Al-Qaeda Leader Killed in Airstrike in Northwest Syria
- Idlib Province, Syria - On January 17, 2026, the Syrian government initiated a military operation targeting positions held by Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group, in the...
- Sources say the operation began with artillery strikes and airstrikes targeting HTS positions across a wide front in northern Idlib.
- "The Syrian government claims this operation is a response to repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and aims to restore state authority to the region," a source stated.
Syrian Government Launches Operation in Idlib, Clashes reported
Idlib Province, Syria – On January 17, 2026, the Syrian government initiated a military operation targeting positions held by Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group, in the Idlib region. Reports indicate intense fighting is underway.
Sources say the operation began with artillery strikes and airstrikes targeting HTS positions across a wide front in northern Idlib. According too reports, approximately 16 civilians have been injured consequently of the initial shelling.
“The Syrian government claims this operation is a response to repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and aims to restore state authority to the region,” a source stated. “They assert that HTS continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of civilians and regional stability.”
A local correspondent reported that Syrian government forces are advancing from multiple directions,including south of idlib city,aiming to encircle and isolate HTS fighters. The correspondent also noted that the operation is being supported by allied militias and Russian air power.
Recently, a statement from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that at least 13 civilians have been killed in the fighting since the operation began. The association also reported that dozens of Syrian soldiers have been injured or killed.
A number of analysts suggest the operation is a major attempt to regain control of Idlib, the last significant stronghold held by opposition forces in Syria. The offensive could potentially displace hundreds of thousands of civilians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. (Al-Nahar)