Militants from the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), banned in Russia, have captured two Syrian Air Force air bases – Abu Duhur and Shahid Suad al-Qayari. This was reported by sources from the region, who provided video recordings confirming the militants’ control over the facilities.

Footage posted on social media shows militants inspecting airfields and military equipment located there. Judging by the condition of the equipment, most of the helicopters are disabled or damaged. The capture of these facilities was a significant success for HTS, as control over the airbases strengthens their position in the region and poses a threat to further operations by the Syrian army.

Abu Duhur Air Base used to be a key part of the Syrian Air Force’s operations, providing air support in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. The loss of this base could weaken the Syrian military’s defensive capabilities and make offensive operations more difficult. Shahid Suad Al-Qayari, although smaller in scale, also represented an important element of the region’s military infrastructure.

Experts note that the militants' success was possible due to the careful preparation of the operation, as well as the weakening of the Syrian army's positions in the area. The prolonged standoff in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo is exhausting Damascus' forces, creating vulnerabilities that opposition groups are exploiting.