The Syrian Arab Army’s 87th Brigade of the 11th Division – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – has countered the militants from Jaysh Al-Fatah in southern part of the Jisr Al-Shughour District, attacking a number of sites that were controlled by the armed militants over the course of six days.

Early on Friday, the 87th Brigade launched their first attack at Al-Misheek (north of Al-Ziyarah), where they were able to successfully break-through the frontlines of the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” and capture the village after engaging the militants in fierce combat.

Following the recapture of Al-Misheek, the SAA’s 87th Brigade and the NDF attempted to retake the Al-Tanimiyah-Al-Ziyarah Checkpoint that the militants from Harakat ‘Ahrar Al-Sham captured a few days prior; however, the Islamist group was unable to maintain control over it, as the SAA seized it after retaking Al-Misheek.

With Tal Wassit captured, the 87th Brigade pushed towards the town of Qastoun in order to begin the encirclement of Al-Ziyarah; this tactic was successful, as the SAA advanced to a different flank around the village, while also, capturing part of Qastoun.

Inside the city of Jisr Al-Shughour, the militants from Jabhat Al-Nusra targeted the last remaining Syrian Government stronghold at the National Hospital, attempting a VBIED attack at the front of the building.

The vehicle operated by the Saudi Jabhat Al-Nusra leader, Misheeb Al-Shebani, was destroyed before it could reach its destination; this resulted in a large explosion that partially damaged the front of the Jisr Al-Shughour National Hospital.

For the Islamist forces that make-up Jaysh Al-Fatah, they shifted their attention to the strategic city of Ariha, where they launched a powerful assault on the National Defense Forces (NDF) positions at Ma’ar Tab’i Hill located directly north of Kafr Lata.

Fighting is still ongoing at the western flank of Ma’ar Tab’i Hill, with the Islamist forces attempting to take full control of this rural area near the city of Ariha.

At the Al-Mastouma Orchards, the SAA’s “Tiger Forces” were able to capture this area after engaging in fierce clashes with the Islamist militants on late Friday afternoon.

Clashes were also reported at the villages of Qameenas, Fayloun, Koreen, and Muqablah.