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Heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) are reportedly taking place in the northern Lattakia countryside, despite the recent reports on a temporary ceasefire agreement.
A source in the army’s 4th Division, which leading the military operation in northern Lattakia, told SouthFront on May 18 that the attack is still ongoing, claiming that they received no orders to hold fire.
Earlier, Sputnik reported that a ceasefire agreement that covers Hama, Idlib and Lattakia was reached. A source in the SAA told the Russian news agency that the ceasefire will last for 72 hours only.
The military operation in northern Lattakia is aimed at capturing the strategic town of Kabani, from which rockets are usually launched at the Russian Hmeimim airbase. The airbase was targeted with a new rocket attack right after the announcement of the supposed ceasefire.
While the SAA is still targeting HTS’ positions south of Kabani, it remains unclear if the SAA will continue to advance towards the town.
