2015–2016 Latakia offensive#Electronic Battalion Base

On 15 October, government forces launched a large-scale offensive in the northern Latakia countryside. On 19 October, the SAA captured Point 1112, Point 482, Tal Thamamiyah, Kawa Al-Hatab, and Tal Thalatha in the Al-Zahiyah Mountains in northern Latakia after advancing north from the hilltop of Tal Ziwayk.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-issues-a-distress-call-to-turkey-as-the-syrian-army-advances-in-northern-latakia/|title=Jabhat Al-Nusra Issues a Distress Call to Turkey as the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=20 November 2015|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305003025/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-issues-a-distress-call-to-turkey-as-the-syrian-army-advances-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} The next day, Russian air strikes killed Basil Zamo, the commander of the rebel 1st Coastal Division, along with four other fighters according to one report. Other reports put the death toll from the attack at 45, including at least 15 civilians.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-latakia-idUSKCN0SE0M420151020|title=Third Russian air strike on Syrian rebel group kills leader|work=Reuters|date=20 October 2015|access-date=1 November 2015}}

On 30 October, rebels recaptured areas at Kafar Delbah,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/10/the-rebel-factions-advance-in-the-northern-countryside-of-lattakia/|title=The rebel factions advance in the northern countryside of Lattakia|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=30 October 2015|access-date=1 November 2015}} but pro-government forces denied this.{{cite web|url=http://www.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=13940808000776|title=/اختصاصی/|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031160754/http://www.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=13940808000776|url-status=dead}}

File:2015, Battle of Ghamam, NDF, Two Double Hell Cannon tehnicals,.png technicals used by the NDF during the Battle of Ghamam]]

Between 1 and 3 November, heavy clashes for the village of Ghammam in the Mountains of northern Latakia took place. The village was captured four times, with the rebels finally ending up controlling it again. Thirteen soldiers and an unknown number of rebels were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=36733|title=More deaths for the regime forces in the clashes in the northern countryside of Latakia and the regime forces shell the countryside of Daraa|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=3 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-the-strategic-town-of-ghannam-in-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Strategic Town of Ghannam in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=November 2015|access-date=2016-02-12|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195321/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-the-strategic-town-of-ghannam-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=36604|title=Shelling and airstrikes target the southern countryside of Idlib, and violent clashes take place in the countryside of Lattakia|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=November 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=36682|title=The rebel and Islamist factions re-advance in Ghamam area in Lattakia's mountain|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=2 November 2015}} Two days later, government forces captured three villages in the area{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-north-towards-the-idlib-border-after-successful-operations-in-northeast-latakia/|title=Syrian Army Advances North Towards the Idlib Border After Successful Operations in Northeast Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=5 November 2015|access-date=12 February 2016|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305135332/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-north-towards-the-idlib-border-after-successful-operations-in-northeast-latakia/|url-status=dead}} and on 6 November took control of Ghamam and Jabal Bakdash hill overlooking it.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=37030|title=Violent clashes and advancment (sic) for the regime forces in Ghamam area in the northern countryside of Lattakia|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=6 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/news-alert-syrian-army-captures-ghammam-and-bakdash-mountains-in-northern-latakia/|title=News Alert: Syrian Army Captures Ghammam and Bakdash Mountains in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=6 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118133542/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/news-alert-syrian-army-captures-ghammam-and-bakdash-mountains-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

On 9 and 10 November, the rebels were reported to had recaptured some points in the area of Ghamam.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=37345|title=Clashes in the vicinity of Ghmam area at Latakia Mountains and regime's warplanes carry out raids at al-Rastan|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=10 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/11/the-factions-start-counter-attack-in-ghmam-area-at-the-northern-countryside-of-latakia/|title=The factions start counter attack in Ghmam area at the northern countryside of Latakia|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=11 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}} However, this was denied by military sources.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-defeated-at-ghammam-in-northern-latakia/|title=Islamist Rebels Defeated at Ghammam in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=11 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024509/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-defeated-at-ghammam-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

Between 13 and 23 November, government troops seized 200 square kilometers of territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-jabal-zuwayk-in-northern-latakia-almost-200-square-kilometers-captured-in-2-weeks/|title=Syrian Army Seizes Jabal Zuwayk in Northern Latakia: Almost 200km Captured in 10 Days|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=23 November 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=27 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127233407/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-jabal-zuwayk-in-northern-latakia-almost-200-square-kilometers-captured-in-2-weeks/|url-status=dead}} {{anchor|Dayr Hanna}}On 25 November, they captured three hills (including Tal Al-Yakdash hill) in the mountains of Latakia, advanced around Ghamam and captured the villages of Dayr Hanna, al-Dughmishlyia and Beit ‘Ayyash.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/11/shelling-target-several-areas-in-the-northern-countryside-of-homs-and-the-regime-forces-advance-in-latakia-mountains/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033147/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/11/shelling-target-several-areas-in-the-northern-countryside-of-homs-and-the-regime-forces-advance-in-latakia-mountains/|archive-date=2015-11-17|title=Shelling target several areas in the northern countryside of Homs and the regime forces advance in Latakia Mountains|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=15 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=37971/|title=Clashes in Lattakia and Hasakah countrysides|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=16 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-enters-deir-hanna-in-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Enters Deir Hanna in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117005821/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-enters-deir-hanna-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=37985|title=Then regime forces advance in Lattakia's mountains|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=16 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/VivaRevolt/status/666414659151331328|title=Abdel Rahman|work=Twitter|access-date=17 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-several-villages-in-northern-latakia-as-they-rapidly-advance-north/|title=Syrian Army Seizes Several Villages in Northern Latakia as They Rapidly Advance North|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117115422/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-several-villages-in-northern-latakia-as-they-rapidly-advance-north/|url-status=dead}}

