Idlib Governorate clashes (2014)

Idlib Governorate clashes 2014
Part of the Syrian civil war
Date 2014 – ongoing (11 years, 9 months and 4 days) Location Idlib Governorate Syria Result Ongoing Rebels lift the Army siege of Khan Shaykhun Rebels cut two supply lines to Army bases in Idlib governorate Rebels capture two villages and towns
Belligerents
Free Syrian Army Islamic Front Al-Nusra Front Mujahideen Ahrar al-Sham Jaysh al-Sham	Syrian Arab Republic Syrian Armed Forces Syrian Air Force National Defense Force
Commanders and leaders
Colonel Afif al-Suleimani (head of Idlib's rebel Military Council)	Unknown
Units involved
Suqour al-Sham Brigade Syrian Martyrs' Brigade	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	Unknown

The Idlib Governorate clashes 2014 is a series of clashes currently ongoing in the Idlib Governorate during the Syrian Civil War, between the rebels and the Syrian Government. The clashes are concentrated around Khan Shaykhun and Idlib.

Rebel offensive

On 8 March, it was reported that the rebels were trying to cut the road between Idlib and Al-Mastuma in an attempt to surround Idlib city. This operation began three days earlier.

On 9 March, the SOHR reported that a commander of an islamic rebel battalion was assassinated by unknown gunmen between the villages of Kafar-Sejna and Al-Rekaya.

On 12 March, pro-opposition sources claimed that the rebels have cut the M-5 highway at Khan Shaykhun.

On 25 March, it was reported that the rebels seized 15 army checkpoints in Khan Shaykhun after days of fighting. According to Col. Afif al-Suleimani, head of Idlib's rebel Military Council, the Army withdrew many of its soldiers from Idlib province to reinforce their forces in Latakia province after the rebel 2014 Latakia offensive was launched against the coastal area. The rebel advances at Khan Shaykhun resulted in both the lifting of the siege of the town and cutting the supply line to Syrian Army bases further north in the province.

On 29 March, rebels reportedly captured parts of the Shiite town of Al-Fu'ah, northeast of Idlib city.

On 4 April, four rebels were reportedly killed by clashes around Sehyan checkpoint north of Khan Shaykhoun. It was also reported that Baboulin town and al-Salhiya village were captured by the rebels, thus cutting off the supply route and highway to the Wadi Deif and Hamidiyah army bases at Maaret al-Numan. At least 18 regular soldiers were reportedly killed in the clashes and two tanks were disabled. After Baboulin was captured, clashes took place along a nearby 20-mile stretch of highway between Morek and Maaret al-Numan.