Security

Syria to Launch Major Offensive to Reclaim Territory from HTS-Led Opposition

The Syrian defense ministry's statement follows significant territorial gains by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies in northwestern Syria, including the capture of Aleppo International Airport and Maarat al-Numan.

This aerial view shows a deserted street in Aleppo with smoke rising after jihadists entered the city on November 30, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
This aerial view shows a deserted street in Aleppo with smoke rising after jihadists entered the city on November 30, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
Syria Aleppo Syrian Defense Ministry Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

Dec. 1, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, the Syrian Defense Ministry announced its intentions to have a counter-offensive to regain control of all the territories now under the control of opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies.

The statement released by the Syrian ministry indicated that, a “heavy offensive is underway soon to regain all the areas and liberate them from terror.”

The statement also added that, “The campaign against terrorist attacks continues to progress until its full success with complete determination.”

On Saturday, Nov. 30, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) had announced that the armed groups, among them Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, were able to gain control of the Aleppo International Airport following the withdrawal of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The organization also highlighted that these armed groups, who are led by HTS, have captured Maarat al-Numan, a city in northwestern Syria, 33 km south of Idlib and 57 km north of Hama.

This was possible due to the Syrian Army retreat towards Khan Shaykhun which is a town in the Maarrat al-Nu'man District, within the southern Idlib Governorate of northwestern Syria.