Northwestern Syria offensive (October 2015 – present)
Northwestern Syria offensive (October 2015 – present) | |||||||||
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Part of the Syrian Civil War | |||||||||
![]() The military situation in Hama Governorate ![]() Wider strategic view, including the Aleppo offensive. Syrian Army control
Opposition control
Kurdish control
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Ongoing confrontation or unclear situation | |||||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||||
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Supported by: ![]() Junud al-Sham[5] ![]() ![]() Katibat Tawhid wa Jihad (Uzbeks)[13][14][15] Ajnad Kavkaz[16] | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
![]() (chief of staff Russian Air Force) |
![]() (Jaysh al-Nasr leader) ![]() (Fursan al-Haq leader) ![]() (Division 13 leader) ![]() ![]() (1st Coastal Division leader) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||||
Units involved | |||||||||
7th Division
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![]() | ||||||||
Strength | |||||||||
7,000+[72] | Unknown | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
178+ killed [73] 1 Syrian helicopter (per SOHR)[75] 1 MiG-21 fighter jet[76] | 194+ killed [77] | ||||||||
27+ civilians killed[63][78][79] |
On 7 October 2015, shortly after the start of the Russian air campaign in Syria, the Syrian government forces and its allies launched a ground offensive against anti-government positions in northwestern Syria, initially in northern Hama Governorate. The primary objective is to seal off the northern Hama border with Idlib and "build a buffer-zone around the city of Khan Sheikhoun".[70] It has been described as the first major Syrian-Russian coordinated attack since the start of the Syrian Civil War.[3] The offensive was extended in the subsequent days to the al-Ghab plains, between northwest Hama and soutwest Idlib, as well as to the edge of the Latakia governorate. Other government offensives were launched throughout Syria in Aleppo province, Homs province and the Damascus countryside.
Timeline
Syrian Government offensive
On 7 October, the Syrian Army backed by the National Defence Forces and Russian airstrikes launched the offensive against the rebel-held villages of Kafr Nabouda, Qala’at Al-Madayq, Lahaya, Al-Mughayr, Latmin, Al-Lataminah, Kafr Zita and Markabah.[70] According to the SOHR, eight vehicles and tanks of the Army were destroyed by the rebels in the initial phase of the offensive,[80] while it also stated that rebel bases and vehicles were bombed at the same time.[3]
Later that day, the Army advanced in Latmin, while the rebels reportedly destroyed three more tanks on the shifting frontline. Meanwhile, rebels launched a counter-attack on Murak[81] and reportedly captured a hill.[82] The Russian Air Force conducted at least 40 airstrikes that day.[80] Conversely, pro-government sources listed the destruction of 10 tanks and BMPs.[83] The Army captured Al-Mughayr, Markabah, Tal Sakhar and Tal Uthman that day, while it was also claimed that the village of Al-Haweez and the town of Kafr Nabouda were temporally held before a strong rebel counter-attack allegedly pushed them back to Latmin.[84][85]
The next day, rebels downed a Syrian or Russian helicopter near Kafr Nabouda,[75] with a possible second one nearby.[86] The SOHR reported that the rebels regained some ground in the area of Kafr Nabouda and destroyed an APC in the progress.[87]
On 9 October, the military captured most of the hilly Jubb al-Ahmar region.[27] The SOHR also reported that the Army was still trying to capture Atshan (previously reported as captured), while the rebels destroyed and damaged six tanks that day.[88][89]
On 10 October, the Syrian Army captured the strategically important villages of Atshan and Om Hartein and the Sukayk hill, while also making attempts to push onwards to capture Khan Shaykhun in southern Idlib province. A number of government tanks and APC's were targeted during the clashes.[90][91][92][93] Hezbollah senior leader Hassan Hussein al-Haj and a rebel commander were killed that day during the takeover of Tal Sukayk.[57][92]
