In A Sign That The Syrian Military Is Stretched, Army Units Have Been Ordered To Retreat From A Key Region

Image: BBC

Reuters: To avoid losses, Syrian army retreats in key region: army source

A Syrian military source said on Tuesday the army had retreated to new defensive lines in a region of vital strategic importance to President Bashar al-Assad, seeking to avoid losses at the hands of advancing rebels.

The insurgent advance into the Sahl al-Ghab plain in northwestern Syria has brought rebels including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front to the eastern edge of mountains that form the historical heartland of Assad's Alawite people.

The rapid advance so close to an area of such importance to Assad underscores the difficulties facing the army and the manner in which Syria is splintering: Assad said last month the army faced a manpower shortage and had given up some areas in order to defend others of greater significance.

WNU Editor: The Syrian Army appears to be stretched .... hence the retreat and consolidation of forces. In the meantime, the Islamic State has launched new attacks in the planned Syrian safe zone .... IS Launches Attacks in Planned Syria Buffer Zone (VOA) .... a safe zone that the U.S. continues to deny was ever agreed upon .... U.S. denies report Turkey, U.S. agree to Syria 'safe zone' (Reuters). Sheeesshhh ... talk about the fog of war.