Approximately 450 militants attacked positions of the Syrian Army in Idlib Syria from two directions, the Russian Defense Ministry’s Center for the Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria reported on January 23.
“On January 22, when it became dark up to 200 militants of the Turkistan Islamic Party [outlawed in Russia] attacked Syrian government forces’ positions in the direction of Abu-Djreif-Samka with the support of 20 pickup trucks, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles and two jihad-mobiles,” the Center said. Another attack took place from the direction of Maar Shamarin-Crati and involved up to 250 militants.
The attackers were supported by 34 pickup trucks with large-caliber machine guns, two tanks, infantry fighting vehicle and two jihad-mobiles.
According to the Center, nearly 40 Syrian troops were killed and 80 other were wounded in the attacks that ook place overnight into January 23,
“Syrian government forces eliminated up to 50 militants, and up to 90 were wounded during an offensive. At the same time, nearly 40 Syrian troops were killed and up to 80 injured,” the Russian side added.


