Syrian Arab Army and NDF advances during past 48 hours

SANA video still of SyAA 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers at Latakia countryside, dated 13NOV15

Syrian Army Captures Several Hilltops and Villages on the Idlib-Latakia Border by Leith Fadel, dated 16NOV15:

The Syrian Arab Army’s 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard is on a roll in northeastern Latakia, capturing several sites from the Free Syrian Army’s “Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab”, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” at the Latakia-Idlib axis that borders the Jisr Al-Shughour District (Islamist rebel stronghold).

On Sunday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 103rd Brigade – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Qurdaha, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), and Muqawama Souri (Syrian Resistance) – launched an assault on Raweesat Iskendar in the Latakia Governorate’s northeastern countryside, targeting the Islamist rebel defenses at Point 1143 and Point 1149 inside this village on the Latakia-Idlib axis.

Following a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels, the Syrian Arab Army’s 103rd Brigade and their allies imposed full control over Point 1143 and Point 1149 en route to their capture of Raweesat Iskendar in Jabal Al-Akrad (Kurdish Mountains).

In addition to their success at Raweesat Iskendar, the Syrian Arab Army’s 103rd brigade and their allies imposed full control over the villages of Beit Abu Risha and Katf Al-Sa’our in Jabal Al-Akrad after a fierce battle with Jabhat Al-Nusra, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab.

To conclude the day, the Syrian Armed Forces conducted one final on the Islamist rebel defenses at Kabani to the north of Raweesat Iskendar, seizing this village after Jabhat Al-Nusra withdrew from their posts in order to evade the swarming Russian MI-24 Hind Helicopter Gunships.

Military situation map for NE Latakia dated 15NOV15

SANA video still depicting SyAA armor at Latakia countryside, dated 13NOV15

SANA video still of SyAA 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer at Latakia countryside, dated 13NOV15. Unit appears as possible recent delivery into SyAA service.

Detail of of possible recently delivered SyAA 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer at Latakia countryside, dated 13NOV15.

SANA video still depicting SyAA armor at Latakia countryside, dated 13NOV15

SyAA armor depicted at the Palmyra front in Homs Governorate, dated 13NOV15

Syrian Army Advances Deep Inside the Palmyra Triangle After Capturing Several ISIS Sites by Leith Fadel, dated 16NOV15:

On Saturday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 67th Brigade of the 18th Tank Division – in coordination with the 550th Regiment of the 18th Tank Division and the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Homs City – struck back against ISIS in the Palmyra Traingle, capturing several sites under the aforementioned terrorist group’s control, while destroying several military installations in the process.

The Syrian Arab Army’s 67th Brigade and their allies made their first breakthrough at the imperative village of Al-Bayarat, killing a number of militants from ISIS before they reportedly captured both the eastern and western groves from the terrorist group.

With the capture of Al-Bayarat on Saturday, the Syrian Arab Army’s 67th Brigade and their allies shifted their attention to the villages of Al-Tamtheel and Al-Kassarat that are located just west of Palmyra.

According to a battlefield journalist on the ground with the 67th Brigade, the Syrian Armed Forces and their allies made several advances inside the villages of Al-Tamtheel, Al-Dawa, and Al-Kassarat, while also advancing to the Ancient Palmyra Quarries that are located 4km north of the city.

Palmyra is strategically located along the Homs-Deir Ezzor Highway; this roadway was used by the Syrian Armed Forces to reinforce their entrenched soldiers combatting ISIS inside the Deir Ezzor Governorate of eastern Syria.

SyAA T-72 type main battle tanks depicted at the Palmyra front in Homs Governorate, dated 13NOV15

Syrian Army Declares Fire Control Over the Strategic Homs-Damascus Highway by Leith Fadel, dated 16NOV15:

[T]he Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade has successfully recaptured almost every site lost to Jaysh Al-Islam, leaving only 300 meters left to capture in order to roll back all of the Islamist rebel gains along the Homs-Damascus Highway in the East Ghouta region of rural east Damascus.

On Sunday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) 0f Damascus and the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – took control of another hilltop that overlooks the village of Tal Kurdi in the Douma countryside; this aforementioned site allowed the Islamist rebels to pick-off vehicles traveling along the highway.