On 11 October, Hezbollah backed by the Army captured al-Bahsa in the al-Ghab plains, while rebels destroyed a tank.[17] In addition, the Army also advanced from Morek and Atshan.[94] The pro-government al-Masdar news also reported that the Army entered Salma, in Latakia province, and fighting for the town was ongoing.[95]
On the morning of 12 October, the Army captured the southern part of Kafr Nabuda, which coincided with 30 Russian airstrikes and hundreds of shells and rockets fired by government forces.[96] Soon after, the military secured the town and also seized the village of Mansoura, in the al-Ghab plain,[43] and Sukayk, just inside Idlib province. However, a subsequent rebel counter-attack later in the day recaptured Kafr Nabuda.[42] This came after jihadist rebel reinforcements arrived.[97] In addition, there were conflicting reports on the situation in Latakia, with the SOHR reporting the rebels advanced in Dorin,[98] but the military stated they themselves made advances in Latakia.[43] Later, it was confirmed the rebels withdrew from Dorin.[99] At least 25 pro-government fighters, including 7 Hezbollah militiamen, had been killed since the assault on Kafr Nabuda started. Another 20 Hezbollah fighters had also been wounded.[100][101]
On 13 October, government forces captured Lahaya, while clashes continued in the outskirts of Kafr Nabuda.[102] Meanwhile, military sources reported that the Army entered the town of Tartiyah and made progress in Salma, in Latakia,[103] after reportedly repelling the rebel counter-attack against Dorin.[104] That day, two Iranian colonels were killed on the Hama frontline.[51] Beside the reinforcements, the rebels were deploying an "extensive ammount" of BGM-71 TOW's along the frontline and announced a counter-offensive to "retake Hama". It was also reported that Hezbollah had concentrated all it's fighters in the northwest of Syria for the offensive.[61]
On 14 October, government forces captured the villages of Fawru and Sirmaniyah in the al-Ghab plain.[105] By this point, in the opinion of the ISW, the Syrian government achieved limited success in the offensive's first week, capturing 6 villages while suffering heavy casualties.[50]
On 15 October, government forces captured the village of al-Safsafah in the Ghab plains.[19][106] In response to the Russian-backed offensive by the Syrian Army, the jihadist Turkistan Islamic Party sent fighters to the Ghab Plain to support rebels in fighting against the Syrian Army, Iranian, and Hezbollah forces.[107] Photos of Uyghur fighters from Turkistan Islamic Party were released with captions in Arabic that said “standing up strongly to the Nusayri army and the Russians.”[108]
On 19 October, the military restarted operations, after the offensive was paused for the weekend.[109] Government fighters temporally captured parts of the Mansoura grain silos before a rebel counter-attack reversed their gains. A rebel brigade commander was killed at the silos.[110] By the next day, 16 government fighters were killed.[111] SAA captured Point 1112, Point 482, Tal Thamamiyah, Kawa Al-Hatab, and Tal Thalatha in the Al-Zahiyah Mountains in northern Latakia after advancing north from the hilltop of Tal Ziwayk.[112]
On 20 October, Russian air strikes in Syria's Latakia province killed Basil Zamo, the commander of the rebel 1st Coastal Division, along with four other fighters.[63]
Rebel counter-offensive
On 23 October, rebels captured al-Dil and also launched attacks on Sukayk hill and village.[37] That day, rebels continued to advance,[113] while Russian airplanes bombed a rebel headquarters.[114] Also a rebel spokesman claimed that the losses of the SAA reached 57 armored vehicles during the course of the Hama (Northwestern) Offensive.[74] At the end of the day, rebels recaptured the villages of Maarkaba and Lahaya.[45] The clashes led to the death of at least 12 rebels and 14 government fighters[115] and the capture of two army vehicles.[116]
On 24 October, Russian airplanes bombed a field hospital near al-Latamneh, killing a number of rebels and wounding medical personnel. Meanwhile, rebels were preparing to attack the Mork area.[116]
