Syrian Army will not halt military operations in Latakia

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) will not stop their military operations in the Latakia Governorate, despite the ceasefire agreement that is expected to start at 6:45 P.M. (Damascus Time) today, Eyad Al-Hussein reported on Monday morning.

The rebel forces in the Latakia Governorate are primarily made-up of jihadist factions that include groups like Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Al-Nusra Front) and the Turkmen Islamic Party.

In addition to the large presence of jihadist groups, Islamist factions like Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham have rejected the proposed ceasefire deal that was brokered by the U.S. and Russia.

Since Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham will not accept the ceasefire deal, they will be considered a legitimate target for the Syrian Arab Army and their air force.

Approximately 25 villages in Latakia remain under the control of the jihadist rebels before they are officially expelled from the province.

The Syrian Arab Army’s long-term goal is to expel all jihadist rebels from the Latakia Governorate and then prepare for a massive assault at Jisr Al-Shughour.