Hama rebels struggle to hold ground as regime, IS attack
Opposition forces in Idlib and Hama are struggling to maintain some of their last positions, against which the Syrian regime and the Islamic State are escalating their attacks.
REYHANLI, Turkey — As the regime and remnants of the Islamic State (IS) both step up attacks on remaining opposition-held areas in northwestern Syria, rebel forces struggle to maintain their last bastion in the war-torn country.
On Dec. 26, opposition fighters in northern Hama reportedly shot down a regime plane, possibly using man-portable air-defense systems.
Northern Hama and southern sections of Idlib just north of Hama have been pounded by artillery and airstrikes in recent days. Foreign militias seem to be playing a major role on the side of the Syrian government in the battles.
Regime and allied forces have reportedly retaken some 50 villages in the two provinces.