On 25 October, three Hama-based Free Syrian Army linked groups merged into the Jaysh al-Nasr.[59] Meanwhile, a Syrian colonel and three soldiers were killed in the Dorin-Isterbah area,[117] while the experienced BGM-71 TOW operator Abu Omar "TOW" was killed in Hama.[118] A sandstorm forcibly halted all military operations at the end of day.[119]
On October 26, government forces, supported by heavy Russian airstrikes, reportedly recaptured Mansura in the Al-Ghab plain.[120] A Jaysh al-Islam field commander was killed that day.[71]
On 27 October, rebels destroyed at least two tanks and one APC in the northern countryside of Hama,[121] while at least 10 rebels were killed.[122]
On 28 October, fighting around Morek damaged two Army tanks,[123] while another vehicle was also targeted.[124] That day, rebels recaptured the village of Sukayk[46] while government forces retreated from an area north of Morek. Two officers and a rebel leader were killed in the clashes.[125] According to analysis by al-Masdar News, if the rebels can capture Morek, they will be in a good position to attack the two towns of Souran and Taybat Al-Imam which would allow them to begin their large-scale attack on the city of Hama.[126] At the end of the day, government forces regained positions against ISIL at the Salamiya–Ithiriya highway.[127]
On 30 October, rebels recaptured areas at Kafar Delbah in Latakia.[128] but pro-government forces denied this.[129] The next day, 20 rebel factions attacked Morek.[130] 7 Hezbollah fighters were killed in a case of friendly fire by the Russian air force amidst a series of bombing operations against the rebels, according to a Lebanese news source.[131]
Between 1 and 3 November, heavy clashes for the village of Ghannam in the Mountains of northern Latakia took place. The village was captured four times, with the rebels finally ending up controlling it again. 18 soldiers and an unknown number of rebels were killed.[132][133][134][135]
On 3 November, rebels captured Tall-Uthman hill, al-Janabra hill, Hamidid gas station and a position west of Morek. Rebels damaged two tanks with BGM-71 TOW, destroyed other vehicles and also seized two tanks and an APC. Five rebels, including a commander and a leader, were killed that day.[38][47][136] At the end of the day, government forces bombed and shelled Khan Sheikhoun, killing four civilians.[79]
On 4 November, rebels downed a Syrian MiG-21 above Tall-Uthman hill. The pilot was killed due to a failing parachute.[76] In the evening, around 10pm, the Syrian army was forced to abandon the strategic town of Morek after a massive rebel assault. Government forces recaptured al-Bani and allegedly also Tall-Uthman hill and.[34][39]
On 5 November, rebels fully secured the town of Morek after repelling a number of Army counter-attacks. A rebel leader and a number of other rebels, as well as dozens of soldiers were killed and wounded around Morek.[34][137] Analysis by a source close to the government (Al-Masdar) has attributed the quick collapse of SAA in Murak to the ISIL attack on the government’s only supply route to the Aleppo Governorate. This loss caused an imminent emergency in Aleppo that subsequently forced the Military High Command to initiate a massive redeployment, which resulted in the thinning of the northeastern Hama line of defense. After this, the SAA line of defense stabilized north of Ma'an and Souran.[138] At the end of the day, rebels advanced inside the village of Atshan and killed a number of soldiers and officers (including a brigadier general),[53] and recaptured Tell Sukayk hill.[48] Government forces allegedly captured the villages of Khandaq Al-Khamou, Barisha and Khirbat Jubb Al-Za’rour in Latakia.[139] 16 Hezbollah fighters were killed in a second friendly-fire incident after Russian Air Force bombed their position in reef Idlib,[140] while 5 rebels (mostly field commanders) were killed in Hama.[141]
On 6 November, rebels recaptured Atshan, Umm Hartein, al-Hilal poultry farms, al-Naddaf poultry farms, al-Easawi checkpoints and al-Tawil hill. At least 16 soldiers and officers, as well as several rebels were killed in the clashes.[40] On the same day, Syrian army recaptured the village of Ghamam and allegedly also the hill of Jabal Bakdash overlooking it,[142][143] while the rebels continued their advance and further captured the villages of Qubaybat Abu al Huda, Tell Swan hill and Mantana in the Hama countryside while the Alawite village of Maan was besieged from the north and east.[41] Later, Syrian troops in coordination with their allies reportedly captured the villages of Al-Kareem, Ramleh, Qabr Fidah and Al-Ashrafiyah after they reportedly secured Safsafa in the Al-Ghaab Plains.[144]
