The commander of the First Coastal Division tells RFS Media Office: “we won the battle of al-Ghab Plain and we promise to win more battles”

The First Coastal Division of the Free Syrian Army expanded its battlefronts from Lattakia countryside to al-Ghab Plain in the western countryside of Hama. It gained control of a wide sector of the Plain in the battle that took place recently. To tell us more about the battle, RFS Media Office exclusively met with the Division’s commander captain Mohammad Haj Ali.

-What are the details of the recent battle that took place in al-Ghab Plain which coincided with the battle of liberating the city of Jisir al-Shughour and what is left of Idlib countryside?

This battle marks a great triumph in the revolution as it allowed us to liberate vast areas after a huge battle. Our victory was a gift from God of course, but it also came as a result of unifying efforts and after precise coordination between all of the participating factions. After months of meetings and preparations, FSA brigades and Islamic factions agreed on starting the battle starting from the city of Jisir Al-Shughour, passing through the road reaching the city of Joureen. The First Coastal Division was responsible for liberating the 13 checkpoints located in this vast area in addition to blocking regime forces’ supply route. Meanwhile, the factions in the eastern countryside of Hama were responsible for liberating the eastern side of al-Ghab Plain. The clashes that lasted for several days and the shelling using heavy weapons and anti-armor TWO missiles targeting regime checkpoints worn down regime forces, paralyzed their vehicles’ movement and blocked their supply route. At that point, we were able to storm the checkpoints. We liberated all thirteen military points and checkpoints, seized many medium and heavy weapons in addition to tanks and Konkurs launch pads.

– You gained control of the city of Jisir Al-Shughour and the checkpoints of al-Ghab Plain reaching Joureen; however, the battle seemed to be incomplete. What about the eastern side of the Plain?

All battles are about failure and success, win and loss, and as you said the victory was incomplete. However, this does not mean that it was not a victory. Our hopes are always high and they will always revolve around liberating all of Syria. Regime forces are widely spread in east of al-Ghab Plain and they have several supply routes making them very strong. Regardless, we were able to liberate several points there, but the regime managed to recapture them as war is all about advancing and retreating. Our war against the regime has been going on for months and years now, and it will not stop until we liberate all of Syria.

-What is the situation at al-Ghab Plain front now?

Al-Ghab Plain is one of the hottest spots in Syria now. Those monitoring the situation closely can see how regime forces are dying to recapture some of the villages and sensitive areas that were liberated in al-Ghab Plain battle. In addition, the fact that we are capable of remaining in control of the areas we liberated is a victory on its own.

-Any last comment?

We are happy to have achieved this victory which will certainly not make us forget our hero martyrs who made it possible. Additionally, the battlefields are waiting for the return of our wounded fighters. We promise that we will keep our vow to continue the battle of freedom till we die or achieve victory.

Source: RFS Media Office