2016 Hama offensive | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Syrian civil war and the Russian military intervention in Syria | |||||||
![]() | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
![]() ![]() |
| ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
![]() (Jund al-Aqsa senior commander) ![]() (leader of Abna al-Sham) ![]() (Abna al-Sham senior commander) ![]() (Army of Conquest commander) ![]() (Army of Conquest commander) ![]() (Turkistan Islamic Party senior commander) ![]() (Turkistan Islamic Party commander) ![]() (Ajnad al-Sham assault troops commander) ![]() (Jabhat Ansar al-Din commander) ![]() (Junud al-Sham top commander) ![]() ![]() (Jaish al-Izza commander and spokesman) ![]() (Jaish al-Izza commander) ![]() (Jaish al-Izza commander, alleged) ![]() (Jaish al-Izza commander) ![]() (Jaysh al-Nasr commander) ![]() (Jaysh al-Nasr commander) ![]() ![]() (Jaysh al-Farouq commander of northern Hama operations) ![]() (Jaysh al-Farouq commander) ![]() (Sham Legion commander) |
![]() (Operations chief commander) ![]() (11th Division commander) ![]() (87th Mechanized Brigade commander) ![]() (Syrian Army commander) ![]() (Syrian Army commander) ![]() (Panther Forces commander)[42] ![]() (Leopard Forces commander) ![]() (Military Security Shield Forces commander) ![]() (al-Assad Shield commander) ![]() (Iranian commander) | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
|
| ||||||
Strength | |||||||
5,500 fighters[58] (pro-government claim) |
| ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
217+ killed[18][31][60][61][62][63][64] | 84+ killed (20 executed),[64][65][66][67] 1 helicopter downed[68] | ||||||
27 civilians killed[69](2 executed)[70] 100,000 people displaced[71] |
The 2016 Hama offensive, codenamed as the Battle for the sake of God by the rebels,[29] was a military offensive operation launched by Syrian rebels during the Syrian Civil War in the northern parts of Hama Governorate as an attempt to relieve pressure on rebels fighting in Aleppo city.[48]
The offensive[edit]
Rebels advance[edit]
The operation began on 29 August, with two Jund al-Aqsa suicide car bombings against Syrian Army checkpoints near the village of al-Lataminah. Fierce fighting ensued, after which, the rebels managed to swiftly capture several villages. The local pro-government National Defense Forces militia were sent into a sudden and uncoordinated retreat, which lead to the rebels capturing the town of Halfaya.[1]
Over the next 24 hours, the Syrian Air Force conducted 52 airstrikes,[1] which killed at least 20 rebels,[31] and soon after the Army managed to temporarily recapture one village, before they were pushed back once again.[1] By the evening of 30 August, the rebels also managed to seize the town of Taybat al-Imam,[72] as well as two other nearby villages.[73] The next day, the rebels managed to enter the town of Suran, but were subsequently pushed back after failing to capture the town's center.[13] However, four hours later, a second rebel attack was launched which ultimately ended in the rebel capture of Suran.[74] Afterwards, the rebel forces led by Jund al-Aqsa began an attack on the Alawite village of Ma’an, claiming to already have captured a small barrier to the settlement's north and 4 checkpoints to the east.[51][75]
On 1 September, the rebels seized the town of Maardis, as well as a nearby village.[76][77] During their advances at Maardis, the rebels had seized a missile base that was being prepared by Russian forces for use.[78] Over the next four days, several unsuccessful Army counter-attacks were conducted in an attempt to recapture the town.[77][79][80][81][82][83] At the same time elsewhere, rebel attacks on the villages of Ma’an,[60] Kawkab[16] and Jubbayn, were repelled by government troops.[57]
On 2 September, a low-flying Aérospatiale Gazelle in the area was destroyed mid-air by a Jaish al-Izza BGM-71 TOW missile.[68][84] The next day, the Syrian Army temporarily recaptured Samam Hill,[85] before losing it again later in the day.[86] Two days later, government forces captured two hills overlooking the town of Qamhana, and forced the rebels to retreat from the town's outskirts.[52]
Army counter-attack, new rebel advance and stalemate[edit]
On 6 September, the Syrian Army repelled rebel assaults on Ma’an and the neighboring Karah village. In the process, Syrian Army units recaptured the village of Btaysh.[87] On 7 September, the Syrian Army and NDF units launched a new attack against Maardis and Taybat Al-Imam, clearing the area around Kawkab,[88] and recaptured three villages by 9 September.[89]
On 11 September, following a suicide attack against Army positions, the rebels captured Kawkab.[90] On 13–14 September, rebel forces launched several attacks near Maardis and Ma'an and took control of a number of checkpoints, though their assaults on the towns themselves were reportedly repelled by the government.[91][92][93]
As of 15 September, following the gains made in the previous two weeks, the rebels were preparing to start the second phase of their offensive to reach Hama city.[94] At the same time, government forces were mobilizing for a counter-attack to regain all territory they had lost.[95][96]