On 9 November, rebels captured Al-Mughayr village and the Al-‘Abboud Checkpoint south of Morek[49] and some points in the vicinity the village of Ghamam.[145] Eight rebels (including a military leader) were killed that day.[146]
On 10 November, the SOHR reported that rebels recaptured some points in Ghmam area, capturing a tank and another vehicle.[147] However this was denied by military sources.[148] On the same day, NDF in coordination with the SSNP counter-attacked against the rebels and allegedly recaptured the village of Al-Mughayr, the hill Tal Al-Sakhr and Grain Silos directly south of rebel-held town of Kafr Naboudeh.[36]
On 15 November, government forces captured two hills in the mountains of Latakia.[28] On the next day, government forces advance around Ghamam area and captured the Tal Al-Yakdash hill.[29][149] Later, government forces also captured the villages of Dayr Hanna and al-Dughmishlyia[20][21] and the small village of Beit ‘Ayyash.[22]
On 18 November, government forces captured the Tal Al-Rashwan hill in the Prophet Jonah Mountains in northern Latakia countryside.[30][150] On the next day, government forces advance and captured 3 hills after clashes with rebels around Job al-Ahmar and Zahi mount in the northern countryside of Latakia.[31] Later, government forces captured the village Zuwayk and its imperative hilltop Tall Zuwayk, town of Shamaysah, Point 1112, Point 482, Tall Thamamiyah hill, Kawa Al-Hatab hill, and Tal Thalatha hill in the Al-Zahiyah Mountains in northern countryside of Latakia.[23][24][151]
On 20 November, government forces imposed full control over the Al-Zahi Mountains and Burj Al-Zahi in northern countryside of Latakia.[25][26]
On 23 November, government forces captured the Ketf al-Ghanama hill, Ketf al-Ghadr hill, al- Rashwan hill, al-Zaytuna hill, Rwayset al- Malloha hill, Ayn Samoukh hill, Tall Antouz hill in Jeb al- Ahmar area in the northern countryside of Lattakia.[152][153][33]
See also
References
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Announce the 2nd Phase of Their Wide-Scale Offensive in Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ "The Military Situation in Idlib Province - Syria - April 29, 2015". archicivilians. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ^ a b c "Syrian army, Russian jets target rebels in western Syria". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ Joscelyn, Thomas (25 April 2011). "Al Qaeda, jihadist allies declare victory over Syrian regime in key city". The Long War Journal. 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.
- ^ a b c d e "Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ^ "Despite Russian strikes, Syrian rebels hold ground".
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- ^ "Syrian rebels fight Syrian army near Assad heartland". Newsweek. Reuters. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
As the biggest group in Army of Fatah, Ahrar al-Sham appears to hold the key to preventing infighting.
- ^ "Second Idlib Stronghold Falls to Jabhat al-Nusra and Rebel Forces". Institute for the Study of War. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
- ^ Weiss, Caleb (August 9, 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria takes part in battle for the Al Ghab plain". Long War Journal.
- ^ Weiss, Caleb (23 April 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria involved in new Idlib offensive". Long War Journal.
- ^ "karakur-fethisi". Internet Archive. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. YouTube. 31 July 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
- ^ Tel Vosit qishlog'idagi amaliyot - Тел Восит қишлоғидаги амалиёт. YouTube. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ Sahl al G'ob mintaqasidagi fathlari - Саҳл ал Ғоб минтақасидаги фатҳлар. YouTube. Aug 12, 2015. Retrieved Aug 12, 2015.
- ^ Weiss, Caleb (November 6, 2015). "Chechen group says it took 'spoils' from Russian forces in Syria". Long War Journal.
