Northwestern Syria offensive (October 2015)

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Northwestern Syria offensive (October 2015)
Part of the Syrian Civil War
2015 Hama Offensive.svg
The current military situation in Hama Governorate.

     Syrian Government control

     Contested
Date 7 October 2015 – present
(2 weeks and 1 day)
Location Hama, Idlib Governorate and Latakia Governorates, Syria
Result

Ongoing

Belligerents

Syrian Arab Republic

Syrian Social Nationalist Party[1]
Syrian Resistance[2]
Liwa Fatemiyoun
IRGC
Hezbollah[3]

 Russia (air strikes)

Army of Conquest[4]

SRCC

Supported by:
 Turkey
 Saudi Arabia
 Qatar


Junud al-Sham[7]
Jabhat Ansar al-Din[8]
Katibat Turkistani[9][10][11]
Katibat Tawhid wa Jihad (Uzbeks)[12][13][14]
Commanders and leaders
Maj. Gen. Qassem Suleimani[28]
Gen. Hamid Mokhtar Band 
Gen. Farshad Hasounizade [29]
Lt. Gen. Ali Abdullah Ayyoub[30]
Col. Wasim Khaddam[31]
Hassan Hussein al-Haj[32] 
(Hezbollah senior leader)
Mahdi Hassan Obeid[33] 
(Hezbollah commander)
Russia Viktor Bondarev
Col. Fares al-Bayous
(Fursan al-Haq leader)[34]
Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Seoud
(Division 13 leader)[35]
Basil Zamo  
(1st Coastal Division leader)[36]
Units involved

Syrian Army:
10th Tank Division

7th Division
9th Division[38]
4th Assault Corps[30]
Syrian Republican Guard SSI.svg Republican Guard:

  • 106th Brigade
Russian Air Force

Al-Nusra Front[37]
Ahrar ash-Sham[37]
Syria Free Syrian Army:

Strength
7,000+[39] Unknown
Casualties and losses
74 killed, 85 wounded[15][40][41][42]
10[43]–23+ tanks & armored vehicles,[20][44][45][46][47]
1 Syrian helicopter[48]
150-200 killed (government claim)[49][50][51]
38+ killed (SOHR claim)[40][52][53][36]

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 was to seal off the northern Hama border with Idlib and "build a buffer-zone around the city of Khan Sheikhoun".[38] 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.

The offensive[edit]

On 7 October, the Syrian Army backed by the National Defence Forces and Russian airstrikes launched the offensive against the rebel-held towns of Kafr Nabouda, Qala’at Al-Madayq, Lahaya, Al-Mughayr, Latmin, Al-Lataminah, Kafr Zita and Markabah.[38] According to the SOHR, eight vehicles and tanks of the Army were destroyed by the rebels in the initial phase of the offensive,[54] 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 new tanks on the shifting frontline. Meanwhile, rebels launched a counter-attack on Morek[55] and reportedly captured a hill.[44]

The Russian Air Force conducted at least 40 airstrikes that day.[54] Conversely, pro-government sources listed the destruction of 10 tanks and BMPs.[43] The Army captured Al-Mughayr, Markabah, Al-Haweez, Tal Sakhar and Tal Uthman that day, while it was also claimed that the town of Kafr Nabouda was temporally held before a strong rebel counter-attack allegedly pushed them back to Latmin.[15][16][17]

The next day, rebels downed a Syrian or Russian helicopter near Kafr Nabouda,[48] with a possible second one nearby.[56] The SOHR reported that the rebels regained some ground in the area of Kafr Nabouda and destroyed an APC in the progress.[46]

On 9 October, the military captured most of the hilly Jeb 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 new tanks that day.[45][47]

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.[18][19][21][57] Hezbollah senior leader Hassan Hussein al-Haj and a rebel commander were killed that day during the takeover of Tal Sukayk.[21][32]

