Opposition in Syria regains control of 9 villages in Idlib

HATAY, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Total of 150 military vehicles of Turkish Armed Forces’ are being deployed to Syria border as reinforcements, including howitzers, tanks, ammunition, armored construction machines and other military vehicles, on February 17, 2020 as they pass through Reyhanli district of Turkey’s Hatay. ( Cem Genco – Anadolu Agency )

On Sunday, Syrian opposition forces regained control over nine villages in Idlib, north-western Syria, from Al-Assad’s regime.

As part of Operation Spring Shield, the Turkish army and the opposition started a military operation with heavy weapons to regain control over areas that the Syrian regime and its supporters entered in southern Idlib and the countryside of Hama Governorate, according to Anadolu Agency’s correspondent.

The opposition forces started their advance overland with the support of artillery bombing of the Turkish army against targets of Al-Assad regime. The opposition managed to destroy six tanks, three 14.5 mm artilleries, three anti-armour platforms, a 23 mm cannon, two military vehicles, and twelve Pick-Up vehicles, and to neutralise at least 46 regime militias.

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The correspondent indicated that, since Saturday, the opposition has regained control of the villages of Al Enkawi, Al Qahira, Manara and Tell Zajran in Hama countryside, in addition to Haluba, Qoqfin, Kafr Oweid, Sfuhen and Fatterah, south of Idlib.

Earlier on Sunday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar announced that Operation Spring Shield against the Syrian regime forces in Idlib has started after a treacherous attack on Turkish forces on 27 February.

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