2015–2016 Latakia offensive

The 2015–2016 Latakia offensive was a campaign of the Syrian Civil War that was launched by government forces in October 2015 to recapture rebel-held territory in the Latakia Governorate bordering Turkey.[36]

For other uses, see Latakia offensive (disambiguation).
2015–2016 Latakia offensive
Part of the Syrian Civil War and the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War

  Syrian Army control (including Hezbollah)
  Syrian opposition control (including al-Nusra Front)
  Ongoing confrontation or unclear situation
Date15 October 2015[1] – 12 March 2016
(4 months, 3 weeks and 5 days)
Location
Latakia Governorate, Syria
Status Decisive Syrian Army and allies victory
Territorial
changes
Belligerents

Syria Syrian Arab Republic

Syrian Social Nationalist Party[10]
Syrian Resistance[10]
Hezbollah
LAAG[11]
Lions of Hussein Brigade[11]

Russia (air strikes):

Syria Free Syrian Army
Islamic Front
Al-Nusra Front
Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria (TIP)
Supported by:

Commanders and leaders
Abu Fatima al-Musawi[13]
(LAAG commander)
Hussein Tawfiq al-Assad[14]
(Lions of Hussein Brigade leader)		 Cpt. Basil Zamo †[15]
(1st Coastal Division leader)
‘Ali Durayi †[16]
(Jabal al-Akrad Ahrar ash-Sham commander)
Abu Omar al-Turkistani[17]
(al-Nusra and TIP senior commander)
Abdel-Aziz Al-Dibaykhi †[18]
(Jabal al-Akrad al-Nusra commander)
Units involved

Syrian Armed Forces

Russian Armed Forces

Syria Free Syrian Army:

Islamic Front:

Ajnad al-Kavkaz[24]
Movement of Salah al-Din the Kurd[25]
Casualties and losses
Syria 112 soldiers killed (12–25 Jan. & 26 Feb. 2016)[26][27]
Russia 3 soldiers killed[28]
1 Su-24M bomber shot down[29]
1 Mi-8AMTsh helicopter destroyed[30]		 302+ killed (124 foreigners)[10][15][26][31][32][33][34][27][35]

The offensive

Initial government advances

On 15 October, government forces launched a large-scale offensive in the northern Latakia countryside.[1] On 19 October, the SAA captured Point 1112, Point 482, Tal Thamamiyah, Kawa Al-Hatab, and Tal Thalatha in the Al-Zahiyah Mountains in northern Latakia after advancing north from the hilltop of Tal Ziwayk.[37] The next day, Russian air strikes killed Basil Zamo, the commander of the rebel 1st Coastal Division, along with four other fighters according to one report. Other reports put the death toll from the attack at 45, including at least 15 civilians.[15]

On 30 October, rebels recaptured areas at Kafar Delbah,[38] but pro-government forces denied this.[39]

Between 1 and 3 November, heavy clashes for the village of Ghammam in the Mountains of northern Latakia took place. The village was captured four times, with the rebels finally ending up controlling it again. Thirteen soldiers and an unknown number of rebels were killed.[40][41][42][43] Two days later, government forces captured three villages in the area[44] and on 6 November took control of Ghamam and Jabal Bakdash hill overlooking it.[45][46]

On 9 and 10 November, the rebels were reported to had recaptured some points in the area of Ghamam.[47][48] However, this was denied by military sources.[49]

Between 13 and 23 November, government troops seized 200 square kilometers of territory.[50] On 25 November, they captured three hills (including Tal Al-Yakdash hill) in the mountains of Latakia, advanced around Ghamam and captured the villages of Dayr Hanna, al-Dughmishlyia and Beit ‘Ayyash.[51][52][53][54][55][56]

Between 18 and 23 November, government forces captured 10 hills (including six in the Jeb al-Ahmar area),[57][58][59][60] three villages[61][62][63] and imposed full control over the Al-Zahi Mountains.[63]

On 24 November, rebels retook the Al-Zahi Mountains[64] and Tal al-Etyra,[65] while government forces captured a village and hilltop on Jabal Sheikh Mohammad.[66] The following day, government forces advanced in the areas of the Al-Zahi Mountains and Ateera, and recaptured Al-Zahi.[67]

Turkish shootdown of Russian plane
Main article: 2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown

On 24 November, Turkish F-16's downed a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 near the Syrian-Turkish border. A Russian pilot was killed, while another Russian soldier died in the rescue operation that took place in the northern Latakia mountain area.[29] A Russian rescue helicopter was also destroyed by a TOW crew. The crew remained unharmed.[30] Later that day, the second pilot reached the military airport of Latakia after he was rescued by special forces.[68]

