The
Syrian Arab Army launched a ground offensive against
HTS and
NFL-held areas in northern
Hama and southern
Idlib, after six days of intensive airstrikes on the region by the
SyAAF and
RuAF. The
Syrian Government stated that the assault was provoked by increased rebel attacks on government-held areas originating from within the
demilitarized zone. The Idlib-based rebel groups stated that they believed the goal of the offensive would be to capture the M4 and M5 highways in the
Idlib Governorate.[4][5][6]
7 May
Northwestern Syria offensive: The
SAA captured the villages of Tel Othman, al-Bani and al-Janabara. It also targeted various
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,
National Front for Liberation and
Jaysh al-Izza positions with missiles and artillery.[7][8][9] The pro-opposition
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 69 civilians and 41 insurgents had been killed up to that point, since the beginning of the escalation.[10] The
Russian Air Force intensified airstrikes against rebel groups, in response to missiles and mortar shells, that they stated had been fired against Russia's
Khmeimim Air Base the previous day by unidentified militants.[11] The Syrian Army reported that it had killed 15 rebels in the previous day, while losing 11 servicemen.[12][13]
8 May
Northwestern Syria offensive: Syrian Army captured the town of
Kafr Nabudah after a brief battle.[14][15]
9 May
Northwestern Syria offensive: Syrian Army captured the town of
Qalaat al-Madiq as well as some surrounding villages.[16]
The Syrian army lose
Kafr Nabudah after a rebel counterattack but recaptures it on 26 May.[18]
27 May
The
Israeli Air Force announces destroying a Syrian air defense launcher and its operator after it says an anti-aircraft missile locked onto an Israeli plane conducting a "routine flight" over northern Israel. According to Syrian media, the strike took place near
Khan Arnabah, very close to the
Golan Heights border. The AA missile reportedly fell within Syrian territory.[19]
29 May
At least 14 civilians are killed in air strikes by the Syrian Government and Russian forces in Idlib.[20]
30 May
During continuing air strikes, five civilians including women and children are killed in Idlib.[21]
Syrian State Television report wildfires spark an explosion at an ammo depot west of Damascus.[24]
16 June
Rebel shelling kills 12 in a rural area in northern Aleppo.[25]
20 June
Over the past 48 hours, it is reported that 84 rebels and 41 government based troops have been killed in Hama.[26]
26 June
The
UN questions the Russian Government in relation to 23 hospitals that have been hit by attacks since the Idlib offensive began in April.[27]
July 2019
12 July
On 12 July,
Hezbollah announced that it was reducing its presence in Syria, stating that their presence was no longer necessary, as according to them the Syrian army had recovered.[28][29][30]
14 July
Turkish forces masses out near the Syrian border with the aim of launching an offensive east of the Euphrates.[31]
August 2019
1 August
The Syrian Government agrees to a ceasefire in Idlib on the condition that a Turkish-Russian buffer zone deal is implemented.[32]
Syrian Air Force warplanes repeatedly strike a Turkish military convoy driving through the rebel-held region of Idlib, reportedly causing several casualties and forcing it to stop. Turkey claims the convoy was aiming to supply observation posts, while Syria accuses it of carrying weapons and ammunition to rebel groups.[35]
20 August
The Al-Qaeda-linked faction
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) acknowledges "a redeployment" south of the strategic town of
Khan Shaykhun. Pro-Government media later reports that the Syrian Army has entered the northern sector of the town following HTS withdrawal.[36]
23 August
The Syrian Army captures the entire northern Hama-southern Idlib rebel pocket, asserting control over the strategic towns of
Kafr Zita,
Al-Lataminah and
Murak, as well as numerous villages and
an archaeological site, following the withdrawal of rebel forces.[37]
The Damascus airstrike was conducted by the Israeli air force on late night on Sunday of 24 August to prevent an Iranian force from launching "very imminent" drone strike on Israel.[39][40][41]
More than 40 militants are killed by an American
cruise missile strike targeting al-Qaeda-linked militants at a Huras al-Din base in Syria's rebel-held Idlib Governorate. Idlib had recently agreed a truce with the Syrian government.[42]