LATEST: Video — Islamic State Fighters Abuse Bodies After Taking Over Gas Field in Central Syria
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Video Analysis: Who Created the Islamic State?
Insurgents repelled another regime attack on Thursday in the battle for the key town of Morek in Hama Province.
The ground attack was launched following 15 airstrikes. After fierce clashes, with significant losses on both sides, regime troops withdrew to their former positions. There were significant losses on both sides.
A well-placed source says, “It was a hectic day with front lines changing back and forth hourly.”
Morek’s importance comes from its location from the main highway between Hama and Idlib Province. Syrian forces have tried for months to seize the town to ensure that supply lines are open to their remaining bases in northwest Syria — if they fail, isolated bases such as Wadi ad-Daif and al-Hamidiyah in Idlib Province could fall to the insurgency.
The battle is so important that the Syrian air forces has used chlorine gas in barrel bombs on nearby towns.
Insurgent sources expect another ground attack soon. Asked if they could maintain their hold on Morek, they replied, “Yes. Those in the town will fight to the last bullet.”
Video: Islamic State Fighters Abuse Bodies After Taking Over Gas Field in Central Syria
Footage of slain guards at the al-Shifa gas field in the Palmyra region of central Syria, captured by the Islamic State on Thursday, including jihadists striking the bodies with shoes (Warning — Graphic)
Scores of guards were killed, with an unknown number of casualties among the Islamic State’s fighters.
The advance extends the Islamic State’s holdings of Syrian energy resources. The group has already seized Syria’s main oilfields, located in the east of the country.
Claims: New Regime Chlorine Attack on Kafrzita in Hama Province
Claims are circulating of another regime attack with chlorine gas on Kafr Zita in Hama Province.
Video shows patients, including infants, being treated for breathing difficulties:
Kafr Zita was struck on several occasions by chlorine canisters this spring. Those attacks were linked to the Syrian military’s attempt to occupy the town of Morek to the east, and Thursday’s claimed assault occurred as regime forces were trying once more to take Morek.