As a result of this successful operation on Sunday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade has declared the Homs-Damascus Highway under the fire-control of the Syrian Armed Forces and their allies.

According to a military source inside the Syrian capital, the recent declaration of fire-control means that the Homs-Damascus Highway is only open to the Syrian Armed Forces; it is not open to the public, despite Jaysh Al-Islam’s withdrawal from the southern and northern flanks of this highway.

Military situation map for Eastern Idlib/South Aleppo, dated 15NOV15  [source: miladvisor] 

Video still of Iran-backed Iraqi Kata'ib Hezbollah T-72 type main battle tank, claimed depicted during Syrian offensive SW of Aleppo.

Video still of Iran-backed Iraqi Kata'ib Hezbollah infantrymen, claimed depicted during Syrian offensive SW of Aleppo

Iran-backed Iraqi Kata'ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada fighting force members bearing trophies of war; claimed depiction in the southern Aleppo countryside; imagery appearing 15NOV15 on social media.

IRGC-QF Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani with Sheikh Akram Al-Kaabi (R1), Secretary General of Iran-backed Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN); imagery appearing 15NOV15 on social media.

Pro-Syrian government forces recapture, advance past Al-Hadner

Syrian pro-government forces on 12NOV15 in the surrounding area of Al-Hadner, SW of Aleppo

According to Leith Fadel at Al-Mahder News, dated 12NOV15:

On Thursday afternoon, the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Mechanized Division – in coordination with Hezbollah, the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Aleppo City, the Al-Ba’ath Battalions, Harakat Al-Nujaba, Kataeb Hezbollah, and Firqa Fatayyemoun – launched a decisive assault on the strategic rebel stronghold of Al-Hadher, capturing the entire city within 2 hours of beginning their large-scale assault against the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham.

The Syrian Arab Army and their allies were able to seize the rebel stronghold of Al-Hadher after conducting several successful military operations this week, targeting the surrounding villages that border this imperative city in Aleppo’s southern countryside from its southern flank.

Following the capture of Al-Hadher, the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Mechanized Division and their allies pushed further west towards the other rebel stronghold of Tal Eis, striking the Islamist rebels from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham at the eastern flank before entering this town that overlooks the strategic Damascus-Aleppo Highway.

According to preliminary battlefield reports from Tal Eis, the Syrian Arab Army and their allies have eized most of this town; however, the reports surfacing of its capture have been denied by direct sources on the ground with the Syrian Armed Forces.

If the Syrian Army and their allies seize Tal Eis, the Islamist rebels will be in serious trouble as not only do they lose another strategic town, but also, the obstruction of their primary supply route from the provincial capitals of the Idlib and Aleppo Governorates.

COMMENTARY: There are reports this IRGC-QF directed operation has recaptured Musharfah ASl-Muray, Jabal Arba’een and related farms, Khirbet Al-Mazare’, Khirbet Nazha and Khirbet Al-Mashoosh, as well as claims for the recapture of Al Eis and Jabal Al Eis (see second map below).

A counterattack by Jaish al-Fatah ("Army of Conquest") is also being reported.

Pro-Syrian government forces are also attacking in the direction of Marj As Sultan South, what had been a Syrian military helicopter airbase in Eastern Ghouta, to the east of Damascus. This airbase sacked by insurgents three years ago.

Military situation in southern rural Aleppo, dated 12NOV15  [source: Peto Lucem]

Military situation map IRGC-QF led operation SW of Aleppo, dated 12NOV15


Pro-Syrian government fighting force member before city limit sign for Al-Hadner, SW of Aleppo

Pro-Syrian government media corpsman bearing trophy flag of Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra,” at Al-Hadner

In addition to flag of Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra" is this flag emblem of "Free Syrian Army," inspected by Lebanese Hezbollah fighting force member at Al-Hadner

Imagery of recently recaptured Al-Hadner, SW of Aleppo

Syrian pro-government forces on 12NOV15 in the surrounding area of Al-Hadner, SW of Aleppo

Syrian pro-government forces artillery battery, SW of Aleppo

Russian VDV (Russian Airborne Troops) "Blue Berets" band members among Russian troops before and atop T-90 third-generation main battle tank, at Hmeymim Air Base near Latakia.

