Syrian airstrikes have reportedly thwarted a militant offensive on Tel Rifat, according to RIA Novosti.
Citing local security sources, RIA Novosti reported that Syria conducted airstrikes against a terrorist motorcade in Aleppo Province, releasing aerial footage of the raid. The strikes followed a surprise Wednesday counteroffensive by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS), formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, and allied militias, violating a 2020 Russia-Turkey brokered truce.
Video shows vehicles moving before being hit by explosions. The type of equipment is unclear due to video quality. A Syrian security source indicated the vehicles were heavily armored and intended for an attack on Tel Rifat, approximately 35 kilometers north of Aleppo.
Another RIA video shows strikes on jihadist facilities, aiming to prevent an offensive on Aleppo from Idlib, an area outside Damascus’ control. Russian airstrikes also targeted the militants, killing over 400, according to the Russian military.
The Syrian Arab Army also reported significant losses inflicted on the extremists. HTS and allies reportedly seized around 400 square kilometers, reaching Aleppo’s outskirts, and captured Syrian Army equipment, according to Anadolu Agency. The UN reported civilian casualties exceeding dozens since Wednesday.
Moscow termed the events an attack on Syria’s sovereignty, urging Damascus to restore order. Iran called the offensive an “American-Zionist” plot, alleging that Washington and Israel used HTS to target the Assad government, a supporter of the Palestinian cause.
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