After nine years of war, the last Islamic State territory has been taken back by the regime forces in Baghouz, on March 23rd.
However, a few remaining hot spots in and around Idlib and Deir ez-Zor are still witnessing heavy bombings and attacks. In recent days, the conflict is heating in the Idlib pocket and NW Hama in particular with the jihadi group Hay’at Tahrir al-Cham controlling the area since January. Meanwhile, sporadic attacks against government forces are rising, notably around Damascus. In government-held areas, the tension is also rising due to rising prices and the fuel crisis exacerbated by international sanctions: protests are erupting. The critical humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by harsh winter conditions.
For a focus on security in the Homs baladiye, see our report here.
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