Russian VDV (Russian Airborne Troops) "Blue Berets" band members before T-90 third-generation main battle tank, performing for Russian troops at Hmeymim Air Base near Latakia.

Unverified imagery of Russian S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) battery acquisition radar 96L6 at Hmeymim Air Base near Latakia.

Social media imagery appearing 12NOV15 depicting local Syrians at Latakia, expressing support for President Assad and gratitude for Russian military intervention.

Syrian pro-government forces relieve Kuweiris Airbase, advance at southern front

Members of SyAA "Cheetah Forces," unit responsible for spearheading the relief of Kuweiris Airbase

According to Chris Tomson at Al-Masdar News, dated 11NOV15:

[T]he Syrian Arab Army’s Tiger Forces (Cheetah Forces Team 6) finally managed to liberate Kuweiris Airbase after the area had been besieged for 35 months by the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS).

Currently, Tiger Forces are attempting to thicken the dangerously thin supply line that cuts deep into previously ISIS-held territory; however, this unit is set to be reployed to Hama, leaving the future of this base in the Deir Hafer Plains unknown.

On the southern front, the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Mechanized Division and Hezbollah have captured approximately 250 square kilometers of territory in just one month of fighting the Islamist opposition fighters.

In the last 48 hours alone, the Syrian Arab Army and Hezbollah have captured 5 villages that are located south of the strategic town of Al-Hader while the Islamist insurgents were only able to recapture 1 village from the pro-government forces.

Syrian Army and Hezbollah soldiers on this frontline have seen themselves advance to areas which had previously been rebel-held since the summer of 2012.

According to Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 11NOV15:

On Tuesday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Mechanized Division – in coordination with Hezbollah, the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Aleppo City, the Al-Ba’ath Battalions, and several Iranian and Iraq paramilitary units – expanded their control over a number of points in the southern Aleppo countryside after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham.

The Syrian Armed Forces and the Lebanese Resistance began their assault in Markahalah, where they were confronted by a large contingent of fighters from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki at the eastern perimeter of this small village located directly west of Tal Mamou; this aforementioned village was captured by the Syrian Armed Forces and Lebanese Resistance the day before this successful assault.

Not long after they began their assault at this village, the Syrian Armed Forces and Lebanese Resistance imposed full control over Markahalah, killing several enemy combatants from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki in the process of its capture.

Following the capture of Markahalah, the Syrian Armed Forces and Lebanese Resistance turned their attention to the isolated village of Maryoudah, where they once again broke-through the Islamist rebel defenses and imposed full control over this area that is located directly south of Al-‘Eis.

In the last 48 hours, the Syrian Armed Forces and Hezbollah have captured 4 villages from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, while only conceding the village of Talaylat to the Islamist rebels after a violent firefight at the strategic city of Al-Hadher.

COMMENTARY: Beyond the obvious symbolism and morale boost generated by the relief  Kuweiris Airbase, these multi-pronged Syrian pro-government attacks carried out with Russian/Iranian/Lebanese/Iraqi support are exacting a toll on Al-Qaeda (AQ), AQ-linked armed groups and ISIL. Where Syrian pro-government forces had previously been disadvantaged in the war of attrition with aforementioned armed groups, now enabled by RuAF fire support from the air and ground support from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, Syrian pro-government forces appear to have wrested back the initiative in this four year-old conflict. What's more, these military gains are sure to play out in the diplomatic sphere when conflict resolution talks resume on 14NOV15 in Vienna, Austria.

It must be said the Russians enjoy the advantage over the United States in possessing reliable ground force partners in the war against Al Qaeda and ISIL in Syria. The reliable ground partner of the United States in this conflict consists of Kurds, where a NATO ally provides limitations on the utility of this force as does its ethnic composition in advancing into Arab regions.

There also exists another Russian advantage in that Syrian pro-government forces rally behind the Baath government. This is in contrast to neighboring Iraq, where the United States is enmeshed in intra-Shia political struggles, as well as attempting to re-enfranchise the Sunni populace.