Between 18 and 23 November, government forces captured 10 hills (including six in the Jeb al-Ahmar area),{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-tal-al-rashwan-while-repelling-nusra-at-deir-hanna-in-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Tal Al-Rashwan While Repelling Nusra at Deir Hanna in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=18 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124075241/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-tal-al-rashwan-while-repelling-nusra-at-deir-hanna-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38241|title=Bombardment on Dar'a and clashes in Lattakia countryside|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=19 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38581|title=The regime forces advance again in the northern countryside of Lattakia, and airstrikes leave casualties in Deir Ezzor city|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=23 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/668804360139317248|title=Elijah J. Magnier|work=Twitter|access-date=27 November 2015}} three villages{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-lasites-captured/|title=Syrian Army Launches a Massive Operation in Northern Latakia: Several Sites Captured|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126153446/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-lasites-captured/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-issues-a-distress-call-to-turkey-as-the-syrian-army-advances-in-northern-latakia/|title=Jabhat Al-Nusra Issues a Distress Call to Turkey as the Syrian Army Advances in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126231015/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-issues-a-distress-call-to-turkey-as-the-syrian-army-advances-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} and imposed full control over the Al-Zahi Mountains.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-the-al-zahi-mountains-in-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Al-Zahi Mountains in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=27 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127052902/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-the-al-zahi-mountains-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

On 24 November, rebels retook the Al-Zahi Mountains{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38601|title=Advances for rebels in Lattakia countryside|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=24 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}} and Tal al-Etyra,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38623|title=Al-Nusra Front and the factions advance further in the mountains of Latakia and regain control of areas|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=24 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}} while government forces captured a village and hilltop on Jabal Sheikh Mohammad.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/19469/|title=Syrian Army Responds to Turkish Military Aggression by Capturing Several Sites in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=24 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=27 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127035832/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/19469/|url-status=dead}} The following day, government forces advanced in the areas of the Al-Zahi Mountains and Ateera, and recaptured Al-Zahi.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38707|title=The regime forces keep on advancing in the northern countryside of Latakia and regain control of areas they lost before yesterday after raids and intensive missile bombing|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=25 November 2015|access-date=27 November 2015}}

{{main|2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown}}

On 24 November, Turkish F-16's downed a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 near the Syrian-Turkish border. A Russian pilot was killed, while another Russian soldier died in the rescue operation that took place in the northern Latakia mountain area.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKBN0TD0IS20151125|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226151124/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKBN0TD0IS20151125|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 26, 2015|title=Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border|author=Tulay Karadeniz and Maria Kiselyova|date=25 November 2015|work=Reuters UK|access-date=4 December 2015}} A Russian rescue helicopter was also destroyed by a TOW crew. The crew remained unharmed.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38613|title=Destroying the second Russian military aircraft in Lattakia's countryside|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=24 November 2015|access-date=4 December 2015}} Later that day, the second pilot reached the military airport of Latakia after he was rescued by special forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=38681|title=The Russian pilot reaches Lattakia military airport|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=25 November 2015|access-date=4 December 2015}}

Jabal Turkman was subjected to intense bombardment by the Russians after the shootdown of its bomber jet by the Turkish Air Force.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/heavy-russia-raids-syria-area-where-plane-downed-003111296.html|title=Heavy Russia raids in Syria area where plane downed: monitor|date=25 November 2015|agency=AFP|access-date=4 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/heavy-russia-raids-in-syria-area-where-plane-downed/|title=Heavy Russia raids in Syria area where plane downed|date=25 November 2015|work=Vanguard News|access-date=4 December 2015}}

On 27 November, the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front and the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria fought against Syrian government and Hezbollah forces around Jabal Nuba,{{cite web|url=http://www.souriyati.com/2015/11/27/31257.html|title=جرحى في قصف على إنخل واشتباكات بريف درعا الغربي ومعارك متواصلة بريف اللاذقية الشمالي|author=souriyati|work=سوريتي|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=30 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130014618/http://www.souriyati.com/2015/11/27/31257.html|url-status=dead}} as the Syrian army bombarded them with artillery and Russian warplanes bombed Jabal al-Akrad.{{cite web|url=http://www.center-lcrc.com/index.php?s=news&id=12594|title=المركز اللبناني للأبحاث والاستشارات|access-date=4 December 2015}} The Syrian Army's intense artillery bombardment with hundreds of rockets killed 15 fighters of the Turkistan Islamic Party along with its military leader in Jabal Turkman. Turkistan Islamic Party reported over 30 killed in clashes with government forces during the week.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Weissenberg7/status/670299913020948484|title=Caleb Weiss|work=Twitter|access-date=4 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/the-factions-of-north-latakia/|title=Syria Comment » Archives The Factions of North Latakia – Syria Comment|work=Syria Comment|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=22 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222152018/https://www.joshualandis.com/blog/the-factions-of-north-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/18251/the-factions-of-north-latakia|title=The Factions of North Latakia|author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi|work=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi|access-date=4 January 2016}} On the same day, government forces captured two more hills and secured Jabal Al-Nuba mountain.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-to-advance-north-towards-the-turkish-latakia-border/|title=Syrian Army Continues to Advance North Towards the Turkish-Latakia Border|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=28 November 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201041511/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-to-advance-north-towards-the-turkish-latakia-border/|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Jabal Kashkar}}{{anchor|Arafit}}On 1 December, government forces captured three villages{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-the-strategic-village-of-arafat-in-northeast-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Captures the Strategic Village of Arafat in Northeast Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204133841/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-the-strategic-village-of-arafat-in-northeast-latakia/|url-status=dead}} and the Jabal Al-Kashkar Mountains.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-jabal-kashkar-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army Captures Jabal Kashkar in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204030817/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-jabal-kashkar-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} With these advances, the Army was in full control of the al-Jeb al-Ahmar area.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=39071|title=Hezbollah and the regime forces advance in the northern countryside of Latakia|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015}}