Further rebel gains[edit]
The Army launched its counter-attack on 21 September, and advanced, capturing a hilltop and several farms on the eastern edge of Maardis. The rebels claimed to had destroyed four Army tanks during the fighting[97][98] and that they captured and executed 20 soldiers.[65] The next day, the military seized several farms near Maardis.[99] However, on 23 September, rebel forces reversed all government gains during a counter-attack,[100] while there were conflicting reports on who controlled the village of Iskandariah.[100][101] On the same day, Russian warplanes bombed a rebel headquarters in cave in Taybat al-Imam, killing 22 rebel fighters from the Free Idlib Army.[61][102]
On 24 September, the rebels captured Ma’an and al-Kabariyyah after a short battle.[103][104] The Syrian Army subsequently launched a small-scale counter-attack, reentering al-Kabariyyah.[105]
On 27 September, the rebels once again advanced and captured six more villages.[106] On 28 September, according to the Syrian Army, Jund al-Aqsa used chemical weapons against pro-government defenders as the group attacked and captured Karah.[33][107] In response to the rebel's advances, several pro-government units were sent as reinforcements to Hama province[54][108] and soon after government forces announced a new counter-offensive.[109] By 29 September, the rebels had seized 42 towns, villages and hills.[19] Meanwhile, the rebel group Ahrar Darayya (originating from Darayya) merged with Jaysh al-Nasr and joined the battle in northern Hama.[49]
On 6 October, it was reported that Fuad al-Salah, the prominent leader of the 'Leopard Militia', was killed in northern Hama.[43]
Army counter-attack and government regains ground[edit]
On 8 October, taking advantage of rebel-infighting in the nearby Idlib province,[110] the Army launched a counter-attack and recaptured 10 villages (including Qarah), several hills,[111][112] two checkpoints and an airfield.[2] The military continued to advance towards other nearby villages, specifically Ma'an,[111] while a Russian air-strike directly hit a small convoy leaving Kawkab.[113]
On 9 October, the Army recaptured two more villages (Ma'an and Kubbariyah),[114] as well as parts of Kawkab.[115] Renewed fighting for Ma'an took place later that night,[116] and by the next day both villages were again rebel-held.[117] Subsequently, government troops launched a new assault on Ma'an,[118] and the town, along with nearby Kawkab, was heavily hit by air-strikes.[119] On 11 October, the Army seized Kawkab, as well as Kubbariyah once again.[120][121] A subsequent rebel counter-attack against Kawkab was repelled,[122] with the rebels reportedly suffering heavy casualties.[123][124][125] Two days later, the Army captured Ma'an, as well as a nearby hill.[22][126][127]
On 16 October, government forces seized Maardis and the village of Iskandariah.[128][129] The advance came after Army units managed to take control of the nearby Al-Abbadah hill the previous day[130] and establish fire control over Maardis.[131] The rebels subsequently launched a counter-attack before nightfall in an attempt to regain both Maardis and Iskandariah.[132][133] Government control of Maardis remained tenuous as fighting continued into the evening.[134] By the next day, the counter-attack had been repelled.[135] During the fighting, the rebels managed to temporarily regain the town[136] before losing it again.[64]
Early on 18 October, an Army assault on Suran started,[137] with government troops managing to capture a base near the town.[138][139] Government attempts to advance continued the next day.[140]
Early on 24 October, clashes took place around al-Remelia, near Salamiyah,[141] while the government prepared a new assault to regain Taybat al-Imam and Souran from the rebels.[142] Later on, the Army advanced west of Ma'an and into the eastern outskirts of Souran, leading to fierce clashes with rebel defenders.[143] The next day, the Army advanced west of Ma'an and recaptured Dharat Al-Fitas, Talat Khirbat and the Madajnah Checkpoint after pushing further towards the key town of Morek.[144][145] Meanwhile, Jund al-Aqsa fighters executed Baha'a Al-Nizal, the leading commander of Jaysh al-Farouq in northern Hama, for unknown reasons.[34] On 27 October, government forces advanced into Souran after capturing the nearby hilltop of Tal Al-Dour,[146] resulting in a fierce battle, which lasted until the rebels retreated, allowing the Army to secure the town completely.[25][147][148] Meanwhile, clashes also took place in Taybat al-Imam.[149]
Between 28 October and 4 November, the military made advances north of Souran and Ma'an, capturing a checkpoint,[150] the village Al-Buwaydah and several hills.[26][151][152][153] On 4 November, the military continued its advance and took three checkpoints south of the rebel stronghold of Morek.[154][155]