Jabal Turkman was subjected to intense bombardment by the Russians after the shootdown of its bomber jet by the Turkish Air Force.[69][70]

On 27 November, the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front and the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria fought against Syrian government and Hezbollah forces around Jabal Nuba,[71] as the Syrian army bombarded them with artillery and Russian warplanes bombed Jabal al-Akrad.[72] The Syrian Army's intense artillery bombardment with hundreds of rockets killed 15 fighters of the Turkistan Islamic Party along with its military leader in Jabal Turkman. Turkistan Islamic Party reported over 30 killed in clashes with government forces during the week.[31][73][74] On the same day, government forces captured two more hills and secured Jabal Al-Nuba mountain.[75]

Continued government advances

On 1 December, government forces captured three villages[76] and the Jabal Al-Kashkar Mountains.[77] With these advances, the Army was in full control of the al-Jeb al-Ahmar area.[36][78]

Between 3 and 15 December, government forces captured up to 20 villages and hills.[79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89] During this time, Islamist rebels also retook several checkpoints around Jabal al-Nawabah.[86] Two rebel commanders were killed by Russian airstrikes in Latakia Northern countryside.[90]

On 16 December, government forces captured the strategic Al-Nuba Mountains (Jabal Al-Nuba) in the northern countryside of Latakia.[91] On the same day, they also seized two hilltops which are located on the border of the Idlib governorate.[92]

Between 17 and 20 December, government forces captured another 10 villages and points along the Turkish border,[93][94][95][96] while the rebels retook the Jabal Al-Sayed Mountains and partly retook the Jabal Al-Nuba mountain.[97]

On 23 and 24 December, government forces supported by Russian air-strikes, reportedly recaptured the Jabal Al-Nuba mountain[19] and the Jabal Al-Sayed Mountains.[98][99]

Between 25 December and 10 January, government forces imposed full control over two dozen more villages and hills,[100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112] including the Katf Al-Alamah area.[113] Of these, the rebels managed to recapture only two villages.[114]

Capture of Salma and Rabia

On the morning of 12 January, government forces imposed full control over the strategic village of Tartiyah, situated to the east of the rebel stronghold of Salma, considered to be the rebel's most important site in the Kurdish Mountains (Jabal al-Akrad) in the northern countryside of Latakia.[115][116] Later that day, the military fully seized Salma.[4][5][117]

The following day, the military expanded its control from Salma, capturing Mrouniyah and Marj Khawkha.[118] By 15 January, they took control of another six villages as rebel defenses collapsed.[119][120][121]

On 16 January 2016, government forces captured several hills overlooking al-Sarraf,[122] as well as another six villages.[123][124][125]

On the next day, the military seized two mountaintops near the strategic town of Rabia[126][127] and six villages throughout Jabal Al-Akrad and the Turkmen Mountain.[128][129][130][131]

On 20 January, government advances continued with the seizure of another two villages.[132] However, a rebel counter-attack between 18 and 20 January, led to their recapture of four villages and a hill. Still, their hold on these recaptured positions was weak due to government troops still occupying the strategic heights.[133][134][135]

On 21 January, a renewed Army assault commenced[136] and by 24 January, they captured 20 villages, surrounding the strategic town of Rabia on three sides. Rabia itself was seized that day.[6]

In all, between 12 and 25 January, Russian and Syrian warplanes conducted more than 522 airstrikes, while government ground forces fired more than 3,000 rocket shells and missiles, which led to them taking control of 36 towns and villages, the most important of all being Salma and Rabia, which were the main rebel strongholds in Jabal al-Akrad and Jabal al-Turkman. A total of 72 Syrian soldiers and 124 foreign rebel fighters were killed during these two weeks of operations.[26]

SAA push towards Kinsabba

Between 27 and 31 January, government forces captured seven villages, Ruweisat Al-Nimr hill and Jabal Al-Mulqa mountain.[137][138][139][140][141][142]

On 1 February, the rebels recaptured Nawarah (Kelez), near the Turkish border, after government forces had completely withdrawn from the village and its surrounding hills. Meanwhile, east of Jabal al-Turkman (Turkmen Mountains), government forces continued to advance north towards the rebel stronghold of Kinsabba.[143]

On 3 February, a Russian military advisor training Syrian soldiers in the use of "new weapons" was killed by rebel mortar shelling in Salma. Three other Russian soldiers were wounded.[12]

