Writing by Abdulsalam Haj Bakri
(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian regime forces jave continuted its shelling on rebel-held areas in Latakia province in a flagrant violation to the U.S.-engineered ceasefire deal seven weeks ago amid an international silence and obvious hesitation of rebels to respond similarly to regime forces.
Radd al-Mazalim is battle announced by a number of rebel factions on Monday to break the silence and hesitation and respond to regime fire.
Rebels have declared new attack to recapture areas lost to the favor of regime forces and key ally Russia early this year.
Ten rebel factions form command room in Latakia province: statement
The battle seemed more of a venting. Rebels advanced in a number of axes in Kurds and Turkmen Mountains and recaptured a number of villages and strategic points; however, they withdrew from recaptured points after they caused major loss in regime forces.
Abu Wael the chief of the First Coastal Division sees the battle as very important and it retrieved confidence for rebels and faith they could advance and liberate areas again.
He added that the battle aims to support rebels in their battles in northern countryside of Hama since regime forces are targeting rebels in Hama via strongholds in mountains of countryside of Latakia. This led to rebels’ advancement in Kharbet al-Naqus village.
Regarding the rebels’ withdrawal following recapture of lost areas, he said, “it is difficult to keep the high points because they become easy targets for regime forces which control most of high mountains. The regime shelled the points recaptured from sea, air and land which forced the rebels to withdraw. The Russian forces might have been participating in the bombardment from the sea, but we are not sure the Russian Air Force participated in the clashes.”
Turkmen in Latakia fight for their existence: Head of Turkmen Council
Taha Wassuf, a fighter in Free Syrian Army (FSA) stressed that regime forces have repeatedly attacked the last rebel stronghold in Kurds Mountain, al-Kabaneh strategic village. The regime failed yet to recapture the village due to rebels’ defense.
Wassuf expressed sadness of rebels’ withdrawal of liberated areas especially that 4 fighters were martyred in the battle. He confirmed the rebels will continue to respond to regime violations of the ceasefire and will try to recapture lost areas again.
Rebels still control limited locations in Kurds and Turkmen Mountains in Latakia countryside, but the locations are not very strategic and regime targets the locations daily. The last attack of the regime was shelling Martyr Usama Ablaq Hospital in Yameediye, the last hospital in Latakia countryside.
(Translation by Rana Abdul)
(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian regime forces jave continuted its shelling on rebel-held areas in Latakia province in a flagrant violation to the U.S.-engineered ceasefire deal seven weeks ago amid an international silence and obvious hesitation of rebels to respond similarly to regime forces.
Radd al-Mazalim is battle announced by a number of rebel factions on Monday to break the silence and hesitation and respond to regime fire.
Rebels have declared new attack to recapture areas lost to the favor of regime forces and key ally Russia early this year.
Ten rebel factions form command room in Latakia province: statement
The battle seemed more of a venting. Rebels advanced in a number of axes in Kurds and Turkmen Mountains and recaptured a number of villages and strategic points; however, they withdrew from recaptured points after they caused major loss in regime forces.
Abu Wael the chief of the First Coastal Division sees the battle as very important and it retrieved confidence for rebels and faith they could advance and liberate areas again.
He added that the battle aims to support rebels in their battles in northern countryside of Hama since regime forces are targeting rebels in Hama via strongholds in mountains of countryside of Latakia. This led to rebels’ advancement in Kharbet al-Naqus village.
Regarding the rebels’ withdrawal following recapture of lost areas, he said, “it is difficult to keep the high points because they become easy targets for regime forces which control most of high mountains. The regime shelled the points recaptured from sea, air and land which forced the rebels to withdraw. The Russian forces might have been participating in the bombardment from the sea, but we are not sure the Russian Air Force participated in the clashes.”
Turkmen in Latakia fight for their existence: Head of Turkmen Council
Taha Wassuf, a fighter in Free Syrian Army (FSA) stressed that regime forces have repeatedly attacked the last rebel stronghold in Kurds Mountain, al-Kabaneh strategic village. The regime failed yet to recapture the village due to rebels’ defense.
Wassuf expressed sadness of rebels’ withdrawal of liberated areas especially that 4 fighters were martyred in the battle. He confirmed the rebels will continue to respond to regime violations of the ceasefire and will try to recapture lost areas again.
Rebels still control limited locations in Kurds and Turkmen Mountains in Latakia countryside, but the locations are not very strategic and regime targets the locations daily. The last attack of the regime was shelling Martyr Usama Ablaq Hospital in Yameediye, the last hospital in Latakia countryside.
(Translation by Rana Abdul)
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