The Syrian Arab Army’s “Tiger Forces” – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and 11th Tank Division – captured the village of Muqablah (Idlib Governorate) after fierce clashes with the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” and Harakat ‘Ahrar Al-Sham on Saturday.
In addition to capturing Muqablah and the surrounding farms, the Tiger Forces were able to link-up with the NDF fighters entrenched in the southeastern sector of Fayloun; this means that the Syrian Armed Forces fully control Fayloun-Muqablah Road, leading to the southern entrance of Fayloun.
With the capture of Muqablah, the Syrian Armed Forces have continued to widen their control over the area south of the provincial capital of Idlib, while also, building a northwestern buffer at the imperative town of Ariha.
Southeast of Idlib City, the Tiger Forces engaged the militants from Jabhat Al-Nusra’s affiliate “Jund Al-Aqsa” at the northern axis of Qameensas, where the latter is struggling to maintain their ground due to the constant aerial bombardments from the Syrian Arab Air Force’s Hind Helicopters – fighting is still ongoing into the evening.
Fierce clashes were reported just east of the Brick Factory between the combined Islamist forces that make-up “Jaysh Al-Fatah” and the NDF – both sides were unable to achieve any progress.
At eastern Ariha, Jaysh Al-Fatah attempted to infiltrate into the town from nearby Kafr Lata; however, the NDF was able to withstand the assault and pushed the militants east towards their attacking point.
The SAAF launched 71 airstrikes inside the province of Idlib on Saturday, targeting the provincial capital, Bab Al-Hawa border-crossing, Binnish, Saraqib, Qarmeenas, Taftanaz, Ma’arat Nu’man, Ma’arat Misreen, Khan Sheikhoun, and Kafr Nabl.