- ^ a b jack. "Aerial bombardment on Hama countryside and advances for Hezbollah". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "#حماة قوات الأسد تسيطر على قريتي #فورو و... - لجان التنسيق المحلية في سوريا - Facebook". Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b Master. "The regime forces advance against in the northern countryside of Hama and seize new village". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b Master. "Then regime forces advance in Lattakia's mountains". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Abdel Rahman". Twitter. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Seizes Several Villages in Northern Latakia as They Rapidly Advance North". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Syrian Army Launches a Massive Operation in Northern Latakia: Several Sites Captured
- ^ a b c Jabhat Al-Nusra Issues a Distress Call to Turkey as the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Latakia
- ^ a b Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Al-Zahi Mountains in Northern Latakia
- ^ a b قوات النظام تتقدم في جبال اللاذقية وتسيطر على تلال ومناطق فيها وشهداء في قذائف على العاصمة وقصف على أطرافها
- ^ a b "Syria army in 'vast offensive' backed by Russian strikes". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ a b Edward. "Shelling target several areas in the northern countryside of Homs and the regime forces advance in Latakia Mountains". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b jack. "Clashes in Lattakia and Hasakah countrysides". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b قصف يستهدف ريف حلب الغربي وقوات النظام تتقدم في تلة بريف اللاذقية الشمالي
- ^ a b Bombardment on Dar’a and clashes in Lattakia countryside
- ^ {{broken ref
|prefix=Cite error: The named reference
{
Unexpected use of template {{1}} - see Template:1 for details. (see the help page). - ^ a b government forces took control of strategic Kitf al Ghanmeh, Mallouha, Rwayset al-Malluha,Rashwani,Antouz and Ain Samura in Reef Latakia
- ^ a b c Master. "Jund al- Aqsa and the other factions seize the whole town of Morek, while the regime warplanes intensively strike several toens and villages Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ^ {{broken ref
|prefix=Cite error: The named reference
{
Unexpected use of template {{1}} - see Template:1 for details. (see the help page). - ^ a b c Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebel Offensive in Northern Hama Stalls as the Syrian Armed Forces Recover Several Points". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b Master. "The clashes continue in the countryside of Idlib and Hama, and the Russian warplanes attack the eastern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Master. "The rebel and Islamist factions take control over hills and areas in the northern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures the Strategic Town of Morek While the Syrian Army Captures Tal Uthman and Al-Bani". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Master. "At least 16 victims on the regime forces' ranks killed in the clashes of retaking the village of Atshan, other villages and farms". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ^ a b "The rebel and Islamist factions continue to attack the countryside of Hama, while the regime forces and warplanes target it". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Enters the Idlib Governorate After Capturing Sukayk". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ a b c "Syrian troops advance with Russian backing; US drops ammunition to anti-Islamic State rebels". ABC News. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Edward. "More deaths in the clashes in the northern countryside of Homs and clashes continue in Sahl al-Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Leith Fadel. "Breaking: Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Markabah in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Jaysh Al-Fateh Recovers Sukayk on the Idlib-Hama Border". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Tal Uthman in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ a b "Syrian rebels seize town in west in blow to government". Reuters.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Capture Al-Mughayr in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Joint Syrian-Iranian-Russian Offensive Achieves Only Limited Initial Gains". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Iranian commanders killed in fight on terror in Syria". PressTV.
- ^ a b "Syria extends offensive to retake territory in west". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ a b Edward. "Russian warplanes target the northern countryside of Hama and violent clashes in the vicinity of Atshan". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ^ a b "The leader of the Tank Brigade 47 killed in clashes in the countryside of Hama, while a body of a colonel pilot found murdered in Homs". SOHR. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
- ^ "Армия Сирии проводит крупнейшую артподготовку к операции в Хаме". РИА Новости. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ "فردا؛ تشییع پیکر "رضا خاوری" فرمانده شهید فاطمیون". Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "Hezbollah loses another field commander in Syria". 13 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b c "InfoGraphic – Jaysh al-Nasr - Syira". archicivilians. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ "Syria's army, allies plan offensive against insurgents in Aleppo". Reuters. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b c "Rebels fortify front line with anti-tank missiles". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Casualty Conunter". Twitter. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ^ a b c "Third Russian air strike on Syrian rebel group kills leader". Reuters. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Farsnews". Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901000984
- ^ "Farsnews". Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ "Farsnews". Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940901000588
- ^ a b c d Leith Fadel. "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Southern Entrance to Kafr Naboudeh". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ a b c Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Begins Large-Scale Offensive in Northern Hama: Ahaya, Al-Mughayr and Markabat Captured". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ a b Master. "Assassination attempt carried out against a leader of a rebel gathering, and a field commander in an Islamic army killed in Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ "Seven thousand of Al-haydareyeen, the Fatimids, the IRGC and Hezbollah ready for the battle of Idlib". Elijah J M - ايليا ج مغناير. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ 33 killed (8 October),[1] 25 killed (13 October),[2] 16 killed (20 October),[3] 4 killed (23 October),[4] 14 killed (24 October),[5] 4 killed (25 October),[6] 20 killed (26 October),[7] 7 killed (30 October),[8] 13 killed (1–3 November),[9], 16 killed (5 November),[10] 16 killed (6 November),[11] 6 killed (7 November), [12], 4 killed (14 November), total of 178+ reported killed
- ^ a b "American TOW Missiles Are A Game Changer Against Assad". Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Insurgents shoot down helicopter in Syria's Hama province: monitor". Reuters. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Rebels down government air force plane in western Syria: monitor". Reuters.