On 5 November, the military advanced at the village of Lehaya, south of Morek.[156] Concurrently, the rebels launched a counterattack, capturing a checkpoint and Shalyut village to the north of Mhardeh.[157][158][159] However, subsequently, after the arrival of military reinforcements, government forces recaptured all lost territory.[160][161] Still, on 6 November, the rebels managed to recapture two checkpoints and a hill south of Morek that they had lost earlier.[162][163]
Aftermath[edit]
On 24 November, the Syrian Army recaptured a small village and a hilltop near Ma'an from the rebels just a few days after they had lost them in a rebel attack.[164]
On 21 March 2017, rebel groups led by Tahrir al-Sham launched another offensive in northern Hama, with the aim to recapture the towns of Suran and Maardis, which was recaptured by the SAA during the 2016 offensive. The offensive began with the launch of two suicide car-bombs.[165]
See also[edit]
- 2017 Hama offensive
- 2015 Hama offensive
- Northwestern Syria offensive (October–November 2015)
- 2014 Hama offensive
- 2013 Hama offensive
- 2012 Hama offensive
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "Rebels Crack SAA Defences in Northern Hama". Archived from the original on 2016-08-30. Retrieved 2016-08-31.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (8 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures several villages, checkpoints in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ a b c "One More Senior Terrorist Commander Killed in Clashes with Syrian Army in Hama". Fars News. 26 September 2016. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
- ^ a b c Fadel, Leith (1 October 2016). "Jihadist rebels mourn the loss of two top commanders in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ a b "Syrian government forces launch attack in Syria's Hama". Reuters. 21 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Key Syrian rebel groups join forces as fighting in Hama escalates". Middle East Eye. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Syria: Terrorists Continue to Lose Top Commanders in Army Attacks in Hama". Fars News Agency. 5 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (28 September 2016). "Jihadist rebels capture Alawite village in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ Izat Charkatli (8 October 2016). "Map Update: Syrian Army gains ground as jihadists collapse in Hama". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (14 September 2016). "Chechen jihadist group joins rebels in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ "Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter". Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (26 September 2016). "Jihadist rebels admit heavy casualties sustained during northern Hama attack". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (31 August 2016). "Jund Al-Aqsa fails to capture Souran village in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
- ^ a b "Hundreds of Hezbollah Fighters Arrive in Northern Hama to Hit Terrorists back". Fars News Agency. 2 September 2016. Archived from the original on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (15 September 2016). "Syrian Army prepares for large-scale offensive in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (4 September 2016). "Syrian Army repels Jund Al-Aqsa attack on Kawkab village in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (14 December 2016). "Usud Al-Cherubim: A Pro-Assad Christian Militia". Syria Comment. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
- ^ a b c "Jets bomb Syrian rebels as they wage big attack in Hama province". Reuters. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Rebels advance in 42 areas in the battle of " Marwan Hadid" • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". September 29, 2016.
- ^ "Syrian rebel forces launch campaign, again, to breach Hama city and airport".
- ^ "Bombardment returns to rebel-held northwest as HTS aims to 'demolish, defeat' Astana ceasefire".
- ^ a b "Regime forces advance over rebels in eastern Hama • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 13, 2016.
- ^ "Rebel advances in central Syria set back by infighting". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (27 October 2016). "Syrian Army establishes full control over key northern Hama town". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ a b "The regime forces regain control of Soran town - one of the largest cities at the northern countryside of Hama, which was controlled by the factions weeks ago • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 27, 2016.
- ^ a b Tomson, Chris (3 November 2016). "SAA advances along M5-highway, prepares to encircle two rebel-held towns in Hama". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ Tomson, Chris (28 September 2016). "Syrian Army kills leading Islamist assault troops commander in Hama". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ "Ansar el-Deen commander Abo Ahmad Nayef was killed today in clashes in northern Hama". Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news and incidents today - syria.liveuamap.com.
