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Greater Idlib militants, led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), continue to shell government-held areas in support of Daraa’s former rebels who are being pressured by Syrian authorities.
On July 31 and August 1, HTS and its allies, who operate under the banner of the al-Fateh al-Mubeen Operations Room, shelled government-held areas in southern Idlib, northern Lattakia, northwestern Hama and western Aleppo.
HTS’ Turkish-backed allies shared footage of some of their recent artillery and rocket strikes on government-held areas.
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No casualties were reported as a result of the strikes. However, material losses were reported in the towns of Jurin, Ain Badriyah and Ain Salmu in northwestern Hama.
These attacks represent a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement in Greater Idlib, which was brokered by Russia and Turkey last year. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Russian Aerospace Forces will likely respond to these violations in the upcoming few hours.
Late on July 31, HTS released a statement promising to escalate attacks on government-held areas around Greater Idlib in support of Daraa.
The situation in Daraa is still unstable. Syrian authorities have given local leaders in Daraa al-Balad, the southern part of Daraa city, a final warning to accept a new reconciliation agreement. If they do not accept the agreement within August 1, the SAA will launch a full-on offensive on Daraa al-Balad. This may lead to an escalation in Greater Idlib.
