-Ghaab Plain[104] and opening a corridor from the sugar plant to the soldiers besieged at the hospital in Jisr al-Shughur.[35]

Al-Nusra Front fighters in Jisr al-Shughur

On 27 April, rebels captured the Qarmeed Brick Factory base after launching two suicide attacks. After hours of intense clashes, Syrian troops were forced to retreat after the main facility caught on fire. 19 soldiers were killed, while the Syrian Army claimed to have killed 60–80 rebels.[105] Pro-opposition activist Cédric Labrousse reported that more than 90 were killed on both sides,[106] while the SOHR reported 10 rebel deaths at the base, including the two suicide bombers, and seven tanks, six cannons and a large quantity of ammunition being seized by the rebels.[107][108] Three SAA tanks were reportedly destroyed as well.[109] After the fall of the Brick Factory base, 14 airstrikes struck the area.[51]

Later, the SAA recaptured the village of Ghaniyah in the Al-Ghaab Plains,[110][13] while three other villages were contested.[111] During the day, al-Nusra Front used American-made TOW missiles against Hezbollah positions.[12] The SAA also recaptured a village at Jisr al-Shughur, but lost it again two days later.[112]

As of 28 April, rebels besieged the hospital where soldiers were still continuing to fight.[113] On the same day, a military source reported that Syrian government troops launched a counterattack on the Brick Factory in Idlib.[114] Video footage emerged of Col. Hassan conducting a phone call to Damascus pleading for reinforcements while surrounded by his troops.[115] According to Elijah J. Magnier from the AL RAI newspaper, Damascus had given the order to retake Jisr al-Shughur at all costs.[116] Meanwhile, rebels blew up a bridge in an attempt to block Hama-based government fighters from reaching Jisr al-Shughur.[117]

On 29 April, rebels seized the Musbin area, which links Ariha and Saraqeb.[118] A military source confirmed the loss of the Musbin Quarry, but asserted that the SAA was still in control of the village and its hill. A fourth rebel attack in four days against the hospital was also repelled.[112]

Situation in Idlib Governorate, late-April 2015

On 1 May, al-Nusra Front carried out a suicide bomb attack on the government garrison inside the national hospital.[119] By the end of the day, the hospital was still under control by government troops.[120] The clashes around the hospital left 14 al-Nusra fighters and "dozens" of government soldiers dead and wounded.[121] By this point, around 5,000 soldiers were holed up at the Mastouma military base, east of Ariha, in Ariha itself, and on the hills surrounding it. The FSA Falcons of al-Gab unit blew up three bridges in an attempt to prevent their potential retreat and used TOW missiles supplied by the United States specifically for this operation.[18]

Syrian Army counter-offensive

[edit]

On 2 May, SAA units, backed by Hezbollah, launched a counter-attack[122] and recaptured three villages in the al-Ghaab Plain:[18] Al-Misheek, Al-Ziyarah and Tall Waset.[123][124][125] The clashes resulted in the death of at least five rebels and five Hezbollah fighters.[126] Military sources additionally stated that Syrian government troops seized a part of Qastoun.[124] The aim of the counter-offensive was to hold and further reinforce supply routes towards Idlib province.[122]

The next day, Syrian government troops advanced around Tall Ma'er tab'i,[127] after an attempted rebel attack was repelled and captured the nearby Tall SyriaTel hill. Government forces also reportedly advanced from Ghanya towards Eshtabraq.[128] In addition, the SAA started an operation to encircle the rebel-held Al-Sirmaniyah.[129]

On 4 May, the seventh rebel attack in seven days on the National Hospital was repelled.[130] Rebel forces continued attacking Ariha and Mastouma, as well as Ankawi and Ghab in an attempt to cut off the M4 highway linking Latakia to Idlib and Aleppo, forcing SAA units to defend a weak 30-mile W-shaped defensive line.[131] Rebels reportedly advanced in the Hosh Msibin and Bothayna areas after they destroyed two tanks[132] and recaptured Tal SyrianTel.[133]

On 6 May, government forces launched an attack on the al-Alawin checkpoint and rebels positions on the hills surrounding Frikka, while the Syrian Air Force conducted more than 50 air raids in the area. Government troops (including non-Syrian militia) advanced in this area.[15][134] Meanwhile, rebels claimed to have captured the last hill near Ariha, Tal Ma'ar Tab'i,[135] while the Syrian Arab Army stated the rebel attack on the hill was repelled before nightfall.[136]

On 7 May, the Syrian Army claimed the Tiger Forces managed to recapture the sugar plant near Jisr al-Shughur, after seizing the village of Qarta.[136] Also, 20 airstrikes were reported while the rebels managed to destroy two tanks and another vehicle during clashes around al-Alawin checkpoint and Frikka hills,[137] where it was later reported by the military that the Army captured both the al-Alawin checkpoint and Malta Hill.[138] According to the SOHR, 14 government soldiers and officers, including the Syrian Brigadier General Kemal Dib, were killed in Jisr al-Shughur.[139][140] The next day, government forces were confirmed to had seized three points between the al-Alawin checkpoint and Frikka hills, while 24 airstrikes were reported.[141] Two of the locations were the villages of Frikka Al-Abeed and Sheikh Elias,[110] while the third was reportedly Al-Karnaza.[citation needed]

On 9 May, government forces advanced towards Jisr al-Shughur, in an attempt to break the siege of the 250 soldiers and family members (including high-ranking officers) at the National Hospital, and came within two kilometers of the hospital.[142][143] They also reportedly captured Tal Hataab, near Frikka,[110][144] amid 20 airstrikes in the region.[145]

On 10 May, the rebels launched a new assault on the National Hospital, after a second car bomb was detonated.[146] Rebels managed to enter one of the hospital buildings during the assault, but their attack was repelled,[147][148] while the Air Force conducted 33 airstrikes throughout the area,[149] of which 22 were around the hospital.[150] The Syrian Army advanced towards the town,[151] but their push towards Jisr al-Shughur hospital was temporarily halted and the rebels managed to recapture three checkpoints,[152] before they were pushed back again during the fighting that continued early into the next day. The clashes at the hospital and attacks on the relief column left 40 rebels and 32 soldiers dead.[153] Elsewhere, the SAA captured Al-Mushayrafat and its hill (Tal Sheikh Al-Khataab), north of Frikka.[154][155] At the same time, rebels took the Zeizun thermal plant in the al-Ghaab plain, after damaging several government vehicles.[156] Later during the night, rebel forces were forced to retreat from the plant, but were still in control of the nearby village of Zeizun.[157] The thermal plant sustained severe damage during the fighting.[158]

On 11 May, clashes continued in and around the hospital and near the sugar plant, where rebels destroyed a tank and government forces recaptured two checkpoints. 14 airstrikes struck rebel positions throughout the day.[159][160] On the same day, around 20 rebels from the FSA's 101st Division were killed after a failed attack on the village of Kafr Najd, near Ariha.[161]

Renewed rebel advance and capture of Ariha

[edit]

