The civilian-led National Defense Forces (NDF) has taken control of Al-Bayda in the Hama Governate, killing scores of militants from Jabhat Al-Nusra in the process. Al-Bayda is located in west Hama, just north of the recently liberated village of Tayba Al-Imam; it was under contention for over two weeks before the NDF was able to thwart Al-Nusra Front militants from the area. According to a military source, over 25 Jabhat Al-Nusra militants were killed in the battle, including one of Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani’s aides.
In Kafr Zita, the Syrian Arab Army’s 106th Brigade of the Republican Guard has continued their offensive, targeting “Ajnad Al-Shaam” militants inside the city. The Syrian Air Force provided necessary assistance from the air, destroying Islamic Front hideouts in the eastern sector of the town. 18 militants loyal to the Islamic Front were captured by the Republican Guard, including a field commander who helped identify the dead Ajnad Al-Shaam fighters. According to a military source, of the 31 militants killed in Kafr Zita yesterday, these men were identified by the prisoners:
1. “Abu Aqa’qa’”
2. “Abu ‘Umar”
3. “Abu ‘Abdullah”
4. “Abu Ma’aweeya”
5. “Abu Dajana”
6. “Abu Al-Zabeer Al-Shaami”
7. “Khattab Al-Shaami”
8. “Abu Mohammad Al-Shaami”
9. “Abu ‘Ahmad Al-Shaami”
10. “Abu Zaid Saqba”
11. “Abu Yousif Haddad”
12. “Abu Hammaam Al-Mohajar”
Elsewhere, the Syrian Arab Army’s “Tiger Forces” backed by the NDF have progressed into the town of Al-Lataminah, where they have met heavy resistance from Jabhat Al-Nusra and Islamic Front fighters. Near Al-Lataminah, Jabhat Al-Nusra militants continue to fire rockets indiscriminately towards the village of Mhardeh. Also in the area, Al-Masasana and ‘Itmeen heavy experienced violent clashes over the last two days, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
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