The Syrian group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia – editor’s note) has stepped up its activities in the north of the country, seeking to cut off one of Syria’s key strategic highways – the M42 highway, which connects Homs with the northern regions. According to Middle Eastern sources, the militants have advanced about 9 kilometers from this highway, which creates a real threat of its capture.

The M42 highway plays a vital role in ensuring logistics between the southern and northern parts of the country. Losing control over it could significantly complicate the supply of government forces and impede the movement of civilian goods. If successful, HTS militants will gain control over all major roads connecting the southern and northern regions of Syria, which will practically tear the country in two.

Experts note that the current offensive by HTS is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening their positions in central Syria. The group had previously captured several settlements and strengthened its positions in the vicinity of Hama and Latakia, which allowed it to advance towards strategically important objects.

The Syrian army, despite the support of its allies, has not yet been able to stop the militants' advance. Fierce fighting is currently underway in the vicinity of the highway, where both sides are suffering significant losses. The Syrian and Russian air forces are carrying out strikes on HTS fortifications, trying to slow their advance.

According to analysts, control over the M42 highway would be a serious blow to the Syrian government forces, depriving them of the ability to quickly respond to threats in the northern regions. In addition, it would strengthen the position of HTS as the main opposition force in the country, capable not only of holding territory but also of disrupting key transport corridors.