IDLIB - Syrian regime forces advances to İdlib with the support of Russia. The regime pressed in upon the borders of Maaret el-Numan, which is located on the strategically significant M5 Highway. 

 

The Syrian Human Rights Observatory (SOHR) has announced that Syrian regime forces have reached the borders of the city of Maaret al-Numan under the control of Heyet Tahrir al-Sham (HTŞ / El Nusra) with the air support of Russia.

 

STRATEGIC POINT

 

The Syrian regime, which continues its operations against Idlib have reached Maarat el-Numan, which is located at a strategic point and is the second largest city of Idlib in the region. The city of Maaret el-Numan, located in the south of Idlib, is 84 kilometers from Aleppo and 60 kilometers from Hama. The city filled with groups affilliated with Turkey is located on the M5 Highwat, providing access between Aleppo and Damascus. This increases the strategic importance of the district.

 

M5 HIGHWAY IS THE TARGET

 

The M5 highway, which the Syrian regime and Russia prioritize in Idlib, has a strategic importance not only for Syria but also for neighboring countries. The highway connecting the north of Syria to the south is of great importance for the country's economy. Groups affiliated with Turkey used to control a 100 kilometer square area on the M5 Highway, from Raşidin to Han Sheyhun. The Syrian regime took back many chechpoints with their latest operations.

 

The M5 highway is divided into three sections. First is from Damascus to Aleppo. Syrian regime and Russia maintain control of the countryside of Damascus and Homs as a result of the agreements they made with Turkey.  The section, which is under the occupation of the groups, extends towards the northern countryside of Idlib, one of the towns of Kefer Senca and El Tih in the south of Maaret el-Numan. The third part of the road is known as the Aleppo-Antep highway. The Syrian regime and Russia keep the part of the road passing through Aleppo under control.