Russian air support slows HTS offensive in Hama: Syrian army takes action

Fierce clashes continue between the Syrian army and HTS and allied groups in the Hama region of Syria. The army has reportedly strengthened its defenses with major military reinforcements and Russia is supporting it with intense airstrikes. HTS aims to capture some areas in northern Hama and surround the city. While it is stated that the clashes are constantly changing the balance, Russia’s air support and possible Iranian intervention play an important role in the clashes.

The conflict in Syria continues to intensify. In the east and northeast of Hama, especially around the strategic Zine El Abidine Mountain, fierce clashes have been taking place between the Syrian army and HTS and allied armed groups. Russia has stepped up its airstrikes in support of the Syrian army.

The Syrian army, loyal to Bashar al-Assad’s regime, has carried out large-scale military reinforcements to strengthen its defenses around Hama. The army said it had sent one of the largest military convoys ever to the area and was defending the area with significant units, such as the 25th Division. The army’s air-supported operations reportedly neutralized more than 200 HTS fighters and destroyed more than 20 armed drones.

The airstrikes were not limited to the Hama countryside; intense Russian and Syrian airstrikes were also carried out in the Idlib and Aleppo countryside. Along with Syrian army warplanes, the Russian air force was also actively involved in the region.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), HTS and other armed groups have captured the towns of Taybet al-Imam, Halfaya and Mardes in northern Hama. With this advance, the groups have approached within 5 to 7 kilometers of the city center of Hama. HTS, which is leading the groups, aims to encircle the city from the north and blockade it from three directions.

Despite this, SOHR and local sources report that the Syrian army still controls central Hama. In areas where fighting is intense, the balance between the factions and the army could change at any time.

Russia has increased its airstrikes to support the Syrian army. Russian air support in the conflict in the region is significantly slowing down the advance of armed groups. At the same time, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Iraqichi stated that Iran could consider sending troops to Syria if a request is made by the Damascus government.

While Iran states that it is trying to prepare a diplomatic ground for permanent initiatives to resolve the crisis in Syria, these statements of Iraq are evaluated as an effort by Tehran to increase its influence in the region.