The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) advanced late on January 25 from its positions in the northwestern outskirt of Aleppo city, securing several areas.
According to several pro-government sources, the army imposed control of the al-Sahafyeen residential complex and the Ghabat al-Assad hilltop following heavy clashes with al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed militants.
Prior to the advance, the army shelled militants’ positions in the outskirt of Aleppo city with heavy rockets. Syrian and Russian warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on the region.
The SAA launched its ground offensive around Aleppo earlier in the morning with the aim of securing the city’s center, once and for all.
Now, army units are reportedly advancing towards the district of al-Rashidin and the town of Khan Al-Asal to the west of Aleppo city. The two areas are known to be strongholds of Turkish-backed militants.
