Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015) explained

Conflict:Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015)
Partof:the Syrian Civil War
Date:22 April – 14 June 2015
Place:Idlib and Hama Governorates, Syria
Result:Army of Conquest-led rebel victory
Combatant1:Army of Conquest[1]
Combatant2: Syrian Arab Republic

Hezbollah[11]
Syrian Social Nationalist Party
Syrian Resistance[12]
Reinforcements:
Liwa Fatemiyoun

Commander1: Abu al-Miqdad[13]
(al-Nusra commander of Idlib)
Abu Ahmad[14]
(al-Nusra military leader)
Col. Jemiel Radoon
(Falcons of al-Ghab commander)
Abu al-Hassan[15]
(Ahrar ash-Sham senior commander)
Abu Humam[16]
(Ariha region military leader)
Muslim Abu Walid al Shishani[17]
(Junud al-Sham leader)
Abu Rida Al-Turkestani[18] [19] [20] [21]
(Katibat Turkistani leader)
Commander2: Maj. Gen. Wahib Haidar[22]
(commander of Idlib province)
Gen. Jamal Younis[23]
(commander of Hama province)
Maj. Gen. Mehi al-Din Mansour[24]
(Special Forces commander)
Col. Suheil Al Hassan
(Special Forces commander)
Col. Mahamoud Subha
(Hospital commander)
Mohamed Khair al-Sayyed[25]
(Governor of Idlib)
Dr. Ghassan Khalaf[26]
(Governor of Hama)
Ali Shalli[27]
(NDF leader of N/W Hama)
Units1: Ansar al-Sham
1st Coastal Division
13th Division
101st Division
Falcons of Mount Zawiya Brigade
Knights of Justice Brigade
Falcons of al-Ghab[28]
Units2: 87th Brigade[29]
155th Brigade[30]
al-Qawat al-Nimr Brigade[31]
54th Special Forces Regiment[32]
Reinforcements:
106th Republican Guard Brigade
40th Tank Brigade
Suqur al-Sahara
Hezbollah Units
Strength1:9,000–12,000 fighters[33] [34]
Strength2:5,000 (Ariha area)
1,000 (Al-Ghaab Plain)[35]
120–150 (National Hospital)[36]
Casualties1:221+ killed (SOHR claim)[37]
700–850 killed (Syrian Army claim)[38]
Casualties2:325+ killed and 300 captured or missing (SOHR claim)[39]
100+ killed (Syrian Army claim)
500 killed (rebel claim)[40]
Casualties3:27 civilians killed[41]
23 prisoners & 3 friendly officers executed by the SAA and IRGC
Notes:20+ executed (opposition claim)[42]
200 soldiers and civilians in total were taken captive[43]

The northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015), dubbed by the rebels as the Battle of Victory,[44] [45] [46] took place in the Idlib and Hama governorates during the Syrian Civil War.

The campaign consisted of a three-pronged attack, with the two main assaults spearheaded by Ahrar ash-Sham, al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra and other Islamist factions under the banner of the Army of Conquest, and the remaining attack force including collaboration with Free Syrian Army brigades.[33] [47] The commander of the FSA 13th Division stated that coordinating with other groups such as al-Nusra Front did not mean they were aligned with them.[2] Within days, the rebels captured the city of Jisr al-Shughur and later on an Army base.[44] The success of the campaign was attributed to better coordination between the Syrian opposition's backers.[48] [49] Still, the operation resulted in a high attrition rate for both sides.[44]

Background

See main article: Second Battle of Idlib. On 24 March 2015, the newly established Army of Conquest assaulted Idlib city from three sides[50] [51] and after four days of fighting the rebels captured the city and managed to besiege the towns of Kafarya and al-Fu'a.[52] The rebels then attacked the Mastouma military camp, south of the city, but their attack was repelled.[53] During the following days, the Syrian Army launched an offensive on the nearby town of Ariha,[54] and seized three villages.[55] [56] [57]

The offensive

Rebel capture of Jisr al-Shughur

On 22 April,[58] rebels (organised by the newly created Battle of Victory operations room) launched an offensive against the de facto provincial capital of Idlib governorate, Jisr al-Shughur, threatening to cut off government access to a major highway linking Idlib to Latakia.[59] Other objectives in this offensive were the Brick Factory base (Al-Qarmeed), near Mastouma, and the Al-Ghaab Plain in Hama governorate,[60] where FSA units were tasked with spearheading the cutting of Syrian Arab Army supply lines from the west.[33] An al-Nusra Front suicide bomber detonated a VBIED near the Brick Factory,[61] marking the beginning of the operation.[62] A BMP packed with explosives was also detonated at a checkpoint in the north of Jisr al-Shughur. At the end of 23 April, despite contradictory statements, Jisr al-Shughur was still under control by government troops. Al-Nusra claimed to had sent 15 suicide bombers into the city as part of the assault. Meanwhile, in the Al-Ghaab Plain, a rebel attack on the village of Sirmaniyah was repelled. A car-bomb was detonated in the Sirmaniyah area as well.[63]

By the next day, rebels had captured one checkpoint near the Mastouma base[64] and four checkpoints around Jisr al-Shughur,[59] but clashes still continued at a distance of 2–4 km near of the city.[65] [66] The rebels reportedly also advanced near the city's sugar plant[67] and captured a hill near the Brick Factory base.[60] However, the Syrian Army claimed that it "secured the city" at the cost of 13 soldiers and denied that rebels advanced near the sugar plant.[68] Later that day, rebels captured the strategic Tal Hekmah checkpoint near the road between Jisr al-Shughur and Ariha. Meanwhile, the Syrian Air Force conducted at least 40 airstrikes in Idlib.[69] Later, an opposition source reported that the rebels controlled the three highest points near the town of Furayqah (Tal Muntar, Tal Hamkah and Tal Mantaf), but the road between Jisr al-Shughur and Ariha was still not cut.[70] [71] However, government reinforcements arrived and recaptured the Tal Hekmah checkpoint.[72] [73]

According to the SOHR, since the start of the offensive, 43 rebels, including 13 Chechens, had been killed, government casualties numbered 30[74] Meanwhile, pro-government sources placed the rebel death toll at 100,[75] with 47 soldiers dying as well.[76] Throughout the first few days of the offensive, FSA brigades such as Fursan al-Haq and the 1st Coastal Division (including notable gunner Osama Abo Hamza) used anti-tank TOW missiles against a number of SAA armored vehicles in the al-Ghaab Plain.[33] [47]

Early on 25 April, rebels captured the sugar plant[77] and later, a VBIED was detonated at the Ayn Sibeel checkpoint[78] before an al-Nusra Front-led rebel force captured most of the city, with fighting continuing and air-strikes hitting rebel positions.[79] [80] The national hospital and one checkpoint specifically remained under government control at this point,[81] as clashes continued in the southwestern part of the city.[82] Meanwhile, the Syrian Army claimed that it had captured the village of Kurin.[83] Soon after, rebels fully secured Jisr al-Shughur,[84] except for the hospital where soldiers were still holed up.[29] [85] Clashes also still continued in the vicinity of the city from the south and east. 60 bodies of government fighters were reportedly seen on the streets.[84] During the SAA's retreat, Syrian Army intelligence executed 23 prisoners at the hospital before withdrawing.[86] The Syrian Air Force launched 30 airstrikes around the city after its fall.[87]

After the seizure of Jisr al-Shughur, rebels captured five villages in the Al-Ghaab Plain[88] and seized the village of Eshtabraq near Jisr al-Shughur,[89] while 27 people, including 20 rebels were killed by airstrikes on the captured city.[90] [91]

The next day, Syrian troops reportedly recaptured the sugar plant[29] and were fighting at the entrance to the city, with one report putting the clashes at around 5 kilometers south of Jisr al-Shughur.[92] Military sources also reported the SAA recapturing a village in the Al-Ghaab Plain[93] and opening a corridor from the sugar plant to the soldiers besieged at the hospital in Jisr al-Shughur.[29]

