Syrian Defense Minister: Withdrawal from Hama is a temporary tactical measure.
Ali Mahmoud Abbas, Minister of Defense and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces, considered the withdrawal from Hama a temporary tactical measure.
He added: The Syrian army is currently engaged in a heavy battle with terrorist groups that use guerrilla warfare, and our armed forces are forced to use appropriate methods in battle, including fight and escape, advance and retreat from certain positions; especially since regional and international countries support these Takfiri groups and enjoy their military and logistical support.
At the same time, the Syrian Minister of Defense said: We are in a good situation in terms of the field situation, and our armed forces have taken steps to redeploy to protect the lives of civilians. The battle tactics require that redeployment be carried out in some cases.
He added: Syria, with its army, people, leaders, and the support of its allies and friends, can overcome field challenges, no matter how difficult they are.
He referred to the media’s actions and the spread of rumors aimed at creating chaos and anarchy, issuing a statement or order from the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces, and publishing fake audio or video files using artificial intelligence technology.
While calling on civilians and soldiers to be vigilant about these actions, the Syrian Defense Minister emphasized that what happened in Hama was a temporary tactical action and that the Syrian forces around the city of Hama are in full readiness to carry out their national and legal duties.
He added: “The Syrian people should be patient and be confident that the army will not stop at any action in restoring security in the areas occupied by terrorists. The Syrian army, as it promised you during the years of war, will remain a strong barrier against anyone who wants to harm the country’s security.”
This is while Al-Arabiya claimed that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other armed groups were moving towards Homs after they were able to take control of the city of Hama.