An intense fighting resumed between pro-government forces and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrain branch of al-Qaeda) near the village of Hasnawi in the northeastern countryside on Monday.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham attacked Syrian Army positions near it in an attempt to seize the nearby hills and to prevent government forces from developing momentum in the area. In turn, the army seeks to setablish full control over Sarha, Sarh Shamali, Rahjan and Jakusiya. If this is done, the army and its allies will make another important step in their long way to reaching a part of the M5 highway controlled by militants.
Hasnawi was captured by government troops on Sunday.
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