{{anchor|Katf Al Ziyarah}}{{anchor|Ateera}}{{anchor|Tall Hamdiyyat}}{{anchor|Ikko}}{{anchor|Zahiyah Tower}}{{anchor|Point 812}}{{anchor|Jabal Al-‘Azar}}{{anchor|Ruwayssat Alstrek}}Between 3 and 15 December, government forces captured up to 20 villages and hills.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-ruwesat-khandiq-aftet-russian-air-force-devastates-islamists-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army Captures Ruwesat Khandiq After the Russian Air Force Devastates the Islamists in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=4 December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=6 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206072834/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-ruwesat-khandiq-aftet-russian-air-force-devastates-islamists-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/672773301232537601|title=Hassan Ridha|work=Twitter|access-date=4 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-katf-al-ziyarah-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Katf Al-Ziyarah in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=4 December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=6 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206032318/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-katf-al-ziyarah-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=145422|title=مزيد من القصف على ريف درعا وقوات النظام تتقدم مجدداً في جبل زاهي|author=edward|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=5 December 2015|access-date=10 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-capture-more-points-on-the-turkish-border-turkey-unresponsive/|title=Syrian Army Capture More Points on the Turkish Border: Turkey Unresponsive|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=6 December 2015|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=9 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209015216/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-capture-more-points-on-the-turkish-border-turkey-unresponsive/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=39532|title=Violent clashes take place in the northern countryside of Lattakia, while a man was killed while another wounded in an explosion in the countryside of al- Hasakah|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=6 December 2015|access-date=10 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-rolls-through-northeastern-latakia-as-the-islamists-retreat-towards-turkey/|title=Syrian Army Rolls Through Northeastern Latakia as the Islamists Retreat Towards Turkey|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=6 December 2015|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210083007/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-rolls-through-northeastern-latakia-as-the-islamists-retreat-towards-turkey/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=39622|title=Hit-and-run clashes take place in the northern countryside of Lattakia leaving casualties on both sides|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=7 December 2015|access-date=10 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-a-strategic-village-on-the-turkish-border-as-the-islamist-rebel-defenses-collapse/|title=Syrian Army Seizes a Strategic Village on the Turkish Border as the Islamist Rebel Defenses Collapse|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=9 December 2015|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210223517/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-a-strategic-village-on-the-turkish-border-as-the-islamist-rebel-defenses-collapse/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-along-the-turkish-border-as-they-seize-several-sites-in-northern-latakia/Syrian|title=Syrian Agent Worked as Courier to Deliver Money to ISIL|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=4 January 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-ruweisat-al-daybat-in-northern-latakia//|title=Breaking: Syrian Army Captures Ruweisat Al-Daybat in Northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=15 December 2015|access-date=15 December 2015|archive-date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218072057/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-ruweisat-al-daybat-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} During this time, Islamist rebels also retook several checkpoints around Jabal al-Nawabah. Two rebel commanders were killed by Russian airstrikes in Latakia Northern countryside.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=39887|title=The regime forces target the northwestern countryside of Daraa, while the clashes continue in the countryside of Lattakia|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=10 December 2015|access-date=17 January 2016}}