Between 6 and 7 February, government troops captured the village of Aliyah (Krouja) and its hill.[144][145] On the same day, the 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard and other Syrian paramilitaries crossed a river capturing the village of Bashura.[146] The attack was heavily assisted by Russian airstrikes which targeted Al-Nusra Front and FSA 1st Coastal Brigade defenses.[146] On 8 February, they further advanced and seized four villages, including two in the area of Kinsabba.[147][148]

On 9 February, the Saudi national and senior Al-Nusra Front commander of the Kurdish Mountains, Abdel-Aziz Al-Dibaykhi (nom de guerre "Abu Hamza") was killed by the Republican Guard's 103rd Brigade.[18] At least 16 Al-Nusra Front fighters were killed by Russian air-strikes as the military regained several positions they had previously lost.[33] Two days later, the rebels recaptured two villages, including Krouja, following fighting that left 12 soldiers dead.[149] On 13 February, the military regained several positions they had lost, including a village.[150]

On 14 February, the Army seized three villages,[151][152] and the following day another seven sites as they pressed towards Kinsabba.[153] With the capture of two more villages on 16 February, the military reached Kinsabba and preparations were started for a final assault on the town.[154] Due to the re-allocation of most of the rebel forces from Tal Ghazaleh hill, that overlooks the Turkish border, to reinforce the defense of Kinsabba, government forces used the opportunity, assaulted the hill and captured it.[155] The attack on Kinsabba started on 17 February,[156] quickly capturing three villages on its western flank and leaving one road open for the rebels to retreat.[20] Kinsabba was secured the following morning. Following this advance, the next aim of the Army was the village of Kabani, one of the highest points in Jabal al-Akrad, that overlooks the Al-Ghaab Plains, and from where the rebels still had the ability to shell places like Qardaha.[34][157][158]

Final operations

Between 20 and 23 February, the Army continued its advances and captured eight villages and a hill north of Kinsabba.[159][160][161] On 26 February, government troops took control of Ayn Al-Bayda, on the provincial border between Latakia and Idlib,[162] and on the following day, they seized the village of Saraf and Tal Nawarat hill, that overlooks a Nusra-held border crossing with Turkey.[163][164]

On 2 March, the military launched an assault on Kabani[165] and its hill.[166] Elsewhere, they reportedly captured three villages and a hill.[167] Ten days later, the strategic height of Kabani hill (Hill 1154) was taken by government forces.[168] During this time, the Army also seized the Zuweiqat mountaintop overlooking Kabani.[169] Still, opposition activists reported on 9 March that the rebels had recaptured Zuweiqat.[170]

Aftermath
Main article: 2016 Latakia offensive

Al-Nusra-led rebels launched an assault in mid-April 2016, capturing parts of Jabal al-Qalat (Qalat Mountain) and al-Bayda village.[171][172] The Syrian Army mounted a counter-attack within days and re-captured all positions they had lost, continuing with the assault on the heights around Kabani again.[173][174][175] In the course of the fighting, a prominent al-Nusra Front commander was killed: Abu Shakkar, nicknamed "The Cannibal" because he ate the heart of a Syrian soldier.[176]

Between 14 and 29 April, government forces made 10 unsuccessful attempts at capturing two strategic hills on the outskirts of Kabani.[177][178] As of 30 April, there were contradictory reports who controlled height 1154[179] as a 3-day ceasefire came into effect.[180][181]

On 30 May, the Army captured the Tall Haddadeh hilltop, which overlooks the Turkish border and remaining rebel-held villages in northern Latakia.[182]

At the end of June, the al-Nusra-led Army of Conquest, supported by FSA groups, launched a counter-offensive on the Turkman and Kurd Mountains, capturing several villages before they withdrew under Russian airstrikes.[183][184][185][186] A total of 33 rebels and 15 soldiers were killed in the fighting.[187][186][188][189] Still, a second rebel assault a few days later managed to capture Kinsabba,[190][191] as well as a dozen nearby villages and hills.[192] On 8 August, the Syrian Army regained Kinsabba and its surrounding villages and hills during a counter-offensive.[193]

Strategic analysis

According to analysis by pro-opposition Al Jazeera, the objective of the Latakia offensive was to consolidate a potential Alawi dominated state (supported by Russia) that would extend from the Coast to Damascus, passing by Hama and Homs. This would entail forcing the population to leave the north of Latakia so that they would be replaced by government supporters. According to the same source, the offensive aims also at embarrassing and pressuring the Turkish government since most of the population in north Latakia are from Turkmen origin. The source attributes the advance by government troops to the powerful missiles used by the Russian airforce and to the lack of support from rebels in Idlib and Hama governorates.[194]

