A B O U T I N T E G R I T Y U K Integrity UK is an organisation committed to preventing extremism through innovative approaches to promoting integration, cohesion and social reconciliation within the MENA region and the UK. W E E K L Y D I G E S T 11 M A Y – 17 M A Y S Y R I A Politics Growing Concerns Over SAA Offensive on Greater Idlib International responses to the Syrian Arab Army's (SAA) offensive in northern Hama are growing louder amidst sustained fighting in the region over the weekend. On Friday evening (10th May), 11 members of the United Nations Security Council including the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Belgium issued a statement expressing concern about the “potential humanitarian catastrophe” and called on the de-escalation agreement between Russia, Turkey and Iran to be observed. China and Russia opposed the statement, meaning that the UNSC statement was not officially ratified. On Wednesday evening (15th May), Belgium, Germany and Kuwait called for a new session of the United Nations Security Council to be held to discuss the developments in Idlib. The meeting is expected to be a follow-up to the earlier UNSC meeting and will discuss the possibility of the offensive in northern Hama turning into a full offensive across the whole of Greater Idlib. Turkey and Russia Discuss Ongoing Idlib Issues Meanwhile, Russia and Turkey increased their diplomatic efforts in a bid to reduce the fallout from the clashes in Idlib. On Monday evening (13th May), Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, spoke over the phone with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. During the discussion, Erdoğan reiterated the accusations of the Turkish Minister of Defence, Hulusi Akar, that Damascus is attempting to sabotage Turkish-Russian cooperation in Idlib by violating the ceasefire, once again not commenting on heavy Russian involvement in the operations over Moscow's concerns surrounding the Hmeimim Airbase. SNC President Releases Statement on Idlib Offensive The President of the Syrian Opposition's National Coalition (SNC), Abdurrahman Mustafa, called on the international community and major players in Syria to put an end to the SAA’s on-going offensive in Greater Idlib, criticising Russia for “shoring up the Assad regime”. Mustafa warned of dire regional and global consequences in the event of the SAA storming Idlib, adding that this would result in a fresh new refugee crisis towards Europe. HTS Leader Defiant in Rare Interview The leader of Hayy'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, held a rare interview, proclaiming the “death” of all previous agreements and conferences, adding that “only jihadists For further information, contact Integrity UK on: [email protected] and military might can be relied on”. As such, Jolani called for anyone able to take up weapons to head to the battlefields. Jolani also defended the bombardment of the Hmeimim Airbase, describing it as retaliation for Russian airstrikes and noting that if Moscow wants attacks the stop, it needs to stop supporting Damascus. Germany to Continue Providing Refuge for Syrian Asylum-Seekers The German Interior Ministry announced that Germany will continue providing refuge for Syrian asylum-seekers, noting that the country remains too dangerous to return. The statement came after numerous outlets published reports that some applicants arriving in Germany from Syria would receive lower levels of protection. The Ministry noted that it will continue observing Syria and react accordingly with its asylum policy. Security Fighting in Greater Idlib Escalates Amid SAA Offensive Clashes between the loyalist and rebel forces in northern continued for much of the weekend (11th – 12th May) amidst a renewed counterattack by the HTS and National Front for Liberation (NFL) against the SAA in Qalaat al-Madiq and Kafr Nabudah. However, the SAA managed to keep control of key villages in the area. On Monday evening the HTS, Jaish al-Izza and the NFL launched a new offensive against the SAA around Kafr Nabudah. The offensive recorded numerous gains in the early stages, with the rebels capturing Hamamiyat, Sheikh Idris, and Jabin and entering the town of Kernaz. However, by Tuesday (14th May) morning, the offensive was repelled. Subsequently on Tuesday, the SAA made further gains north of Qalaat al-Madiq, capturing the villages of Hamra and Muhajireen and partially capturing Huwaiz. Huwaiz was subsequently captured on Wednesday, with heavy fighting continuing in the area onto the next day. Northern Latakia Emerges as Major Flashpoint The town of Kabani in northern Latakia has become a major flashpoint after being shelled heavily over the weekend. Amidst the shelling, the SAA’s 4th Armoured Division suffered heavy losses from both failed offensives and raids by the HTS and the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) on its positions. The SAA has since redirected its Tiger Forces to northern Latakia in a bid to take Kabani from the HTS and TIP. Heavy Military Activity Takes Place in Aleppo City Numerous clashes took place over the weekend between the SAA and the HTS in Aleppo City. The SAA attempted to raid the HTS positions around the Zahraa District and the Rashidin Housing Complex on the outskirts of Aleppo City, as well Khan Touman and Khalsa further south. Following this, heavy shelling was reported in the districts of Nairab, Jumayliya and Maharqa in Aleppo City, resulting in between six and ten deaths. The Syrian Government claimed that HTS, NLF or SNA were responsible for the attack, while opposition media claimed that the attack was a false-flag operation conducted by the loyalist Liwa al-Quds militia. The increased activity in the region led to rumours that the SAA is preparing to open a new frontline for an offensive backed by Iran instead of Russia. For further information, contact Integrity UK on: [email protected] .