The FSA in Lattakia northern countryside started fortifying its positions, after regime forces attacked the area several times, taking advantage of the current truce and the coordination between the factions.

Ahmad Hamza, commander of the Taskforce of the First Coastal Division of the FSA, told RFS that they are working on fortifying all positions, including the ones on Al-Qal’a and Al-Tiffahiyah Mountains in addition Kansaba town. They are also repairing the old guardhouses that were destroyed due to the battles and shelling.

The commander also said that the regime’s recent attacks showed the FSA that it has insufficient fortifications in some areas, which is something it needs to fix. In addition, it needs to spread more fighters at the battlefronts and new positions, especially after the cooperation between the FSA in Lattakia countryside.

Media activist Ahmad Al-Haj told RFS that the FSA is focusing on fortifying its locations at the moment, and on thoroughly studying the nature of the area and explaining it to fighters, as some of them are not from the area. In addition, it will observe the regime’s movements and reinforcements to thwart any potential attack. Moreover, Al-Haj stressed that the FSA fighters enjoy high spirits as they are continuously working on improving their situation regardless of the truce, because their main goal is to topple the regime.

Mahmoud, a fighter from Suqour Al-Jabal Brigade, said that they are working in collaboration with the First Coastal Division because the Brigade is not fully familiar with the area. He said they are also fortifying their positions using equipment provided by the Division.

The mountain area where there are many woods and difficult terrains was not fully fortified in the past, allowing the enemy to infiltrate. But this is not the case now as the FSA is working to overcome these issues, according to Mahmoud.

The regime gained control of many areas in the countryside last year under Russian air cover, this makes it very important for the FSA not to lose more areas.

Regime forces attacked the countryside several days ago amid intense artillery and missile shelling, but the FSA was able to thwart the attack leaving many regime fighters killed and injured.

Mais Al-Haj – Lattakia

RFS – Exclusive