Backed by Russian Strikes, Syrian Military Looks to Retake Northwest

NOVANEWS

MOSCOW, October 8 (AFP) – A Syrian military source told AFP government troops had begun a broad ground operation near the village of Latmeen in Hama province, aided by Russian air cover.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 40 Russian air strikes in Hama and neighbouring Idlib province, which is controlled by the powerful Army of Conquest alliance that includes Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front.

The Britain-based Observatory said “many raids, believed to be from Russian warplanes, killed six people” including two children in Maraat al-Numan in Idlib.

Rebels targeted in Hama –
A military source in Hama told AFP that “the Syrian army in its latest operations is working on cutting off the southern parts of Idlib province from the northern parts of Hama province.”
He added that the operations were also intended to begin securing the major highway between Aleppo and Damascus.

AFP has concluded after a careful reading of Russia’s video map that at least one cruise missile struck near the IS-held city of Al-Bab in Aleppo province, while several others appeared to head towards targets in Idlib.
Russia says its forces have hit 112 targets since its operations in Syria – which it insists target IS and other “terrorist groups” – began on September 30.