On 16 December, government forces captured the strategic Al-Nuba Mountains (Jabal Al-Nuba) in the northern countryside of Latakia.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-jabal-al-nuba-in-northern-latakia-as-the-islamists-retreat-towards-turkey//|title=Syrian Army captures Jabal Al-Nuba in northern Latakia as the Islamists retreat towards Turkey|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 December 2015|access-date=16 December 2015|archive-date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218003938/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-jabal-al-nuba-in-northern-latakia-as-the-islamists-retreat-towards-turkey/|url-status=dead}} {{anchor|Shayr Al-Sahaab}}{{anchor|Point 793}}On the same day, they also seized two hilltops which are located on the border of the Idlib governorate.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-strategic-hilltops-overlooking-the-idlib-countryside/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captures strategic hilltops overlooking Idlib countryside|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225191317/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-strategic-hilltops-overlooking-the-idlib-countryside/|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Kabir}}{{anchor|Ruweisat Addou}}{{anchor|Jabal al-Haramiyyah}}{{anchor|Ruwayssat Yaqoubar}}{{anchor|Tall SyriaTel}}{{anchor|Jabal Al-Aswad}}{{anchor|Point 754}}Between 17 and 20 December, government forces captured another 10 villages and points along the Turkish border,{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-rolls-past-the-islamists-in-northern-latakia-after-seizing-6-sites-near-the-turkish-border/|title=Syrian Army rolls past the Islamists in northern Latakia after seizing 6 sites near the Turkish border|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226030007/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-rolls-past-the-islamists-in-northern-latakia-after-seizing-6-sites-near-the-turkish-border/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-more-points-along-the-turkish-border-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army captures more points along the Turkish border in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=18 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226000409/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-more-points-along-the-turkish-border-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-soldiers-watch-as-the-syrian-army-captures-5-points-along-the-border-with-northern-latakia/|title=Turkish soldiers watch as the Syrian Army captures 5 points along the border with northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226085658/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-soldiers-watch-as-the-syrian-army-captures-5-points-along-the-border-with-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=40824|title=The warplanes continue to hit the northern countryside of Lattkia, while 2 fighters wounded in Sahl al- Ghab|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=21 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016}} while the rebels retook the Jabal Al-Sayed Mountains and partly retook the Jabal Al-Nuba mountain.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-recaptures-jabal-al-sayyid-in-northern-latakia/|title=Jabhat al-Nusra recaptures Jabal al-Sayyid in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=26 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226072847/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-recaptures-jabal-al-sayyid-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Jabal Al-Nuba}}{{anchor|Jabal Al-Sayed}}On 23 and 24 December, government forces supported by Russian air-strikes, reportedly recaptured the Jabal Al-Nuba mountain{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-seizes-crucial-al-nuba-mountains-northeastern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army seizes the crucial Al-Nuba Mountains in northeastern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=23 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125134650/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-seizes-crucial-al-nuba-mountains-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} and the Jabal Al-Sayed Mountains.{{Cite web |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWgdaoyXIAAD1lt.jpg:large |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-12-25 |archive-date=2016-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122133024/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWgdaoyXIAAD1lt.jpg:large |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-point-485-5-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army captures another point on the Turkish border|work=Al-Masdar News|date=24 December 2015|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228063616/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-point-485-5-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Talat Al-Awda}}{{anchor|Ayn Sharouq}}{{anchor|Talat Bayt Ablaq}}{{anchor|Kaft Al-Alamah}}{{anchor|Kaft Al-Harami}}{{anchor|Kabani}}{{anchor|Bayt al Faris}}{{anchor|Burj Al-Qasab}}{{anchor|Qasab}}{{anchor|Ruweisat Al-Qubayb}}{{anchor|Jaball Harah}}{{anchor|Ruwayssat Abu Ghannam}}{{anchor|Ruwayssat al-Sheikh Salman}}{{anchor|Kadin}}{{anchor|Binjazi}}{{anchor|Mughayriyah}}{{anchor|al-Saraf}}{{anchor|Dagdagan}}Between 25 December and 10 January, government forces imposed full control over two dozen more villages and hills,{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/21845/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=25 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=27 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227195813/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/21845/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/21915/|title=Syrian Army captures Ayn Sharouq in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=26 December 2015|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=20 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120225556/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/21915/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=147832|title=شهداء وجرحى في قصف جوي على نوى بريف درعا وجبال اللاذقية تشهد اشتباكات متواصلة|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=25 December 2015|access-date=4 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-2-villages-near-the-turkish-border/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captures 2 villages near the Turkish border|work=Al-Masdar News|date=29 December 2015|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101101810/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-2-villages-near-the-turkish-border/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-another-large-village-in-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army seizes another large village in northeastern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=29 December 2015|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102183744/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-another-large-village-in-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://sana.sy/en/?p=65973|title=The army establishes control over many areas in different regions, kills more terrorists in different areas|author=Reem|date=7 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=149657|title=قوات النظام وحزب الله اللبناني يحققان تقدماً في جبال اللاذقية وقصف مكثف يستهدف أماكن بريف اللاذقية الشمالي|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=7 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/huge-gains-made-in-northern-latakia-as-the-syrian-army-progresses-through-the-snow/|title=Huge gains made in northern Latakia as the Syrian Army progresses through the snow|work=Al-Masdar News|date=7 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119123717/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/huge-gains-made-in-northern-latakia-as-the-syrian-army-progresses-through-the-snow/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-ruweisat-al-qubayb-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army captures Ruweisat Al-Qubayb in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=4 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107213807/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-ruweisat-al-qubayb-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/qasioun.news/photos/a.747372365348486.1073741828.723003037785419/946724375413283/?type=3&theater|title=Timeline Photos – Qasion News Agency_EN – Facebook|website=Facebook|access-date=12 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/qasioun.news/photos/a.747372365348486.1073741828.723003037785419/946722892080098/?type=3|title=Timeline Photos – Qasion News Agency_EN – Facebook|website=Facebook|access-date=12 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seized-3-villages-in-northeast-latakia-as-the-encirclement-of-salma-continues/|title=Syrian Army seizes 3 villages in northeast Latakia as encirclement of Salma continues|work=Al-Masdar News|date=9 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=13 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113193103/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seized-3-villages-in-northeast-latakia-as-the-encirclement-of-salma-continues/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-surrounds-the-rebel-stronghold-of-salma-from-3-sides/|title=Syrian Army surrounds the rebel stronghold of Salma from 3 sides|work=Al-Masdar News|date=11 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119070403/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-surrounds-the-rebel-stronghold-of-salma-from-3-sides/|url-status=dead}} including the Katf Al-Alamah area.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=41565|title=The factions target the regime forces on the outskirts of the capital and al-Thaala airbase and clashes in the mountains of the Syrian coast|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=28 December 2015|access-date=17 January 2016}} Of these, the rebels managed to recapture only two villages.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-recaptures-dadaan-in-northern-latakia/|title=Jabhat Al-Nusra recaptures Sarif and Da'da'an in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=9 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=13 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113214633/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-recaptures-dadaan-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Tartiyah}}On the morning of 12 January, government forces imposed full control over the strategic village of Tartiyah, situated to the east of the rebel stronghold of Salma, considered to be the rebel's most important site in the Kurdish Mountains (Jabal al-Akrad) in the northern countryside of Latakia.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-tartiyah-in-northeast-latakia-salma-under-attack/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captures Tartiyah in northeast Latakia – Salma under attack|work=Al-Masdar News|date=12 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112100509/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-tartiyah-in-northeast-latakia-salma-under-attack/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=150316|title=بعد أكثر من 120 غارة ومئات الصواريخ حزب الله وقوات النظام يدخلان معقل الفصائل في سلمى بجبل الأكراد في الريف الشمالي للاذقية|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=12 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2016}} Later that day, the military fully seized Salma.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-the-strategic-town-of-salma-in-northeast-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army liberates the strategic town of Salma in northeast Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=12 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508231608/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-the-strategic-town-of-salma-in-northeast-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42568|title=After heavy bombardment, Regime forces and Hezbollah take control on Salma town |author=Jack|work=SOHR|date=12 January 2016 |access-date=12 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Jan-12/331472-syrian-army-enters-rebel-bastion-in-latakia-province-activists.ashx|title=Syrian army retakes town in Latakia province|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114083645/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Jan-12/331472-syrian-army-enters-rebel-bastion-in-latakia-province-activists.ashx|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Marj Khawkha}}The following day, the military expanded its control from Salma, capturing Mrouniyah and Marj Khawkha.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-seize-territory-rebels-northwest-36261908 |title=With Russian Help, Syrian Army Pushes Into Rebel Bastion |author=ABC News |work=ABC News |access-date=17 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118095850/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-seize-territory-rebels-northwest-36261908 |archive-date=January 18, 2016 }} {{anchor|Al-Koum}}{{anchor|Al-Mareeij}}{{anchor|Bayt Miru}}{{anchor|Ruwayssat Al-Nimr}}By 15 January, they took control of another six villages as rebel defenses collapsed.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-defenses-collapse-in-northern-latakia-as-the-syrian-army-advances-to-the-turkish-border/|title=Islamist defenses collapse in northern Latakia as the Syrian Army advances to the Turkish border|work=Al-Masdar News|date=13 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110645/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-defenses-collapse-in-northern-latakia-as-the-syrian-army-advances-to-the-turkish-border/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-seizes-two-villages-in-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army seizes two villages in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=15 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117185011/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-seizes-two-villages-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42774|title=Continuous heavy shelling by the regime forces, warplanes and Russian warplanes on Latakia Mountains along with the ongoing clashes|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=16 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016}}