On the other hand, the Syrian government claims to be aiming to reconquer the whole of Syria. In this case, after recovering all of Latakia, the next logical step might be to move into neighboring Idlib and recover what was lost to the opposition earlier in the year.[195]

See also

References
  1. "Warfare Worldwide". Twitter. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  2. Leith Fadel. "Syrian Army captures over 750 square km of territory in Latakia since October". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  3. 50 villages in Latakia captured by Syrian Army in just 6 months – Map
  4. "Breaking: Syrian Army liberates the strategic town of Salma in northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 12 January 2016. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  5. Jack (12 January 2016). "After heavy bombardment, Regime forces and Hezbollah take control on Salma town". SOHR. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  6. "Syrian army seizes key rebel-held town in Latakia, fragile peace talks loom". ABC News. 24 January 2016.
  7. yaman2020 (26 January 2016). "غارات تستهدف جبلي الأكراد والتركمان والفصائل تستهدف قوات النظام في الأخير". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  8. Leith Fadel (28 January 2016). "Syrian Army seizes 3/4 of Turkmen Mountains in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  9. "الدويلة العلوية قادمة بعد استكمال النظام السيطرة على ريف اللاذقية". الدرر الشامية. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  10. Leith Fadel (30 December 2015). "Syrian Army captures Beit Fares village in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  11. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (3 September 2016). "Quwat Dir' Al-Amn Al-Askari: A Latakia Military Intelligence Militia". Syria Comment. Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  12. "Russian military officer 'killed by Islamic State shelling in Syria'". GlobalPost. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  13. Phillip Smyth (31 May 2015). "Iraqi Shiite Fighters on the Rise in Syria". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  14. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (19 February 2016). "Liwa Usud al-Hussein: A New Pro-Assad Militia in Latakia". Syria Comment. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  15. "Third Russian air strike on Syrian rebel group kills leader". Reuters. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  16. "Top rebel commander in Latakia killed". Archived from the original on 2017-10-20. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  17. Caleb Weiss (14 February 2017). "Uighur jihadist fought in Afghanistan, killed in Syria". Long War Journal. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  18. Leith Fadel (9 February 2016). "Senior Al-Qaeda commander killed in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  19. "Breaking: Syrian Army seizes the crucial Al-Nuba Mountains in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 23 December 2015. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  20. Leith Fadel (17 February 2016). "Syrian Commandos begin encirclement of Kinsibba after capturing 3 villages in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  21. Leith Fadel (12 January 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army liberates the strategic town of Salma in northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  22. Russian military officer 'killed by Islamic State shelling in Syria'
  23. Edward (23 January 2016). "Casualties for the regime forces in the violent and continuous battles in the mountains of Latakia and more bombing target places there". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  24. Joanna Paraszuk (6 July 2016). "Ajnad al-Kavkaz find machine gun & bullet proof vest belonging to 'Sulimov' in Latakia". From Chechnya to Syria. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  25. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (6 August 2019). "Kurdish Rebels in Northwest Syria: Interview with Harakat Salah al-Din al-Kurdi". Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  26. Edward (25 January 2016). "The Regime forces operations room led by Russian officers controls 36 villages and towns in Jabal al-Akrad and Jabal al-Turkman within two weeks, and more than 3500 air and missile strike targeted them". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
  27. "Syria fighting largely halts as agreement kicks in". Reuters. 27 February 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  28. "Russian military officer 'killed by Islamic State shelling in Syria'". AFP. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  29. Tulay Karadeniz and Maria Kiselyova (25 November 2015). "Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border". Reuters UK. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  30. Master (24 November 2015). "Destroying the second Russian military aircraft in Lattakia's countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  31. "Caleb Weiss". Twitter. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  32. Lisa Barrington and Tom Miles (26 January 2016). "U.N. seeks Syrian peace talks this week, opposition threatens boycott". Reuters.
  33. yaman2020 (9 February 2016). "الطائرات الروسية تقتل 16 عنصراً من جبهة النصرة في ضربات على ريف اللاذقية الشمالي". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  34. Edward (18 February 2016). "After 4 years… the regime forces in Latakia reach the nearest point to the administrative borders of Idlib, and displacement in the area out of fear of military operations". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  35. Edward (3 March 2016). "118, including 24 civilians, were killed in five days of military operations in the truce areas". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  36. Leith Fadel (2 December 2015). "Syrian Army Advances North Towards the Turkish Border in Latakia: 3 Villages Captuted". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  37. Leith Fadel (20 November 2015). "Jabhat Al-Nusra Issues a Distress Call to Turkey as the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  38. Master (30 October 2015). "The rebel factions advance in the northern countryside of Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  39. "/اختصاصی/". Archived from the original on 31 October 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  40. Edward (3 November 2015). "More deaths for the regime forces in the clashes in the northern countryside of Latakia and the regime forces shell the countryside of Daraa". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
