Syrian General Suhail Al-Hassan Wounded in Hama Offensive
Syrian General ‘The Tiger’ Reportedly Wounded in Fierce hama Battle
Hama, Syria – Intense fighting has erupted in the central Syrian city of Hama as armed opposition groups launch a major offensive, seizing control of meaningful territory and pushing towards the outskirts of the city. At the heart of the battle is General Suhail al-Hassan, a key figure in the Syrian government army, known by the moniker “The Tiger.”
reports indicate that al-Hassan, leading the regime’s elite special forces, arrived at the front lines in Hama to counter the opposition advance. Opposition sources claim they wounded the general in a drone strike targeting the Jabal Zain al-Abidin area north of Hama. Images circulating online, purportedly from opposition-affiliated media, show al-Hassan wiht an apparent injury to his left hand.
Al-Hassan, a controversial figure, has been accused of orchestrating indiscriminate attacks on Syrian cities using heavy artillery and missiles since the start of the Syrian revolution in 2011. He is also widely believed to be a close ally of Russia, receiving significant support from Moscow and being honored multiple times by Russian forces between 2016 and 2018.
He is credited with developing the “barrel bomb” strategy, a tactic that involved dropping explosive-laden barrels from helicopters onto civilian areas, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
From Air Force Intelligence to ‘The Tiger’
Al-Hassan hails from the coastal region of Latakia and began his military career in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence Branch. He rose to prominence during the Syrian uprising, becoming a key figure in the government’s brutal crackdown on dissent.
Known for his ruthlessness, al-Hassan earned the nickname “The Tiger” for his aggressive tactics.He commanded the Russian-backed “25th Special Task Division,” also known as the ”Tiger Forces,” which has been involved in numerous battles across syria.
In April 2023, al-Hassan was appointed commander of special forces, a newly created position within the Syrian army.
Opposition Gains Momentum
The recent offensive in Hama marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Opposition forces have reportedly captured the Hamar Marine Corps School, a strategic location, and are pushing towards the city center.
The fighting in Hama comes amidst a broader resurgence of violence in Syria, raising concerns about a renewed humanitarian crisis.
The ‘Tiger’ Wounded: An Analyst Discusses the Battle for hama
NewsDirectory3.com
To shed light on the unfolding situation in Hama, Syria, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Khan,a leading expert on the Syrian conflict and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Khan, reports indicate that General Suhail al-Hassan, known as ‘the Tiger,’ has been wounded in the fighting north of Hama. What are your thoughts on the significance of this growth?
Dr. Khan: The reported wounding of General al-Hassan is indeed a significant development. He is a key figure in the Syrian regime’s military apparatus, known for his ruthlessness and close ties to Russia. His presence on the front lines in Hama signifies the seriousness with which the regime views this opposition offensive. his injury could possibly impact the morale of government forces and possibly alter the course of the battle.
NewsDirectory3: Opposition groups claim to have inflicted the wound on al-Hassan via a drone strike. How has the use of drones changed the dynamics of the conflict in Syria?
Dr. Khan: The increasing use of drones by various factions in the Syrian conflict has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the fighting. It allows groups, even those with limited resources, to strike targets with greater precision and reach. This has leveled the playing field to some extent, enabling opposition groups to challenge the superior firepower of the Syrian government and its allies.
NewsDirectory3: The offensive in Hama is considered a major escalation in the conflict.What led to this renewed violence, and what are the potential consequences?
Dr. Khan: The resurgence of violence in Syria is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. The collapse of the fragile ceasefire, unresolved political issues, and the continued presence of foreign forces all contribute to the volatile situation. The fighting in Hama has the potential to reignite a full-scale conflict, leading to further displacement of civilians and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
NewsDirectory3: Looking ahead, what can we expect in terms of the battle for Hama and the broader Syrian conflict?
Dr. Khan: It’s difficult to predict with certainty, but the battle for Hama could become a protracted and bloody affair. The outcome will likely depend on the level of support the opposition receives, both internally and externally. As for the broader Syrian conflict, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain bleak. The current escalation underscores the fragility of the situation and the urgent need for a renewed international effort to find a lasting solution.