- ^ a b "Glory army's commander (RFS): Battle "for God's sake continuing," and our people is Sndna". RFS Media Office. 4 November 2016. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- ^ Waleed Khaled a-Noufal; Maria Nelson (10 October 2016). "A high price for rebel infighting in Hama as regime forces regain territory". Syria:Direct. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ a b c "Syrian rebels make gains in northern Hama province, capture strategic town". Reuters. 30 August 2016.
- ^ "#Syrian_Resistance factions kill and capture dozens of al-Assad's forces in Rural #Hama". El-Dorar Al-Shamia. 16 October 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Albin Szakola (29 September 2016). "Syria rebels discuss "post-liberation" Hama". NOW. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ a b c Fadel, Leith (25 October 2016). "Jihadist commander beheaded by jihadist rebels in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ "Jaish al-Farooq announces death of its commander "Adnan Hababa", 15 days after he was reported missing near Halfaya, Hama". 24 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
- ^ "Syria: One More Terrorist Commander Killed in Clashes with Army in Hama". Fars News Agency. 4 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ a b c Fadel, Leith (1 September 2016). "Massive convoy of reinforcements arrive in northern Hama".
- ^ "The Brigadier General Ali Khallouf, the former commander of Wadi al-Deif camp is killed in the battels of Hama's countryside". SOHR. 1 September 2016.
- ^ a b c Tomson, Chris (2 September 2016). "SouthFront: Islamist rebels on the move towards Hama's provincial capital". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
- ^ "The crew onboard that were killed reportedly include Pilot Brigadier General Mohammed Ali Habib and Lieutenant Colonel Alaa Ahmad Deeb". 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b c Leith Fadel (7 September 2016). "Syrian Army reinforcements pour into northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (18 April 2016). "Syrian Army cancels the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor offensive". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ a b c Zaman al-Wasl (6 October 2016). "Hama: Senior Army Commander Killed in Northern Countryside". Syrian Observer. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ a b Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (3 September 2016). "Quwat Dir' Al-Amn Al-Askari: A Latakia Military Intelligence Militia". Syria Comment. Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
- ^ a b ""al-Assad Sheild" militia's Commander killed in Rural #Hama". El-Doirar Al-Shamia. 30 October 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Syrian Opposition Reveals Pictures For An Iranian Commander Killed Northern Hama". Qasion News. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ^ Paul Antonopoulos (2 September 2016). "Free Syrian Army claim to have downed Russian helicopter". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ a b "Rebel commanders: Hama offensive to 'relieve pressure on Aleppo'". Syria:direct. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (28 September 2016). "Former Darayya rebels now fighting Syrian Army in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ a b Izat, Charkatli (23 September 2016). "Video: Devastating strike kills 21 insurgents north of Hama". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (31 August 2016). "Jund Al-Aqsa sets its sight on Alawi town in northern Hama". al-Masdar. Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
- ^ a b c Fadel, Leith (5 September 2016). "Syrian Army fights back in northern Hama, two hilltops recaptured". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
- ^ a b c Fadel, Leith (14 September 2016). "Syrian Army reinforcements from Aleppo arrive in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ a b Adra, Zen (27 September 2016). "Pro-government fighters redeployed to Hama amid jihadi advance [+pictures]". Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ a b Leith Fadel (27 September 2016). "Tiger Forces redeployed to east Aleppo for upcoming offensive". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fadel, Leith (20 September 2016). "Zero hour approaches northern Hama as the Syrian Army readies for massive offensive". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
- ^ a b Charkatli, Izat (5 September 2016). "Over 50 jihadists killed in failed assault in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
- ^ "Syria: Terrorist Groups Gather over 5,000 Fighters for Imminent Operation in Hama". Farsnews. 18 September 2016. Archived from the original on 22 September 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (2 September 2016). "Russian Air Force pounds northern Hama after chopper crash". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (1 September 2016). "Jihadist rebels mourn their losses after failed assault on northern Hama town". Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Russian raid kills 22 fighters from the Free Army in Hama". Feda News. 24 September 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-09-24. Retrieved 2016-09-23.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (26 September 2016). "Jihadist rebels admit heavy casualties sustained during northern Hama attack". Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Charkatli, Izat (8 October 2016). "Map Update: Syrian Army gains ground as jihadists collapse in Hama". Archived from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ a b c "Tens were killed during the regime forces' regain control of Maardis and Alexandria • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 18, 2016.