On 16 January 2016, government forces captured several hills overlooking al-Sarraf,{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-3-points-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army captures 3 points in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=17 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117034538/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-3-points-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} as well as another six villages.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=150910|title=قوات النظام تسيطر على نقاط في تلال ومناطق بريف اللاذقية الشمالي وخسائر بشرية في صفوف المقاتلين|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=16 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-capitalize-on-the-collapsing-rebel-defenses-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army capitalizes on the collapsing rebel defenses in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116204051/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-capitalize-on-the-collapsing-rebel-defenses-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=150894|title=غارات تستهدف ريف إدلب الجنوبي وتقدم لقوات النظام في تلال بجبال اللاذقية|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=16 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016}}

On the next day, the military seized two mountaintops near the strategic town of Rabia{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-two-mountaintops-near-the-turkish-border/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captures two mountaintops near the Turkish border|work=Al-Masdar News|date=17 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117083944/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-two-mountaintops-near-the-turkish-border/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=150961|title=قصف لقوات النظام والطائرات الحربية يستهدف ريف حمص الشمالي ومعارك عنيفة في جبال الساحل السوري|author=edward|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=17 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2016}} and six villages throughout Jabal Al-Akrad and the Turkmen Mountain.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=151015|title=اشتباكات متفاوتة العنف في جبال اللاذقية بالريف الشمالي وغارات تستهدف أطراف سراقب|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=17 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=150894|title=غارات تستهدف ريف إدلب الجنوبي وتقدم لقوات النظام في تلال بجبال اللاذقية|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=16 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/24282/|title=Syrian Army zeros-in on the FSA's stronghold in Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=17 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=21 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121222808/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/24282/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=151199|title=ريف اللاذقية الشمالي يشهد اشتباكات متواصلة وقوات النظام تقصف ريف إدلب الجنوبي|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=18 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016}}

On 20 January, government advances continued with the seizure of another two villages.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-the-strategic-village-of-ateiri-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army clears Latakia-Turkish border|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=22 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122220804/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-the-strategic-village-of-ateiri-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} However, a rebel counter-attack between 18 and 20 January, led to their recapture of four villages and a hill. Still, their hold on these recaptured positions was weak due to government troops still occupying the strategic heights.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=151495|title=مزيد من التقدم للفصائل في جبال اللاذقية يخلف خسائر بشرية|author=khaled|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=20 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.agathocledesyracuse.com/archives/650|title=Agathocle de Syracuse|access-date=24 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-captures-tal-al-nimr-in-northern-latakia/|title=Jabhat Al-Nusra captures Tal Al-Nimr in northern Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 January 2016|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=23 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123030438/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jabhat-al-nusra-captures-tal-al-nimr-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

On 21 January, a renewed Army assault commenced{{cite web|url=http://www.agathocledesyracuse.com/archives/661|title=Agathocle de Syracuse|access-date=2016-01-25|archive-date=2016-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126165941/http://www.agathocledesyracuse.com/archives/661|url-status=dead}} and by 24 January, they captured 20 villages, surrounding the strategic town of Rabia on three sides. Rabia itself was seized that day.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-24/syria-army-seizes-key-rebel-held-town-in-latakia/7110762|title=Syrian army seizes key rebel-held town in Latakia, fragile peace talks loom|work=ABC News|date=24 January 2016}}

In all, between 12 and 25 January, Russian and Syrian warplanes conducted more than 522 airstrikes, while government ground forces fired more than 3,000 rocket shells and missiles, which led to them taking control of 36 towns and villages, the most important of all being Salma and Rabia, which were the main rebel strongholds in Jabal al-Akrad and Jabal al-Turkman. A total of 72 Syrian soldiers and 124 foreign rebel fighters were killed during these two weeks of operations.

{{anchor|Uwaynat}}{{anchor|Al Mazra`ah}}{{anchor|Mazzin}}{{anchor|Ta’uma}} Between 27 and 31 January, government forces captured seven villages, Ruweisat Al-Nimr hill and Jabal Al-Mulqa mountain.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43554|title=The regime forces advance in Jabal al-Akrad and control villages and areas, and casualties in airstrike on area in the countryside of Jisr al-Shughur|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=28 January 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-along-the-turkish-border/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=27 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203191340/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-along-the-turkish-border/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=152784|title=جبل الأكراد يشهد معاركاً متواصلة بين غرفة عمليات قوات النظام بقيادة ضباط روس ومقاتلي الفصائل|author=edward|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=27 January 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://test.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-mezzin-in-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army captures Mezzin in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=29 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303043158/http://test.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-mezzin-in-northeastern-latakia|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-near-turkish-border-nuwarah-village-seized/|title=Syrian Army advances near Turkish border: Nuwarah village seized|author=Leith Fadel|date=30 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205135632/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-near-turkish-border-nuwarah-village-seized/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-villages-in-northeast-latakia/|title=Syrian Army captures strategic villages in northeast Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=31 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205034021/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-villages-in-northeast-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

