An attempted coup continues in Syria. Rebel forces captured the city of Maraat al-Numan, located in Idlib province. Thus, they took control of the entire region. About this informs Reuters with reference to military sources.
The Syrian military command said that the militants attacked simultaneously from several directions. In response, the army was forced to redeploy to strengthen defensive positions and prepare for a counterattack. The statement also emphasized that shelling by government forces did not allow the rebels to gain a foothold in the captured positions. The army plans to oust them and regain control of the region.
Rescuers working in opposition-held areas said airstrikes by Syrian and Russian jets hit residential areas, a school and a gas station in Idlib. As a result, four civilians were killed and six more were injured.
At the same time, Bashar al-Assad’s forces blocked Aleppo airport and all roads leading to the city. It is reported that most of the territory of Aleppo is now under the control of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. This is the first time since 2016 that insurgents have entered this strategically important city.
The Syrian army has announced the temporary withdrawal of its units from Aleppo, calling it a regrouping ahead of an upcoming operation. Over the past few days, dozens of servicemen have been killed and wounded in the fighting.
Russia, which supports the Assad regime, plans to transfer additional Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Khmeimim airbase. Rumors about Bashar al-Assad’s possible escape to Moscow are spreading in social networks.
Meanwhile, in the country’s capital, Damascus, there are fierce clashes between the Republican Guard and other military units. Turkish sources report that clashes are taking place in the area of Kafr Sousse. Information about the loss of control over the city of Hama also appeared on social networks.
There are no official statements from the Syrian authorities yet, but the situation in the country remains extremely tense.