On 27 April, rebels captured the Qarmeed Brick Factory base after launching two suicide attacks. After hours of intense clashes, Syrian troops were forced to retreat after the main facility caught on fire. 19 soldiers were killed, while the Syrian Army claimed to have killed 60–80 rebels.[94] Pro-opposition activist Cédric Labrousse reported that more than 90 were killed on both sides,[95] while the SOHR reported 10 rebel deaths at the base, including the two suicide bombers, and seven tanks, six cannons and a large quantity of ammunition being seized by the rebels.[96] [97] Three SAA tanks were reportedly destroyed as well.[98] After the fall of the Brick Factory base, 14 airstrikes struck the area.[99]

Later, the SAA recaptured the village of Ghaniyah in the Al-Ghaab Plains,[100] [101] while three other villages were contested.[102] During the day, al-Nusra Front used American-made TOW missiles against Hezbollah positions.[11] The SAA also recaptured a village at Jisr al-Shughur, but lost it again two days later.[103]

As of 28 April, rebels besieged the hospital where soldiers were still continuing to fight.[104] On the same day, a military source reported that Syrian government troops launched a counterattack on the Brick Factory in Idlib.[105] Video footage emerged of Col. Hassan conducting a phone call to Damascus pleading for reinforcements while surrounded by his troops.[106] According to Elijah J. Magnier from the AL RAI newspaper, Damascus had given the order to retake Jisr al-Shughur at all costs.[107] Meanwhile, rebels blew up a bridge in an attempt to block Hama-based government fighters from reaching Jisr al-Shughur.[108]

On 29 April, rebels seized the Musbin area, which links Ariha and Saraqeb.[109] A military source confirmed the loss of the Musbin Quarry, but asserted that the SAA was still in control of the village and its hill. A fourth rebel attack in four days against the hospital was also repelled.[103]

On 1 May, al-Nusra Front carried out a suicide bomb attack on the government garrison inside the national hospital.[110] By the end of the day, the hospital was still under control by government troops.[111] The clashes around the hospital left 14 al-Nusra fighters and "dozens" of government soldiers dead and wounded.[112] By this point, around 5,000 soldiers were holed up at the Mastouma military base, east of Ariha, in Ariha itself, and on the hills surrounding it. The FSA Falcons of al-Gab unit blew up three bridges in an attempt to prevent their potential retreat and used TOW missiles supplied by the United States specifically for this operation.[28]

Syrian Army counter-offensive

On 2 May, SAA units, backed by Hezbollah, launched a counter-attack and recaptured three villages in the al-Ghaab Plain:[28] Al-Misheek, Al-Ziyarah and Tall Waset.[113] [114] [115] The clashes resulted in the death of at least five rebels and five Hezbollah fighters.[116] Military sources additionally stated that Syrian government troops seized a part of Qastoun.[114] The aim of the counter-offensive was to hold and further reinforce supply routes towards Idlib province.[117]

The next day, Syrian government troops advanced around Tall Ma'er tab'i,[118] after an attempted rebel attack was repelled and captured the nearby Tall SyriaTel hill. Government forces also reportedly advanced from Ghanya towards Eshtabraq.[119] In addition, the SAA started an operation to encircle the rebel-held Al-Sirmaniyah.[120]

On 4 May, the seventh rebel attack in seven days on the National Hospital was repelled.[121] Rebel forces continued attacking Ariha and Mastouma, as well as Ankawi and Ghab in an attempt to cut off the M4 highway linking Latakia to Idlib and Aleppo, forcing SAA units to defend a weak 30-mile W-shaped defensive line.[122] Rebels reportedly advanced in the Hosh Msibin and Bothayna areas after they destroyed two tanks[123] and recaptured Tal SyrianTel.[124]

On 6 May, government forces launched an attack on the al-Alawin checkpoint and rebels positions on the hills surrounding Frikka, while the Syrian Air Force conducted more than 50 air raids in the area. Government troops (including non-Syrian militia) advanced in this area.[125] [126] Meanwhile, rebels claimed to have captured the last hill near Ariha, Tal Ma'ar Tab'i,[127] while the Syrian Arab Army stated the rebel attack on the hill was repelled before nightfall.[128]

On 7 May, the Syrian Army claimed the Tiger Forces managed to recapture the sugar plant near Jisr al-Shughur, after seizing the village of Qarta.[128] Also, 20 airstrikes were reported while the rebels managed to destroy two tanks and another vehicle during clashes around al-Alawin checkpoint and Frikka hills,[129] where it was later reported by the military that the Army captured both the al-Alawin checkpoint and Malta Hill.[130] According to the SOHR, 14 government soldiers and officers, including the Syrian Brigadier General Kemal Dib, were killed in Jisr al-Shughur.[131] [132] The next day, government forces were confirmed to had seized three points between the al-Alawin checkpoint and Frikka hills, while 24 airstrikes were reported.[133] Two of the locations were the villages of Frikka Al-Abeed and Sheikh Elias,[100] while the third was reportedly Al-Karnaza.

On 9 May, government forces advanced towards Jisr al-Shughur, in an attempt to break the siege of the 250 soldiers and family members (including high-ranking officers) at the National Hospital, and came within two kilometers of the hospital.[134] [135] They also reportedly captured Tal Hataab, near Frikka,[100] [136] amid 20 airstrikes in the region.[137]

On 10 May, the rebels launched a new assault on the National Hospital, after a second car bomb was detonated.[138] Rebels managed to enter one of the hospital buildings during the assault, but their attack was repelled,[139] [140] while the Air Force conducted 33 airstrikes throughout the area,[141] of which 22 were around the hospital.[142] The Syrian Army advanced towards the town,[143] but their push towards Jisr al-Shughur hospital was temporarily halted and the rebels managed to recapture three checkpoints,[144] before they were pushed back again during the fighting that continued early into the next day. The clashes at the hospital and attacks on the relief column left 40 rebels and 32 soldiers dead.[145] Elsewhere, the SAA captured Al-Mushayrafat and its hill (Tal Sheikh Al-Khataab), north of Frikka.[146] [147] At the same time, rebels took the Zeizun thermal plant in the al-Ghaab plain, after damaging several government vehicles.[148] Later during the night, rebel forces were forced to retreat from the plant, but were still in control of the nearby village of Zeizun.[149] The thermal plant sustained severe damage during the fighting.[150]

On 11 May, clashes continued in and around the hospital and near the sugar plant, where rebels destroyed a tank and government forces recaptured two checkpoints. 14 airstrikes struck rebel positions throughout the day.[151] [152] On the same day, around 20 rebels from the FSA's 101st Division were killed after a failed attack on the village of Kafr Najd, near Ariha.[153]

Renewed rebel advance and capture of Ariha

As of 12 May, rebels were still holding a part of the hospital, while the fighting continued in and around it and near the sugar factory.[41] Rebels retreated from the village of Sanqarah after temporally seizing it at dawn[154] and claimed to have killed at least 20 soldiers in the hit-and-run attack.[155] Rebels also attacked and captured al-Kufayr village. Meanwhile, opposition sources claimed that the Syrian Brigadier General Abdel Razak Abu Khader Raml was killed.[156] At the end of the day, the rebels launched an assault against the village of Musbin, near Mastouma, and Jabal al-Arbaeen area, near Ariha, after a tunnel bomb was detonated under the al-Fanar military checkpoint.[157] [158] Rebels captured the Jabal al-Arbaeen area[159] and Musbin, while at least 17 soldiers (including three commanders) and 11 rebel fighters (including three leaders) were killed.[160] However, government forces were able to recapture one checkpoint overlooking Ariha overnight, but eventually retreated after rebels launched a second attack the next day.[161] According to a military source, Musbin was still contested and rebels were not in full control.[162]

On 14 May, government forces recaptured the village of al-Kufayr,[162] [163] while Brig. Gen. Kemal Dib[164] and Maj. Gen. Muheiddeine Mansour were killed in and near Jisr al-Shughur.[24] A suicide-car bomb was destroyed near the hospital before it could reach the complex.[165] At the end of the day, rebels recaptured large parts of Al-Mushayrafat, with fighting for the village continuing.[147] The next day, government forces reportedly managed to recapture the al-Fanar checkpoint, near Ariha, but were unable to hold al-Kufayr, which they regained 24 hours earlier, and had to abandon it once again due to heavy rebel presence in the surrounding hills.[166]