As of 12 May, rebels were still holding a part of the hospital, while the fighting continued in and around it and near the sugar factory.[52] Rebels retreated from the village of Sanqarah after temporally seizing it at dawn[162] and claimed to have killed at least 20 soldiers in the hit-and-run attack.[163] Rebels also attacked and captured al-Kufayr village.[43] Meanwhile, opposition sources claimed that the Syrian Brigadier General Abdel Razak Abu Khader Raml was killed.[164] At the end of the day, the rebels launched an assault against the village of Musbin, near Mastouma, and Jabal al-Arbaeen area, near Ariha, after a tunnel bomb was detonated under the al-Fanar military checkpoint.[165][166] Rebels captured the Jabal al-Arbaeen area[167] and Musbin, while at least 17 soldiers (including three commanders) and 11 rebel fighters (including three leaders) were killed.[168] However, government forces were able to recapture one checkpoint overlooking Ariha overnight, but eventually retreated after rebels launched a second attack the next day.[169] According to a military source, Musbin was still contested and rebels were not in full control.[43]

On 14 May, government forces recaptured the village of al-Kufayr,[43][170] while Brig. Gen. Kemal Dib[171] and Maj. Gen. Muheiddeine Mansour were killed in and near Jisr al-Shughur.[28] A suicide-car bomb was destroyed near the hospital before it could reach the complex.[172] At the end of the day, rebels recaptured large parts of Al-Mushayrafat, with fighting for the village continuing.[155] The next day, government forces reportedly managed to recapture the al-Fanar checkpoint, near Ariha, but were unable to hold al-Kufayr, which they regained 24 hours earlier, and had to abandon it once again due to heavy rebel presence in the surrounding hills.[173]

On 17 May, according to an opposition source, more than 2,500 rebels attacked Mastouma and the nearby Ba'ath military camp.[citation needed] During the attack, an VBIED was detonated near the military camp, while rebels captured al-Moqbili village and advanced in Mastouma, where they captured at least 10 checkpoints[174] and Mastouma hill. Meanwhile, the Syrian army claimed to have advanced towards Kufayr.[44]

On 19 May, after several days of violent clashes, rebels took control of Al-Mastumah, its military camp (which was the largest remaining Army base in Idlib in government hands) and Nihlaya after the SAA retreated towards Ariha.[175][176] Syrian Army defenses "disintegrated", making Ariha endangered from the northern axis.[177] A spokesman for Ahrar al-Sham claimed that the SAA had already begun withdrawing from Ariha as well.[178] Government forces reportedly destroyed all warehouses with arms and ammunition before they retreated,[179] with opposition media showing, what it claimed to be, footage of several destroyed and overturned army vehicles littered with dead bodies, after a convoy of retreating government troops was interdicted.[180] The clashes led to the death of 16 rebels and 15 government fighters, while others were captured, and the destruction of a number of armored vehicles (including tanks).[181] Several rebel attacks on Kafr Najd were repelled later that day.[182][183]

On 21 May, rebels advanced towards Ariha.[184] The next day at 8:00 am,[185] an estimated 150–500 government forces attempted a breakout at the besieged hospital in broad daylight and fled towards the government-controlled area south of Jisr al-Shughur. Some were killed, wounded and captured under withering opposition fire,[186] with 3 generals and a colonel killed or captured en route.[30] Rebels claimed to have killed 208[187] and captured 65 government fighters during the retreat,[188] with figures given of not more than a dozen to 55 surviving.[189] Meanwhile, pro-government sources reported that 127 soldiers out of the garrison of 170 had successfully escaped.[190] Journalist Robert Fisk found that "far less than half" of those who retreated from the National Hospital reached safety, with some subsequently dying of their wounds after reaching government lines.[191] Syrian State TV declared the retreat a "victory" amid congratulations by most government supporters, while some voiced criticism.[189] The Syrian Air Force conducted at least 22 airstrikes that day, while the SAA attempted to advance towards Jisr al-Shughur. Opposition forces took the hospital later that day.[192]

As of 23 May, SOHR documented the death of 261 Syrian soldiers and pro-government militia, including 90 officers (one Major General, 11 Brigadier Generals, 11 Colonels and three Lieutenant Colonels), since the beginning of the offensive in and near Jisr al-Shughur.[46] Syrian state television claimed that the armed forces killed at least 300 rebels and wounded hundreds others during a Syrian Army operation to free troops in the hospital.[45] On the same day, the Syrian troops attacked the rebel-held the village of Sirmaniyyah in the al-Ghab plain.[193][194]

Situation in Idlib Governorate, late-May 2015

On 28 May, rebels began a large assault on Ariha and were able to enter the eastern districts of the city, whilst fierce fighting continued near the town.[195][196] Several hours later, opposition forces captured Ariha and Kafr Najd, as government troops retreated towards Urum al-Jawz and Muhambal on the Ariha–Jisr al-Shughur Highway.[197][198] In the evening, the rebels also captured Ma'taram.[199] At least 31 government forces were killed that day, including 13 soldiers who were executed by the rebels.[47]

The next day, rebels captured the villages of Orm al-Joz and Ein Orm al-Joz.[200]

Fighting for the Ariha–Latakia highway

[edit]

On 4 June, the Army recaptured the villages of Tal A'our, Al-Zayadiyah and Sararif[201] and the hills of Tall Ghazal and Tall al-Sahan.[202] The next day, the Syrian Army advanced and seized the areas of Marj al-Zohour and the Zayzoun Dam, near the administrative border between Idlib and Hama.[203]

On the same day, the rebels launched a large-scale attack on the Sheikh Ali hill area and gained ground in the Basanqul forest,[203] and eventually captured the hill itself.[204] In addition, the rebels captured five villages near Basanqul.[205]

On 6 June, the rebels captured Basanqul[206] and Mahambel.[207] The rebels continued advancing that day and captured two checkpoints west of Mahambel, including the largest remaining barrier in Idlib.[208] According to the SOHR, the Syrian Army lost 11 tanks and armoured vehicles during the new rebel assault.[203][207] The fighting killed 32 soldiers and 13 rebels, according to SOHR.[48]

By the end of 6 June, an Ahrar al-Sham spokesman claimed that the Army of Conquest controlled about 99% of Idlib province.[209]

On 8 June, the SAAF conducted airstrikes on the village of al-Janodia, which reportedly killed 49 civilians,[210] while Iranian officers were reported to had executed three Syrian Arab Army officers who retreated from the Mahambel and Basanqul checkpoints.[53]

Situation in Idlib Governorate, mid-June 2015

On 13 June, the rebels launched an assault on the remaining government-held positions in Idlib, with the SOHR reporting that they captured Al-Mushayrifah, Jannat al-Qura, and Tal Sheikh Khattab, along the highway,[211] although those locations were reported captured more than two weeks earlier.[212] Rebels also advanced in the Sarafif area, which was recaptured by the Syrian Army on 4 June.[211] On that day, one of the two bodyguards of Col. Suheil Al Hassan died of his wounds, after being shot by a rebel sniper.[213]

By the next day, the Syrian Army had regained control over the areas it lost on the previous day, after the rebels retreated under heavy airstrikes and shelling.[214]

