The Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” is preparing for a large-scale offensive in the provincial capital of Idlib, as their allies from the Islamic Front (Jabhat Al-Islamiya) continue their besiegement at the villages of Kafraya and Al-Fou’aa to the north.

This Jabhat Al-Nusra offensive will be their second attempt in eight months to capture the city of Idlib and their second offensive in northern Syria in the last three weeks (northern Aleppo).

Last summer, Jabhat Al-Nusra attempted to break into Idlib City from Al-Mastouma; however, despite initial gains, they were forced to withdraw after the National Defense Forces (NDF) repelled their attack.

Jabhat Al-Nusra has been relatively successful in the Idlib Governorate over the last six months, capturing a number of areas from the recently disbanded Harakat Hazzm and Syrian Revolutionary Forces around the province.