The Syrian armed forces have achieved a significant victory, pushing back the militants of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia - editor's note) from the city of Hama by more than 10 kilometers. The liberation of the settlements of Tubas, Kafr Ra, Maar Shahur, as well as the strategically important base of the 87th brigade and the heights of Zein al-Abidin has been visually confirmed, the local command reports.

The battles for control of the Hama region have become some of the fiercest in the region in recent weeks. Republican Guard units and Iraqi volunteers are arriving at the front lines to support the Syrian army. Russian aviation continues to provide significant assistance, striking the enemy's rear. Over the past night, several columns of militants moving toward the front were destroyed.

The operation's commander, General Suheil al-Hassan, was wounded in the arm, but remained at his post and continues to coordinate the counteroffensive. Earlier, pro-government sources reported that he might have been killed, but this information was denied.

The liberation of new territories near Hama was a key step in preventing HTS militants from further advancing towards major cities in central Syria. The heights of Zein al-Abidin are of strategic importance, as they provide control over the surrounding areas.

At the same time, fighting continues in Aleppo province between the pro-Turkish Syrian National Army and Kurdish forces.