Aftermath – Syrian Army retreat from the Jisr al-Shugur area

[edit]

On 28 July, rebels launched an assault to capture the remaining areas surrounding Jisr al-Shugur. Two hours later, rebels had captured the strategic hills of Tal Khattab, Tal 'Awar and Tal Hamka; along with the towns of Frikka, Mushayrafah, Salat Al-Zuhour and Zayzoun. The Army retreated to the south in order to reinforce its positions at Tall Wassit and Tall Sheikh Elyas.[215] The Army responded with 160 airstrikes and dozens of shells and missiles. According to the SOHR, about 90 government fighters were killed or wounded during the assault, while 37 rebels (15 non-Syrian; including a Jordanian leader) were killed.[216]

However, three days later, the Syrian Army recaptured Ziyadia and Zezoun, including its power station. In addition, they captured the towns of Khirbat al-Naqus and Mansoura and its surrounding areas. The advances came after the Air Force had conducted more than 270 air-strikes on rebel positions over four days. The fighting had left 39 combatants dead,[217] including 20 soldiers and 19 rebels.[218]

Strategic analysis

[edit]

The Jisr al-Shughur offensive has been described as one of the "largest and most ambitious operations of the Syrian civil war" consisting of some 40 opposition groups, with the main goal being to outflank and interdict Col. Suheil Al Hassan's Tiger forces, who were sent to attempt to push back against the 2015 Idlib offensive, which followed the opposition victory at the Second Battle of Idlib.[34] According to Stratfor, the potential cutting off by opposition forces of the Idlib salient, where the 11th Armor Division and the Tiger Forces found themselves isolated, would perhaps result in "an even bigger catastrophe" for the Syrian Arab Army.[219] The deployment of elite government forces such as the Tiger Forces and the Desert Falcons to Idlib from other fronts was viewed by Stratfor as a mistake that left the government highly vulnerable in the eastern part of Homs province.[220]

Opposition forces were widely reported to be planning to move on the government's stronghold of Latakia, following the capture of Jisr al-Shughur.[221][222][223][224][225] The reopening of the Latakia front was a focus, at the time, of Saudi Arabian policy to unite opposition factions.[226] Analyst Charles Lister of the Brookings Doha Centre stated that "For the opposition as a whole, it would open up the route into Latakia from Idlib and Hama, which could significantly enhance any future offensive on Latakia ... That would be very dangerous for the regime", adding that the seizing of Jisr al-Shughur should be seen as part of a bigger strategy.[227] An Ahrar al-Sham spokesperson stated: "Jisr al-Shughour is more important than Idlib itself, it is very close to the coastal area which is a regime area, the coast now is within our fire reach".[228] As rebels advanced in early June along the Idlib–Latakia highway, fighting intensified in the Latakia District near the Jabal al Akrad mountain range, that overlooks Alawite villages close to Qardaha, the ancestral home of the Assad family.[229]

After recent rebel victories against the government, some people began to fear a scenario where hardline rebels would swarm Damascus in the near future, despite government reassurances.[230] AL RAI Chief International Correspondent, Elijah J. Magnier, reported that Syria was heading towards partition after recent events in Idlib.[231] Jane's Information Group stated that the offensive threatened to show president Bashar al-Assad as "incapable even of protecting the coastal mountain areas where the Alawites (his core support base) are concentrated" and speculated Iran would not see him as the primary keeper of their interests in Syria.[232]

In early June, a Syrian security source reported that thousands of Iranian and Iraqi fighters were being assembled; "[t]he goal is to reach 10,000 men to support the Syrian army and pro-government militias, firstly in Damascus, and then to retake Jisr al-Shughur because it is key to the Mediterranean coast and the Hama region". This came days after Iranian Quds force general Qasem Soleimani pledged that "In the coming days the world will be surprised by what we are preparing, in cooperation with Syrian military leaders",[233] yet Soleimani was reported to be infuriated that his remarks were leaked by a Syrian official in an attempt to boost morale.[234] The SOHR reported the arrival of 6,000 fighters from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.[48]

Reactions

[edit]

Domestic reaction

[edit]
  •  Syria - On 28 April 2015, Syria accused Turkey of providing military and logistic support to al-Nusra in their attack on Idlib,[235] with Syrian foreign minister Walid Muallem describing the situation in Idlib as having "Zionist-American sponsorship".[236]