  41. Leith Fadel (November 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Strategic Town of Ghannam in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  42. Master (November 2015). "Shelling and airstrikes target the southern countryside of Idlib, and violent clashes take place in the countryside of Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
  43. Master (2 November 2015). "The rebel and Islamist factions re-advance in Ghamam area in Lattakia's mountain". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.
  44. Leith Fadel (5 November 2015). "Syrian Army Advances North Towards the Idlib Border After Successful Operations in Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  45. Master (6 November 2015). "Violent clashes and advancment (sic) for the regime forces in Ghamam area in the northern countryside of Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  46. Leith Fadel (6 November 2015). "News Alert: Syrian Army Captures Ghammam and Bakdash Mountains in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  47. Edward (10 November 2015). "Clashes in the vicinity of Ghmam area at Latakia Mountains and regime's warplanes carry out raids at al-Rastan". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  48. Edward (11 November 2015). "The factions start counter attack in Ghmam area at the northern countryside of Latakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  49. Leith Fadel (11 November 2015). "Islamist Rebels Defeated at Ghammam in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  50. Leith Fadel (23 November 2015). "Syrian Army Seizes Jabal Zuwayk in Northern Latakia: Almost 200km Captured in 10 Days". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  51. Edward (15 November 2015). "Shelling target several areas in the northern countryside of Homs and the regime forces advance in Latakia Mountains". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  52. jack (16 November 2015). "Clashes in Lattakia and Hasakah countrysides". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  53. Leith Fadel (16 November 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Enters Deir Hanna in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  54. Master (16 November 2015). "Then regime forces advance in Lattakia's mountains". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  55. "Abdel Rahman". Twitter. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  56. Leith Fadel (16 November 2015). "Syrian Army Seizes Several Villages in Northern Latakia as They Rapidly Advance North". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  57. Leith Fadel (18 November 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Tal Al-Rashwan While Repelling Nusra at Deir Hanna in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  58. jack (19 November 2015). "Bombardment on Dar'a and clashes in Lattakia countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  59. Master (23 November 2015). "The regime forces advance again in the northern countryside of Lattakia, and airstrikes leave casualties in Deir Ezzor city". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  60. "Elijah J. Magnier". Twitter. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  61. Leith Fadel (19 November 2015). "Syrian Army Launches a Massive Operation in Northern Latakia: Several Sites Captured". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  62. Leith Fadel (20 November 2015). "Jabhat Al-Nusra Issues a Distress Call to Turkey as the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  63. Leith Fadel (20 November 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Al-Zahi Mountains in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  64. jack (24 November 2015). "Advances for rebels in Lattakia countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  65. Edward (24 November 2015). "Al-Nusra Front and the factions advance further in the mountains of Latakia and regain control of areas". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  66. Leith Fadel (24 November 2015). "Syrian Army Responds to Turkish Military Aggression by Capturing Several Sites in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  67. Edward (25 November 2015). "The regime forces keep on advancing in the northern countryside of Latakia and regain control of areas they lost before yesterday after raids and intensive missile bombing". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
  68. jack (25 November 2015). "The Russian pilot reaches Lattakia military airport". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  69. "Heavy Russia raids in Syria area where plane downed: monitor". AFP. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  70. "Heavy Russia raids in Syria area where plane downed". Vanguard News. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  71. souriyati. "جرحى في قصف على إنخل واشتباكات بريف درعا الغربي ومعارك متواصلة بريف اللاذقية الشمالي". سوريتي. Archived from the original on 30 November 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  72. "المركز اللبناني للأبحاث والاستشارات". Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  73. "Syria Comment » Archives The Factions of North Latakia – Syria Comment". Syria Comment. Archived from the original on 22 February 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  74. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi. "The Factions of North Latakia". Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  75. Leith Fadel (28 November 2015). "Syrian Army Continues to Advance North Towards the Turkish-Latakia Border". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  76. Leith Fadel (December 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Strategic Village of Arafat in Northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 4 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  77. Leith Fadel (December 2015). "Syrian Army Captures Jabal Kashkar in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 4 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  78. Edward (December 2015). "Hezbollah and the regime forces advance in the northern countryside of Latakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  79. Leith Fadel (4 December 2015). "Syrian Army Captures Ruwesat Khandiq After the Russian Air Force Devastates the Islamists in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 6 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  80. "Hassan Ridha". Twitter. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  81. Leith Fadel (4 December 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Katf Al-Ziyarah in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 6 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  82. edward (5 December 2015). "مزيد من القصف على ريف درعا وقوات النظام تتقدم مجدداً في جبل زاهي". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  83. Leith Fadel (6 December 2015). "Syrian Army Capture More Points on the Turkish Border: Turkey Unresponsive". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 9 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  84. Master (6 December 2015). "Violent clashes take place in the northern countryside of Lattakia, while a man was killed while another wounded in an explosion in the countryside of al- Hasakah". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  85. Leith Fadel (6 December 2015). "Syrian Army Rolls Through Northeastern Latakia as the Islamists Retreat Towards Turkey". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  86. Master (7 December 2015). "Hit-and-run clashes take place in the northern countryside of Lattakia leaving casualties on both sides". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  87. Leith Fadel (9 December 2015). "Syrian Army Seizes a Strategic Village on the Turkish Border as the Islamist Rebel Defenses Collapse". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  88. "Syrian Agent Worked as Courier to Deliver Money to ISIL". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  89. Leith Fadel (15 December 2015). "Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Ruweisat Al-Daybat in Northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  90. Edward (10 December 2015). "The regime forces target the northwestern countryside of Daraa, while the clashes continue in the countryside of Lattakia". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  91. Leith Fadel (16 December 2015). "Syrian Army captures Jabal Al-Nuba in northern Latakia as the Islamists retreat towards Turkey". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  92. "Breaking: Syrian Army captures strategic hilltops overlooking Idlib countryside". Al-Masdar News. 16 December 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  93. "Syrian Army rolls past the Islamists in northern Latakia after seizing 6 sites near the Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. 20 December 2015. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  94. "Syrian Army captures more points along the Turkish border in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 18 December 2015. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  95. "Turkish soldiers watch as the Syrian Army captures 5 points along the border with northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 19 December 2015. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  96. Edward (21 December 2015). "The warplanes continue to hit the northern countryside of Lattkia, while 2 fighters wounded in Sahl al- Ghab". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  97. "Jabhat al-Nusra recaptures Jabal al-Sayyid in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 19 December 2015. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  98. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-01-22. Retrieved 2015-12-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  99. "Syrian Army captures another point on the Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. 24 December 2015. Archived from the original on 28 December 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  100. "Syrian Army captures several sites in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 25 December 2015. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  101. "Syrian Army captures Ayn Sharouq in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 26 December 2015. Archived from the original on 20 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  102. khaled (25 December 2015). "شهداء وجرحى في قصف جوي على نوى بريف درعا وجبال اللاذقية تشهد اشتباكات متواصلة". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  103. "Breaking: Syrian Army captures 2 villages near the Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. 29 December 2015. Archived from the original on 1 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  104. "Syrian Army seizes another large village in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 29 December 2015. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  105. Reem (7 January 2016). "The army establishes control over many areas in different regions, kills more terrorists in different areas". Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  106. khaled (7 January 2016). "قوات النظام وحزب الله اللبناني يحققان تقدماً في جبال اللاذقية وقصف مكثف يستهدف أماكن بريف اللاذقية الشمالي". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  107. "Huge gains made in northern Latakia as the Syrian Army progresses through the snow". Al-Masdar News. 7 January 2016. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  108. "Syrian Army captures Ruweisat Al-Qubayb in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 4 January 2016. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  109. "Timeline Photos – Qasion News Agency_EN – Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  110. "Timeline Photos – Qasion News Agency_EN – Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  111. "Syrian Army seizes 3 villages in northeast Latakia as encirclement of Salma continues". Al-Masdar News. 9 January 2016. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  112. "Syrian Army surrounds the rebel stronghold of Salma from 3 sides". Al-Masdar News. 11 January 2016. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  113. Edward (28 December 2015). "The factions target the regime forces on the outskirts of the capital and al-Thaala airbase and clashes in the mountains of the Syrian coast". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  114. "Jabhat Al-Nusra recaptures Sarif and Da'da'an in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 9 January 2016. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  115. "Breaking: Syrian Army captures Tartiyah in northeast Latakia – Salma under attack". Al-Masdar News. 12 January 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  116. khaled (12 January 2016). "بعد أكثر من 120 غارة ومئات الصواريخ حزب الله وقوات النظام يدخلان معقل الفصائل في سلمى بجبل الأكراد في الريف الشمالي للاذقية". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  117. "Syrian army retakes town in Latakia province". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  118. ABC News. "With Russian Help, Syrian Army Pushes Into Rebel Bastion". ABC News. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  119. "Islamist defenses collapse in northern Latakia as the Syrian Army advances to the Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. 13 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  120. "Breaking: Syrian Army seizes two villages in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 15 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  121. Edward (16 January 2016). "Continuous heavy shelling by the regime forces, warplanes and Russian warplanes on Latakia Mountains along with the ongoing clashes". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  122. "Syrian Army captures 3 points in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 17 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  123. khaled (16 January 2016). "قوات النظام تسيطر على نقاط في تلال ومناطق بريف اللاذقية الشمالي وخسائر بشرية في صفوف المقاتلين". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  124. "Syrian Army capitalizes on the collapsing rebel defenses in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 16 January 2016. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  125. khaled (16 January 2016). "غارات تستهدف ريف إدلب الجنوبي وتقدم لقوات النظام في تلال بجبال اللاذقية". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  126. "Breaking: Syrian Army captures two mountaintops near the Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. 17 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  127. edward (17 January 2016). "قصف لقوات النظام والطائرات الحربية يستهدف ريف حمص الشمالي ومعارك عنيفة في جبال الساحل السوري". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  128. khaled (17 January 2016). "اشتباكات متفاوتة العنف في جبال اللاذقية بالريف الشمالي وغارات تستهدف أطراف سراقب". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  129. khaled (16 January 2016). "غارات تستهدف ريف إدلب الجنوبي وتقدم لقوات النظام في تلال بجبال اللاذقية". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  130. "Syrian Army zeros-in on the FSA's stronghold in Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 17 January 2016. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  131. khaled (18 January 2016). "ريف اللاذقية الشمالي يشهد اشتباكات متواصلة وقوات النظام تقصف ريف إدلب الجنوبي". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  132. "Syrian Army clears Latakia-Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  133. khaled (20 January 2016). "مزيد من التقدم للفصائل في جبال اللاذقية يخلف خسائر بشرية". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  134. "Agathocle de Syracuse". Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  135. "Jabhat Al-Nusra captures Tal Al-Nimr in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  136. "Agathocle de Syracuse". Archived from the original on 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  137. Edward (28 January 2016). "The regime forces advance in Jabal al-Akrad and control villages and areas, and casualties in airstrike on area in the countryside of Jisr al-Shughur". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  138. Leith Fadel (27 January 2016). "Syrian Army captures several sites in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  139. edward (27 January 2016). "جبل الأكراد يشهد معاركاً متواصلة بين غرفة عمليات قوات النظام بقيادة ضباط روس ومقاتلي الفصائل". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  140. Leith Fadel (29 January 2016). "Syrian Army captures Mezzin in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  141. Leith Fadel (30 January 2016). "Syrian Army advances near Turkish border: Nuwarah village seized". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  142. Leith Fadel (31 January 2016). "Syrian Army captures strategic villages in northeast Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  143. Leith Fadel (1 February 2016). "Islamists recapture Nuwarah in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  144. Leith Fadel (6 February 2016). "Syrian Special Forces, Marines capture Aliyah village in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  145. yaman2020 (6 February 2016). "غرفة عمليات قوات النظام تحرز تقدماً جديداً في جبل التركمان بريف اللاذقية الشمالي". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  146. Chris Tomson (7 February 2016). "Rebels almost entirely expelled from Latakia as SAA captures new village – Map update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  147. yaman2020 (8 February 2016). "الفصائل تستهدف كفريا والفوعة بعدة قذائف وقوات النظام تثبت سيطرتها في قرى ومناطق بجبل الاكراد". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  148. Leith Fadel (8 February 2016). "Syrian Army continues advance towards Kinsibba: 4 villages captured in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  149. suliman (11 February 2016). "12 قتيلاً لقوات النظام والمسلحين الموالين لها خلال تقدم للفصائل واستعادتها السيطرة على قريتين بجبل التركمان". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  150. yaman2020 (13 February 2016). "قوات النظام تتقدم في جبل الأكراد مدعومة بغطاء ناري من القصف البري وغارات الطائرات الروسية". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  151. Chris Tomson (14 February 2016). "Syrian Arab Army captures Ara village amidst offensive in Latakia – Map update". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  152. Leith Fadel (14 February 2016). "Breaking: Syrian Army captures 2 villages in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  153. Leith Fadel (16 February 2016). "Syrian commandos make significant progress in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  154. Leith Fadel (16 February 2016). "Final assault on Kinsibba is moments away as the Syrian commandos capture Ballah and Shillif". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  155. Leith Fadel (16 February 2016). "Syrian Army takes control of important hill overlooking Turkish border". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  156. Leith Fadel (17 February 2016). "Syrian Commandos storm rebel stronghold in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  157. Leith Fadel (18 February 2016). "Syrian Commandos liberate the strategic village of Kinsibba in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  158. Leith Fadel (18 February 2016). "Syrian Army eyes the last rebel stronghold in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  159. Leith Fadel (20 February 2016). "Rebels continue to retreat as the Syrian Army captures Hinsibba in northern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  160. Leith Fadel (22 February 2016). "Syrian commandos capture 3 villages and several hills in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  161. Leith Fadel (24 February 2016). "Syrian commandos make huge strides towards the Idlib border: map". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  162. Leith Fadel (26 February 2016). "Syrian commandos officially enter Idlib after capturing Ayn Al-Bayda". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  163. Edward (28 February 2016). "Renewed clashes in Latakia Mountains and bombing accompany the advancement of the regime forces in the area". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  164. Leith Fadel (28 February 2016). "Syrian commandos seize strategic hilltop overlooking Turkey". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  165. Leith Fadel (2 March 2016). "Syrian commandos launch final assault on Kabani in northeastern Latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  166. "Syrian government forces open new battle with rebels in northwest". Reuters. 2 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  167. Zen Adra (2 March 2016). "Syrian Armed Forces continue push in Northern latakia". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  168. "Syria's Hill 1154 on the Idlib-Latakia border captured by Army". 12 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  169. "Syria regime presses toward key Idlib town". Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  170. Continued clashes in Lattakia countryside
  171. "Syrian Army retreats from huge strategic importance mountain in Latakia as rebels push back". ABNA. 11 April 2016.
  172. "Syrian cease-fire strained by new clashes ahead of talks". Associated Press. 10 April 2016.
  173. "Syrian Army officially reverses all rebel gains in northern Latakia". Archived from the original on 2021-01-25. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
  174. قوات النظام تستعيد السيطرة على مناطق خسرتها في هجوم الفصائل الأخير وقصف يستهدف مدينة درعا
  175. "Syrian Army retakes initiative in northern Latakia to cut the rebel supply line". Archived from the original on 2021-01-31. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
  176. Chris Hughes, Sam Webb (6 April 2016). "Al-Qaeda 'cannibal' Abu Sakkar who ate Syrian soldier's heart in gruesome video killed in combat". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  177. "Jihadists scurry reinforcements to NE Latakia before being overrun". Archived from the original on 2021-02-02. Retrieved 2016-04-29.
  178. "Syrian Army, Desert Hawks launch new assault in northeastern Latakia". Archived from the original on 2021-01-31. Retrieved 2016-04-29.
  179. Syrian army wins back key heights overlooking kabani town in lattakia
  180. Calm prevails the eastern ghouta and the northern countryside of latakia
  181. Syria: Understanding strategic situation in Latakia province; Three-day ceasefire announced
  182. "Syrian army liberates strategic mountain overlooking Turkey". Al-Masdar News. 30 May 2016. Archived from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  183. "Jihadists and other rebels attack Syrian regime positions in Latakia province". The Long War Journal. 28 June 2016.
  184. "Syrian Army recovers lost points in northern Latakia as jihadists retreat to Turkey". Archived from the original on 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
  185. "Syrian Army seizes hilltop village near Turkish border". Archived from the original on 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
  186. Hit-and-run clashes continue in the northern countryside of Latakia and casualties in the countryside of Idlib
  187. 31 rebels killed during clashes against regime forces in Lattakia countryside
  188. More than 30 fighters killed during clashes in northern Lattakia
  189. Human losses in rebels during clashes in Lattakia
  190. Syria rebels retake key town in western coastal province: monitor, rebels
  191. "Rebels capture Kinsibba in Lattakia province". Archived from the original on 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
  192. Factions keep on advancing in the countryside of Latakia and expel the regime forces from Kinsabba town
  193. Charkatli, Izat (2016-08-08). "Syrian Army makes major advances in Latakia (Video+Map)". Archived from the original on 2018-02-26. Retrieved 2016-08-09.
  194. عمر أبو خليل. "لماذا يصر النظام وروسيا على إخضاع ريف اللاذقية؟". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  195. Sammy Ketz and Christian Chaise. "AFP EXCLUSIVE: Assad vows to retake Syria, amid new ceasefire push". AFP. Archived from the original on 19 August 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.