Syrian rebels have seized another batch of military equipment left at the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib province. The seized equipment includes T-72 and T-55 tanks, a BTR-80 armored personnel carrier, a Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), a 130mm M-46 cannon, and a ZSU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft gun. This incident was the second such case after the seizure of equipment at the Kuweires airbase.

According to observers, the condition of some of the equipment raises doubts about its suitability for use. For example, the T-55 tank was towed by a T-72, the BTR-80 does not have a large-caliber KPVT machine gun installed, and one of the Shilka anti-aircraft mounts is incomplete - it is missing one barrel. Nevertheless, the presence of this equipment in the hands of militants can significantly affect their combat capability, even if the equipment is used only for spare parts or as a source of weapons.

The captured vehicles could be used by militants to increase their firepower, especially in the context of the escalating fighting in the region. The Grad MLRS and M-46 artillery systems pose a serious threat to Syrian government forces, and the armored vehicles could be used in offensive operations or to defend key positions.

The Syrian army, which abandoned the base, has not yet commented on the loss. However, experts say such events highlight the growing difficulties government forces face. The loss of strategic assets such as air bases threatens the army's ability to maintain control over the northwest.