International reaction

[edit]
  •  Iran - Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was reportedly furious with Syrian military commanders when arriving in Syria to assess the opposition gains in Idlib. "Why are your heads down? [...] The people of Syria have been paying their taxes to pay your wages for precisely such a day, so that you defend them against a band of evil beasts. Why have you lost your nerve now?" he is reported to have berated them.[234]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Al Qaeda and allies form coalition to battle Syrian regime in Idlib". Long War Journal. 24 March 2015. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Syrian rebels fight Syrian army near Assad heartland". Newsweek. Reuters. 30 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015. As the biggest group in Army of Fatah, Ahrar al-Sham appears to hold the key to preventing infighting.
  3. ^ "Jihadists celebrate in key Idlib city after defeating Syrian regime". Long War Journal. 27 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  4. ^ Joanna Paraszuk (3 June 2015). "Abdul Hakim Shishani calls on North Caucasians to unite". From Chechnya to Syria. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (23 April 2015). "#SRO - WHO'S WHO IN THE N-W #SYRIA REBELLION OFFENSIVE - Detailed panorama of the #Idlib - #Hama rebellion campaigns" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ "Second Idlib Stronghold Falls to Jabhat al-Nusra and Rebel Forces". Institute for the Study of War. 27 April 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  7. ^ Weiss, Caleb (23 April 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria involved in new Idlib offensive". Long War Journal. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  8. ^ "Ṣawt al-Islām presents a new video message from Ḥizb al-Islāmī al-Turkistānī [Turkistan Islamic Party] in Bilād al-Shām: "Conquest of Jisr al-Shaghūr"". Jihadology. 1 May 2015. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015.
  9. ^ Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. YouTube. 31 July 2015. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  10. ^ Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. 31 July 2015. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2015 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Joscelyn, Thomas (25 April 2011). "Al Qaeda, jihadist allies declare victory over Syrian regime in key city". The Long War Journal. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015. In addition to Al Nusrah and al Qaeda-linked jihadist groups, fighters associated with the Free Syrian Army also took part in the battle.
  12. ^ a b Elijah J. Magnier [@ejmalrai] (27 April 2015). "#Lebanon #Hezbollah fighters were hit by #JN missiles in #Idlib #Syria causing several casualties" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ a b Leith Fadel (27 April 2015). "Syrian Army Secures Ghaniyah in the Al-Ghaab Plains". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  14. ^ "The Military Situation in Idlib Province - Syria - April 29, 2015". archicivilians. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  15. ^ a b sohranas. "More than 50 air raids carried out on Jeser al- Shagour, and the violent clashes continue around hills in Frikah village and al- Alawin checkpoint". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  16. ^ "How Jordanians Came to Dominate al-Nusra Front". Al Akhbar English. Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  17. ^ Elijah J. Magnier [@ejmalrai] (23 May 2015). "#JN leader & #Aleppo military admin Abu Ahmad killed n Jisr al-Shoghour & spoils of war at Hospital via @LetteredOwl" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 December 2015 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ a b c d e Gutman, Roy; Alhamadee, Mousab (3 May 2015). "Rebel worry: How to control Islamists if Assad is pushed from northern Syria". The McClatchy Company. Archived from the original on 7 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  19. ^ Charles Lister [@Charles_Lister] (24 April 2015). "Powerful Ahrar al-Sham military commander Abu al-Hassan is coordinating the Jisr al-Shughour offensive. #Syria" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 December 2015 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ archicivilians [@archicivilians] (13 May 2015). "#Syria: The Syrian activist @HadiAlabdallah with Abu Humam (#IF) the military leader of al-Arba'een Mount operations" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 December 2015 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Conflict News [@Conflicts] (24 April 2015). "NEW VIDEO: Inside Jisr Ashugur today, with Muslim Shishani (In English) - @khattab_rt2" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 December 2015 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ "مقتل المتزعم العسكري لما يسمى الحزب الاسلامي التركستاني في الاشتباكات مع الجيش السوري في محيط مشفى جسر الشغور". Al-Ahed News Website. 26 May 2015. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017.
  23. ^ خــاص (26 May 2015). "تفاصيل: الجيش السوري يقتل أحد أبرز قادة "القاعدة" العسكريين". الحدث نيوز. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018.
  24. ^ "Turkistan Islamic Party Fighters Killed In Syria". The Line of Steel. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  25. ^ lamloma [@lamloma3] (26 May 2015). "تم دعس الخنزير ابو رضا التركستاني قائد ما يسمى الحزب الاسلامي التركستاني التابع لجبهة النصرة في جسر الشغور بريف ادلب" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 December 2015 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "Rebels take Ariha from Assad". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  27. ^ "Iran is taking over Assad's fight in crucial parts of Syria". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  28. ^ a b "Syria says Islamic State kills hundreds, including children, in Palmyra". Reuters. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  29. ^ a b Leith Fadel (4 April 2015). "Tiger Forces Arrive at Ariha; Jaysh Al-Fatah Tries to Enter Al-Mastouma". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  30. ^ a b Lucas, Scott (23 May 2015). "Syria Daily: Assad Regime Tries To Turn Another Defeat Into "Victory"". EA WorldView. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  31. ^ "Rebels launch full-on assault of Idlib city". Syria Direct. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  32. ^ "Two killed in IS-claimed suicide blasts in Syria's Hama". Yahoo! News.
  33. ^ Mark [@markito0171] (3 May 2015). "Ali Shalli -Shabiha leader of N/W rural #Hama +7 other prom. leaders trapped in National Hospital Jisr al-Shughour" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g "In Syria, the Stakes Are High for a Rebel Offensive". Stratfor. 24 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  35. ^ a b c d Leith Fadel (26 April 2015). "Update from Jisr Al-Shughour - Fierce Clashes at the National Hospital". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  36. ^ Leith Fadel (26 March 2015). "Complete Field Report from Idlib City: Islamist Groups Fail to Progress". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  37. ^ a b c d White, Jeffrey; Abdulhamid Alrifai, Oula (27 April 2015). "Growing Rebel Capabilities Press the Syrian Regime". The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  38. ^ "هجوم مستمر لجبهة النصرة وفصائل إسلامية على جنوب مدينة إدلب ومحيط جسر الشغور". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  39. ^ sohranas. "A video shows Soheil al- Hasan receiving orders from Bashar al- Assad directly". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  40. ^ "AFP.com". Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  41. ^ 43 killed (23–24 April),[1] Archived 18 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 22 killed (25 April),[2] Archived 27 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine [3] Archived 27 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine 19 killed (26 April),[4] Archived 18 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (28 April),[5] Archived 18 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 14 killed (1 May),[6] Archived 2 May 2015 at archive.today 5 killed (2 May),[7] Archived 4 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 40 killed (10 May),[8] 20 killed (11 May), Archived 6 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine 11 killed (12 May),[9] Archived 18 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed (14 May),[10] Archived 14 May 2015 at archive.today 16 killed (19 May),[11] Archived 22 May 2015 at archive.today 3 killed (23 May),[12] Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine 4 killed (25 May),[13] Archived 4 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (26 May),[14] Archived 30 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (28 May),[15] Archived 29 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 5 killed (29 May),[16] Archived 29 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine 13 killed (5 June),[17] total of 221 reported killed
