BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) scored a big advance in southern Idlib, Tuesday, capturing several towns from the jihadist and Turkish-backed rebels.

Backed by heavy airstrikes, the Syrian Army’s Tiger Forces began their attack by storming the small town of Hamirat. Not long after attacking the town, they were able to break through the militant defenses and seize Hamirat.

Following the capture of Hamirat, the Syrian Army shifted its attention to the towns of Qaratah and Hardane. The Tiger Forces were able to impose full control over these towns after the collapse of the jihadist defenses.

The Syrian Arab Army has since halted its advance in favor of launching artillery on the militant defenses in the southwestern countryside of the Idlib Governorate.

On Monday, the Syrian Arab Army resumed their offensive in northwestern Syria after the jihadist rebels refused to honor a 48-hour-long ceasefire that was brokered by the Russian and Turkish armed forces.