Syrian opposition forces make major gains in Hama, capture strategic towns, equipment PHOTO/VIDEO

Syrian opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), made significant advances in northwestern Syria, breaking through government defensive lines in the northern Hama countryside on December 3.

The rapid assault saw opposition forces capture multiple strategic towns, including Halfaya, Tayybat al-Imam, Souran, and Maardis, which had been secured by Syrian regime forces just two days earlier, Caliber.Az reports via ISW.

Key advances near Hama city

The opposition's advance included crossing the Orontes River, reportedly using the Mahrada Dam to outmanoeuvre regime defences. Halfaya, located northwest of Hama City, fell swiftly, with reports indicating that government forces retreated in disarray, abandoning valuable equipment. Russian and regime forces launched retaliatory airstrikes, particularly targeting the al-Ghab Plain northeast of Hama City, likely to disrupt opposition reinforcements and slow their southward momentum.

🔴 Muhalifler, Halep kırsalında Suriye Rejimi Ordusuna ait daha fazla tank ve zırhlı araç ele geçirdi.

▪️Suriye Ordusu geri çekilirken bu araçları bıraktı. pic.twitter.com/XBfWatuH7g

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) December 4, 2024

Captured equipment highlights disorderly retreat

In their advance, the opposition captured substantial amounts of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) equipment, indicating a hasty and poorly organized withdrawal by government forces. The abandoned arsenal, discovered along the Khanasir–As-Safira Road, included advanced and modernized hardware:

Tanks: 3 T-90A, 3 T-72, 2 T-55, 1 T-55AMV, and 1 T-62.

Armoured Vehicles: 1 ZSU-23-4 "Shilka," 1 MT-LB, and 1 BMP-1-based medical vehicle.

Artillery: 1 9K58 "Smerch" multiple-launch rocket system (minus its launcher), 1 2S1 "Gvozdika" self-propelled howitzer, and 1 M-46 130mm field gun.

Support Vehicles: Trucks, including a MAZ-543 and GAZ-3308 "Sadko."

Strategic Capture of High-Tech radar

Among the most significant seizures was the 48Ya6-K1 "Podlet" three-coordinate radar station, part of the system used to operate advanced Russian S-300 and S-400 missile defence systems. Capable of detecting up to 200 aerial targets within a 200-kilometre range, the radar’s introduction into the Russian military in 2015 underscores its modernity and importance.

Its capture may provide opposition forces with an intelligence and technological advantage, especially for countering aerial operations.

Rebel victory at "Tiger Forces" base

The opposition also overran the base of the Syrian regime's 25th Special Mission Forces Division, widely known as the "Tiger Forces," further destabilizing the government's strategic foothold in the region. The base reportedly housed a trove of Russian armoured vehicles, amplifying the opposition’s arsenal.

More Assad regime losses: A tour inside the 25th Special Forces Division HQ at the Armored School near Hama.

At least one T-90 tank spotted among spoils. pic.twitter.com/YjFEebyqkf

— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 4, 2024

Continued airstrikes

In response to the losses, Russian and Syrian air forces intensified airstrikes across opposition-held territories in northwest Syria. The bombardments appear aimed at weakening the rebels' hold on their newly captured territory and disrupting further advances toward Hama City.

The unfolding developments highlight a significant shift in the balance of power in Hama’s northern countryside, with the opposition gaining ground and strategic resources while government forces face mounting challenges in maintaining control.

By Aghakazim Guliyev