Military situation map for eastern Aleppo countryside, dated 10NOV15  [source: Peto Lucem]

Iran-organized National Defense Force (NDF) members at recaptured Sheikh Ahmad village, near Kuweiris Airbase

Iran-backed Iraqi Kata'ib Hezbollah fighting forces flags appearing in the southern Aleppo town of Azzan

Fr. Gabriel Dawood, a Syriac Orthodox priest of the Cathedral of St. George in Damascus, with Syrian pro-government Sootoro (Gozarto Protection Force) light infantrymen at the ancient village of Sadad in Homs Governorate.

Sootoro (Gozarto Protection Force) light infantrymen audience before Fr. Gabriel Dawood

Flags of the Syrian pro-government Sootoro (Gozarto Protection Force) Christian fighting force, composed of members of the Assyrian/Syriac and some members of the Armenian communities in Syria.

T-62 main battle tank of Sootoro (Gozarto Protection Force) Christian fighting force, positioned at a frontline near Sadad village in Homs Governorate.

Hammer into anvil during 2015 Syrian Offensive: RuAF airstrikes and the Syrian pro-government ground force partners.

Soleimani in Aleppo during battles for Kuwieres Airbase and Al-Hadher

IRGC-QF Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in claimed depiction at Aleppo; photo appearing on social media 09NOV15.

Among same series of photos as that above, IRGC-QF Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani with Faleh Hassan Khazali (L), leader in Iran-backed Iraqi Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada fighting force.

Faleh Hassan Khazali is said to have lost an eye in battle during a previous tour of duty in Syria.

Note wall map in background of Aleppo, Syria.

Military situation in eastern Aleppo countryside, dated 09NOV15  [source: Peto Lucem]

Zero Hour Approaches the Kuwieres Military Airport: Cheetah Forces Reportedly 1km Away by Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 10NOV15:

It took the Syrian Arab Army’s “Cheetah Forces” approximately one month to cross 20km of rough terrain and the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham’s (ISIS) defenses inside the Deir Hafer Plains of the Aleppo Governorate; however, this large-scale offensive has finally paid off for the Syrian Armed Forces as they approach the besieged Kuweries Military Airport.

On Monday afternoon, the Cheetah Forces – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Kataebat Al-Ba’ath (Al-Ba’ath Battalions) – finally broke ISIS’ frontline defenses at the northern district of Sheikh Ahmad, resulting in the pro-government forces overrunning the terrorist group’s positions and imposing full control over this strategic town in the Aleppo Governorate’s eastern countryside.

Military situation in southern rural Aleppo, dated 08NOV15  [source: Peto Lucem]

Syrian Army and Hezbollah Flank the Rebel Stronghold of Al-Hadher in Southern Aleppo by Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 10NOV15:

The Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Armored Division – in coordination with Hezbollah, the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Aleppo City, Kataebat Al-Ba’ath (Al-Battalions), and several Iranian and Iraqi paramilitary units – recaptured the imperative villages of Talaylat and ‘Aziziyah after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham on Monday morning.

Following the recapture of Talaylat and ‘Aziziyah, the Syrian Armed Forces and Lebanese Resistance entered the rebel stronghold of Al-Hadher with very little resistance from the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, who later appeared to combat the pro-government forces as they attempted to press deeper in the southern district of this southern Aleppo city.

With the Syrian Armed Forces and the Lebanese Resistance inside the rebel stronghold of Al-Hadher, several Islamist fighters from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” arrived to help out their embattled comrades push back the pro-government forces before they advance any further into this rebel stronghold.

If the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Division and Hezbollah can take control of Al-Hadher from the Islamist rebel fighters, they will be in position to obstruct the strategic Damascus-Aleppo Highway that leads from the provincial capital of Aleppo to the provincial capital of Idlib; this is considered one of the main supply routes for the Islamist rebels in the aforementioned provinces.

Iran-backed Iraqi Harakat al-Nujaba fighting forces, claimed depiction near Aleppo, Syria

Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), claimed depiction near Aleppo, Syria

Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), claimed depiction near Aleppo, Syria

Iran-organized Syrian National Defense Forces, claimed depiction at recently recaptured Ghamam village in Latakia countryside.

