Syrian Army Dispatches Fresh Forces, More Military Hardwar to Hama Battlefield

The army’s move to send more troops and equipment to Hama came after a massive convoy of reinforcements comprised of Desert Hawks arrived in Eastern Hama province in recent days to take part in the anti-ISIL operation in Eastern Salamiyah.

Meantime, the Russian strategic bombers conducted strikes on ISIL’s positions near the town of Aqayrabat near the border of Hama and Homs provinces.

The Russian warplanes used modern X-101 strategic cruise missiles to hit ISIL’s strongholds.

Several weapons stockpiles and a terrorist command center were destroyed in the strike.

According to the Russian military, three large weapons and ammunition stockpiles alongside a command center near the town of Aqayrabat were destroyed in the strike, which was confirmed by objective control measures.

Also, the Syrian and Russian forces, backed by Damascus and Moscow aircraft, carried out a large-scale joint operation in Hama province to hit ISIL’s defense lines East of the town of al-Salamiyah.

According to reports, pro-gov’t forces have started a fresh phase of military operation to liberate the Eastern countryside of al-Salamiyah, which has been under ISIL’s control for more than two years.

Based on reports, the Russian Special Forces, backed by Moscow Air Force, also participated in the military operations in Eastern Hama.

Liberation of Aqayrabat region is a main objective of the Syrian and Russian forces’ operation in Eastern Hama, as Aqayrabat is considered ISIL’s main stronghold in the province that is located along the terrorist group’s main supply route to the Raqqa province.

Military sources confirmed on Tuesday that the Syrian Army dispatched hundreds of its Special Forces to Eastern Hama, adding that the army also sent modern Russian military equipment to the battlefields to be used in the war on ISIL terrorists.

The sources said that Terminator-2 BMPT tanks that had not been used in battle against terrorists would be present in the upcoming war on ISIL East of al-Salamiyah city.

Another military official said the Russian forces operate the modern tanks until the Syrian forces go through the training course on how to operate the tanks.

The source further added that the army launched its operation to retake control over the gas and oil pipeline and liberate the Eastern countryside of al-Salamiyah city to drive ISIL out of Aqayrabat region.

The source went on to say that the army’s Special Forces of Desert Hawks and the Russian tanks were to take part in the operation in Eastern Hama.

The source further said that the terrorists planted a large number of landmines in the region and the ISIL’s geographical knowledge of the region would make the operation for the army difficult.

The source underscored that liberation of Eastern Hama would pave the way for the army to enter Deir Ezzur province and end ISIL’s presence in the region.

The source added that East Hama battle would be one of the toughest in recent months as the ISIL knows that a defeat in Eastern Hama would be a great loss for them.

Terminator tanks were first seen in the Russian-run Humeimim airfield during the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to the base.

According to reports, a number of very strong Russia-made Terminator Tanks were seen in images of Assad’s visit to Humeimim military airport in Lattakia province, while Moscow had never declared anything about deploying this kind of tank in Syria.

Terminator is similar to T-72 but is equipped with stronger weapons, adding that the tank’s main mission is providing support for friendly tanks in the battlefields and destroying enemy tanks by missile fire.

Terminator is capable of targeting and destroying other tanks and armored vehicles from a 6km distance, the report added.