On August 29, an ISIS-linked militant group called “Jund al Aqsa” and US-backed moderates from the so-called “Free Syrian Army” launched a joint advance on the Syrian army and the National Defense (NDF) in the northern part of Syria’s province of Hama.

Jund al-Aqsa uses a Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED) during the initial stages of the offensive.

Developing the initial success, the joint terrorist forces seized Helfaia, Buweida, Masasinah and nearby areas and continued advance on the village of Mahradeh where they faced a stiff response by the NDF. This offensive brought the joint terrorist forces closer to the army stronghold of Soran, the northern gateway to the city of Hama, the provincial capital.

Later that day, the NDF and the Syrian army conducted a series of counter-attacks with massive support of the Russian Aerospace Forces, regaining the village of Buweida and nearby checkpoints. Heavy clashes in the area continued last night and today morning.

According to pro-militant sources, some 30 NDF and Syrian army fighters have been killed in the ongoing clashes. There are no numbers of terrorist casualties. However, local sources report that dozens Jund al Aqsa terrorists have died in Russian air strikes.

On August 30, reports appeared that massive Syrian army reinforcements were heading to the area. The pro-government forces are reportedly preparing for a large-scale counter-attack.

Source: katehon.com