On 17 May, according to an opposition source, more than 2,500 rebels attacked Mastouma and the nearby Ba'ath military camp. During the attack, an VBIED was detonated near the military camp, while rebels captured al-Moqbili village and advanced in Mastouma, where they captured at least 10 checkpoints[167] and Mastouma hill. Meanwhile, the Syrian army claimed to have advanced towards Kufayr.[168]

On 19 May, after several days of violent clashes, rebels took control of Al-Mastumah, its military camp (which was the largest remaining Army base in Idlib in government hands) and Nihlaya after the SAA retreated towards Ariha.[169] [170] Syrian Army defenses "disintegrated", making Ariha endangered from the northern axis.[171] A spokesman for Ahrar al-Sham claimed that the SAA had already begun withdrawing from Ariha as well.[172] Government forces reportedly destroyed all warehouses with arms and ammunition before they retreated,[173] with opposition media showing, what it claimed to be, footage of several destroyed and overturned army vehicles littered with dead bodies, after a convoy of retreating government troops was interdicted.[174] The clashes led to the death of 16 rebels and 15 government fighters, while others were captured, and the destruction of a number of armored vehicles (including tanks).[175] Several rebel attacks on Kafr Najd were repelled later that day.[176] [177]

On 21 May, rebels advanced towards Ariha.[178] The next day at 8:00 am,[179] an estimated 150–500 government forces attempted a breakout at the besieged hospital in broad daylight and fled towards the government-controlled area south of Jisr al-Shughur. Some were killed, wounded and captured under withering opposition fire,[180] with 3 generals and a colonel killed or captured en route.[181] Rebels claimed to have killed 208[182] and captured 65 government fighters during the retreat,[183] with figures given of not more than a dozen to 55 surviving.[184] Meanwhile, pro-government sources reported that 127 soldiers out of the garrison of 170 had successfully escaped.[185] Journalist Robert Fisk found that "far less than half" of those who retreated from the National Hospital reached safety, with some subsequently dying of their wounds after reaching government lines.[186] Syrian State TV declared the retreat a "victory" amid congratulations by most government supporters, while some voiced criticism.[184] The Syrian Air Force conducted at least 22 airstrikes that day, while the SAA attempted to advance towards Jisr al-Shughur. Opposition forces took the hospital later that day.[187]

As of 23 May, SOHR documented the death of 261 Syrian soldiers and pro-government militia, including 90 officers (one Major General, 11 Brigadier Generals, 11 Colonels and three Lieutenant Colonels), since the beginning of the offensive in and near Jisr al-Shughur.[39] Syrian state television claimed that the armed forces killed at least 300 rebels and wounded hundreds others during a Syrian Army operation to free troops in the hospital.[188] On the same day, the Syrian troops attacked the rebel-held the village of Sirmaniyyah in the al-Ghab plain.[189] [190]

On 28 May, rebels began a large assault on Ariha and were able to enter the eastern districts of the city, whilst fierce fighting continued near the town.[191] [192] Several hours later, opposition forces captured Ariha and Kafr Najd, as government troops retreated towards Urum al-Jawz and Muhambal on the Ariha–Jisr al-Shughur Highway.[193] [194] In the evening, the rebels also captured Ma'taram.[195] At least 31 government forces were killed that day, including 13 soldiers who were executed by the rebels.[196]

The next day, rebels captured the villages of Orm al-Joz and Ein Orm al-Joz.[197]

Fighting for the Ariha–Latakia highway

On 4 June, the Army recaptured the villages of Tal A'our, Al-Zayadiyah and Sararif[198] and the hills of Tall Ghazal and Tall al-Sahan.[199] The next day, the Syrian Army advanced and seized the areas of Marj al-Zohour and the Zayzoun Dam, near the administrative border between Idlib and Hama.[200]

On the same day, the rebels launched a large-scale attack on the Sheikh Ali hill area and gained ground in the Basanqul forest,[200] and eventually captured the hill itself.[201] In addition, the rebels captured five villages near Basanqul.[202]

On 6 June, the rebels captured Basanqul[203] and Mahambel.[204] The rebels continued advancing that day and captured two checkpoints west of Mahambel, including the largest remaining barrier in Idlib.[205] According to the SOHR, the Syrian Army lost 11 tanks and armoured vehicles during the new rebel assault.[200] [204] The fighting killed 32 soldiers and 13 rebels, according to SOHR.[206]

By the end of 6 June, an Ahrar al-Sham spokesman claimed that the Army of Conquest controlled about 99% of Idlib province.[207]

On 8 June, the SAAF conducted airstrikes on the village of al-Janodia, which reportedly killed 49 civilians,[208] while Iranian officers were reported to had executed three Syrian Arab Army officers who retreated from the Mahambel and Basanqul checkpoints.[209]

On 13 June, the rebels launched an assault on the remaining government-held positions in Idlib, with the SOHR reporting that they captured Al-Mushayrifah, Jannat al-Qura, and Tal Sheikh Khattab, along the highway,[210] although those locations were reported captured more than two weeks earlier.[211] Rebels also advanced in the Sarafif area, which was recaptured by the Syrian Army on 4 June.[210] On that day, one of the two bodyguards of Col. Suheil Al Hassan died of his wounds, after being shot by a rebel sniper.[212]

By the next day, the Syrian Army had regained control over the areas it lost on the previous day, after the rebels retreated under heavy airstrikes and shelling.[213]

Aftermath – Syrian Army retreat from the Jisr al-Shugur area

On 28 July, rebels launched an assault to capture the remaining areas surrounding Jisr al-Shugur. Two hours later, rebels had captured the strategic hills of Tal Khattab, Tal 'Awar and Tal Hamka; along with the towns of Frikka, Mushayrafah, Salat Al-Zuhour and Zayzoun. The Army retreated to the south in order to reinforce its positions at Tall Wassit and Tall Sheikh Elyas.[214] The Army responded with 160 airstrikes and dozens of shells and missiles. According to the SOHR, about 90 government fighters were killed or wounded during the assault, while 37 rebels (15 non-Syrian; including a Jordanian leader) were killed.[215]

However, three days later, the Syrian Army recaptured Ziyadia and Zezoun, including its power station. In addition, they captured the towns of Khirbat al-Naqus and Mansoura and its surrounding areas. The advances came after the Air Force had conducted more than 270 air-strikes on rebel positions over four days. The fighting had left 39 combatants dead,[216] including 20 soldiers and 19 rebels.[217]

Strategic analysis

The Jisr al-Shughur offensive has been described as one of the "largest and most ambitious operations of the Syrian civil war" consisting of some 40 opposition groups, with the main goal being to outflank and interdict Col. Suheil Al Hassan's Tiger forces, who were sent to attempt to push back against the 2015 Idlib offensive, which followed the opposition victory at the Second Battle of Idlib.[33] According to Stratfor, the potential cutting off by opposition forces of the Idlib salient, where the 11th Armor Division and the Tiger Forces found themselves isolated, would perhaps result in "an even bigger catastrophe" for the Syrian Arab Army.[218] The deployment of elite government forces such as the Tiger Forces and the Desert Falcons to Idlib from other fronts was viewed by Stratfor as a mistake that left the government highly vulnerable in the eastern part of Homs province.[219]

Opposition forces were widely reported to be planning to move on the government's stronghold of Latakia, following the capture of Jisr al-Shughur.[220] [221] [222] [223] [224] The reopening of the Latakia front was a focus, at the time, of Saudi Arabian policy to unite opposition factions.[225] Analyst Charles Lister of the Brookings Doha Centre stated that "For the opposition as a whole, it would open up the route into Latakia from Idlib and Hama, which could significantly enhance any future offensive on Latakia ... That would be very dangerous for the regime", adding that the seizing of Jisr al-Shughur should be seen as part of a bigger strategy.[226] An Ahrar al-Sham spokesperson stated: "Jisr al-Shughour is more important than Idlib itself, it is very close to the coastal area which is a regime area, the coast now is within our fire reach".[227] As rebels advanced in early June along the Idlib–Latakia highway, fighting intensified in the Latakia District near the Jabal al Akrad mountain range, that overlooks Alawite villages close to Qardaha, the ancestral home of the Assad family.[228]

