Anti-Assad forces capture 16 settlements in Syria as offensive intensifies VIDEO

Armed groups opposed to Bashar al-Assad's forces have reclaimed 16 more settlements in Syria's Hama province, intensifying their offensive.

The anti-government groups, which have been engaged in clashes with Assad's forces for the past six days, have seized large portions of Aleppo city centre and all of Idlib province, Caliber.Az writes via foreign media sources.

🚨Hama’da Muhalifler tarafından pusuya düşürülen Rejim tankının geri çekilme anları. pic.twitter.com/pwbEOuUTZv

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) December 2, 2024

Among the newly captured settlements in Hama, located south of Idlib, are Jalimeh, Alzeqa, Beridej, Jubein, Tal Meleh, Karkat, Mugayir, and Mabtan. Additionally, the groups have taken control of Tuwayne, Huweiz, Shariat, Taka, and Bab in the Ghab plain. The armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied forces have also launched an attack on northern Hama, capturing the villages of Vastani, Madba'a, Ebru-Seyf, and the Suran district.

On November 30, opposition groups took control of several key towns in northern Hama, including Taybetul-Imam, Kafrzeita, Kafrenbuda, Hilfeyeh, Madik-Castle, Latamin, Sooran, Kirnez, Maardis, Hammaiyet, and Termaleh, ensuring a strategic advantage over Syrian army forces in the region.

Hama front: Syrian rebels made major gains on the Hama front last night, capturing Halfaya, Taybat al-Imam, and Maardes from Assad regime. pic.twitter.com/VIXyEHVT4z

— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 3, 2024

Additionally, opposition groups have organized kamikaze drone attacks in central Hama and its surrounding areas, using their special unit Shahin. Targets included pro-Iranian militias and Syrian army command centers near Hama, particularly in the Abu Seyf and Al-Maatba regions.

Shaheen Brigades of the Syrian rebels targeted three Assad regime tanks in Hama countryside with drones. pic.twitter.com/T5yvSV2IBU

— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 2, 2024

The armed groups also successfully recaptured the Morik area, one of the key districts of Hama, located along the vital M5 highway.

In a separate development, the Syrian National Army (SNA) launched "Dawn of Freedom" operation, liberating the town of Tel Rifaat from the PKK/YPG terrorist organization in rural Aleppo.

Notably, on November 27, insurgent groups launched a significant offensive in Syria, catching Assad's forces by surprise. The fighting centred around the cities of Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama, has been some of the deadliest in years. Rebel forces managed to enter parts of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. By the time the offensive reached the city, insurgents had already seized more than 50 towns and villages from Assad's forces.

The offensive quickly escalated, resulting in over 250 fatalities, mostly combatants. In addition to the direct military impact, the conflict has caused significant displacement, with over 14,000 people, including many children, fleeing the affected areas. Civilian casualties also rose, with reports of deaths due to aerial bombardments and ground clashes​.

By Khagan Isayev