Key rebel groups, including the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, made strategic gains on Wednesday near the captured city of Idleb, taking control of al-Qarmeed camp and advancing onward to capture Jisr al-Shughour city near the coastal province of Lattakia, according to activists.
The Fatah Army, an alliance of Islamist groups operating in Idleb province, inflicted humiliating defeats on Assad forces and allied Shiite militias, pushing them to retreat from their checkpoints in Qarmeed camp.
The Islamist rebels’ gains came three weeks after they had captured the city of Idleb. The Fatah Army is comprised of the Nusra Front, Jund al-Aqsa, Jaish al-Sunnah, al-Sham Legion and Suqour al-Sham.
Meanwhile, rebels have also declared an offensive to capture the Sahl al-Ghab territory in Hama province.