After recent rebel victories against the government, some people began to fear a scenario where hardline rebels would swarm Damascus in the near future, despite government reassurances.[229] AL RAI Chief International Correspondent, Elijah J. Magnier, reported that Syria was heading towards partition after recent events in Idlib.[230] Jane's Information Group stated that the offensive threatened to show president Bashar al-Assad as "incapable even of protecting the coastal mountain areas where the Alawites (his core support base) are concentrated" and speculated Iran would not see him as the primary keeper of their interests in Syria.[231]

In early June, a Syrian security source reported that thousands of Iranian and Iraqi fighters were being assembled; "[t]he goal is to reach 10,000 men to support the Syrian army and pro-government militias, firstly in Damascus, and then to retake Jisr al-Shughur because it is key to the Mediterranean coast and the Hama region". This came days after Iranian Quds force general Qasem Soleimani pledged that "In the coming days the world will be surprised by what we are preparing, in cooperation with Syrian military leaders",[232] yet Soleimani was reported to be infuriated that his remarks were leaked by a Syrian official in an attempt to boost morale. The SOHR reported the arrival of 6,000 fighters from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.[206]

Reactions

Domestic reaction

International reaction

See also

References

35.8°N 36.3167°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Al Qaeda and allies form coalition to battle Syrian regime in Idlib. 24 March 2015. Long War Journal. 24 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20190620125333/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/al-qaeda-and-allies-form-coalition-to-battle-syrian-regime-in-idlib.php. 20 June 2019. live.
  2. News: Syrian rebels fight Syrian army near Assad heartland . Newsweek . Reuters . 30 April 2015 . 1 May 2015 . As the biggest group in Army of Fatah, Ahrar al-Sham appears to hold the key to preventing infighting. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150502154540/http://www.newsweek.com/cia-backed-rebels-fight-alongside-al-qaeda-wing-syria-327064 . 2 May 2015 . live .
  3. News: Jihadists celebrate in key Idlib city after defeating Syrian regime. 27 April 2015. 15 October 2015. Long War Journal. https://web.archive.org/web/20151004143015/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/04/jihadists-celebrate-in-key-idlib-city-after-defeating-syrian-regime.php. 4 October 2015. live.
  4. Web site: Abdul Hakim Shishani calls on North Caucasians to unite. Joanna Paraszuk. From Chechnya to Syria. 3 June 2015. 10 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193520/http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=23801. 9 October 2017. live.
  5. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 591383284577398784. 23 April 2015.
    1. SRO - WHO'S WHO IN THE N-W #SYRIA REBELLION OFFENSIVE - Detailed panorama of the #Idlib - #Hama rebellion campaigns.
    . 25 April 2015.
  6. Web site: Second Idlib Stronghold Falls to Jabhat al-Nusra and Rebel Forces. Institute for the Study of War. 27 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150529090808/http://iswsyria.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/second-idlib-stronghold-falls-to-jabhat.html. 29 May 2015. live.
  7. News: Weiss. Caleb. Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria involved in new Idlib offensive. Long War Journal. 23 April 2015. 24 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518122348/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/04/turkistan-islamic-party-in-syria-involved-in-new-idlib-offensive.php. 18 May 2015. live.
  8. Web site: Ṣawt al-Islām presents a new video message from Ḥizb al-Islāmī al-Turkistānī [Turkistan Islamic Party] in Bilād al-Shām: "Conquest of Jisr al-Shaghūr" ]. May 1, 2015 . Jihadology . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923235853/http://jihadology.net/2015/05/01/%E1%B9%A3awt-al-islam-presents-a-new-video-message-from-%E1%B8%A5izb-al-islami-al-turkistani-turkistan-islamic-party-in-bilad-al-sham-conquest-of-jisr-al-shaghur/ . 23 September 2015 . live .
  9. Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. 31 July 2015. YouTube. 6 August 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20160310133628/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-8TznIrq-g. 10 March 2016. live.
  10. Idlibga oid so'ngi qishloqlardagi janglar - Идлибга оид сўнги қишлоқлардаги жанглар. 31 July 2015. 4 December 2015. YouTube. https://web.archive.org/web/20160310133628/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-8TznIrq-g. 10 March 2016. live.
  11. ejmalrai. Elijah J. Magnier. 592724938026524673. 27 April 2015.
    1. Lebanon #Hezbollah fighters were hit by #JN missiles in #Idlib #Syria causing several casualties.
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    1. JN leader & #Aleppo military admin Abu Ahmad killed n Jisr al-Shoghour & spoils of war at Hospital via @LetteredOwl
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    1. Syria: The Syrian activist @HadiAlabdallah with Abu Humam (#IF) the military leader of al-Arba'een Mount operations.
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  37. 43 killed (23–24 April),http://www.timesofoman.com/News/50718/Article-Al-Qaeda-allies-advance-on-regime-bastion-Idlib-as-UN-aid-chief-urges-sanctions-and-Angelina-Jolie-pleads-for-help-to-refugees 22 killed (25 April),https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Apr-26/295779-syria-warplanes-strike-northwest-city-seized-by-rebels.ashx http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/rebel-and-islamic-battalions-advance-in-hama-countryside-and-take-control-on-4-villages-in-al-ghab-valley/ 19 killed (26 April),http://www.syriahr.com/2015/04/%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B0-%D9%85%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC-2/ 1 killed (28 April),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/121-killed-yesterday-28042015/ 14 killed (1 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/14-fighters-of-the-nusra-front-killied-around-the-national-hospital-in-jeser-al-shagour/ 5 killed (2 May),http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D9%88/ 40 killed (10 May),https://www.yahoo.com/news/72-dead-syria-army-battles-free-loyalists-monitor-071957312.html20 killed (11 May), 11 killed (12 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/the-nusra-front-rebels-and-islamic-battalions-seizes-msibin/ 3 killed (14 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/a-brigadier-general-killed-in-jeser-al-shagour-and-the-clashes-renew-in-the-countryside-of-idlib-leaving-more-casualties/ 16 killed (19 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/more-than-20-rebels-killed-during-clashes-around-al-mastuma-camp-and-qalamoun/ 3 killed (23 May),http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/176-%D9%82%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%A3%D9%85%D8%B3-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85-94-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD/ 4 killed (25 May),http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/174-%D9%82%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%A3%D9%85%D8%B3-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85-55-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD/ 1 killed (26 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/a-commander-in-the-turkestan-islamic-party-killed-in-the-clashes-around-the-national-hospital-in-jeser-al-shagour/ 1 killed (28 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/amid-mutual-shelling-the-violent-clashes-continue-on-the-outskirts-of-the-city-of-ariha/ 5 killed (29 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/more-civilians-killed-in-airstrikes-on-villages-and-towns-in-idlib/ 13 killed (5 June),http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/the-regime-forces-defeated-in-idlib-and-the-legend-of-sohil-al-hasan-aka-al-nemer-the-tiger-crashes-on-its-walls/ total of 221 reported killed
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    1. Footage Ahrar al-Sham T-55 fires at #Assad regime BMP-1 at #Jisr's northern entrance. Rebels still 2-4 km away.
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  66. Web site: استمرار الاشتباكات العنيفة في محيط جسر الشغور واستشهاد وجرح 11 مواطناً على الأقل في قصف جوي على تفتناز. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 24 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150426162203/http://www.syriahr.com/2015/04/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%B7-%D8%AC%D8%B3/. 26 April 2015. live.
  67. Web site: For the first time, clashes erupt inside the city of Jeser al- Shagour. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 24 April 2015. 24 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150526201020/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/for-the-first-time-clashes-erupt-inside-the-city-of-jeser-al-shagour/. 26 May 2015. live.
  68. Web site: Syrian Armed Forces Secure Jisr Al-Shughour. Al-Masdar News. 24 April 2015. 24 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150426161022/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armed-forces-secure-jisr-al-shughour/. 26 April 2015. live.
  69. Web site: The Syria warplanes carry out at least 40 raids on the countryside of Idlib. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 24 April 2015. 24 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150718035530/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/the-syria-warplanes-least-40-raids-on-the-countryside-of/. 18 July 2015. live.
