Late on January 30, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) advanced further in the southeastern Idlib countryside, securing yet another hilltop.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the army captured al-Suater Hill from al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies. By capturing the hill, the SAA has secured its positions in the nearby towns of Abu Jurif and Tell Khatrah.
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Earlier today, the SAA reached the vicinity of Saraqib city, its next main target, after imposing control of several nearby towns.
Saraqib outskirt is now witnessing heavy clashes, with opposition activists claiming that a unit of the Turkish military has blocked the entrances of the city. These claims remain unconfirmed as for now.
A heavy rain storm is now affecting southeast Idlib, which could ground Syrian and Russian warplanes and slow down the SAA advance in the region. The weather is expected to improve within 48 hours only.