{{anchor|Nawarah}} On 1 February, the rebels recaptured Nawarah (Kelez), near the Turkish border, after government forces had completely withdrawn from the village and its surrounding hills. Meanwhile, east of Jabal al-Turkman (Turkmen Mountains), government forces continued to advance north towards the rebel stronghold of Kinsabba.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamists-recapture-nuwarah-in-northern-latakia/|title=Islamists recapture Nuwarah in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=1 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204021705/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamists-recapture-nuwarah-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

On 3 February, a Russian military advisor training Syrian soldiers in the use of "new weapons" was killed by rebel mortar shelling in Salma. Three other Russian soldiers were wounded.{{Cite web|title = Russian military officer 'killed by Islamic State shelling in Syria'|url = http://www.globalpost.com/article/6728596/2016/02/03/russian-military-officer-killed-islamic-state-shelling-syria|website = GlobalPost|access-date = 2016-02-04}}

{{anchor|Aliyah}}{{anchor|Jabal Krouja}} Between 6 and 7 February, government troops captured the village of Aliyah (Krouja) and its hill.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-aliyah-village-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Special Forces, Marines capture Aliyah village in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=6 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213062200/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-aliyah-village-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=154560|title=غرفة عمليات قوات النظام تحرز تقدماً جديداً في جبل التركمان بريف اللاذقية الشمالي|author=yaman2020|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=6 February 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}} {{anchor|Suwaydīyat Ristmū}}{{anchor|Al Hawr}}{{anchor|Wadi Al 'Zaraq}} On the same day, the 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard and other Syrian paramilitaries crossed a river capturing the village of Bashura.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-almost-entirely-expelled-from-latakia-as-saa-captures-new-village-map-update/|title=Rebels almost entirely expelled from Latakia as SAA captures new village – Map update|author=Chris Tomson|work=Al-Masdar News|date=7 February 2016|access-date=5 June 2016|archive-date=29 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629155715/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-almost-entirely-expelled-from-latakia-as-saa-captures-new-village-map-update/|url-status=dead}} The attack was heavily assisted by Russian airstrikes which targeted Al-Nusra Front and FSA 1st Coastal Brigade defenses. On 8 February, they further advanced and seized four villages, including two in the area of Kinsabba.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=154784|title= الفصائل تستهدف كفريا والفوعة بعدة قذائف وقوات النظام تثبت سيطرتها في قرى ومناطق بجبل الاكراد|author=yaman2020|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date= 8 February 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-towards-kinsibba-4-villages-captured-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army continues advance towards Kinsibba: 4 villages captured in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=8 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213231231/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-towards-kinsibba-4-villages-captured-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

On 9 February, the Saudi national and senior Al-Nusra Front commander of the Kurdish Mountains, Abdel-Aziz Al-Dibaykhi (nom de guerre "Abu Hamza") was killed by the Republican Guard's 103rd Brigade. At least 16 Al-Nusra Front fighters were killed by Russian air-strikes as the military regained several positions they had previously lost.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=155034|title=الطائرات الروسية تقتل 16 عنصراً من جبهة النصرة في ضربات على ريف اللاذقية الشمالي|author=yaman2020|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=9 February 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}} Two days later, the rebels recaptured two villages, including Krouja, following fighting that left 12 soldiers dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=155363|title=12 قتيلاً لقوات النظام والمسلحين الموالين لها خلال تقدم للفصائل واستعادتها السيطرة على قريتين بجبل التركمان|author=suliman|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=11 February 2016|access-date=2 March 2016}} On 13 February, the military regained several positions they had lost, including a village.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=155790|title=قوات النظام تتقدم في جبل الأكراد مدعومة بغطاء ناري من القصف البري وغارات الطائرات الروسية|author=yaman2020|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=13 February 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}}

On 14 February, the Army seized three villages,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-arab-army-captures-ara-village-amidst-offensive-in-latakia-map-update/|title=Syrian Arab Army captures Ara village amidst offensive in Latakia – Map update|author=Chris Tomson|date=14 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225011231/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-arab-army-captures-ara-village-amidst-offensive-in-latakia-map-update/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-2-villages-in-northern-latakia/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captures 2 villages in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=14 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225001715/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-2-villages-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} and the following day another seven sites as they pressed towards Kinsabba.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-make-significant-progress-in-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian commandos make significant progress in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=16 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=24 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224230329/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-make-significant-progress-in-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} With the capture of two more villages on 16 February, the military reached Kinsabba and preparations were started for a final assault on the town.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-capture-shillif-south-of-kinsibba/|title=Final assault on Kinsibba is moments away as the Syrian commandos capture Ballah and Shillif|author=Leith Fadel|date=16 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225012413/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-capture-shillif-south-of-kinsibba/|url-status=dead}} Due to the re-allocation of most of the rebel forces from Tal Ghazaleh hill, that overlooks the Turkish border, to reinforce the defense of Kinsabba, government forces used the opportunity, assaulted the hill and captured it.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-takes-control-of-important-hill-overlooking-turkish-border/|title=Syrian Army takes control of important hill overlooking Turkish border|author=Leith Fadel|date=16 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=24 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224230332/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-takes-control-of-important-hill-overlooking-turkish-border/|url-status=dead}} The attack on Kinsabba started on 17 February,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-storm-rebel-stronghold-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Commandos storm rebel stronghold in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=17 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=24 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224225626/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-storm-rebel-stronghold-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} quickly capturing three villages on its western flank and leaving one road open for the rebels to retreat.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-begin-encirclement-of-kinsibba-after-capturing-3-villages-in-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Commandos begin encirclement of Kinsibba after capturing 3 villages in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=17 February 2016|access-date=18 February 2016|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201094707/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-begin-encirclement-of-kinsibba-after-capturing-3-villages-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} Kinsabba was secured the following morning. Following this advance, the next aim of the Army was the village of Kabani, one of the highest points in Jabal al-Akrad, that overlooks the Al-Ghaab Plains, and from where the rebels still had the ability to shell places like Qardaha.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=44241|title=After 4 years… the regime forces in Latakia reach the nearest point to the administrative borders of Idlib, and displacement in the area out of fear of military operations|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=18 February 2016|access-date=2 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-captures-the-strategic-village-of-kinsibba-in-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian Commandos liberate the strategic village of Kinsibba in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=18 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617054138/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-captures-the-strategic-village-of-kinsibba-in-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-eyes-the-last-rebel-stronghold-in-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian Army eyes the last rebel stronghold in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=18 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225000254/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-eyes-the-last-rebel-stronghold-in-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}