  70. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 591571421282861056. 24 April 2015.
    1. SRO - Rebels controling [sic] 3 highest points near Furayqah (Tal Muntar, Tal Hamkah and Tal Mantaf). Jisr al-Shughur-#Ariha road to be cut soon.
    . 24 April 2015.
  71. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 591593787366965248. 24 April 2015.
    1. SRO MAP - AIRSTRIKES AS BATTLES RAGING ALONG STRATEGIC ROAD - Rebels advancing on #Ariha - Jisr al-Shughur highway.
    . 24 April 2015.
  72. Web site: Breaking: Syrian Army Recaptures the Vital Tal Hamki Checkpoint. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 24 April 2015. 25 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427211345/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-recaptures-the-vital-tal-hamki-checkpoint/. 27 April 2015. live.
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  74. Web site: Times of Oman - News :: Al Qaeda, allies advance on regime bastion Idlib as UN aid chief urges sanctions and Angelina Jolie pleads for help to refugees. Times of Oman. 26 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160807040359/http://timesofoman.com/article/51117/World/Al-Qaeda-allies-advance-on-regime-bastion-Idlib-as-UN-aid-chief-urges-sanctions-and-Angelina-Jolie-pleads-for-help-to-refugeesdisqussion-0disqussion-0. 7 August 2016. live.
  75. Web site: Sirmaniyah Secured by the SAA; Scores of Militants Killed in Idlib and Hama. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 24 April 2015. 25 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150426161500/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/sirmaniyah-secured-by-the-saa-scores-of-militants-killed-in-idlib-and-hama/. 26 April 2015. live.
  76. leithfadel. Leith Aboufadel. 591672624519913472. 24 April 2015. Many terrorists have been killed in the last 72 hours. SAA/NDF reported 47 soldiers lost in 3 days. Terrorists lost 100 yesterday....wow. 25 April 2015.
  77. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 591737729030955009. 24 April 2015.
    1. SRO - Civilian committees confirming rebellion has taken over Sugar company S-E to Jisr ash-Shughur after three days of battles. #Idlib.
    . 28 April 2015.
  78. leithfadel. Leith Aboufadel. 591850025816367104. 25 April 2015.
    1. Breaking - a car bomb was just detonated at the 'Ayn Sibeel Checkpoint in Jisr Al-Shughour
    . 28 April 2015.
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  81. markito0171. Mark. 591877097662062593. 25 April 2015.
    1. Syria #Idlib National Hospital is the main stronghold of #Assad-forces in Jisr al-Shughour
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  82. Web site: 60 bodies of the regime members seen in Jeser al- Shagour Streets. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 25 April 2015. 25 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150620051702/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/60-bodies-of-the-regime-members-seen-in-jeser-al-shagour-streets/. 20 June 2015. live.
  83. Web site: Breaking: Tiger Forces Capture Koreen in West Idlib. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 25 April 2015. 25 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427124109/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-tiger-forces-capture-koreen-in-west-idlib/. 27 April 2015. live.
  84. Web site: Qaeda, allies take key regime holdout in northwest Syria. AFP. 25 April 2015.
  85. Web site: The Islamic factions arrest 30 members of the government troops and 10 others of NDF. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 26 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073751/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/the-islamic-factions-arrest-30-members-of-the-government-troops-and-10-others-of-ndf/. 28 April 2015. live.
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  87. Web site: 30 air strikes on Jesr al-Shoghour and explosive barrels hit Aleppo neighborhoods. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 25 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150522074130/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/30-air-strikes-on-jesr-al-shoghour-and-explosive-barrels-hit-aleppo-neighborhoods/. 22 May 2015. live.
  88. Web site: The Islamist factions advance in Hama, and clashes break out near the city of Tadmor. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 26 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150428204124/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/the-islamist-factions-advance-in-hama-and-clashes-break-out-near-the-city-of-tadmor/. 28 April 2015. live.
  89. Web site: 10 people killed in the city of Jeser al- Shagour, and the Nusra Front and Islamic factions seize a new village in Idlib. sohranas. 25 April 2015. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095300/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/10-people-killed-in-the-city-of-jeser-al-shagour-and-the-nusra-front-and-islamic-factions-seize-a-vnew-village-in-idlib/. 18 May 2015. live.
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  91. Web site: 27 people, including 20 fighters, killed in the center of Jeser al- Shagour City. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 26 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095303/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/27-people-including-20-fighters-killed-in-the-center-of-jeser-al-shagour-city/. 18 May 2015. live.
  92. Web site: Activists: Syrian air raids kill 34 in northwestern town. . 28 April 2015.
  93. Web site: Syrian Armed Forces Recapture Territory During Night Raids in West Hama. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 26 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427162138/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armed-forces-recapture-territory-during-night-raids-in-west-hama/. 27 April 2015. live.
  94. Web site: Intense Firefights at the Brick Factory Camp in Idlib. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 27 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143938/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/intense-firefights-at-the-brick-factory-camp-in-idlib/. 27 April 2015. live.
  95. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 592570688466231296. 27 April 2015.
    1. SRO - IMPORTANT - #Qarmid under rebellion control after the bloody #Nusra-led assault that lasted 12 h. More than 90 killed in both sides.
    . 28 April 2015.
  96. Web site: 26 killed in Idlib and Dar'a. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 27 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150428174313/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/26-killed-in-idlib-and-dara/. 28 April 2015. live.
  97. Web site: The third collapse for the government troops in 30 days in the province of Idlib. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 27 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150502221757/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/the-third-collapse-for-the-government-troops-in-30-days-in-the-province-of-idlib/. 2 May 2015. live.
  98. Web site: اشتباكات عنيفة في معسكر القرميد وقصف مكثف من الطيران الحربي والمروحي على محيطه. المرصد السوري. المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121137/http://www.syriahr.com/2015/04/%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%88%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%81-%D9%85/. 24 September 2015. live.
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    1. SRO MAP - The deadly road to Jisr al-Shughur hospital for both sides as wanting to reach / take it before the other.
    . 5 May 2015.
  101. Web site: Syrian Army Secures Ghaniyah in the Al-Ghaab Plains. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 27 April 2015. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427163717/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-ghaniyah-in-the-al-ghaab-plains/. 27 April 2015. live.
  102. Web site: Syria Daily: 200+ Killed in 2 Days as Regime Retaliates for Losses on Ground. 28 April 2015. EA WorldView. 28 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100936/http://eaworldview.com/2015/04/syria-daily-200-killed-in-2-days-as-regime-retaliates-for-losses-on-ground/. 18 May 2015. live.
  103. Web site: Complete Field Report from Jisr Al-Shughour. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 29 April 2015. 5 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150501194149/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-field-report-from-jisr-al-shughour/. 1 May 2015. live.
  104. Web site: More than 100 soldiers in regime forces and allied militiamen were captured in Jesr al-Shughour. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 28 April 2015. 5 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150501150437/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/04/jabhat-al-nusra-and-islamic-battalions-capture-more-than-100-in-regime-forces-and-allied-militiamen/. 1 May 2015. live.
  105. syria24media. syria 24 english. 593030055179190272. 28 April 2015. Apparently #SAA launched a counter attack on Brick Factory #Idlib #Syria24 . 5 May 2015.
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  107. ejmalrai. Elijah J. Magnier. 593102823572779008. 28 April 2015.
    1. Damascus gave orders for troops around #Idlib to "recover Jisr al-Shoukhour regardless the cost". #Syria.
    . 5 May 2015.
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  110. Web site: Clashes break out around the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour, and the helicopters strike more than 9 areas in the countryside of Idlib. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 5 May 2015. https://archive.today/20150501103703/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/clashes-break-out-around-the-national-hospital-in-jeser-al-shagour-and-the-helicopters-strike-more-than-9-areas-in-the-countryside-of-idlib/. 1 May 2015. live.
