Syrian, Russian Forces Intensify Strikes on Militants amid Fierce Counteroffensive

Syrian and Russian forces escalated their airstrikes on militant-held areas in Idlib on Sunday, targeting hideouts near the Turkish border. The strikes were part of efforts to push back the militant offensive, according to Syrian military sources.

The Syrian army reported retaking several towns recently overrun by militants during the clashes. Among the recaptured areas were Jobas village, Dadikh, and Kafr Battikh in southeastern Idlib, reclaimed during a counterattack launched on Thursday.

Reinforcements have also been sent to Aleppo, where Syrian forces are regrouping to confront Takfiri terrorists who swept into parts of the city on Friday.

Military sources confirmed that the militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorists, launched their largest offensive in years last Wednesday, seizing territories across Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pledged to use force to eradicate terrorism following the escalation. In a phone call with the acting president of Abkhazia, Assad said, "Terrorism only understands the language of force, and that is the language which we will break it and eliminate it with, whoever its supporters and sponsors are." He emphasized Syria’s commitment to maintaining stability and territorial integrity, adding that allied support would help defeat terrorist groups.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi echoed this resolve during his visit to Syria and Turkey. Speaking in Damascus, he reaffirmed Iran’s full support for Syria's government and army in the fight against terrorism. He noted that recent Israeli aggression in Lebanon and Palestine had emboldened Takfiri groups to intensify their operations, calling it a "miscalculation."

Araqchi stressed the necessity of regional collaboration to ensure stability, stating that he planned extensive discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara. He expressed optimism that Tehran and Ankara could align their efforts to prevent Syria from becoming a hub for terrorists.

Syrian forces, with support from Russia, reported heavy losses inflicted on militants who attacked a wide front. A preemptive strike thwarted a large-scale terrorist operation near Aleppo and halted further advances toward Hama.

Since 2011, Syria has endured foreign-sponsored militancy, with Damascus accusing Western and regional allies of enabling terrorist groups. Russia and Iran have been instrumental in providing military assistance, including aerial and logistical support, to combat these forces.

The resurgence of Takfiri terrorism in Aleppo follows Israel's recent ceasefire in Lebanon, where Hezbollah fiercely resisted Israeli attempts to occupy southern territories.