Heavy armed group losses after failed offensive in Hama countryside

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
5 Dec 2024 12:03
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The Syrian Arab Army has inflicted significant losses on terrorists in the Hama countryside, with ongoing clashes and targeted operations, while the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo worsens as displacement reaches over two million.

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Banner of 'Welcome to Hama' in the outskirts of the province of Hama, Syria, Tuesday, December 3, 2024. (AP)

Field sources from Hama City spoke to Al Mayadeen about the ongoing battles in Mount Zayn al-Abidin in the northern countryside of the city, confirming that the Syrian Arab Army ambushed armed groups, halting their advance and inflicting heavy losses.

The sources reported that despite the armed groups' use of drones and various types of weapons, they failed in their attack and sustained significant casualties. They mentioned that the armed groups experienced confusion and retreat after their failed large-scale offensive on Mount Zayn al-Abidin early on Thursday.

According to the sources, the armed groups fell into a well-executed ambush by the Syrian Arab Army, targeting the elite armed group known as the Asaeb al-Hamra in Mount Zayn al-Abidin. This was one of the largest offensives the armed groups have launched since their aggression began days ago.

The sources added that the fighting lasted from evening until dawn, resulting in dozens of armed groups being killed and the remaining attackers withdrawing. The number of militant casualties in the Syrian Arab Army's ambush at Mount Zayn al-Abidin surpassed 300 dead.

Additionally, the sources clarified that Asaeb al-Hamra who was caught in the Syrian Arab Army's ambush, the arm of Al-Qaeda in Syria, was founded by Abu Rafiq al-Uzbeki and led by Abu Yaqzan al-Misri. The sources further noted that the aftermath of this battle would likely affect other fronts in the Hama countryside in the coming hours following the heavy losses sustained by the armed groups.

In related reports, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent noted that Mount Zayn al-Abidin, where the Syrian Arab Army carried out the successful ambush, holds strategic importance as it overlooks Hama city, making it a critical position for controlling the region.

Furthermore, the Syrian Arab Army has targeted delayed supply lines of the armed groups in both the northern Hama countryside and southern Idlib, further hindering their operations. Al Mayadeen’s reporter also confirmed that additional reinforcements were being deployed to the northern Hama countryside front as the Syrian Arab Army strengthened its positions in response to the ongoing conflict.

Syria MoD on confrontations in Hama countryside

The Syrian Defense Ministry has confirmed that dozens of armed militants had been killed in the Hama countryside, with significant damage inflicted on their weapons and equipment.

In a statement, the ministry highlighted that the joint Syrian-Russian air forces, along with artillery and rocket units, are actively targeting armed groups' movements and positions across their combat axes.

Additionally, the Syrian Arab Army in the Hama countryside is engaged in intense confrontations with the armed groups, causing severe damage to their ranks.

Armed groups have not entered Hama, Syrian Arab Army targets their supply lines

Our reporter from the Hama countryside confirmed that reports claiming armed groups have entered the city are false, as the streets of Hama remain empty due to ongoing battles on its outskirts.

He emphasized that the road connecting the towns of Salamiyah and Hama is secure, with the Syrian Arab Army pushing the armed groups more than 15 kilometers away from the route.

In the same context, the correspondent mentioned that fierce confrontations are taking place 15 kilometers from Salamiyah, with the SAA also holding off armed groups about 4 kilometers from the city in the northwestern direction.

According to our correspondent, intense clashes are also occurring 7 kilometers northwest of Hama City, near the town of Khattab, while very heavy fighting is underway around the town of Qamhana to the north of Hama City, where the Syrian Arab Army has achieved superiority.

The correspondent further reported that the northwestern countryside of Hama is witnessing a series of back-and-forth battles between the Syrian Arab Army and armed groups.

Catastrophic humanitarian crisis

Regarding the humanitarian situation, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that many people remain besieged in Aleppo, suffering from severe hunger and a complete lack of basic necessities. He stressed that "we are facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, especially for the displaced, which requires intervention from international organizations."

The correspondent additionally noted that the number of displaced people from the rural areas of Aleppo exceeds two million, making up about 80% of the population.

Moreover, Al Mayadeen's correspondent pointed out that many pharmaceutical factories in Aleppo, which once supplied over 70% of the city's medication needs, have ceased operations.