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  128. Web site: Tiger Forces Capture the Strategic Sugar Factory at the Outskirts of Jisr Al-Shughour. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 7 May 2015. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150508150232/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-capture-the-strategic-sugar-factory-at-the-outskirts-of-jisr-al-shughour/. 8 May 2015. live.
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  130. Web site: Breaking: Tiger Forces Capture 'Alaween Checkpoint and Tal Malta Near Frikka. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 7 May 2015. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150509223856/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-tiger-forces-capture-alaween-checkpoint-and-tal-malta-near-frikka/. 9 May 2015. live.
  131. markito0171. Mark. 596402382218596353. 7 May 2015.
    1. Syria #SAA Brigade General Kemal Dib killed today in Jisr al-Shughour #Idlib
    . 13 May 2015.
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  134. Web site: Syrian troops battle to free trapped forces near Idlib. The Times of Israel. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150513044127/http://www.timesofisrael.com/syrian-troops-battle-to-free-trapped-forces-near-idlib/. 13 May 2015. live.
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  136. Web site: Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Strategic Hill on the Outskirts of Jisr Al-Shughour. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 9 May 2015. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150513234735/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-strategic-hill-on-the-outskirts-of-jisr-al-shughour/. 13 May 2015. live.
  137. Web site: At least 20 air raids carried out on places around Jeser al- Shagour since this morning. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094857/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/at-least-20-air-raids-carried-out-on-places-around-jeser-al-shagour-since-this-morning/. 18 May 2015. live.
  138. Web site: Violent clashes break out around the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour after a booby- trapped vehicle explosion. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 13 May 2015. https://archive.today/20150510123243/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/violent-clashes-break-out-around-the-national-hospital-in-jeser-al-shagour-after-a-booby-trapped-vehicle-explosion/. 10 May 2015. live.
  139. News: Syrian army steps up bid to regain town and rescue besieged troops. Reuters India. 10 May 2015. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518080810/http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/10/mideast-crisis-town-idINKBN0NV0NJ20150510. 18 May 2015. live.
  140. sayed_ridha. Hassan Ridha. 597388757851967488. 10 May 2015. Pro-Rebel source: #Jaish_Fateh are consumed in a firefight with #SAA in the Hospital from 3 fronts, JF were able to temporarily breach +. 13 May 2015.
  141. Web site: Syrian troops attack town recently captured by militants. Star Tribune. 13 May 2015.
  142. Web site: 22 air strikes and violent clashes around the national hospital west of Jesr al-Shughour. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150514144535/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/22-air-strikes-and-violent-clashes-around-the-national-hospital-west-of-jesr-al-shughour/. 14 May 2015. live.
  143. Web site: Syrian rebels storm hospital complex. 10 May 2015. Stuff. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180829/http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/middle-east/68432850/syrian-rebels-storm-hospital-complex. 24 September 2015. live.
  144. Web site: 60 soldiers in regime forces and allied militiamen killed and wounded in Jesr al-Shughour clashes. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095310/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/60-soldiers-in-regime-forces-and-allied-militiamen-killed-in-jesr-al-shughour-clashes/. 18 May 2015. live.
  145. Web site: 72 dead as Syria army battles to free loyalists: monitor. AFP. 13 May 2015. 6 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160306021034/https://twitter.com/BosnjoBoy/status/597754663727931392. dead.
  146. Web site: Tiger Forces Approaching Jisr Al-Shughour: Another Village Captured. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150512160406/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-approaching-jisr-al-shughour-another-village-captured/. 12 May 2015. live.
  147. Web site: اشتباكات مستمرة في قرية بشرق جسر الشغور في إدلب. Zaem. المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518024203/http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%82-%D8%AC%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%BA%D9%88/. 18 May 2015. live.
  148. Web site: تقدم للمقاتلين في ريف حماة وقوات النظام تستهدف مدينة حمص وريفها. المرصد السوري. المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095307/http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7/. 18 May 2015. live.
  149. Web site: Syria Direct. 11 May 2015. 13 May 2015.
  150. BosnjoBoy. Bosno Sinjić. 597744872158797824. 11 May 2015. Photos showing the Thermal plant south of Jisr Shugur after rebels managed to enter, but withdrew during the night. 13 May 2015.
  151. JulianRoepcke. Julian Röpcke. 597718916861952001. 11 May 2015.
    1. Analysis #Map Regime forces retook Al-Klarin & Sawmill barriers,stand before sugar factory.
    . 13 May 2015.
  152. Web site: أكثر من 14 غارة تستهدف جسر الشغور وتجدد الاشتباكات في أطراف المدينة وريفها, وغارات جوية على ريف حماة. Ahmad. المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095340/http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-14-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D8%AC%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%BA%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D8%A7/. 18 May 2015. live.
  153. BosnjoBoy. Bosno Sinjić. 597754663727931392. 11 May 2015. Around 20 rebels (#FSA Division 101) died after a failed attack on Kafr Najd village near Ariha, #Idlib #Syria. 13 May 2015.
  154. Web site: استمرار الاشتباكات العنيفة وتجددها في عدة مناطق بأطراف مدينة جسر الشغور ومحيطها وريفها. Ahmad. المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095702/http://www.syriahr.com/2015/05/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%81/. 18 May 2015. live.
  155. Web site: Syria Daily, May 12: Assad Regime — We Have Achieved Nothing with "Reconciliation". EA WorldView. 12 May 2015. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100827/http://eaworldview.com/2015/05/syria-daily-assad-regime-we-have-achieved-nothing-with-reconciliation/#jisralshughour. 18 May 2015. live.
  156. markito0171. Mark. 598037089498824704. 12 May 2015.
    1. Syria #SAA Brigadier General Abdel Razak Abu Khader Raml killed in #Idlib
    . 22 May 2015.
  157. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 598184193223430144. 12 May 2015.
    1. SRO MAP - EXCLUSIVE - Jaysh al-Fateh take 6 checkpoints in #Musbin and in Jabal al-Arbaeen area (#Ariha outskirts) :
    . 22 May 2015.
  158. archicivilians. archicivilians. 598183543773073408. 12 May 2015.
    1. Syria: Rebels bombed al-Fanar military checkpoint in the outskirts of #Ariha city in #Idlib province.
    . 22 May 2015.
  159. Web site: Islamist Rebels Storm the Gates of Ariha in Idlib. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 13 May 2015. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150515074553/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-storm-the-gates-of-ariha-in-idlib/. 15 May 2015. live.
  160. Web site: The Nusra Front, rebels and Islamic battalions seizes Msibin. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 13 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100021/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/the-nusra-front-rebels-and-islamic-battalions-seizes-msibin/. 18 May 2015. live.
  161. JulianRoepcke. Julian Röpcke. 598627155535355904. 13 May 2015.
    1. Analysis #Map Rebels capture the mount forty barrier 2nd x after #Assad retook it overnight.
    . 22 May 2015.
  162. Web site: Syrian Armed Forces Capture Al-Kufayr Near Jisr Al-Shughour. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 14 May 2015. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150519065747/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armed-forces-capture-al-kufayr-near-jisr-al-shughour/. 19 May 2015. live.
  163. Web site: Aerial bombardment in Aleppo, Clashes continue in Jesr al-Shughour countryside. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100409/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/aerial-bombardment-in-aleppo-clashes-continue-in-jesr-al-shughour-countryside/. 18 May 2015. live.
  164. Web site: A brigadier- general killed in Jeser al- Shagour, and the clashes renew in the countryside of Idlib leaving more casualties. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://archive.today/20150514170859/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/a-brigadier-general-killed-in-jeser-al-shagour-and-the-clashes-renew-in-the-countryside-of-idlib-leaving-more-casualties/. 14 May 2015. live.
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  166. Web site: Syrian Army Recaptures Strategic Checkpoint in Idlib. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 15 May 2015. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084952/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-recaptures-strategic-checkpoint-in-idlib/. 18 May 2015. live.
