“De-escalation zone” | Fierce clashes between regime forces and opposition factions in Sahl Al-Ghab leave casualties
Syrian Observatory activists have reported that fierce clashes erupted in the early hours of Friday morning between regime forces and loyalists on one hand, and opposition factions and jihadi groups on the other, in areas of Sahl Al-Ghab in the north-western countryside of Idlib. The clashes, accompanied by intensive shelling and exchange of fire, were concentrated on frontlines of Al-Qahera and Al-Manarah. The clashes also left many injuries on both sides, while confirmed reports suggested there were fatalities.
Syrian Observatory sources reported yesterday that large military reinforcement, including military personnel and heavy gears, affiliated to the Russian-backed 5th Corps arrived at frontlines in Jabal Al-Zawiyah in southern Idlib. This development coincided with escalating rocket fire by regime forces on areas in Jabal Al-Zawiyah in the past few days.
SOHR sources reported earlier that day that regime rocket attacks were recently escalated on several towns and villages in the southern countryside of Idlib, since SOHR activists monitored intensive shelling since the early hours of Thursday morning targeting Kansafra, Al-bara, Sfuhen, Al-Ftera, bayanin, Deir Sonbol, Al-Ruwayha, Mantaf and Sarjeh. No casualties were reported.
It is worth noting that civilians continue to return to many of these towns and villages after being forced to displace because of the latest military operations by Russian and regime forces.