Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020)

File:Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg

Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

File:Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg

Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

Maarat Al-Numan Offensive (2019)

Map of Idlib Ceasefire (March 2020)

Flag of the Russian Federal Security Service

Great emblem of Military Police of Russia

== Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020) ==

The Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020) was a significant military campaign during the Syrian Civil War. The offensive was launched by the Syrian Armed Forces and their allies, including Russia, against various rebel groups and jihadist factions in the Idlib Governorate and surrounding areas. This offensive marked one of the most intense periods of fighting in the region, leading to substantial territorial changes and a humanitarian crisis.

Background

The Idlib Governorate had been a stronghold for various opposition groups since the early stages of the Syrian Civil War. By late 2019, the region was primarily controlled by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition, along with other rebel factions. The Syrian government, with support from Russia, aimed to reclaim this last major opposition-held territory.

The Offensive

The offensive began in December 2019, with the Syrian Armed Forces launching a series of ground and air assaults. Key areas targeted included the towns of Maarat al-Numan, Saraqib, and the M5 Highway, a crucial supply route connecting Damascus to Aleppo.

December 2019

In December, the Syrian government forces intensified their bombardment of Idlib, leading to significant displacement of civilians. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported numerous casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure.

January 2020

By January 2020, government forces had captured several strategic locations, including Maarat al-Numan. The offensive continued to push northwards, causing further displacement and humanitarian concerns.

February 2020

In February, the fighting escalated around Saraqib, a key junction on the M5 Highway. The town changed hands multiple times between government forces and rebel groups, with heavy involvement from Russian air support.

March 2020

The offensive culminated in early March with the capture of Saraqib by government forces. A ceasefire agreement was brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5, 2020, temporarily halting the hostilities and establishing a security corridor along the M4 Highway.

Humanitarian Impact

The offensive resulted in one of the largest displacements of the Syrian Civil War, with nearly a million people fleeing their homes. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations raised concerns about the dire conditions faced by the displaced populations, including lack of shelter, food, and medical care.

Aftermath

The ceasefire agreement brought a temporary lull in the fighting, but the situation in Idlib remained volatile. The region continued to experience sporadic clashes and airstrikes, with the humanitarian crisis persisting.

Related Pages

• Syrian Civil War
• Idlib Governorate
• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
• Syrian Armed Forces
• Russia in the Syrian Civil War
• Turkey in the Syrian Civil War
• M5 Highway (Syria)
• M4 Highway (Syria)