  167. Web site: The Islamic faction take control over al- Moqbili town and advance towards al- Mastomi town Idlib. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150519145144/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/the-islamic-faction-take-control-over-al-moqbili-town-and-advance-towards-al-mostomi-town-idlib/. 19 May 2015. live.
  168. Web site: Jabhat Al-Nusra Storms the Village of Al-Mastoumah in Idlib. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 18 May 2015. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150520222657/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-storms-the-village-of-al-mastoumah-in-idlib/. 20 May 2015. live.
  169. Web site: After al- Mastomi town and its military camp, Al- Fateh Army expels the regime forces from Nihlaya. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150522083456/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/after-al-mastomi-town-and-its-military-camp-al-fateh-army-expels-the-regime-forces-from-nihlaya/. 22 May 2015. live.
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  171. Web site: Syrian Armed Forces Withdraw from the Al-Mastoumah Camp. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 19 May 2015. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150521235410/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armed-forces-withdraw-from-the-al-mastoumah-camp/. 21 May 2015. live.
  172. News: Syria rebels claim capture of Idlib army base . Al Jazeera . Rifai . Ryan . 20 May 2015 . 20 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150520093153/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/syria-rebels-seize-military-base-idlib-150519141536615.html . 20 May 2015 . live .
  173. ejmalrai. Elijah J. Magnier. 600637175739392000. 19 May 2015. Jaish al-Fateh announced Mastooma has been taken by Mujahideen. #SAA destroyed ammunition claim rebels #Syria.. 22 May 2015.
  174. Web site: Syria Daily: Can Assad Stop the Rebels?. EA WorldView. 20 May 2015. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150524080601/http://eaworldview.com/2015/05/syria-daily-can-assad-stop-the-rebels/. 24 May 2015. live.
  175. Web site: Al- Fateh Army advances in Nihlaya area in south of al- Mastomi camp. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150522091613/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/al-fateh-army-advance-in-nihlaya-area-in-south-of-al-mastomi-camp/. 22 May 2015. live.
  176. Web site: More than 20 rebels killed during clashes around al-Mastuma camp and Qalamoun. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://archive.today/20150522170244/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/more-than-20-rebels-killed-during-clashes-around-al-mastuma-camp-and-qalamoun/. 22 May 2015. live.
  177. Syria_Rebel_Obs. Syrian Rebellion Obs. 600764573952712705. 19 May 2015.
    1. SRO - URGENT - Jaysh al-Fateh assaulting KafrNajd (contrary to few reports, KafrNajd still regime-held). Ahrar ash-#Sham leading. #Ariha.
    . 22 May 2015.
  178. Web site: The helicopters parachute food baskets for the regime forces' members inside the national hospital in Jeser al- Shagour. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150522164151/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/the-helicopters-parachute-food-baskets-for-for-the-regime-forces-members-inside-the-national-hospital-in-jeser-al-shagour/. 22 May 2015. live.
  179. News: Feature: Syrian soldiers speak of "impossible escape" from al-Qaida besieged facility . Xinhua . 27 May 2015 . 27 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150527185239/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-05/27/c_134275168.htm . 27 May 2015 . dead .
  180. News: Insurgents seize hospital from Syrian army . Al Arabiya . AFP . 22 May 2015 . 22 May 2015 . The monitoring group's head said "dozens" of people had managed to flee but others were killed, wounded or taken hostage, without giving exact figures. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150524061948/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/05/22/Insurgents-seize-hospital-from-Syrian-army.html . 24 May 2015 . live .
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  184. News: National Hospital siege spin goes into overdrive . TDS . Dick . Marlin . 25 May 2015 . 29 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150529044031/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/May-25/299189-national-hospital-siege-spin-goes-into-overdrive.ashx . 29 May 2015 . live .
  185. Web site: The Syrian Army Evades Al-Qaeda Fighters at the Jisr Al-Shughour National Hospital. Al-Masdar. 24 May 2015. 24 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150524193041/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/the-syrian-army-evades-al-qaeda-fighters-at-the-jisr-al-shughour-national-hospital/. 24 May 2015. live.
  186. News: The Syria hospital siege that turned into a massacre: Jisr al-Shugour breakout was less of a 'victory' than Damascus claims . The Independent . Fisk . Robert . 6 June 2015 . 6 June 2015 . But it appears that of the men [...] who fled the hospital on 22 May, far less than half of them reached safety, some of whom subsequently died. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150605215230/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-syria-hospital-siege-thatturned-into-a-massacre-jisr-alshugour-breakout-was-less-of-a-victory-than-damascus-claims-10301084.html . 5 June 2015 . dead .
  187. Web site: The Nusra Front and Islamic factions take control over the National Hospital in Jeser al- Shagour. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 22 May 2015. https://archive.today/20150522092208/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/the-nusra-front-and-islamic-factions-take-control-over-the-national-hospital-in-jeser-al-shagour/. 22 May 2015. live.
  188. 300 insurgents killed in air raids to 'break siege of Jisr al-Shughour Hospital': Syrian state TV. The Daily Star. 24 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150524173954/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/May-24/299119-300-insurgents-killed-in-air-raids-to-break-siege-of-jisr-al-shughour-hospital-syrian-state-tv.ashx. 24 May 2015. live.
  189. PetoLucem. Peto Lucem. 602419864385495040. 24 May 2015. Opposition sources: #SAA is assaulting insurgent held village of al- #Sirmaniyyah in al- #Ghab plain. #Idlib #Syria. 30 May 2015.
  190. Web site: The clashes renew in the northern countryside of Lattakia, and the regime troops target towns in the countryside of al- Quneitera . 24 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150524154602/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/the-clashes-renew-in-the-northern-countryside-of-lattakia-and-the-regime-troops-target-towns-in-the-countryside-of-al-quneitera/ . 24 May 2015 . live .
  191. Web site: Rebels storm last regime-held city in Syria's Idlib: monitor. 28 May 2015. Yahoo News. 30 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150531014206/http://news.yahoo.com/rebels-storm-last-regime-held-city-syrias-idlib-155120789.html. 31 May 2015. live.
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    1. Jaish_Fateh in Basanqul after capturing it from #SAA #Idlib #Syria
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  207. News: Syrian group claims control of Idlib province . Al Jazeera . Rifai . Ryan . 6 June 2015 . 7 June 2015 . Abu Yazeed, a spokesman for Ahrar al-Sham, one of Syria's most powerful anti-government groups which is also a part of the Fattah Army coalition, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that the fighters now hold control over "about 99 percent" of Idlib. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150607043057/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/syrian-group-claims-control-idlib-province-150606175054806.html . 7 June 2015 . live .
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  209. News: Iran is taking over Assad's fight in crucial parts of Syria . Business Insider . Now Lebanon . 8 June 2015 . 10 June 2015 . three officers were Sunnis who were among the regime troops that withdrew from the Mahmbel and Bsanqoul checkpoints following rebel advances in the southern Idlib province area on Saturday [...] According to the report, none of the other Syrian officers or soldiers present at the time were able to prevent the execution as "officers responsible for military operations in the Jourin area are under the command of Iranian officers." . https://web.archive.org/web/20150610070036/http://www.businessinsider.com/iran-is-taking-over-assads-fight-in-crucial-parts-of-syria-2015-6?IR=T . 10 June 2015 . live .
  210. Web site: The Islamist factions advance towards the countryside of Idlib and seize new areas after the withdrawal of the regime forces and their loyal Afghani and Iranian fighters. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 14 June 2015. 29 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150706101218/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/the-islamist-factions-advance-towards-the-countryside-of-idlib-and-seize-new-areas-after-the-withdrawal-of-the-regime-forces-and-their-loyal-afghani-and-iranian-fighters/. 6 July 2015. live.
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  212. Web site: Violent clashes erupt in the countryside of Hama, while the regime forces shell areas in it. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 13 June 2015. 29 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150704011622/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/violent-clashes-erupt-in-the-countryside-of-hama-while-the-regime-forces-shell-areas-in-it/. 4 July 2015. live.
  213. Web site: The clashes continue on Lattakia- Ariha Highway. sohranas. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 14 June 2015. 29 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150706083605/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/the-clashes-continue-on-lattakia-ariha-highway/. 6 July 2015. live.
