Late on January 25, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) advanced further in the outskirt of the city of Ma`arat al-Nu`man in southeast Idlib.
According to pro-government sources, the SAA captured the town of Ma’ar Shamshah, to the southeast of Ma`arat al-Nu`man. The army also imposed fire control over the strategic M5 highway, which passes through the city.
A few hours earlier, the SAA reached the outskirt of Ma`arat al-Nu`man after capturing the town of Talmenes, east of Ma’ar Shamshah.
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The army is now only 700 meters away from Ma`arat al-Nu`man. The city, which was captured by rebels all the way back in 2012, is the biggest urban center in southeast Idlib.
The SAA will likely advance further in the next few hours. Heavy clashes are being reported near Wadi Deif, a large abandoned base bordering the southeastern districts of Ma`arat al-Nu`man.
