ALEPPO, Syria — On Jan. 19, the armed Syrian opposition attacked positions of regime forces and their allied Russian-backed fighters in Abu Dafna village in eastern Idlib province. The opposition inflicted casualties on the regime during the battles and mutual bombardment between the two sides, and responded to ground attacks by regime forces in Idlib province. 

Regime forces have intensified in recent weeks their ground and air bombing of opposition-held areas in Idlib and western Aleppo provinces, displacing thousands of civilians.

Mohamad Rasheed, an activist based in Idlib, told Al-Monitor, “The opposition’s attack on Abu Dafna village, in eastern Idlib, came after the opposition spotted large military vehicles and regime forces intending to carry out a ground attack there, so it advanced with a counterattack to thwart the regime’s plans. The opposition then withdrew from the village after dispersing the enemy crowds and thwarting [the regime's] offensive plans.”

Regime forces reportedly opened three crossings Jan. 13 in the northwestern Syria province, and Russian special forces and military police were present on the regime-controlled side to secure the passage of civilians wishing to leave the opposition-held areas.