Clashes in Syria enter their 5th day... What is the latest situation in the region?

The clashes between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian army, which have been ongoing in Syria since November 27, continue as they enter their fifth day. The fighting persists with the advance of jihadist groups led by HTS in the Idlib and Aleppo regions. The fact that jihadist groups hold most of Aleppo and all of Idlib has led them to set the Hama province as their new target.

JIHADIST GROUPS ADVANCE IN HAMA

In recent days, jihadist groups captured Morek, one of the strategic districts of Hama, and advanced as far as Mount Zein al-Abidin. These groups, located approximately 8 kilometers from the center of Hama, also took Khan Shaykhun, securing full control over Idlib.

DENIAL FROM THE SYRIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE 

However, reports circulating on social media and some media outlets claiming that jihadist groups are in Hama have been denied. The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced that the claims that "terrorists" had entered towns in northern Hama were not true. Hama Governor Kamal Barmo also stated that reinforcements had reached the region and that public services were continuing as normal.

The Syrian General Staff announced that the army had successfully repelled the "terrorists'" attack and would soon launch a counter-offensive to liberate all regions. The statement noted that while clashes in Aleppo continue, the Syrian army has prevented the establishment of permanent control in this region through effective strikes.

THE PICTURE IN SYRIA EMERGES

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 14 thousand people have been displaced due to the clashes in Aleppo and that the situation is worsening. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 311 people had lost their lives as of the fourth day of the clashes. Of these deaths, 183 belonged to HTS and its allies, 100 to government forces, and 28 to the civilian population.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in a phone call with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasized his determination to defend Syria's territorial integrity and stated that they have the capacity to eliminate terrorists with the support of their allies.

News Source: 12punto