Between 20 and 23 February, the Army continued its advances and captured eight villages and a hill north of Kinsabba.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-continue-to-retreat-as-the-syrian-army-captures-hinsibba-in-northern-latakia/|title=Rebels continue to retreat as the Syrian Army captures Hinsibba in northern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=20 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311142747/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-continue-to-retreat-as-the-syrian-army-captures-hinsibba-in-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-capture-3-villages-and-several-hills-in-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian commandos capture 3 villages and several hills in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=22 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131051337/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-capture-3-villages-and-several-hills-in-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-advance-towards-the-idlib-border/|title=Syrian commandos make huge strides towards the Idlib border: map|author=Leith Fadel|date=24 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206014104/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-advance-towards-the-idlib-border/|url-status=dead}} On 26 February, government troops took control of Ayn Al-Bayda, on the provincial border between Latakia and Idlib,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-officially-enter-idlib/|title=Syrian commandos officially enter Idlib after capturing Ayn Al-Bayda|author=Leith Fadel|date=26 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=30 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130184847/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-officially-enter-idlib/|url-status=dead}} and on the following day, they seized the village of Saraf and Tal Nawarat hill, that overlooks a Nusra-held border crossing with Turkey.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=44552|title=Renewed clashes in Latakia Mountains and bombing accompany the advancement of the regime forces in the area|author=Edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=28 February 2016|access-date=2 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-seize-strategic-hilltop-overlooking-turkey/|title=Syrian commandos seize strategic hilltop overlooking Turkey|author=Leith Fadel|date=28 February 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202124316/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-seize-strategic-hilltop-overlooking-turkey/|url-status=dead}}

On 2 March, the military launched an assault on Kabani{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-launch-final-assault-kabani-northeastern-latakia/|title=Syrian commandos launch final assault on Kabani in northeastern Latakia|author=Leith Fadel|date=2 March 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202170404/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-commandos-launch-final-assault-kabani-northeastern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} and its hill.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-latakia-idUSKCN0W414J|title=Syrian government forces open new battle with rebels in northwest|date=2 March 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=2 March 2016}} Elsewhere, they reportedly captured three villages and a hill.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armed-forces-continue-push-northern-latakia/|title=Syrian Armed Forces continue push in Northern latakia|author=Zen Adra|date=2 March 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124849/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armed-forces-continue-push-northern-latakia/|url-status=dead}} Ten days later, the strategic height of Kabani hill (Hill 1154) was taken by government forces.{{cite web|url=http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/03/12/740494/story.html|title=Syria's Hill 1154 on the Idlib-Latakia border captured by Army|date=12 March 2016|access-date=13 March 2016}} During this time, the Army also seized the Zuweiqat mountaintop overlooking Kabani.{{Cite web |url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566719-syria-regime-presses-toward-key-idlib-town |title=Syria regime presses toward key Idlib town |access-date=2016-03-17 |archive-date=2016-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310111844/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566719-syria-regime-presses-toward-key-idlib-town |url-status=dead }} Still, opposition activists reported on 9 March that the rebels had recaptured Zuweiqat.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=44910 Continued clashes in Lattakia countryside]

{{main|2016 Latakia offensive}}

Al-Nusra-led rebels launched an assault in mid-April 2016, capturing parts of Jabal al-Qalat (Qalat Mountain) and al-Bayda village.{{cite web|url=http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/04/11/746478/story.html|title=Syrian Army retreats from huge strategic importance mountain in Latakia as rebels push back|work=ABNA|date=11 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://hosted2.ap.org/apdefault/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2016-04-10-ML--Syria/id-6708986bbd9c4dbb80355bdbe1f4a0ac|title=Syrian cease-fire strained by new clashes ahead of talks|agency=Associated Press|date=10 April 2016}} The Syrian Army mounted a counter-attack within days and re-captured all positions they had lost, continuing with the assault on the heights around Kabani again.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-reverses-rebel-gains-northern-latakia/ |title=Syrian Army officially reverses all rebel gains in northern Latakia |access-date=2016-04-13 |archive-date=2021-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125052412/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-reverses-rebel-gains-northern-latakia/ |url-status=dead }}[http://www.syriahr.com/?p=166069 قوات النظام تستعيد السيطرة على مناطق خسرتها في هجوم الفصائل الأخير وقصف يستهدف مدينة درعا]{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-retakes-initiative-northern-latakia-cut-rebel-supply-line/ |title=Syrian Army retakes initiative in northern Latakia to cut the rebel supply line |access-date=2016-04-13 |archive-date=2021-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131045833/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-retakes-initiative-northern-latakia-cut-rebel-supply-line/ |url-status=dead }} In the course of the fighting, a prominent al-Nusra Front commander was killed: Abu Shakkar, nicknamed "The Cannibal" because he ate the heart of a Syrian soldier.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/al-qaeda-cannibal-abu-sakkar-7698125|title=Al-Qaeda 'cannibal' Abu Sakkar who ate Syrian soldier's heart in gruesome video killed in combat|author=Chris Hughes, Sam Webb|work=Al-Masdar News|date=6 April 2016|access-date=15 April 2016}}

