On Monday morning, a contingent from the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) 2nd Army Corps captured the highest elevated hill in the Aleppo Governorate at Tal Madafa, killing over 20 militants during the battle. According to a military source, the SAA advanced to this hill after capturing the Cement Factory near Jubeileh, pushing their way up the steep hill and rugged terrain. Tal Madafa is located directly north of the recently captured village of Handarat.

Also in the vicinity of Handarat, the SAA captured the Halabi Farms (Mazra’a Halabi) from ‘Ahrar Al-Sham, killing a confirmed 13 militants in the process. Halabi Farms is a large rural area that was untouchable 4 months ago for the SAA; however, the Islamic Front’s loss of Handarat has paved the way for SAA tanks to maneuver freely in this rough area.