The Nusra Front and allied Free Syrian Army factions in southern Hama and northern Homs seized al-Sunaidah between Homs and Salamiyah on Tuesday, according to activist Mohiiddin al-Muhayiah.
Muhayiah added: "The strategic importance of al-Sunaidah comes from its location on the road between Homs and Salamiyah, as the road is considered the supply route from Salamiyah to Homs and from there to Damascus. It is the only supply route for regime forces in eastern Hama and northern Homs. This region is the starting point for regime forces heading to Salamiyah".
Muhayiah explained that though this battle does not fall within a particular campaign, the next step will be seizing new areas in the northern countryside of Homs.
The activist noted that the military factions participating in the operation have been able "to seize the entire region, in addition to light and heavy weapons. More than 20 members of the security forces were killed, and many others were wounded".
Regime forces closed the Salamiyah-Homs road after the clashes, while the road was diverted to al-Mukharram – al-Musherfeh road in the eastern countryside of Homs.
Muhaiyah explained that the clashes took place near the pro-regime village of Khunfus, which is located in the southeastern countryside of Hama, prompting villagers to ask for support from regime army units.
The activist said that disagreements broke out between residents of the village and shabeeha after the regime refused to respond to their calls. The clashes led to the death of two civilians and the injuring of many others.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