Between 14 and 29 April, government forces made 10 unsuccessful attempts at capturing two strategic hills on the outskirts of Kabani.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadists-scurry-reinforcements-ne-latakia-overrun/ |title=Jihadists scurry reinforcements to NE Latakia before being overrun |access-date=2016-04-29 |archive-date=2021-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202150734/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadists-scurry-reinforcements-ne-latakia-overrun/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-new-assault-northeastern-latakia/ |title=Syrian Army, Desert Hawks launch new assault in northeastern Latakia |access-date=2016-04-29 |archive-date=2021-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131100401/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-new-assault-northeastern-latakia/ |url-status=dead }} As of 30 April, there were contradictory reports who controlled height 1154[http://www.syriatruths.com/syrian-army-wins-back-key-heights-overlooking-kabani-town-in-lattakia/ Syrian army wins back key heights overlooking kabani town in lattakia] as a 3-day ceasefire came into effect.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/2016/04/30/calm-prevails-the-eastern-ghouta-and-the-northern-countryside-of-latakia/ Calm prevails the eastern ghouta and the northern countryside of latakia][http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/04/30/750868/story.html Syria: Understanding strategic situation in Latakia province; Three-day ceasefire announced]

On 30 May, the Army captured the Tall Haddadeh hilltop, which overlooks the Turkish border and remaining rebel-held villages in northern Latakia.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/Syrian-army-retakes-strategic-mountain-overlooking-turkey-Latakia-province/|title=Syrian army liberates strategic mountain overlooking Turkey|work=Al-Masdar News|date=30 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131095717/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/Syrian-army-retakes-strategic-mountain-overlooking-turkey-Latakia-province/|url-status=dead}}

At the end of June, the al-Nusra-led Army of Conquest, supported by FSA groups, launched a counter-offensive on the Turkman and Kurd Mountains, capturing several villages before they withdrew under Russian airstrikes.{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/06/jihadists-and-other-rebels-attack-syrian-regime-positions-in-latakia-province.php|title=Jihadists and other rebels attack Syrian regime positions in Latakia province|work=The Long War Journal|date=28 June 2016}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-recovers-lost-points-northern-latakia-jihadists-retreat-turkey/ |title=Syrian Army recovers lost points in northern Latakia as jihadists retreat to Turkey |access-date=2016-07-01 |archive-date=2016-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816111347/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-recovers-lost-points-northern-latakia-jihadists-retreat-turkey/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-hilltop-village-near-turkish-border/ |title=Syrian Army seizes hilltop village near Turkish border |access-date=2016-07-01 |archive-date=2016-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816104944/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-hilltop-village-near-turkish-border/ |url-status=dead }}[https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/photos/a.150495128392167.28686.121855461256134/893114470796892/?type=3&theater Hit-and-run clashes continue in the northern countryside of Latakia and casualties in the countryside of Idlib] A total of 33 rebels and 15 soldiers were killed in the fighting.[https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/photos/a.150495128392167.28686.121855461256134/892104904231182/?type=3&theater 31 rebels killed during clashes against regime forces in Lattakia countryside][https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/891552100953129 More than 30 fighters killed during clashes in northern Lattakia][https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/892691277505878 Human losses in rebels during clashes in Lattakia] Still, a second rebel assault a few days later managed to capture Kinsabba,[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-latakia-idUSKCN0ZH4QA Syria rebels retake key town in western coastal province: monitor, rebels]{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-capture-kinsibba-lattakia-province/ |title=Rebels capture Kinsibba in Lattakia province |access-date=2016-07-01 |archive-date=2016-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816103843/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-capture-kinsibba-lattakia-province/ |url-status=dead }} as well as a dozen nearby villages and hills.[https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/photos/a.150495128392167.28686.121855461256134/893297884111884/?type=3&theater Factions keep on advancing in the countryside of Latakia and expel the regime forces from Kinsabba town] On 8 August, the Syrian Army regained Kinsabba and its surrounding villages and hills during a counter-offensive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-major-advances-latakia-videomap/|title=Syrian Army makes major advances in Latakia (Video+Map)|last=Charkatli|first=Izat|date=2016-08-08|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-date=2018-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226045849/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-major-advances-latakia-videomap/|url-status=dead}}

According to analysis by pro-opposition Al Jazeera, the objective of the Latakia offensive was to consolidate a potential Alawi dominated state (supported by Russia) that would extend from the Coast to Damascus, passing by Hama and Homs. This would entail forcing the population to leave the north of Latakia so that they would be replaced by government supporters. According to the same source, the offensive aims also at embarrassing and pressuring the Turkish government since most of the population in north Latakia are from Turkmen origin. The source attributes the advance by government troops to the powerful missiles used by the Russian airforce and to the lack of support from rebels in Idlib and Hama governorates.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.net/news/reportsandinterviews/2016/1/2/%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A5%D8%AE%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A9|title=لماذا يصر النظام وروسيا على إخضاع ريف اللاذقية؟|author=عمر أبو خليل|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 February 2016}}

On the other hand, the Syrian government claims to be aiming to reconquer the whole of Syria. In this case, after recovering all of Latakia, the next logical step might be to move into neighboring Idlib and recover what was lost to the opposition earlier in the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/afp-exclusive-assad-vows-retake-whole-country-warns-150319669.html?ref=gs|title=AFP EXCLUSIVE: Assad vows to retake Syria, amid new ceasefire push|author=Sammy Ketz and Christian Chaise|work=AFP|access-date=13 April 2016|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819034129/https://www.yahoo.com/news/afp-exclusive-assad-vows-retake-whole-country-warns-150319669.html?ref=gs|url-status=dead}}

• 2016 Latakia offensive

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