Large build-up of Hezbollah, Iraqi forces in southern Aleppo

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:50 P.M.) - Hezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujaba (Iraqi paramilitary) have mobilized a large force in the southern countryside of Aleppo, as they prepare to launch a massive offensive that is expected to rival their 2015 assault.

According to a Syrian Army source in Aleppo city, Hezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujaba have been increasing their manpower for several days now, in preparation for their offensive to recapture the key town of Khan Touman.

Khan Touman is strategically located along the Aleppo-Damascus Highway (M-5 Highway) in southern Aleppo; its proximity to the jihadist stronghold of Saraqib in Idlib makes the seizure of this town a top priority for Hezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujaba.

While Al-Masdar cannot confirm Hezbollah's plans after Khan Touman; it is very likely that they will make a major push to lift the siege on the predominately Shi'i towns of Kafraya and Al-Fou'aa near the provincial capital of Idlib.

In order to reach Al-Fou'aa and Kafraya, Hezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujaba will have to capture the Idlib Governorate villages located between the provincial capital and Khan Touman.

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