The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia – Avia.pro note) group continues to strengthen its arsenal with captured equipment from the Syrian army. This time, the militants managed to seize two Smerch multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), a number of Middle Eastern sources report.

The 300mm Smerch systems are considered one of the most powerful weapons in the Syrian army's arsenal, capable of striking at a distance of up to 70 kilometers. The loss of such installations is a serious blow to government forces, which are already facing an active militant offensive in several areas of the front.

The capture of heavy equipment was the result of successful attacks by HTS on Syrian army positions in the northwestern provinces of the country. The militants continue to increase their weapons, actively using both modernized Western models and equipment obtained as a result of military operations against Bashar al-Assad's army.

Experts note that the loss of such strategically important systems as Smerch not only undermines the combat capability of the Syrian army, but also gives the opposition the opportunity to strengthen its influence in the region. The use of such trophies, especially in urban combat, can significantly complicate the situation on the front lines.

It is currently unknown whether the militants have ammunition for the captured systems, but the situation is causing extreme concern among experts.

The Smerch MLRS is a Soviet/Russian multiple launch rocket system designed to destroy enemy manpower, equipment, fortifications and infrastructure at ranges of up to 120 km. It was adopted for service in 1987 and is one of the most powerful systems of its class. The Smerch is equipped with 300 mm rockets that can carry various warheads: high-explosive fragmentation, cluster, thermobaric and others. The system is capable of firing a salvo of 12 rockets in 38 seconds, covering an area of ​​up to 67 hectares.