Syrian Army Captures Khan Sheikhoun

Aug. 22, 2019 (EIRNS)—Yesterday, elements of the Syrian Arab Army completed the liberation of Khan Sheikhoun and closed the pocket that the SAA had created in its assault on the city from both the east and the west. An unknown number of jihadis are now encircled in several villages that straddle the Idlib-Hama border, as is the Turkish observation post in Morek, about 12 km to the southeast of Khan Sheikhoun.

The Turkish military will have to coordinate with the Russian military, because they are allowed access to the Hama-Idlib Highway, per the Sept. 17, 2018 Sochi Agreement, Al Masdar reported. As of last night, according to the Al Masdar report, Syrian troops were still engaged in clearing Khan Sheikhoun of both any remaining jihadis and of any booby traps they may have left behind. The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported this morning that Syrian troops are conducting further operations against jihadis in the villages in the pocket.

SANA also reported that the SAA has opened a humanitarian corridor to secure departure of citizens exiting terror-controlled areas in Hama and Idlib provinces. SANA also stated that shelter, food and medical care will be provided to those leaving the jihadi-controlled area.