On 11 October, Hezbollah backed by the Army captured al-Bahsa in the al-Ghab plains, while rebels destroyed a tank.[20] In addition, the Army also advanced from Morek and Atshan.[58] The pro-government al-Masdar news also reported that the Army entered Salma, in Latakia province, and fighting for the town was ongoing.[59]

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.[60] Soon after, the military secured the town and also seized the village of Mansoura, in the al-Ghab plain,[22] and Sukayk, just inside Idlib province. However, a subsequent rebel counter-attack later in the day recaptured Kafr Nabuda.[17][23] This came after jihadist rebel reinforcements arrived.[61] In addition, there were conflicting reports on the situation in Latakia, with the SOHR reporting the rebels advanced in Dorin,[62] but the military stated they themselves made advances in Latakia.[22] Later, it was confirmed the rebels withdrew from Dorin.[63] 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.[40][41]

On 13 October, government forces captured Lahaya, while clashes continued in the outskirts of Kafr Nabuda.[24] Meanwhile, military sources reported that the Army entered the town of Tartiyah and made progress in Salma, in Latakia,[51] after reportedly repelling the rebel counter-attack against Dorin.[64] That day, two Iranian generals were killed on the Hama frontline.[29] 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 its fighters in the northwest of Syria for the offensive.[35]

On 14 October, government forces captured the villages of Fawru and Sirmaniyah in the al-Ghab plain.[25][65] 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.[28]

On 15 October, government forces captured the village of al-Safsafah in the Ghab plains.[26][66] 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.[67][68][69] 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.”[70]

On 19 October, the military restarted operations, after the offensive was paused for the weekend.[71] 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.[72] By the next day, 16 government fighters were killed.[42]

