Opposition forces are reportedly targeting Syrian regime forces stationed on Zen al-Abidin Mountain in the Hama countryside, according to local activists. This strategic location played a pivotal role in the events leading to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Zen al-Abidin Mountain had long stood as a formidable barrier against advancing opposition forces during the liberation campaign aimed at Hama, Homs, and ultimately, Damascus. Its control was considered the first line of defense for these key cities, with its capture opening up the entire city of Hama and providing a crucial strategic advantage to the attacking forces.
Located west of Kfraa Mountain and approximately 5 kilometers north of Hama, opposite the town of Qamhana, Zen al-Abidin Mountain became the focal point of intense fighting. These clashes, which began in December 2024, marked a turning point in the Syrian conflict and culminated in the downfall of Assad’s regime.
According to field reports, opposition factions initially used Zen al-Abidin Mountain as a diversionary front to draw the regime forces’ attention, particularly after suffering heavy casualties in direct assault attempts. Simultaneously, a strategic maneuver was implemented, focusing on infiltrating Hama from the eastern side via the surrounding hills, including the prominent al-Ra’i and al-Fan al-Shamali hills.
Reports indicate that opposition forces advanced from the Kawkab axis towards the village of Rasm al-Baghl, where the offensive was divided into two main axes. The southern axis aimed to sever the strategic supply route between Hama and Salamiyah, while the western axis focused on creating a breach towards the al-Mazarib area, thus opening a critical gap in the regime’s defenses. This breach allowed specialized forces to launch a surprise attack, during which Brigadier General Suheil al-Hassan, known as ‘The Tiger,’ a prominent figure in the Syrian army, was reportedly injured.
The mountain’s terrain proved to be a formidable challenge for both sides. Its strategic importance, however, made it a decisive battleground in the fight for Syria.