  214. Web site: Jaysh Al-Fateh Captures Remaining Hills Near Jisr Al-Shughour. Leith Fadel. Al-Masdar News. 28 July 2015. 6 August 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150731001037/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-fateh-captures-remaining-hills-near-jisr-al-shughour/. 31 July 2015. live.
  215. Web site: About 90 members of the regime forces and allied militiamen killed in the rebels' attack on areas in Sahl al- Ghab and Jeser al- Shohour. Master. Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. 29 July 2015. 6 August 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150908000016/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/07/about-90-members-of-the-regime-forces-and-allied-militiamen-killed-in-the-rebels-atack-on-areas-in-sahl-al-ghab-and-jeser-al-shohour/. 8 September 2015. live.
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  218. News: Rebel Forces Make Gains in Syria . Stratfor . 28 April 2015 . 28 April 2015 . It is critical for the regime to secure the supply lines into isolated and besieged loyalist-held territory in Idlib where the remnants of the 11th Armored Division and the Tiger Forces are located [...] The next days will determine if the regime can succeed in saving its loyalist forces in Idlib from an even bigger catastrophe. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003617/https://www.stratfor.com/video/rebel-forces-make-gains-syria . 5 May 2015 . live .
  219. Web site: Understanding the Strategic Shift in Syria . Stratfor . 29 May 2015 . 30 May 2015 . Earlier in the conflict, Damascus removed its forces from Homs province and deployed them against the growing rebel threat of Jaish al-Fateh in the Idlib Province. The redeployment, which transferred the elite Tiger Forces and Desert Falcons away from the Islamic State's area of operations, will now be seen as a mistake. The elite forces have been unable to halt rebel advances in Idlib, and their departure from Homs has left the government highly vulnerable on its eastern flank . https://web.archive.org/web/20150530205048/https://www.stratfor.com/image/understanding-strategic-shift-syria . 30 May 2015 . live .
  220. News: Syria conflict: Islamists capture Jisr al-Shughur . BBC News . 25 April 2015 . 26 April 2015 . BBC World Service Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher says that if the rebels can drive the government completely out of Idlib province, they would open the way to Latakia. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150426041537/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32461693 . 26 April 2015 . live .
  221. News: Syrian rebels capture Jisr al-Shughour . Financial Times . Solomon . Erika . 25 April 2015 . 25 April 2015 . Rebel control of the town threatens supply lines to the few remaining government strongholds in northern Idlib province and could aid rebel advances east toward Syria's second city, Aleppo, or south toward the central city of Hama. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150426143042/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/055c5916-eb71-11e4-9058-00144feab7de.html . 26 April 2015 . live .
  222. News: Syria rebels take strategic northwestern town in Idlib province; government retaliates . U.S. News & World Report . AP . El Deeb . Sarah . 25 April 2015 . 25 April 2015 . If they can hold the town of Jisr al-Shughour in Idlib province, rebel fighters from Islamic factions [...] will have gained in only a few days a gateway to the Mediterranean coast, a refuge of embattled President Bashar Assad, and cut government supply lines from the coast to northern and central Syria. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150425102416/http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/04/25/reports-rebels-enter-strategic-town-in-northwestern-syria . 25 April 2015 . live .
  223. News: Islamist rebels capture major Syrian stronghold in Idlib province . DW . 25 April 2015 . 25 April 2015 . The city lies between Latakia and the nation's largest city, Aleppo, and will give fighters access to a possible route to launch an assault on government-held Latakia. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150425211213/http://www.dw.de/islamist-rebels-capture-major-syrian-stronghold-in-idlib-province/a-18408051 . 25 April 2015 . live .
  224. News: Al-Qaeda, allies overrun Syria government holdout in Idlib . https://archive.today/20150426005033/http://www.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/al-qaeda-allies-overrun-syria-government-holdout-in-idlib/articleshow/47048783.cms . dead . 26 April 2015 . The Economic Times . 25 April 2015 . 25 April 2015 . The rebels launched their attack on Jisr al-Shughur on Thursday, seeking to capitalise on their capture of the provincial capital last month and open up a strategic assault route to the regime's stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. .
  225. News: Saudi Arabia's efforts to co-ordinate Sunni opposition groups in Syria are likely to result in heightened fighting in Aleppo and Latakia . Jane's 360 . Ingram . Jamie . 21 April 2015 . 26 April 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150705060910/http://www.janes.com/article/50881/saudi-arabia-s-efforts-to-co-ordinate-sunni-opposition-groups-in-syria-are-likely-to-result-in-heightened-fighting-in-aleppo-and-latakia . 5 July 2015 . live .
  226. News: Extremist Syrian rebels close in on Assad stronghold . The National . AFP . 25 April 2015 . 26 April 2015 . "For the opposition as a whole, it would open up the route into Latakia from Idlib and Hama, which could significantly enhance any future offensive on Latakia," said Charles Lister, a visiting fellow at Brookings Doha Centre and a Syria specialist. "That would be very dangerous for the regime." . https://web.archive.org/web/20150502021921/http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/extremist-syrian-rebels-close-in-on-assad-stronghold . 2 May 2015 . live .
  227. News: Islamist fighters seize Syria's Jisr al-Shughour, army says redeploys . Reuters . Karouny . Mariam . 25 April 2015 . 26 April 2015 . "Jisr al-Shughour is more important than Idlib itself, it is very close to the coastal area which is a regime area, the coast now is within our fire reach," Ahmad from Ahrar al-Sham said..
  228. News: Idlib gains bring Syrian rebels closer to Assad's coastal homeland . Reuters . Al-Khalidi . Suleiman . 6 June 2015 . 6 June 2015 .
  229. News: Fear stalks Damascus after jihadist gains . al-Monitor . 27 April 2015 . 28 April 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150713204252/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/contents/afp/2015/04/syria-conflict-damascus.html . 13 July 2015 . live .
  230. ejmalrai. Elijah J. Magnier. 593023077749018624. 28 April 2015. From what I have seen in the events in #Syria recently,for the first time I think Syria can likely head toward partition (no trolls please).. 29 April 2015 .
  231. News: Syrian opposition success in Idlib province likely to threaten Aleppo, Latakia, and Assad's hold on power . IHS Jane's 360 . Abi Ali . Firas . 27 April 2015 . 29 April 2015 . Its capture [Jisr al-Shughour] threatens to show Syrian president Bashar al-Assad as incapable even of protecting the coastal mountain areas where the Alawites (his core support base) are concentrated. This in turn makes it likely that Iranians will no longer see Assad as the best guarantor of their interests in Syria. . https://web.archive.org/web/20150520010933/http://www.janes.com/article/51012/syrian-opposition-success-in-idlib-province-likely-to-threaten-aleppo-latakia-and-assad-s-hold-on-power . 20 May 2015 . live .
  232. Web site: The Myth of Iran's Military Mastermind . The Daily Beast . Siegel . Jacob . 5 June 2015 . 5 June 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150606034609/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/05/the-myth-of-iran-s-military-mastermind.html . 6 June 2015 . live .
  233. ejmalrai. Elijah J. Magnier. 593113006835429376. 28 April 2015.
    1. Damascus accuses officially #Ankara for helping #Nusra to attack #Idlib, providing military and logistic support. #Syria #Turkey.
    . 4 May 2015 .
  234. News: As Saudi-Turkish-Qatari Relations Improve, Possibility Of 'Decisive Storm'-Type Operation In Syria Emerges . MEMRI . Mozes . N. . Ezrahi . E. . 1 May 2015 . 4 May 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150503073518/http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/8546.htm . 3 May 2015 . live .
  235. Web site: Iran sends men and arms to shore up retreating Assad . The Times . Philp . Catherine . Tomlinson . Hugh . 9 June 2015 . 9 June 2015 . Qassem Soleimani, Iran's powerful spy chief, visited Latakia, the ancestral heartland of President Assad's Alawite minority, last month to assess the situation after rebels advanced on the border with the neighbouring Idlib province. Iranian military sources said that General Soleimani, the commander of the elite al-Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, was furious at the despondency he encountered among the Syrian military's top brass. "Why are your heads down?" he was reported to have demanded. "The people of Syria have been paying their taxes to pay your wages for precisely such a day, so that you defend them against a band of evil beasts. Why have you lost your nerve now?" . https://web.archive.org/web/20150609014903/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/middleeast/article4464108.ece . 9 June 2015 . live .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015)".

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