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.[36]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Announce the 2nd Phase of Their Wide-Scale Offensive in Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  2. ^ "The Military Situation in Idlib Province - Syria - April 29, 2015". archicivilians. Retrieved 5 May 2015. 
  3. ^ a b c "Syrian army, Russian jets target rebels in western Syria". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  4. ^ "Al Qaeda and allies form coalition to battle Syrian regime in Idlib". Long War Journal. 24 March 2015. 
  5. ^ "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. 
  6. ^ 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. 
  7. ^ a b c d e "Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 25 April 2015. 
  8. ^ "Second Idlib Stronghold Falls to Jabhat al-Nusra and Rebel Forces". Institute for the Study of War. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015. 
  9. ^ Weiss, Caleb (August 9, 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria takes part in battle for the Al Ghab plain". Long War Journal. 
  10. ^ Weiss, Caleb (23 April 2015). "Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria involved in new Idlib offensive". Long War Journal. 
  11. ^ "karakur-fethisi". Internet Archive. Retrieved 12 August 2015. 
  12. ^ Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. YouTube. 31 July 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015. 
  13. ^ Tel Vosit qishlog'idagi amaliyot - Тел Восит қишлоғидаги амалиёт. YouTube. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015. 
  14. ^ Sahl al G'ob mintaqasidagi fathlari - Саҳл ал Ғоб минтақасидаги фатҳлар. YouTube. Aug 12, 2015. Retrieved Aug 12, 2015. 
  15. ^ a b c Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Captures 40km of Territory in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  16. ^ a b c "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 7 October 2015. 
  17. ^ a b c "صوت الشام(VoSham)". Twitter. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  18. ^ a b 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. 
  19. ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Russian Air Force Destroys Al-Nusra Installations While the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  20. ^ a b c jack. "Aerial bombardment on Hama countryside and advances for Hezbollah". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  21. ^ a b c 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. 
  22. ^ a b c "Syrian troops advance with Russian backing; US drops ammunition to anti-Islamic State rebels". ABC News. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  23. ^ a b c Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Enters the Idlib Governorate After Capturing Sukayk". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 13 October 2015. 
  24. ^ a b Edward. "Tens of raids target Sahl al-Ghab amid violent clashes in the area". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  25. ^ a b "‫#حماة قوات الأسد تسيطر على قريتي #فورو و... - لجان التنسيق المحلية في سوريا - Facebook". Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  26. ^ 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. 
  27. ^ a b "Syria army in 'vast offensive' backed by Russian strikes". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  28. ^ a b "Joint Syrian-Iranian-Russian Offensive Achieves Only Limited Initial Gains". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  29. ^ a b "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  30. ^ a b "Syria extends offensive to retake territory in west". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  31. ^ "Армия Сирии проводит крупнейшую артподготовку к операции в Хаме". РИА Новости. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  32. ^ a b "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  33. ^ "Hezbollah loses another field commander in Syria". 13 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  34. ^ "Syria's army, allies plan offensive against insurgents in Aleppo". Reuters. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  35. ^ a b c "Rebels fortify front line with anti-tank missiles". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  36. ^ a b c Third Russian air strike on Syrian rebel group kills leader
  37. ^ a b c d e Leith Fadel. "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Southern Entrance to Kafr Naboudeh". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  38. ^ 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. 
  39. ^ "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. 
  40. ^ a b c 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. 
  41. ^ a b 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. 
  42. ^ a b About 16 member of the regime forces and NDF were killed in the clashes at Sahl al-Ghab, and airstrikes on the northern countryside of Hama
  43. ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Russian Air Force Takes Over the Northern Hama Offensive: Over 30 Islamist Rebels Killed". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  44. ^ a b 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. 
  45. ^ a b 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. 
  46. ^ a b 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. 
  47. ^ a b 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. 
  48. ^ a b "Insurgents shoot down helicopter in Syria's Hama province: monitor". Reuters. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  49. ^ Master. "Assad forces stage vast offensive in western Syria". Aljazeera. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  50. ^ Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Shocks the Islamist Rebels in Northern Hama: 'Atshan Captured". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  51. ^ a b Leith Fadel. "Breaking: Syrian Army Enters Tartiyah in Northeast Latakia; Progress Made in Salma". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  52. ^ Master. "More than 13 soldiers in the regime forces killed in clashes in Hama, and Russian warplanes strike Sahl al- Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 8 October 2015. 
  53. ^ Master. "The violent clashes continue in the northern and eastern countryside of Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  54. ^ 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. 
  55. ^ 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. 
  56. ^ "סדקים ראשונים במופע העוצמה של פוטין בסוריה". הארץ. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  57. ^ "Syria regime advances with Russian air support". Yahoo. AFP. Retrieved 10 October 2015. 
  58. ^ "Syrian army advances with help of Russian strikes; Putin reaches out to Saudis". Reuters. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  59. ^ Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army Enters the Strategic City of Salma in Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  60. ^ "Syrian army, Russian jets drive back rebels in fiercest clashes for days: monitor". Yahoo News. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  61. ^ "Syria's army, allies plan offensive against insurgents in Aleppo". Reuters UK. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  62. ^ "Violent clashes take place in Jabal al- Akrad, while the rebels advance in the area". SOHR. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015. 
  63. ^ "اللاذقية: عملية نوعية في قرية دورين في ريف اللاذقية". الجبهة الإسلامية -- حركة أحرار الشام الإسلامية. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  64. ^ Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Suffer Heavy Casualties in Failed Counter-Offensive in Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  65. ^ 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. 
  66. ^ Leith Fadel. "Islamist Rebels Lose More Ground in the Al-Ghaab Plains: Syrian Army Captures Safsafa". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  67. ^ "Syrian rebels pour men and missiles into frontlines". The Fiscal Times. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  68. ^ http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=530_1445176978
  69. ^ https://archive.org/details/sahil-ghab
  70. ^ "Turkistan Islamic Party shows fighters on frontlines in northwestern Syria". The Long War Journal. Retrieved 17 October 2015. 
  71. ^ Syrian Army and Popular Committees Resume the Al-Ghaab Plains and Salma Offensives
  72. ^ The clashes continue around al- Mansoura in Sahl al- Ghab leaving more casualties, including a commander