  42. ^ a b Leith Fadel (30 April 2015). "Complete Report from Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  43. ^ a b c d e Leith Fadel (14 May 2015). "Syrian Armed Forces Capture Al-Kufayr Near Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 19 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  44. ^ a b Leith Fadel (18 May 2015). "Jabhat Al-Nusra Storms the Village of Al-Mastoumah in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  45. ^ a b "300 insurgents killed in air raids to 'break siege of Jisr al-Shughour Hospital': Syrian state TV". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  46. ^ a b sohranas (26 May 2015). "A commander in the Turkestan Islamic Party killed in the clashes around the National Hospital in Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  47. ^ a b Master (29 May 2015). "31 regime forces killed or executed in the city of Ariha". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  48. ^ a b c sohranas. "The regime forces defeated in Idlib, and the legend of Sohil al- Hasan, aka al- Nemer (the tiger)", crashes on its walls". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  49. ^ "- بالأرقام والأسماء خسائر نظام الأسد في معارك جسر الشغور أورينت نت". Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  50. ^ a b c d "Syria warplanes strike northwest city seized by rebels". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  51. ^ a b sohranas (27 April 2015). "More than 20 air raids on al- Qarmid camp and the countryside of Hama, and the helicopters kill 5 people in Sahel al- Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  52. ^ a b sohranas. "The number of civilians killed in al- Qnayyi village rises to 15, while the clashes continue in Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  53. ^ a b "Iran is taking over Assad's fight in crucial parts of Syria". Business Insider. Now Lebanon. 8 June 2015. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015. three officers were Sunnis who were among the regime troops that withdrew from the Mahmbel and Bsanqoul checkpoints following rebel advances in the southern Idlib province area on Saturday [...] According to the report, none of the other Syrian officers or soldiers present at the time were able to prevent the execution as "officers responsible for military operations in the Jourin area are under the command of Iranian officers."
  54. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (28 April 2015). "#SRO - EXCLUSIVE - More than 20 pro-regime #NDF fighters executed last 4 days in #Ghab plain by all rebellion groups" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  55. ^ "150 Syrian government troops besieged in Jisr al-Shughur". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  56. ^ a b c Jeffrey White and Oula Abdulhamid Alrifai. "Now is a good time to apply maximum pressure on the Syrian regime". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  57. ^ "Syrian Town Jisr Al-Shughour Seized By Rebels In Major Blow To Assad". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  58. ^ "Jabhat al-Nusra seizes control of major Syrian government stronghold with rebel coalition". The Independent. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  59. ^ a b Barnard, Anne; Saad, Hwaida (25 April 2015). "Islamists Seize Control of Syrian City in Northwest". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015. Other video images posted by fighters and antigovernment activists showed insurgents, including some with Fursan al-Haq, a Free Syrian Army group, using what appeared to be guided antitank missiles to blow up armored vehicles in the battles in Idlib Province in recent days.
  60. ^ Stuster, J. Dana (26 April 2015). "Syrian Rebels Seize Strategic City Near Coast". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015. The collective is called the "Army of Conquest," and its gains have been at least partially attributed to better cooperation between the rebels' foreign patrons Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
  61. ^ Blanford, Nicholas (27 April 2015). "Why Iran is standing by its weakened, and expensive, ally Syria". The Christian Science Monitor. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  62. ^ Leith Fadel (25 March 2015). "Jabhat Al-Nusra Launches a Large-Scale Offensive at Idlib City". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  63. ^ "Syria rebels storm Idlib city in three-pronged attack". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  64. ^ Peto Lucem [@PetoLucem] (28 March 2015). "NEW MAP update (March 28): Military situation in #Idlib Governorate. #Syria #SAA #NDF #FSA #IF #Nusra" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  65. ^ "Idlib waits for zero hour - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 12 July 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  66. ^ "Syrian Army Makes Fresh Gains in Idlib; Kafr Najd Under Fire Control". Al-Masdar News. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 17 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  67. ^ "Palestinians Battling IS Group Advance in Syria Refugee Camp". ABC News. ABC News. Archived from the original on 20 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  68. ^ "Syria Direct: News Update 4-16-15". Syria Direct. 16 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  69. ^ Leith Fadel (18 April 2015). "Syrian Armed Forces Making Gains in Idlib; Muqablah Captured". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  70. ^ Ahmad. ""بالصور" السيطرة على المركز الثاني لمحافظة إدلب وهروب محافظها وقوات النظام تحتمي بالمدنيين خلال فرارها - المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  71. ^ a b "Nusra, allies advance in northwest Syria: activists". The Daily Star Lebanon. Archived from the original on 25 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  72. ^ a b "Jabhat Al-Nusra Unable to Enter the Brick Factory in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. 24 April 2015. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  73. ^ Jocelyn, Thomas (23 April 2015). "Al Nusrah Front, allies launch new offensives against Syrian regime". Long War Journal. Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  74. ^ "Syria: Extremist coalition group launches Battle of Victory in Idlib". 24 April 2015. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  75. ^ a b "Rebels launch massive northwest Syria campaign". 23 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  76. ^ a b Times of Oman. "Times of Oman - News :: Al Qaeda, allies advance on regime bastion Idlib as UN aid chief urges sanctions and Angelina Jolie pleads for help to refugees". Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
  77. ^ a b Leith Fadel (24 April 2015). "Sirmaniyah Secured by the SAA; Scores of Militants Killed in Idlib and Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  78. ^ "The Nusra Front and Islamist factions seize 5 new checkpoint in Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 23 April 2015. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  79. ^ Julian Röpcke [@JulianRoepcke] (24 April 2015). "#Footage Ahrar al-Sham T-55 fires at #Assad regime BMP-1 at #Jisr's northern entrance. Rebels still 2-4 km away" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  80. ^ "استمرار الاشتباكات العنيفة في محيط جسر الشغور واستشهاد وجرح 11 مواطناً على الأقل في قصف جوي على تفتناز". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  81. ^ "For the first time, clashes erupt inside the city of Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 24 April 2015. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  82. ^ "Syrian Armed Forces Secure Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. 24 April 2015. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  83. ^ "The Syria warplanes carry out at least 40 raids on the countryside of Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 24 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 July 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  84. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (24 April 2015). "#SRO - Rebels controling [sic] 3 highest points near Furayqah (Tal Muntar, Tal Hamkah and Tal Mantaf). Jisr al-Shughur-#Ariha road to be cut soon" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  85. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (24 April 2015). "#SRO MAP - AIRSTRIKES AS BATTLES RAGING ALONG STRATEGIC ROAD - Rebels advancing on #Ariha - Jisr al-Shughur highway" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  86. ^ Leith Fadel (24 April 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Recaptures the Vital Tal Hamki Checkpoint". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  87. ^ "أكثر من 44 غارة على محيط جسر الشغور واستعادة السيطرة على تلة استراتيجية عند طريق جسر الشغور – أريحا". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  88. ^ Leith Aboufadel [@leithfadel] (24 April 2015). "Many terrorists have been killed in the last 72 hours. SAA/NDF reported 47 soldiers lost in 3 days. Terrorists lost 100 yesterday....wow" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  89. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (24 April 2015). "#SRO - Civilian committees confirming rebellion has taken over Sugar company S-E to Jisr ash-Shughur after three days of battles. #Idlib" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  90. ^ Leith Aboufadel [@leithfadel] (25 April 2015). "#Breaking - a car bomb was just detonated at the 'Ayn Sibeel Checkpoint in Jisr Al-Shughour" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  91. ^ "Nusra, allies overrun Syria govt holdout in northwest". The Daily Star. 25 April 2015. Archived from the original on 25 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  92. ^ sohranas (25 April 2015). "Jabhat al- Nusra and the Islamist factions take control over wide areas in the city of Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 15 November 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  93. ^ Mark [@markito0171] (25 April 2015). "#Syria #Idlib National Hospital is the main stronghold of #Assad-forces in Jisr al-Shughour" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  94. ^ sohranas (25 April 2015). "60 bodies of the regime members seen in Jeser al- Shagour Streets". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  95. ^ Leith Fadel (25 April 2015). "Breaking: Tiger Forces Capture Koreen in West Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  96. ^ a b "Qaeda, allies take key regime holdout in northwest Syria". AFP. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  97. ^ sohranas (26 April 2015). "The Islamic factions arrest 30 members of the government troops and 10 others of NDF". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  98. ^ "Withdrawing Syria troops 'executed' prisoners: activists". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Archived from the original on 1 August 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  99. ^ Master (25 April 2015). "30 air strikes on Jesr al-Shoghour and explosive barrels hit Aleppo neighborhoods". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  100. ^ sohranas (26 April 2015). "The Islamist factions advance in Hama, and clashes break out near the city of Tadmor". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  101. ^ sohranas (25 April 2015). "10 people killed in the city of Jeser al- Shagour, and the Nusra Front and Islamic factions seize a new village in Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  102. ^ sohranas (26 April 2015). "27 people, including 20 fighters, killed in the center of Jeser al- Shagour City". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  103. ^ "Activists: Syrian air raids kill 34 in northwestern town". HuffPost. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  104. ^ Leith Fadel (26 April 2015). "Syrian Armed Forces Recapture Territory During Night Raids in West Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  105. ^ Leith Fadel (27 April 2015). "Intense Firefights at the Brick Factory Camp in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  106. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (27 April 2015). "#SRO - IMPORTANT - #Qarmid under rebellion control after the bloody #Nusra-led assault that lasted 12 h. More than 90 killed in both sides" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  107. ^ Master (27 April 2015). "26 killed in Idlib and Dar'a". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  108. ^ sohranas (27 April 2015). "The third collapse for the government troops in 30 days in the province of Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  109. ^ المرصد السوري. "اشتباكات عنيفة في معسكر القرميد وقصف مكثف من الطيران الحربي والمروحي على محيطه". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  110. ^ a b c Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (10 May 2015). "#SRO MAP - The deadly road to Jisr al-Shughur hospital for both sides as wanting to reach / take it before the other" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  111. ^ "Syria Daily: 200+ Killed in 2 Days as Regime Retaliates for Losses on Ground". EA WorldView. 28 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  112. ^ a b Leith Fadel (29 April 2015). "Complete Field Report from Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  113. ^ Master (28 April 2015). "More than 100 soldiers in regime forces and allied militiamen were captured in Jesr al-Shughour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  114. ^ syria 24 english [@syria24media] (28 April 2015). "Apparently #SAA launched a counter attack on Brick Factory #Idlib #Syria24" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2015 – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  115. ^ Lucas, Scott (28 April 2015). "Syria Video Feature: Is This When Famous Colonel "The Tiger" Hassan Appealed to Damascus for Reinforcements?". EA Worldview. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  116. ^ Elijah J. Magnier [@ejmalrai] (28 April 2015). "#Damascus gave orders for troops around #Idlib to "recover Jisr al-Shoukhour regardless the cost". #Syria" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  117. ^ "Syria Direct: News Update 4-28-15". Syria Direct. 28 April 2015. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  118. ^ sohranas (29 April 2015). "Jaysh al- Fateh seizes Msibin area, while more than 20 people killed and wounded in Bennesh". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  119. ^ sohranas. "Clashes break out around the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour, and the helicopters strike more than 9 areas in the countryside of Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  120. ^ المرصد السوري. "استمرار الاشتباكات في أطراف مدينة جسر الشغور وقصف يستهدف ريف اللاذقية". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  121. ^ sohranas. "14 fighters of the Nusra Front killied [sic] around the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  122. ^ a b Al-Masdar News (2 May 2015). "Battle Map of Wadi Al-Ghaab and Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  123. ^ المرصد السوري. "قوات النظام تعاود التقدم في سهل الغاب وقصف جوي مكثف يستهدف عدة مناطق في ريف حماة". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  124. ^ a b Leith Fadel (2 May 2015). "Complete Report from Jisr Al-Shughour: Syrian Armed Forces Retake 2 Villages". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  125. ^ "Agathocle de Syracuse". Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  126. ^ sohranas. "5 militiamen of Hezbollah die in Sahel al- Ghab and north of Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  127. ^ sohranas. "The helicopters and aircrafts [sic] attack areas in Idlib, and the clahes renew in Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  128. ^ Leith Fadel (3 May 2015). "Islamist Offensive Falling Apart Near Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  129. ^ Al-Masdar News (3 May 2015). "Idlib Battle Map: Syrian Army Begins Encirclement Around Al-Sirmaniyah". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  130. ^ Leith Fadel (4 May 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fatah Attack on Jisr Al-Shughour National Hospital Repelled". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  131. ^ Dettmer, Jamie (4 May 2015). "SYRIA'S REBELS ON WINNING STREAK—IN ALLIANCE WITH AL QAEDA". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015. Jaish al Fata forces are now attacking the villages of Ariha and Mastouma south of Idlib and Ankawi and Ghab south of Jisr al Shughour in order to sever the M4 highway linking Latakia to Idlib and Aleppo. These attacks are forcing Syrian government units to defend a 30-mile W-shaped line—a precarious military position.
  132. ^ sohranas. "The helicopters and warplanes continue their strikes on the countryside of Idlib, and the Islamic factions advance in the area". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  133. ^ Leith Fadel (5 May 2015). "Idlib: Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham Intensifies the Pressure on Ariha". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  134. ^ Master. "30 air strikes on Jesr al-Shughour and clashes around Aleppo". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 7 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  135. ^ Lucas, Scott (6 May 2015). "Syria Daily: Will Iran Prop Up Assad With Another $1 Billion?". EAWorldView. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 6 May 2015. rebels have taken the last hill, Tal Ma'ar Tab'i, controlled by the regime near the town of Ariha
  136. ^ a b Leith Fadel (7 May 2015). "Tiger Forces Capture the Strategic Sugar Factory at the Outskirts of Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  137. ^ Master. "20 air strikes and clashes continue around Jesr al-Shughour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  138. ^ Leith Fadel (7 May 2015). "Breaking: Tiger Forces Capture 'Alaween Checkpoint and Tal Malta Near Frikka". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  139. ^ Mark [@markito0171] (7 May 2015). "#Syria #SAA Brigade General Kemal Dib killed today in Jisr al-Shughour #Idlib" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  140. ^ sohranas. "14 members of the regime forces killed in Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  141. ^ Master. "Advances for regime forces in Idlib and Tal Tamir countrysides". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  142. ^ "Syrian troops battle to free trapped forces near Idlib". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 13 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  143. ^ Ahmad. "22 ألف مقاتل يعدّون لمعركة "فتح حلب"". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 14 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  144. ^ Leith Fadel (9 May 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Strategic Hill on the Outskirts of Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 13 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  145. ^ sohranas. "At least 20 air raids carried out on places around Jeser al- Shagour since this morning". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  146. ^ sohranas. "Violent clashes break out around the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour after a booby- trapped vehicle explosion". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 10 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  147. ^ "Syrian army steps up bid to regain town and rescue besieged troops". Reuters India. 