Elite Syrian forces flocks to north Hama amid rumours of upcoming jihadist offensive

Yesterday it was noted that the Syrian Arab Army, despite resource-heavy commitments against ISIS in central Syria and Deir Ezzor Governorate, was moving reinforcements towards the north Hama front.

Two pictures (below) were released on pro-government social media showing a convoy of Syrian Army pickup transports and cannon-armed gun-trucks moving along a road inbound to government lines in northern Hama.

According to pro-government sources, the convoy shown in the pictures belongs to the Quwat Rijaal al-Bustan detachment of the Syrian Army – an independent formation attached to the Air Force Intelligence service.

This development comes amid increased jihadist military activity in northern Hama close to government-held lines, the occurrence of which is leading some analysts to believe that Al-Qaeda-linked forces are planning a new offensive against the Syrian Army in the region.