- ^ a b "A Jund al-Aqsa fighter says that the 20 Syrian Arab Army soldiers that were captured in Maardes today after a failed counter-offensive earlier today were". Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ "The Inside Source on Twitter". Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ "3 attempts by regime forces in Soran and its surroundings what killed 10 soldiers". 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
- ^ a b "Syrian rebels destroy helicopter in Hama offensive-monitor, rebels". Reuters. 2 September 2016.
- ^ "Syria strikes kill 25 as another Damascus suburb surrenders". AP News. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
- ^ "Jund al-Aqsa executes 2 men in Hama countryside". SOHR. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ^ "Fighting in Syria's Hama province displaces 100,000: U.N." Reuters. 7 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (30 August 2016). "Jund Al-Aqsa captures key village in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (30 August 2016). "Jihadist rebels seize two more villages in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (31 August 2016). "Jund Al-Aqsa captures Souran in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
- ^ "Jund Al-Aqsa begins Ma'an offensive in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- ^ Charkatli, Izat (1 September 2016). "Syrian Army captures Ma'ardes in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (1 September 2016). "Syrian Army captures another village in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ "Jund al-Aqsa and the factions control the first line of defense of Qamhana and Missile Battalion near Maardis in Hama's countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". September 1, 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (2 September 2016). "Syrian Armed Forces launch counter-offensive in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News.
- ^ "Jund Al-Aqsa Fighters Defeat A Syrian Regime Offensive Over Ma'ardes Northern Hama". Qasion News. 2 September 2016.
- ^ Charkatli, Izat (3 September 2016). "Syrian Army launches counterattack in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ "Violent clashes at the outskirts of Maardis town and the regime forces are desperately attempting to regain control of it". SOHR. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
- ^ "Jund Al-Aqsa Foil A Regime Offensive Over Ma'ardes … The Latter Bombard Zuwar With Barrel Bombs". Qasion News. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
- ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (2 September 2016). "Video: Hama insurgents destroy Syrian helicopter, not Russian". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (3 September 2016). "Syrian Army capture Saman Hill in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (3 September 2016). "Jund Al-Aqsa begins counter-attack in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (6 September 2016). "Syrian Army advances in Hama after repelling jihadist attack". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (7 September 2016). "Exclusive battle footage of the Syrian Army's advance in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (9 September 2016). "Russian, Syrian jets pulverize northern Hama". Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ^ Charkatli, Izat (11 September 2016). "Jihadists capture key town in north Hama". Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ "Clashes breakout in Hama countryside". Al-Masdar News. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (14 September 2016). "Syrian Army foils jihadist assault in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (14 September 2016). "[Video] Syrian Army, jihadists clash in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ "Rebels preparing advance on Hama: reports". Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (15 September 2016). "Syrian Army prepares for large-scale offensive in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (15 September 2016). "More Syrian Army reinforcements pour into northern Hama". Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Foundation, Thomson Reuters. "Syrian government forces launch attack in Syria's Hama". Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (21 September 2016). "Syrian Army launches offensive in northern Hama". Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (22 September 2016). "Syrian Army advances in northern Hama amid fierce jihadist resistance". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (23 September 2016). "Jund Al-Aqsa rolls back Syrian Army gains in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
- ^ "North Hama: Rebels took back full control of Iskandariah after failed govt counter-offensive". Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ "Warplanes target a "cave" headquarters of a rebel faction, 22 fighters killed near Qamhana in Hama's countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". September 23, 2016.
- ^ "Jund al-Aqsa and factions advance and control Maan and al-Kabariyyah in the northeastern countryside of Hama • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". September 24, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (24 September 2016). "Jihadist rebels capture Alawite village in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (25 September 2016). "Syrian Army advances in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
- ^ Leith Fadel (29 September 2016). "Jihadist rebels seize two villages in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (28 September 2016). "Rebels gas the Syrian Army in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (27 September 2016). "Tiger Forces redeployed to east Aleppo for upcoming offensive". Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (28 September 2016). "Syrian Army begins long-awaited offensive in northern Hama". Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ "Syrian government forces seize rebel-held areas of Hama: monitors". 8 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016 – via Reuters.
- ^ a b Fadel, Leith (9 October 2016). "Syrian Army advances in northern Hama amid jihadist infighting". Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ "The regime forces continue to expand their control area and restore areas they lost since the end of August • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 8, 2016.