- ^ 11 killed (8 October),[13] 8 killed (11 October),[14] 14 killed (13 October),[15] 30 killed (20 October),[16] 12 killed (24 October),[17] 16 killed (26 October),[18] 10 killed (28 October),[19] 5 killed (3 November), [20] 5 killed (5 November),[21] 8 killed (9 November),[22] 50 killed (16 November),[23] 25 killed (20 November) [24] total of 194+ reported killed
- ^ Master. "Intensive shelling on Sahl al- Ghab and the northern countryside of Hama leaves casualties". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ a b jack. "Rebels target regime warplane in Hama countryside and Aerial bombardment targets areas of Idlib and Dar'a". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
- ^ a b Master. "The Russian warplanes carry out more than 40 air raids on areas in Hama and Idlib". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ Master. "Ongoing clashes and mutual attacks take place between the regime forces and the factions' fighters, while intense Russian airstrikes on the countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ Edward. "The fighters and the American TAW make the first joint operation for the regime forces and Russian warplanes fail". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Russian Air Force Takes Over the Northern Hama Offensive: Over 30 Islamist Rebels Killed". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Captures 40km of Territory in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ^ "סדקים ראשונים במופע העוצמה של פוטין בסוריה". הארץ. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Edward. "Violent attack by the regime forces in the northeastern countryside of Hama and shelling on Sahl al-Ghab and missiles target Khan Shekhoun". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Master. "The clashes continue in the northeastern countryside of Hama, and warplanes strike the eastern countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Edward. "Continuous clashes in the northern and ne northeastern countryside of Hama and damaging and destroying tanks and armored vehicles for the regime forces". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Master. "The regime forces seize the village of Atshan and advance towards the area, and violent clashes take place in Sahl al- Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Russian Air Force Destroys Al-Nusra Installations While the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ a b Edward. "The regime forces advance and take control over a hill again at the administrative border between Idlib and Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "Syria regime advances with Russian air support". Yahoo. AFP. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- ^ "Syrian army advances with help of Russian strikes; Putin reaches out to Saudis". Reuters. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Enters the Strategic City of Salma in Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "Syrian army, Russian jets drive back rebels in fiercest clashes for days: monitor". Yahoo News. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "Syria's army, allies plan offensive against insurgents in Aleppo". Reuters UK. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ "Violent clashes take place in Jabal al- Akrad, while the rebels advance in the area". SOHR. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "اللاذقية: عملية نوعية في قرية دورين في ريف اللاذقية". الجبهة الإسلامية -- حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Master. "At least 25 members in the regime forces killed in the most violent clashes since the beginning of the Russian airstrikes". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Master. "Hmaymim airport closed for the sake of the Russians and Iranians, and about 30 militiamen in Hezbollah killed in the countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Edward. "Tens of raids target Sahl al-Ghab amid violent clashes in the area". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Breaking: Syrian Army Enters Tartiyah in Northeast Latakia; Progress Made in Salma". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Suffer Heavy Casualties in Failed Counter-Offensive in Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Edward. "The regime forces advance and take control of new village in Sahl al-Ghab and warplanes shell Jabal al-Zawiyah". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Lose More Ground in the Al-Ghaab Plains: Syrian Army Captures Safsafa". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ "Syrian rebels pour men and missiles into frontlines". The Fiscal Times. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
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- ^ Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Tal Al-Rashwan While Repelling Nusra at Deir Hanna in Northern Latakia
- ^ Regime forces are advance and capture all villages between Ghamam and Qasab
- ^ The regime forces advance again in the northern countryside of Lattakia, and airstrikes leave casualties in Deir Ezzor city
- ^ المزيد من التقدم لقوات النظام في جبال اللاذقية ومعارك مستمرو في المنطقة وشهداء وجرحى في غارات على مدينة دير الزور