Syrian Army gears up for strategic battle in northwestern Latakia: map

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is preparing to launch a large-scale assault on the strategic town of Kabani in the northeastern countryside of Latakia.

According to a military source near the front-lines, the Syrian Army’s operation will be led by the 42nd Brigade (Ghiath Forces) of the 4th Armored Division.

The 42nd Brigade will receive support from the Tiger Forces, who recently deployed some of their troops from Hama, and the National Defense Forces (NDF).

The arrival of the Tiger Forces coincides with the recent decision by the Syrian Army’s high command to launch a large-scale attack on Kabani from the southern axis of the Zuwayqat Mountain.

The Syrian Army has launched a number of attacks on Kabani over the last two weeks, but they have been repelled each time, with several casualties reported.

Despite the advantage in manpower and air superiority, the Syrian Army will have their hands full with the militant forces inside of Kabani.

The defense of Kabani will be led by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and the Turkestan Islamic Party; these two jihadist groups are well-equipped and well-trained.

Both of these jihadist groups know the terrain around Kabani very well and they will use the geography of northeastern Latakia to their advantage.

The battle for Kabani will prove just as costly, if not more, than the Syrian Army’s previous operation at the nearby town of Salma, which was captured during the government’s 2016 campaign.