- ^ "The Inside Source on Twitter". Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ "Syrian government forces recapture more territory from rebels in Hama: monitor". 9 October 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016 – via Reuters.
- ^ "The regime forces continue advancing in the countryside of Hama and regain control of two villages in the area • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 9, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (9 October 2016). "Syrian Army enters key village in northern Hama". Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "Factions in the northeastern countryside of Hama re-advance and regain 2 important areas from the regime forces • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 10, 2016.
- ^ "Farsnews". Archived from the original on 16 November 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "The Inside Source on Twitter". Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "The regime forces re-advance and regain 2 areas in Hama countryside and shelling at Abtaa in the countryside of Daraa • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 11, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (11 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures key village in northern Hama". Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "The Inside Source on Twitter". Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (12 October 2016). "Over 100 jihadist rebels killed in northern Hama: military". Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "24 fighters killed during clashes in Hama countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 12, 2016.
- ^ "The Inside Source on Twitter". Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (13 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures important northern Hama village". Archived from the original on 17 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "The Inside Source on Twitter". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Adra, Zen (16 October 2016). "Field report: Syria Army recaptures new town in northern Hama. Map Update". Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (16 October 2016). "Syrian Army launches powerful assault in northern Hama". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "24 Resistance Axis on Twitter". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (16 October 2016). "Latest battle map of northern Hama". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "Violent clashes inside Maardis town after the regime forces' advancement, factions try to regain control of Alexandria • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 16, 2016.
- ^ "Turkish-backed Syrian opposition captures Dabiq from IS". Archived from the original on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Adra, Zen (17 October 2016). "Syrian Army holds positions in northern Hama against jihadi counteroffensive". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "Factions regain control of Maardis at the countryside of Hama amid hit-and-run clashes in the area • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 17, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (18 October 2016). "Syrian Army storms strategic village in northern Hama". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (18 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures Russian Regiment Base in northern Hama". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "قوات النظام تستمر في محاولات التقدم بعد استعادتها لمعردس بريف حماة الشمالي".
- ^ "continued clashes in Hama countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". October 19, 2016.
- ^ "Continued clashes in Salamia countryside". SOHR. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (24 October 2016). "Syrian Army prepares to storm key towns in northern Hama". a-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (24 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures new points in northern Hama". a-Masdar News. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (24 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures new points in northern Hama". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (25 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures several points in northern Hama". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (27 October 2016). "Syrian Army launches powerful assault on key northern Hama town". Archived from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ "نظام الأسد يستولي على مدينة صوران و يواصل تقدمه شمال حماة - وكالة خطوة الإخبارية". Archived from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (27 October 2016). "Syrian Army secures northern Hama town after jihadist counter-attack". Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ "The regime forces advance and control large parts of Soran town after hundreds of missiles and shells". SOHR. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (28 October 2016). "Syrian Army captures new points in northern Hama after latest push". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (2 November 2016). "Syrian Army captures new points in northern Hama: map". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ "Regime forces target Soran town and other areas of Hama countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". November 3, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (4 November 2016). "Syrian Army reaches outskirts of strategic northern Hama town". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ Charkatli, Izat (4 November 2016). "Syrian Army advances in northern Hama as rebel Aleppo offensive stagnates". Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ^ "قوات النظام تتمكن من التقدم في نقاط بريف حماة الشمالي بعد عشرات الضربات الجوية والصاروخية".
- ^ "Regime forces advance in Lehaya • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". November 5, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (5 November 2016). "Free Syrian Army launches surprise offensive in northwest Hama". Retrieved 9 November 2016.
- ^ "Rebels advance over regime forces in Hama countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". November 5, 2016.
- ^ "More advances for rebels in Hama countryside amid targeting Maharda town with shells • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". November 5, 2016.
- ^ "The regime forces advance again after heavy and violent shelling at the northern countryside of Hama • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". November 5, 2016.
- ^ Tomson, Chris (5 November 2016). "Swift counter-offensive has the Syrian Army retake all lost sites in northwest Hama". Retrieved 9 November 2016.
- ^ "Factions advance again at the northern countryside of Hama and clashes continue in the area • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". November 6, 2016.
- ^ Fadel, Leith (7 November 2016). "Islamist rebels launch counter-offensive in northern Hama". Retrieved 9 November 2016.
- ^ "Syrian Army reverses jihadist gains in northern Hama". Al-Masdar News. 25 November 2016.
- ^ "Syrian rebels launch attack near Hama". Reuters. 21 March 2017.