Russo-Iranian backed Syrian offensive gains, during past 72 hours

Russo-Iranian backed Syrian offensive gains during the past 72 hours, as detailed by Al-Masdar News (the Arab Source):

Military situation at southern rural Aleppo, dated 06NOV15  [source: PetoLucem]

Syrian Army and Hezbollah Capture Kafr Haddad in Northeastern Idlib, dated 06NOV15 [source: Leith Fadel, Al-Masdar News]

[T]he Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Mechanized Division – in coordination with Hezbollah, the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Aleppo City, and several Iraqi paramilitary units – have declared the complete capture of Kafr Haddad in southern Aleppo after intense firefights with the Islamist rebels from Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra”, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham.

According to a battlefield report from a local source in Al-Safira, the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Division, Hezbollah, and their allies stormed the Islamist rebel defenses at Kafr Haddad this morning, resulting in a long and fierce battle for its control.

However, Jabhat Al-Nusra, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham, and Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham were unable to withstand the aerial assault from the Russian and Syrian Air Forces, as their airstrikes forced the aforementioned Islamist rebels to withdraw to Dalameh, which is located directly east of Kafr Haddad.

With the capture of Kafr Haddad today, the Syrian Armed Forces and Lebanese Resistance have now expanded their territorial gains in southern Aleppo to 240km in only 35 days, while also entering the Idlib Governorate.

The capture of Kafr Haddad marks the first time in three years that the Syrian Armed Forces have entered the northeastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate.

SyAA T-72B main battle tank observed near Palmyra by Zvezda TV channel (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Syrian Army Advances on the Ancient City of Palmyra as Reinforcements Pour into the East Homs Countryside, dated 07NOV15 [source: Leith Fadel, Al-Masdar News]

On On [the morning of 07NOV15], the Syrian Arab Army’s 67th Brigade of the 18th Tank Division – in coordination with Kataebat Al-Ba’ath (Al-Ba’ath Battalions) and the National Defense Forces of Homs City advanced from the eastern groves of Al-Bayarat to the Palmyra Drivers School after a week of intense firefights with the ISIS terrorists.

North of Palmyra, the Syrian Arab Army’s “Panther Brigades” (Tiger Forces ) conducted military operations along the seasonal road from the town of Jazal to Palmyra, killing several ISIS terrorists in the process.

The northern flank of Palmyra has been the most volatile for the Syrian Armed Forces, as ISIS has launched several attacks on their positions in the Jazal Mountain area.

However, the Syrian Armed Forces in the Palmyra Triangle received a substantial boost on Friday, when a large convoy of reinforcements arrived at the T-4 Airport in order to participate in the upcoming Palmyra offensive that is only in its preliminary stages.

Military situation in Hama and Idlib Governates, dated 07OCT15  [source: PetoLucem]

Syrian Army Captures 4 Villages in Northwestern Hama, dated 07NOV15 [source: Leith Fadel, Al-Masdar News]

On [the night of 07NOV15], the Syrian Arab Army’s 45th Regiment of the 1st Armored Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Joureen and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) – reportedly captured 4 villages on the western rim of the Al-Ghaab Plains after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, the Free Syrian Army’s “Liwaa Suqour Al-Ghaab”, and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra.”

With the capture of these 4 villages, the Syrian Armed Forces are steadily building their protective wall along the Latakia Governorate’s eastern border with the Al-Ghaab Plains of the Hama Governorate; however, as long as the Islamist rebels control the strategic city of Jisr Al-Shughour in the Idlib, the Latakia border will not be safe.

Should the Syrian Armed Forces capture the imperative town of Al-Sirmaniyah at the northwestern part of the Al-Ghaab Plains, they will have positioned themselves at the southern flank of Jisr Al-Shughour.

Well equipped and exhibiting high morale, SyAA Special Forces members transported toward Jubb Ahmar region of Al-Ghaab plains.

Military situation north Latakia mountains, dated 06NOV15  [source: miladvisor]

RuAF Sukhoi Su-34 "Fullback" "22 RED" at LTK exhibiting six stars, Syrian conflict

RuAF Sukhoi Su-24M "Fencer" "83 WHITE" at LTK exhibiting five stars denoting 50 combat missions, Syrian conflict

RuAF Su-30SM "Flanker-C" at LTK, equipped with 2x OFAB-250-270 HE unguided bombs

RuAF Su-25SM "Frogfoot"at LTK, equipped with 4x B8M1 (S-8) rocket's pods