Syrian forces rush to counter surprise rebel advance in northern region
Armed groups took control of key areas in northern Syria including major city and military facilities. Syrian army launched immediate counter-operation to stop further advancement
Syrian military launched quick response operation in northern Hama region after loosing control of important areas. The counter-attack aimed to stop Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters who captured several strategic points
The insurgent groups made unexpected gains: they took most of Aleppo (a major northern city) and claimed to enter Hama although this wasnt confirmed by independent sources. Col Hassan Abdulghani — the rebel commander stated that his forces got control of multiple key locations
The captured strategic objects include:
* Sheikh Najjar industrial zone north-east of Aleppo
* Local military academy
* Field artillery training facility
The syrian army moved extra troops and equipment to defend whats left of northern Hama countryside — an area that connects to recently-captured territories. Military commanders focused on stopping rebels from moving deeper into the region