10 May 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  148. ^ Hassan Ridha [@sayed_ridha] (10 May 2015). "Pro-Rebel source: #Jaish_Fateh are consumed in a firefight with #SAA in the Hospital from 3 fronts, JF were able to temporarily breach +" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  149. ^ "Syrian troops attack town recently captured by militants". Star Tribune. Retrieved 13 May 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  150. ^ Master. "22 air strikes and violent clashes around the national hospital west of Jesr al-Shughour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 14 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  151. ^ "Syrian rebels storm hospital complex". Stuff. 10 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  152. ^ Master. "60 soldiers in regime forces and allied militiamen killed and wounded in Jesr al-Shughour clashes". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  153. ^ "72 dead as Syria army battles to free loyalists: monitor". AFP. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  154. ^ Leith Fadel. "Tiger Forces Approaching Jisr Al-Shughour: Another Village Captured". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  155. ^ a b Zaem. "اشتباكات مستمرة في قرية بشرق جسر الشغور في إدلب". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  156. ^ المرصد السوري. "تقدم للمقاتلين في ريف حماة وقوات النظام تستهدف مدينة حمص وريفها". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  157. ^ "Syria Direct". 11 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  158. ^ Bosno Sinjić [@BosnjoBoy] (11 May 2015). "Photos showing the Thermal plant south of Jisr Shugur after rebels managed to enter, but withdrew during the night" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  159. ^ Julian Röpcke [@JulianRoepcke] (11 May 2015). "#Analysis #Map Regime forces retook Al-Klarin & Sawmill barriers,stand before sugar factory" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  160. ^ Ahmad. "أكثر من 14 غارة تستهدف جسر الشغور وتجدد الاشتباكات في أطراف المدينة وريفها, وغارات جوية على ريف حماة". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  161. ^ Bosno Sinjić [@BosnjoBoy] (11 May 2015). "Around 20 rebels (#FSA Division 101) died after a failed attack on Kafr Najd village near Ariha, #Idlib #Syria" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  162. ^ Ahmad. "استمرار الاشتباكات العنيفة وتجددها في عدة مناطق بأطراف مدينة جسر الشغور ومحيطها وريفها". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  163. ^ "Syria Daily, May 12: Assad Regime — We Have Achieved Nothing with "Reconciliation"". EA WorldView. 12 May 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  164. ^ Mark [@markito0171] (12 May 2015). "#Syria #SAA Brigadier General Abdel Razak Abu Khader Raml killed in #Idlib" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  165. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (12 May 2015). "#SRO MAP - EXCLUSIVE - Jaysh al-Fateh take 6 checkpoints in #Musbin and in Jabal al-Arbaeen area (#Ariha outskirts) :" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  166. ^ archicivilians [@archicivilians] (12 May 2015). "#Syria: Rebels bombed al-Fanar military checkpoint in the outskirts of #Ariha city in #Idlib province" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  167. ^ Leith Fadel (13 May 2015). "Islamist Rebels Storm the Gates of Ariha in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 15 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  168. ^ sohranas. "The Nusra Front, rebels and Islamic battalions seizes Msibin". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  169. ^ Julian Röpcke [@JulianRoepcke] (13 May 2015). "#Analysis #Map Rebels capture the mount forty barrier 2nd x after #Assad retook it overnight" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  170. ^ Master. "Aerial bombardment in Aleppo, Clashes continue in Jesr al-Shughour countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  171. ^ sohranas. "A brigadier- general killed in Jeser al- Shagour, and the clashes renew in the countryside of Idlib leaving more casualties". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 14 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  172. ^ "Syria Direct: News Update 5-14-15". Syria Direct. 14 May 2015. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  173. ^ Leith Fadel (15 May 2015). "Syrian Army Recaptures Strategic Checkpoint in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  174. ^ sohranas. "The Islamic faction take control over al- Moqbili town and advance towards al- Mastomi town Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 19 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  175. ^ sohranas. "After al- Mastomi town and its military camp, Al- Fateh Army expels the regime forces from Nihlaya". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  176. ^ "Rebels take largest remaining army base in Syria's Idlib: activists". TDS. AFP. 19 May 2015. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  177. ^ Leith Fadel (19 May 2015). "Syrian Armed Forces Withdraw from the Al-Mastoumah Camp". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  178. ^ Rifai, Ryan (20 May 2015). "Syria rebels claim capture of Idlib army base". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  179. ^ Elijah J. Magnier [@ejmalrai] (19 May 2015). "Jaish al-Fateh announced Mastooma has been taken by Mujahideen. #SAA destroyed ammunition claim rebels #Syria" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  180. ^ "Syria Daily: Can Assad Stop the Rebels?". EA WorldView. 20 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  181. ^ sohranas. "Al- Fateh Army advances in Nihlaya area in south of al- Mastomi camp". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  182. ^ Master. "More than 20 rebels killed during clashes around al-Mastuma camp and Qalamoun". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  183. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (19 May 2015). "#SRO - URGENT - Jaysh al-Fateh assaulting KafrNajd (contrary to few reports, KafrNajd still regime-held). Ahrar ash-#Sham leading. #Ariha" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  184. ^ sohranas. "The helicopters parachute food baskets for the regime forces' members inside the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  185. ^ "Feature: Syrian soldiers speak of "impossible escape" from al-Qaida besieged facility". Xinhua. 27 May 2015. Archived from the original on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  186. ^ "Insurgents seize hospital from Syrian army". Al Arabiya. AFP. 22 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015. The monitoring group's head said "dozens" of people had managed to flee but others were killed, wounded or taken hostage, without giving exact figures.
  187. ^ Loveluck, Louisa (24 May 2015). "Death in the orchards: the crumbling of the Syrian regime". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  188. ^ Lucas, Scott (24 May 2015). "Syria Daily: Battle Continues Over Fate of Assad Troops Fleeing Jisr al-Shughour Hospital". EA WorldView. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  189. ^ a b Dick, Marlin (25 May 2015). "National Hospital siege spin goes into overdrive". TDS. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  190. ^ "The Syrian Army Evades Al-Qaeda Fighters at the Jisr Al-Shughour National Hospital". Al-Masdar. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  191. ^ Fisk, Robert (6 June 2015). "The Syria hospital siege that turned into a massacre: Jisr al-Shugour breakout was less of a 'victory' than Damascus claims". The Independent. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2015. But it appears that of the men [...] who fled the hospital on 22 May, far less than half of them reached safety, some of whom subsequently died.
  192. ^ sohranas. "The Nusra Front and Islamic factions take control over the National Hospital in Jeser al- Shagour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  193. ^ Peto Lucem [@PetoLucem] (24 May 2015). "Opposition sources: #SAA is assaulting insurgent held village of al- #Sirmaniyyah in al- #Ghab plain. #Idlib #Syria" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  194. ^ "The clashes renew in the northern countryside of Lattakia, and the regime troops target towns in the countryside of al- Quneitera". Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  195. ^ "Rebels storm last regime-held city in Syria's Idlib: monitor". Yahoo News. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  196. ^ Leith Fadel (28 May 2015). "Breaking: Jaysh Al-Fateh Announces the Official Start of the Battle for Ariha". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  197. ^ "Syrian Army Withdraws from Ariha and Kafr Najd". Al-Masdar News. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  198. ^ sohranas (28 May 2015). "Al- Fateh Army takes control over the whole city of Ariha in Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  199. ^ "Syria Developing: Rebels Capture Ariha, One of Last Assad Positions in Idlib Province". EA WorldView. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  200. ^ Master (29 May 2015). "Regime forces keep pulling back from Ariha amid heavy bombardment on Idlib countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  201. ^ "قوات النظام تتقدم في ريف إدلب وتسيطر على منطقتين". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 8 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  202. ^ "Harald Pflueger : Army establishes full control over Tal Ghazal, Tal A'awar, and the towns of al-Ziyadiya and al-Sararif in the countryside of Idleb". Harald Pflueger. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  203. ^ a b c "The Islamist factions continue advancing near Ariha- Lattakia highway and seize more areas". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 5 June 2015. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  204. ^ "الفصائل الإسلامية تسيطر على حواجز على طريق اللاذقية – أريحا". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  205. ^ Leith Fadel (6 June 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fatah Launches Offensive at Sheikh Al-'Ali Mountains in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  206. ^ Hassan Ridha [@sayed_ridha] (6 June 2015). "#Jaish_Fateh in Basanqul after capturing it from #SAA #Idlib #Syria" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 June 2015 – via Twitter.
