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Militants led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) renewed their attack on the city of Hama on December 4 afternoon in the framework of their large-scale offensive against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in northwestern Syria, codenamed Operation Deterrence of Aggression.
The militants advanced from the east of Hama city, reportedly capturing the towns of Rasm al-Baghl, Awija, al-Ayur, and Kasoun al-Jabal. Another push was made towards the western outskirts of the city, with the towns of al-Shir, Soubin, Zour al-Jadeed and Khirbet al-Hijama reportedly falling into the hands of the militants.
There were also reports of the militants advancing in the northwestern Hama countryside and capturing the towns of al-Amqiyah, al-Hawash, al-Huwaija, al-Hamra, Jisr Beit al-Ras, al-Manara, al-Huwaiz, al-Sharia, Al-Tuwaina, and Huwaija al-Sil in the al-Ghab Plain
From its side, the SAA said in a brief statement that its units were clashing with HTS and its allies across the northern Hama countryside, adding that heavy Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeted the militants in the area over the last few hours.
Some 300 militants, including foreigners, were killed in the clashes, according to the military, which noted that some 25 drones were also shot down.
HTS and its allies have been attempting to storm Hama city for the last few days with no success. The SAA amassed a large force around the city and built multiple defense lines. However, this will not likely deter the militants.
The success of Operation Deterrence of Aggression in both Aleppo and Idlib will likely encourage the militants to keep the pressure on Hama.
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