  207. ^ a b Master (6 June 2015). "al-Fatih army takes full control on Mahambel near Ariha-Lattakia highway". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  208. ^ Ahmad. "الفصائل الإسلامية تتقدم بعد السيطرة على بلدة محمبل وتسيطر على المزيد من المناطق قرب اتستراد اللاذقية – أريحا". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  209. ^ Rifai, Ryan (6 June 2015). "Syrian group claims control of Idlib province". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 7 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015. Abu Yazeed, a spokesman for Ahrar al-Sham, one of Syria's most powerful anti-government groups which is also a part of the Fattah Army coalition, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that the fighters now hold control over "about 99 percent" of Idlib.
  210. ^ Master (8 June 2015). "A massacre by regime warplanes leads to the death of 50 civilians in al-Janodia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  211. ^ a b sohranas (14 June 2015). "The Islamist factions advance towards the countryside of Idlib and seize new areas after the withdrawal of the regime forces and their loyal Afghani and Iranian fighters". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  212. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  213. ^ sohranas (13 June 2015). "Violent clashes erupt in the countryside of Hama, while the regime forces shell areas in it". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  214. ^ sohranas (14 June 2015). "The clashes continue on Lattakia- Ariha Highway". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  215. ^ Leith Fadel (28 July 2015). "Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Remaining Hills Near Jisr Al-Shughour". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  216. ^ Master (29 July 2015). "About 90 members of the regime forces and allied militiamen killed in the rebels' attack on areas in Sahl al- Ghab and Jeser al- Shohour". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 8 September 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  217. ^ "Syrian army advances on plain after rebel offensive: monitor". Reuters. August 2015. Archived from the original on 4 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  218. ^ "Syria army pushes back rebels near regime heartland: monitor". ReliefWeb. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  219. ^ "Rebel Forces Make Gains in Syria". Stratfor. 28 April 2015. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015. It is critical for the regime to secure the supply lines into isolated and besieged loyalist-held territory in Idlib where the remnants of the 11th Armored Division and the Tiger Forces are located [...] The next days will determine if the regime can succeed in saving its loyalist forces in Idlib from an even bigger catastrophe.
  220. ^ "Understanding the Strategic Shift in Syria". Stratfor. 29 May 2015. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015. Earlier in the conflict, Damascus removed its forces from Homs province and deployed them against the growing rebel threat of Jaish al-Fateh in the Idlib Province. The redeployment, which transferred the elite Tiger Forces and Desert Falcons away from the Islamic State's area of operations, will now be seen as a mistake. The elite forces have been unable to halt rebel advances in Idlib, and their departure from Homs has left the government highly vulnerable on its eastern flank
  221. ^ "Syria conflict: Islamists capture Jisr al-Shughur". BBC News. 25 April 2015. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015. BBC World Service Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher says that if the rebels can drive the government completely out of Idlib province, they would open the way to Latakia.
  222. ^ Solomon, Erika (25 April 2015). "Syrian rebels capture Jisr al-Shughour". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015. Rebel control of the town threatens supply lines to the few remaining government strongholds in northern Idlib province and could aid rebel advances east toward Syria's second city, Aleppo, or south toward the central city of Hama.
  223. ^ El Deeb, Sarah (25 April 2015). "Syria rebels take strategic northwestern town in Idlib province; government retaliates". U.S. News & World Report. AP. Archived from the original on 25 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015. If they can hold the town of Jisr al-Shughour in Idlib province, rebel fighters from Islamic factions [...] will have gained in only a few days a gateway to the Mediterranean coast, a refuge of embattled President Bashar Assad, and cut government supply lines from the coast to northern and central Syria.
  224. ^ "Islamist rebels capture major Syrian stronghold in Idlib province". DW. 25 April 2015. Archived from the original on 25 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015. The city lies between Latakia and the nation's largest city, Aleppo, and will give fighters access to a possible route to launch an assault on government-held Latakia.
  225. ^ "Al-Qaeda, allies overrun Syria government holdout in Idlib". The Economic Times. 25 April 2015. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015. The rebels launched their attack on Jisr al-Shughur on Thursday, seeking to capitalise on their capture of the provincial capital last month and open up a strategic assault route to the regime's stronghold on the Mediterranean coast.
  226. ^ Ingram, Jamie (21 April 2015). "Saudi Arabia's efforts to co-ordinate Sunni opposition groups in Syria are likely to result in heightened fighting in Aleppo and Latakia". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  227. ^ "Extremist Syrian rebels close in on Assad stronghold". The National. AFP. 25 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015. For the opposition as a whole, it would open up the route into Latakia from Idlib and Hama, which could significantly enhance any future offensive on Latakia," said Charles Lister, a visiting fellow at Brookings Doha Centre and a Syria specialist. "That would be very dangerous for the regime.
  228. ^ Karouny, Mariam (25 April 2015). "Islamist fighters seize Syria's Jisr al-Shughour, army says redeploys". Reuters. Retrieved 26 April 2015. "Jisr al-Shughour is more important than Idlib itself, it is very close to the coastal area which is a regime area, the coast now is within our fire reach," Ahmad from Ahrar al-Sham said.
  229. ^ Al-Khalidi, Suleiman (6 June 2015). "Idlib gains bring Syrian rebels closer to Assad's coastal homeland". Reuters. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  230. ^ "Fear stalks Damascus after jihadist gains". al-Monitor. 27 April 2015. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  231. ^ Elijah J. Magnier [@ejmalrai] (28 April 2015). "From what I have seen in the events in #Syria recently,for the first time I think Syria can likely head toward partition (no trolls please)" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  232. ^ Abi Ali, Firas (27 April 2015). "Syrian opposition success in Idlib province likely to threaten Aleppo, Latakia, and Assad's hold on power". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2015. Its capture [Jisr al-Shughour] threatens to show Syrian president Bashar al-Assad as incapable even of protecting the coastal mountain areas where the Alawites (his core support base) are concentrated. This in turn makes it likely that Iranians will no longer see Assad as the best guarantor of their interests in Syria.
  233. ^ Siegel, Jacob (5 June 2015). "The Myth of Iran's Military Mastermind". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  234. ^ a b Philp, Catherine; Tomlinson, Hugh (9 June 2015). "Iran sends men and arms to shore up retreating Assad". The Times. Archived from the original on 9 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015. Qassem Soleimani, Iran's powerful spy chief, visited Latakia, the ancestral heartland of President Assad's Alawite minority, last month to assess the situation after rebels advanced on the border with the neighbouring Idlib province. Iranian military sources said that General Soleimani, the commander of the elite al-Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, was furious at the despondency he encountered among the Syrian military's top brass. "Why are your heads down?" he was reported to have demanded. "The people of Syria have been paying their taxes to pay your wages for precisely such a day, so that you defend them against a band of evil beasts. Why have you lost your nerve now?"
  235. ^ Elijah J. Magnier [@ejmalrai] (28 April 2015). "#Damascus accuses officially #Ankara for helping #Nusra to attack #Idlib, providing military and logistic support. #Syria #Turkey" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 May 2015 – via Twitter.
  236. ^ Mozes, N.; Ezrahi, E. (1 May 2015). "As Saudi-Turkish-Qatari Relations Improve, Possibility Of 'Decisive Storm'-Type Operation In Syria Emerges". MEMRI. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.

35°48′00″N 36°19′00″E / 35.8000°N 36.3167°E / 35.8000; 36.3167

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Northwestern_Syria_offensive_(April–June_2015)&oldid=1262451971"